Rare Caspian Terns at Putzarer See: Ornithologists in action!

Rare Caspian Terns at Putzarer See: Ornithologists in action!

In a remarkable observation, ornithologists from the Netherlands and Germany spotted 14 Caspian Terns, the largest tern in the world, at Lake Putzar. These majestic birds, known for their impressive size of 48 to 55 cm and a wingspan of 96 to 111 cm, belong to the order of plovers and are extremely rare breeding birds in Germany. Loud Northern Courier Caspian terns breed mainly on the coasts of Finland and Sweden, where a total of around 1,500 pairs were counted. A single breeding pair was recently discovered near Rügen, which underlines their rarity.

The observers were also able to locate color-ringed Caspian Terns, over 200 of which had settled near Peenemünde and up to 33 at Putzarer See. The Caspian Tern is known for its coloring: in its plumage it has a deep black head plate and a strong, bright red beak. Their lifestyle is gregarious, especially during the breeding season when they prefer to nest on sandy coasts or in siltation zones.

Threats to native birds

However, the birdlife at Putzarer See faces serious challenges. Neozoans such as raccoons, brown rats and raccoon dogs are not only curious, but also voracious. They threaten native bird species, especially the clutches of ground-nesting birds such as terns, snipe birds and black-headed gulls. These environmental influences could have a significant impact on the existence of already endangered species. Loud Wikipedia The Caspian Tern is threatened with extinction in Germany and is classified in the highest endangerment category on the Red List.

Fortunately, not only Caspian terns were spotted at Putzarer See, but also a variety of other bird species, including the Black Tern, White-whiskered Tern and Common Tern. The discovery of a breeding colony of common terns on an island was particularly exciting. Bird lovers have the opportunity to take part in guided nature walks. Anyone interested can register by calling 015156074311 and experience the beauty of the local nature up close.

Conservation measures and outlook

Another notable new addition to the bird world of the Anklamer Stadtbruch is the rosefinch, a songbird from Western Siberia that has established itself here with at least eight pairs. This species was first recorded in northern Germany in 1831 and shows that there are always new and exciting developments in the local fauna.

While many challenges continue to emerge for the bird species at Putzarer See, the hope remains that protection measures and awareness of the importance of these specific ecosystems can be strengthened. Birds Germany highlights that the Caspian Tern needs 22 to 24 days during the breeding season to incubate its eggs, which are easily recognizable yellowish gray with dark brown spots.