The wonders of the natural world. - Nearly 30 hoopoe chicks discovered in Döberitzer Heide.
The Doberitzer Heide now has 31 baby Wiedehopfs who have just recently been weighed and identified by a representative of the Heinz Sielmann Foundation. The young animals were fitted with rings as part of their annual check-up. Interestingly, these Wiedehopfs have progressed further this year than others at the same time, which is probably due to the birds breeding earlier than typical. The Heinz Sielmann Foundation is dedicated to protecting animal species across Germany and manages several large areas in Brandenburg, including the Doberitzer Heide, which used to be a training ground.
April saw the unexpected early return of the Wiedehopf to the Doberitzer Heide. Tim Funkenberg, a biologist and Wiedehopf expert at the Heinz Sielmann Foundation, said he was quite surprised by this development, as the birds are usually seen in Brandenburg between mid-April and May. However, this early arrival doesn't cause any worry.
If the weather does suddenly turn colder, as forecasted, it should be no problem for the Wiedehopfs. Funkenberg warns about the risks if they've already started breeding, though, as they might face a shortage of food insects for their chicks.
There are currently 25 nesting boxes for these birds in the Doberitzer Heide, which the foundation has been using for years. Compared to 3 years ago when just 14 juveniles were counted, the number of Wiedehopfs has nearly tripled. In total, there will be more young birds joining the count, as some nestlings are still on their way and some second-brood eggs are hatching.
The Wiedehopf is a distinctive bird with its flamboyant orange crest, very long, curved beak, and conspicuous appearance. They were widely seen in many places during the 19th century, but are now considered endangered in Germany. They prefer warm, dry areas with little vegetation, which is what Brandenburg's heathlands provide. Around half of all Wiedehopfs in Germany make their homes in Brandenburg. The Wiedehopf hunts for large insects on the ground and sometimes small reptiles or amphibians.
Here's an April release from the foundation.
Press release from April
