Berlin represents one of the most interesting European cities for urban birdwatching. Thanks to the extraordinary presence of green spaces, historic parks, woodlands and wetlands integrated into the urban landscape, the German capital hosts a remarkable biodiversity that can be observed even within the metropolitan area. Throughout the year, numerous bird species find ideal conditions here, some of which are not always easy to observe in other cities, such as the Northern Goshawk, which uses the mature trees of Berlin’s parks as suitable nesting habitat.
Just a short distance from the city centre, a network of peri-urban parks and natural areas offers a fascinating contrast between urban environments and wild landscapes. These areas represent important refuges for many resident species and, during the winter months, are enriched by the presence of wintering birds arriving from the northern regions of Europe.
During the journey, we will also explore some of the most interesting natural parks in the state of Brandenburg, including extensive wetlands, open agricultural landscapes and coniferous forests. Westhavelland Nature Park and Gülper See, together with other natural habitats surrounding Berlin, will provide excellent opportunities to observe a wide variety of waterbirds, raptors and passerines. One of the main targets of the tour will be the search for the Great Bustard (Otis tarda), one of the emblematic species of European steppe habitats and now extremely rare in Germany, where Brandenburg represents one of the last remaining strongholds for this species.
A journey designed to combine the discovery of one of Europe’s most fascinating capitals with the exploration of biodiversity-rich natural landscapes, showcasing how even a major metropolis can coexist with an extraordinary natural heritage.
- Berlin:
Berlin is a very lively city not only from an anthropological point of view but also from a naturalistic one. Urban biodiversity is extremely well represented here and there are numerous animal species present in the city. Among the many species of vertebrates that are well adapted to live with humans (in city parks, tree-lined avenues and uncultivated areas still present in the city) there is one that deserves particular attention: the Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis).During our stay, in addition to exploring the Tiergarten, the most famous urban park in the city, we will visit the Berlin Zoo. This not only hosts one of the most important zoological collections in the world, but represents an ideal habitat for many wild species, including Grey Herons and Great Cormorants, which nest here with an impressive heronry. - Karower Teiche:
Nature reserve located north-east of Berlin, with its dense system of water mirrors, reeds and lowland groves, represents an important habitat for freshwater biodiversity. As for the birdlife, the reserve hosts about 90 nesting species and many other birds during the different seasons, including wintering and migratory birds. - Brandenburg nature areas – Westhavelland Nature Park & Gülper See:
This federated state is characterized by boundless flat areas, where the human presence does not seem to have affected the natural ecosystems and the agricultural landscape present here. During the tour, we will explore steppe environments and wetlands, very important for the conservation of threatened species such as the Great Bustard (Otis tarda) and for the ecology of wintering water birds.
- Birds:
Taiga Bean Goose (Anser fabalis), Tundra Bean Goose (Anser serrirostris), Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis), Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula), Smew (Mergellus albellus), Goosander (Mergus merganser), Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena), Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus), Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), Merlin (Falco columbarius), Great Bustard (Otis tarda), Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius), Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus), Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor), Rook (Corvus frugilegus).
In addition to the birdlife, along the boundless natural areas it is possible to observe some species of Mammals, including the European Wolf (Canis lupus lupus), with a population linked to the lowland and peat bog environment.
As for the herpetofauna, characterized by species of extreme interest including the European Common Spadefoot (Pelobates fuscus) and the Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis), the chances of meeting the species present in the area will depend on the climatic conditions present during the tour.
DAY 2: Transfer by car to Brandenburg. Exploration and birdwatching in Westhavelland Nature Park and at Gülper See, one of the most important wetland areas in the region. Return to Berlin. Dinner and overnight stay in Berlin.
DAY 3: Morning excursion to Karower Teiche, reached by public transport, for birdwatching in the wetlands on the outskirts of the city. Late morning transfer to the Tiergarten and optional visit to Berlin Zoo. Overnight stay in Berlin.
DAY 4: Exploration of Berlin with urban birdwatching and, depending on time and conditions, a visit to the natural area of Schlachtensee. End of the tour.
Rates from 1100 € .
For more information contact the organizers.
What is included:
- Overnight stays in double rooms (single room option available upon request).
- Meals (drinks not included).
- Internal transfers, including fuel, tolls and parking (depending on the rate).
- Scientific accompaniment by zoologist for the duration of the trip, with support material for wildlife observations (binoculars, spotting scope, field guides, etc.).
- Entrance ticket to the Tiergarten (Berlin Zoo)*.
- Public transport tickets.
- Travel insurance.
What’s not included:
- Flights a/r.
- Entrance to the monuments and any tips to local guides.
- Everything not mentioned in the previous item.
*It is possible to choose a free visit to other city attractions (museums, cathedrals, etc.) as an alternative to the Berlin Zoo (with a variation on the final price of the tour).
Possibility to request a quote, with any additional nights, depending on personal needs.
The rate includes basic travel insurance.
For further information regarding the possibility of taking out additional insurance policies, contact the organizers.
Penalties in the event of cancellation: In the event of unmotivated withdrawal of the contract by the consumer, the penalties are equal to 100% of the entire participation fee, in addition to non-refundable insurance premiums.
Number of participants: Minimum 3
If the minimum group is not reached or if the organization cancels due to force majeure, the entire amount paid will be refunded.
Reservations within 30 days from departure.
Information regarding rates and payment methods will be communicated by email after completing the request form.
All our tours are organized in collaboration with the Travel Agency “Mama Tours”
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