Waterbirds On The German Island Of Rugen

Rügen is a German island located in the North East of the country, in the Baltic Sea. During the winter, the island develops its own charm and is a great destination for birdwatchers and photographers.

A very special island

Rügen is the largest island in Germany. It carries a long history that began in the Ice age. The pompous seaside resorts, for which the island is still known today, arose during the early 1800’s. Today Rügen with its picturesque towns and white beaches is a very popular holiday destination.

The bird world shows the diversified nature of the island. Protected shallow bays, hilly wooded areas, endless fields and rugged coasts: there is something for most species. The rich food supply of fish and mussels is another plus.

Bird species and observation places

In Rügen, it’s easier to picture the waterbirds between October and April. What about an autumn holiday or a winter trip there?

Here some examples of bird species that can be found in Rügen:

• Black-throated loon, Red-throated loon, Horned grebe, Great crested grebe, Red-necked grebe and Little grebe (usually located on the coasts of the Island, for example at Wacholder Cape or Arkona Cape)
• Mute swans, Whooper swan, Tundra swan (usually located in the shallow bays or in the fields during the day)
• Greylag goose, Greater white-fronted goose, Barnacle goose, Bean goose, Brent goose, Pink-footed goose, Lesser white-fronted goose, Red-breasted goose (to be found mostly on the fields in the interior of the island, for example in the fields around Samtens and Sagard)
• Eurasian wigeon, Greater scaup, Tufted duck (observed in large numbers, located both inland and coastal waters)
• Common merganser, Red-breasted merganser, Smews (on the Nonnensee, near Bergen, for example)

Spot these birds easily with Eschenbach. There are currently some fantastic November sales on Eschenbach binoculars.