Bremen’s smallest state offers a natural countryside few major cities can. Right here, at Vogelbeobachtung, we’re about to dive into a world of avian wonders. This isn’t just birdwatching. It’s an immersion into Bremen’s diverse ecosystem.
Bremen is the smallest and least populous of Germany’s 16 states. Bremen includes the city of Bremen. It also has the small exclave of Bremerhaven. Both are surrounded by Lower Saxony. The hinterland of Bremen is characterized by its waterways. It has a natural countryside few other major cities offer. The river lowlands feature wetland meadows. These represent a diverse landscape. It is full of natural and historical cultural interest.
The open marsh landscape has developed over hundreds of years. It is a product of human management. Flooding and drainage with ditches transformed the swampy countryside. It made it usable wet grassland.
This low-lying countryside creates varied habitats. These habitats support a range of animals, birds, and plants. Bremen is home to 722 endangered species. 114 species are of trans-regional importance. Almost nowhere else in Northern Germany has biodiversity been preserved as it has here.
Birding in Bremen presents an exceptionally rich natural world. As of March 2019, Bremen is home to 234 bird species. The Bremen Ornithological Working Group supports practical conservation. Members collect observation data. They also participate in breeding bird mapping projects. They also participate in the International Waterbird Census.
At Vogelbeobachtung, you might spot the elusive Corncrake. Perhaps you will see the Sedge Warbler. The Shoveler duck could make an appearance. Marsh Frogs might croak in the distance. You might see the Marsh Lousewort. The Water Soldier plant may float serenely.
Consider visiting the Ochtumniederung near Brokhuchting. This conservation area is southwest of Bremen. It features the Ochtum River. The Alte Ochtum and many ditches run through this area. The nature reserve is marked by wet fallow land with swamps and wet meadows. There is also reed, flood meadows, tall herb fringes and riverside shrubbery. Some meadows are used as grassland by agriculture. A polder serves as a flood area. It was created in the northwest. The meadows flood in the winter months.
The Ochtumniederung is a resting area for water and wading birds. Numerous duck species can be seen. It is a breeding area for meadow birds like snipe and redshank. Native bird species include penduline tit and kingfisher. Bluethroat, lapwing, and Baillon’s crake are here. You may see snipe, redshank and greenshank. Garganey and shoveler are also here.
In the spring, lapwings display over the grassland. A short time later, white storks search for food. They feed their young in the wet grassland. The kingfisher also appears. For the best birdwatching, visit the observation tower. Find it on Brokhuchtinger Landstraße. Another observation point is at Ortkampsweg. The paths may close at different times of the year. This is due to bird breeding.
Birds in the area include lapwing and redshank. You might spot greenshank or snipe. Shoveler and garganey ducks are here. You may see Baillon’s crake or penduline tit. Look for ruff and bluethroat. Kingfisher, wigeon and teal may appear. Gadwall, pintail and shoveler are possible. Greylag goose and bean goose might fly by. White-fronted geese and barnacle geese are sometimes seen. You could spot sanderling and ringed plover. Little tern, black-headed gull, and mute swan might be present. Whooper swan and goosander are also possibilities.
From March to May, the BUND Bremen organizes birdwatching walks. These walks, titled “What’s flying there?”, explore the local birdlife. Experts explain the local birdlife in natural areas and parks.
So, as you stand here at Vogelbeobachtung, remember that you’re not just looking at birds. You’re witnessing a delicate balance. You see a landscape shaped by nature and human hands. It is a haven for biodiversity in the heart of Bremen.