Observe the migration and winter rounds of birds

Every year, migration transforms our landscapes into a spectacular natural stage. At the end of the breeding season, many species leave their nesting grounds to escape the rigors of winter. In northern Europe, snow-covered and icy plains deprive birds of resources, while in temperate zones, the disappearance of insects also drives insectivorous species on the move.

Different types of migratory birds

Bird movements vary according to species:

• Trans-Saharan migrants: they leave Europe altogether for Africa.
• Partial migrants: they fly south, but remain on the European continent.
• Sedentary: they remain in Europe all year round.

A major migration corridor: Alsace

Alsace becomes a real crossroads during the autumn migration. The spectacle is particularly impressive in the Vosges passes, where pigeons and finches can cross the mountains by the tens of thousands every day, especially between late September and mid-October. The best observation sites include the côte de Fréconrupt, the Col des Bagenelles and the Herrenberg, Hahnenbrunnen and Markstein passes.

Migrating birds of prey

From late August to late October, birds of prey are on the move en masse. The Honey Buzzard marks the first migration peak (up to 1,000 individuals per day), followed by the Red Kite,European Sparrowhawk and Common Buzzard during the second, more pronounced peak. Sometimes, cold snaps extend these movements well into winter.

Wetlands and passerines

The Rhine, gravel pits and wet meadows attract waders. Although their numbers are modest compared with coastal areas, the lapwing can nevertheless be seen here in the thousands. As for passerines, such as the spring wagtail, the meadow sparrow, the common wheatear and the black flycatcher, they make visible stopovers on the plains and meadows.

Other notable species

The European bee-eater, the little plover, the black stork, the tree pipit, the grey crane and the wry thrush also enrich this migratory picture, depending on the season and weather conditions.

Winter rounds of chickadees

In the dead of winter, forests and hedgerows often seem silent. However, a high-pitched squawk can betray the presence of a chickadee, soon joined by several others. This is how winter flocks are formed, dynamic groups of up to twenty individuals, sometimes more.

These bands are a mix of several species: blue, great and great titmice on the plains, and black and great crested titmice in the mountains. Long-tailed tits, on the other hand, like to form homogeneous flocks.

Other species adopt this behavior: crested and triple-banded kinglets, but also great spotted woodpeckers, garden creepers and torchepot nuthatches. This collective organization makes it easier to find food and spot predators. When they find a well-stocked feeder, these erratic troops can even settle down around it for good.

What equipment is needed to observe these birds?

To enjoy this spectacle, it's essential to have the right binoculars. Here are a few models available on Qualitoptic.com, covering a wide range of prices (100 € to 1900 €):

• Entry-level (~100 € ): Tasco Offshore 12×25, compact and practical for beginners.
• Mid-range (~299 € ) : Nikon PROSTAFF P7 10×42, robust and versatile.
• Intermediate (~459 € ): Zeiss Terra ED, offering excellent brightness and precision.
• High-end (~1099 € ): Vortex Razor UHD 10×42, high-end optics for detailed observation.
• Premium (~1529 € ): Zeiss Conquest HD 15×56, the benchmark for demanding ornithologists.

With this equipment, every observation - from autumn migrations to winter rounds - becomes an unforgettable experience.