References

Rolf was at the station and we went off on his trusty VW bus after a quick overview on the map of the places we would visit.

Rolf lifelong expertise on birds is very apparent in the way he identifies birds by call, locale and flight. We identified more than 60 species of birds.

We travelled through the day visiting many lakes and forests in the Uckermark area. My best photo opportunities were of Osprey, Yellowhammer and Chiffchaff. A stork nest atop some church ruins was spectacular. Rolf calls this a “Romantic home”!

We had a break for a light lunch at a village cafe with local rhubarb cake and coffee.

The evening was completed with a wonderful ride through some of the most beautiful pine forests some more than 200 years old.

This trip was a very thrilling experience. Rolf’s enthusiasm and expertise made the day.

Thanks Rolf.

S K Nathan, Bangalore, India

Dear Rolf
Many, many thanks for organizing such a wonderful trip for us. We really enjoyed ourselves very much.  We were really impressed with the great variety of birds and the excellent views. The storks and cranes really starred. Thanks for identifying all the difficult ones (especially the warblers) – you have an excellent ear!
I attach a list of 75 for the day (I didn’t hear the skylark, but I remember you did); so 74 for me.
We very much enjoyed your company and were very interested to learn about your ‘educational’ work and your overseas ‘nature ‘ trips.
We wish you very success with your Iran trip. I’m sure it will be a great experience.
Please do come and see us in Brighton when you next come to England Lili sends her her thanks and best wishes.

Best wishes
Martin Wilson, UK

Rolf, good afternoon from sunny England –
Kim and I both want to thank you again for the fantastic day we spent with you birding around Prenzlau / Furstenberg.  It was a truly remarkable and memorable day for us.  We both found you to be a most charming and knowledgeable guide.  Please use this e-mail, and the attached list, as a reference, if you would like to.

We saw 16 species that we had never seen before at all, and many others that we had seen only once or twice in the UK. I don’t know what was best, the Lesser Spotted Eagle, or the Storks, or the Icterine Warblers, or the Black Kites, or the Red Necked Grebes, or … the list goes on. For us, it was amazing to be surrounded by Cuckoos, calling and flying; and to see Cranes drifting across the sky. And to be sat having lunch watching a Serin on the roof-top just across the road; and to see an Eagle mobbed by a Crow that looked tiny by comparison …  I could go on.  We had a day full of fantastic encounters with birds, all in a lovely setting.

Incidentally, on the train back to Berlin, Kim saw a Golden Oriole out of the window.
I was looking in the other direction, which is typical.
Thanks again for all of your efforts for us on our birding day with you.
I can’t imagine a more helpful, friendly, guide.

Sean and Kim, UK

The list, impressive as it is, doesn’t do full justice to the fantastic day we had. For example, we saw 7 different Osprey nests; 2 of the nests were only about 400 metres apart!  We were taken to an old abandoned church, the most charming and magical place, where there was a Stork’s nest with chicks. The sky was full of Red Kite and Black Kite. We had fantastic, prolonged, views of Icterene Warbler and Red-Backed Shrike, and were surrounded by Cuckoos!

Rolf is an excellent birding guide.  He knows the birds of the Western Palearctic extremely well, including songs and calls, has excellent bird-finding skills, and is intimately familiar with the best birding sites in his home area of Uckermark in northeast Germany (an easy train ride from Berlin).  He is very flexible and can tailor the experience to the desires of the client – from ticking as many species as possible to hunting a few target birds to a more leisurely approach.  He also speaks excellent English, and is very personable – an easy person to spend a day with.
Highly recommended.

Glen Tepke, Oakland, California, USA

Una mañana muy lluviosa me dirigía desde Berlín hasta Angermünde donde comenzaría una visita para ver aves junto con Rolf Nessing. Al llegar al lugar del encuentro dejó de llover y el día permaneció soleado.  Estuvimos buscando Pigargo europeo en la zona de Blumberger Teiche donde vimos un adulto en vuelo.

La siguiente zona a visitar fue Felchow Lake, donde dos pigargos inmaduros se pasearon ante nuestros telescopios, además bandos de avefrías y el canto del pito cano.

En la siguiente zona íbamos a buscar al águila pomerana en Welse-Niederung,  una zona amplia de herbazal corto muy propicia para las rapaces, pero únicamente pudimos ver cuervos, ratonero común y cernícalo vulgar. Acompañándonos durante el recorrido, alcaudones dorsirrojos y tarabillas norteñas.

Por último lugar, visitamos unos lagos cerca de Prenzlau, donde vimos cantidad de anátidas y algunos limícolas, además de nueve garcetas grandes y un azor.

He decir que aunque mi ingles es francamente malo, Rolf hizo por entenderme en todo momento y nos comunicamos perfectamente.

Aves observadas: Zampullín común, Somormujo lavanco, Cormorán grande, Garceta común, Garceta grande, garza real, Cigüeña blanca, Ánsar común, Ánade azulón, änade friso, Pato cuchara, Ánade silbón, Cerceta común, Porrón común, Pigargo europeo, Águila pescadora, Milano real, Ratonero común, Azor común, Cernícalo vulgar, Gallineta común, Focha común, Grulla Común, Avefría europea, Andarríos bastardo, Gaviota reidora, Gaviota argentea, Paloma torcaz, Vencejo común, Pito cano, Pico picapinos, Golondrina común, Bisbita común, Lavandera blanca, Chochín, Petirrojo, Tarabilla norteña, Zorzal real, Mirlo común, Mosquitero común, Carbonero común, Herrerillo capuchino, carbonero palustre, Alcaudón dorsirrojo, Cuervo, Estornino pinto, Jilguero, Verderón común, Escribano palustre. Espero no haberme olvidado alguna.

Fernando de Valle, Sevilla, Spain

Dinsdag 31 augustus zijn wij met Rolf op een birdwatching tour geweest inde Uckermark, ten Noorden van Berlijn. Rolf is een heel prettige endeskundige gids. Er zijn een aantal mooie reservaten en nationale parkenin het gebied die zeer de moeite waard zijn om te bezoeken. Een weidslandschap met veel meren, plassen, rietkragen, bossen en ruige akkers iseen mooie setting om vogels te kijken. Wij waren laat in het seizoen, dushebben niet alle soorten gezien die er normaal in de zomer verblijven,maar toch een interessante lijst van observaties!

Hoogtepunten waren de vele kraanvogels, zee-arenden, visarenden, witteooievaars en een mooi plassen-complex metverschillende waterniveau’s langs de Ucker, waar het wemelde van dewatervogels. Waaronder een mooie groep van 6 grote zilverreigers!

Een echte aanrader is het eiland Rugen in de Oostzee, wij zijn daar eenaantal dagen geweest en daar is het zeer goed vogels observeren inprachtige landschappen waar we aanvullend op de soorten die we in deUckermark hebben gezien, ook kleine vliegenvangers, grauwe klauwieren enreuzensterns hebben gezien.

Bauke & Andreas, NL

Met Rolf ben ik op 18-10-2010 een dag op stap gegaan in de buurt van Angermunde en Prenzlau ten oosten van Berlijn. We hadden heel mooi weer en hebben een mooie verzameling vogels gezien. Verschillende soorten (7 waaronder de Klapekster) had ik nog niet eerder gezien. Rolf weet veel van de vogels in de buurt en van de natuur en het milieu in het algemeen. Hij een heel prettige persoon om een dag mee op stap te gaan. Ook is de omgeving waar we waren divers en leuk om te doorkruisen. Het is een afwisseling van bosschages, water en landbouwgebied.

Absoluut hoogtepunt van de dag waren de +- 1080 Kraanvogels die we tegenkwamen aan het einde van de dag!! Alles bij elkaar een memorabele dag waarvoor dank Rolf! Tip is om een vogelboekje mee te nemen in verband met de verschillende talen.

Jeroen, NL

On June 28th we went on our 2nd Uckermark Birding Tour with Rolf. Like the
1st time in 2010, it was a very interesting and successful day of birding.
Rolf has great knowledge of the birds in this area and about the ecology
of the region in general.

We visited beautiful ponds lined with
reedbeds. Highlights were the Red-necked Grebes (including a chick), Black
necked Grebes, Icterine Warblers and Ospreys (including great views of the
nest).

Next we visited some sites in the Schorfheide Chorin Biosphere reserve, a
beautiful reserve with many lakes, ponds, forests and fields. Highlights
there were a pair of Honey Buzzards, Cranes, Yellowhammer, Lesser
Whitethroath and our first ever sighting of a Lesser Spotted Eagle. Rolf
knows their breeding sites in the area and we viewed them form a hilltop
circling above the forest.

The evening we spent at a beautiful area which we didn’t visit before:
a part of the Uckermark lakes reserve. This former
military area is now a regenerated and protected nature area. It features
forests, lakes and streams lined with extensive reedbeds and a beautiful
heathland. Beavers build their dams and burroughs in the streams and we
saw lots of signs of them around the river. The area was very quiet and
had an almost Scandinavian feel to it. Lots of highlights here including:
Osprey, Crane, Goldeneyes, Woodcock, Savi’s- and Great Reed Warblers,
Golden Orioles, Woodlarks, Crested Tits, Red-backed Shrikes, a family of 4
Great Grey Shrikes and a Family of 4 Hoopoes!

It was a great day, with over 65 species seen and we will surely be back
for another Tour when we visit Berlin again.

Bauke and Andreas, the Netherlands

A Day of Birding in the Havelland.

At the Gransee rail station just 40 minutes north of Berlin, Germany, I was greeted by Rolf Nessing a Birder, Environmentalist and Bird Bander. When Rolf greeted me, he was carrying a small sack. Inside the sack were a Siskin and a Bullfinch that he had recently netted and banded. We looked closely at these birds and then Rolf gently released them back into the wild.
Afterwards we drove with his van through the small towns and villages in the region just north and west of Berlin known as Havelland.  Rolf was very successful in pointing out the birds as we drove along, often stopping to get a closer look.  Whether it was a walk in the woods, stopping to look at the fields or even stopping  at the edge of towns, Rolf had a keen sense  as to the birds whereabouts.  He educated me about the sounds of many birds and the bird I particularly enjoyed hearing was the Yellowhammer . This bird’s singing inspired Beethoven’s introduction to his 5th Symphony.
Later we drove to the Fish Ponds at Lincum where I was able to see Great Crested Grebes, Jays, Swans, Ducks, several Tits,
Skylarks and the Great Spotted Woodpecker. In addition, there were approximately a thousand Common Cranes foraging for food in the fields of the Havelland. We saw even more feathered friends visiting the Havelland lakes and Untere Havel Nord (Nature Park West Havelland, a large nature preserve). This area was rich in bird life with a good number of Red Kites, White-tailed Eagles and several varieties of ducks and geese in large flocks. We also saw great numbers of Lapwings, Reed Buntings and Mute and Whooper Swans. This was definitely a beautiful place for birding and peace.
By the end of my tour we saw 51 species of birds. Rolf made it  possible to have a wonderful day in nature. He is a first class birder and advocate for the land. If you are looking for an expert birder and adventure close to Berlin, Germany, Rolf is your guy.
I give Rolf Nessing my highest recommendation.

Thomas Haase, Fort Worth, Texas, USA

Dear Rolf,

Thank you very much for a highly appreciated day of birding. My parent told me that they both enjoyed your trip very much. My father was very much impressed with your enthousiasm and knowledge of birds and birding. My mother liked the chance to see the surrounding and nature in the Berlin area, as they enjoyed to visit the city as well. Thanks a lot for helping us with giving my parents a present for their both 60th birthday they will remember.

With kind regards,
Bjorn Timmer,

The Netherlands

I had a fabulous day bird watching with Rolf.  It was my first time birdwatching from North America andI didn’t know what to expect.  Well, the birding spots were beautiful and despite the fact that it was in the “quiet birding season”, we still saw and heard plenty.  I encountered at least 60 different species.  (I personally had 33 lifers that day, and I know some got by me.)  Rolf is a great ambassador for the flora and fauna of the area and is most impressive with his knowledge and ability to spot raptors!

Thanks Rolf
Jillien Hankewich
Cedar Rapids, IA  USA

Coming from the UK and visiting Berlin in early September I knew that there would only be a handful of birds that I am not so familiar with and that the birds would be quieter and some would already have moved on for the winter. That said, Rolf still managed to lay on a great day’s birding. Rolf knows the birdcalls very well (but for the call, the Short-Toed Treecreeper seems pretty much identical to the Treecreeper we have in the UK) and took me on a great tour of the Uckermark region visiting a variety of habitats. Rolf worked incredibly hard (and successfully) to find some Lesser Spotted Eagles during which time we saw more White-Tailed Eagles than I had ever seen in my life. I hope to be able to get back to Berlin earlier in the year to see more of the warblers but can highly recommend Rolf should anyone else wish to find a guide while in his part of the world.

Ed Champness

Jag vill varmt rekommendera Rolf Nessing som guide till fågelintresserade som önskar besöka Tysklands fågellokaler. Jag hade nöjet att tillbringa en kylig aprildag med Rolf i Havelländisches Luch, där vi utöver storkar, tranor och trädkrypare också såg mängder av gäss, änder och rovfåglar. Mitt huvudintresse var dock att få se stortrapp som är en stor attraktion inom området. Mina önskemål infriades med råge, vi såg mellan 20 och 30 fåglar sammanlagt och jag var antagligen lika fascinerad av hannarnas spel som jag föreställer mig att stortrappshonorna är.
Rolf är en erfaren och mycket kunnig guide med synbart stort intresse för natur och fåglar. Att uppleva fågellivet i Tyskland i Rolfs sällskap var både lärorikt och angenämt.

Anna Maria Carlsson, Sverige

This is to warmly recommend Rolf Nessing as guide for birders who want to visit birding spots in Germany. I had the pleasure to spend a chilly day in April with Rolf in Havelländisches Luch, where we, in addition to storks, cranes, treecreepers, also saw large numbers of geese, ducks and raptors. My main interest, however, was to see the Great Bustards, for which this area is famous. My wish was fulfilled more than well, we saw all together between 20 and 30 birds, and I was probably as fascinated by the display of the males as the female birds might be.
Rolf is an experienced and very knowledgeable guide whose interest in nature and birds is evident. Birding in Germany together with Rolf was both an instructive and a pleasurable experience.

Anna Maria Carlsson, Sweden

We particularly enjoyed the views of numerous warblers, barred and marsh to name a few and the active nest of penduline tits. Nice seeing the great crested grebe toting her stripy young. The two separate views of White-tail Eagles, especially the scoped view of the perched adult were superb. The countryside was pleasant as were the villages we passed through. A wonderful break from bustling Berlin and an easy train journey.

David Borthwick, UK

I’m a serious birder who has taken extensive birding tours throughout the world, and I have experienced many good guides. My day in mid-June with Rolf was a very fruitful adventure. Since I was mainly going after a few target birds, I very much appreciated Rolf’s detailed knowledge of birdsong, habitat, and distribution in his area. He put together a full day’s itinerary that would maximize the chances of seeing the birds I was hoping for. When we didn’t have luck in one area, Rolf had several back-up areas and worked diligently to try to ensure success. The target birds included Barred warbler, Thrush nightingale, White-tailed sea eagle, and Black woodpecker. Rolf was friendly, flexible, energetic, and dedicated to his craft. If you’re visiting Berlin and want to do some birding outside the city, I would highly recommend Rolf.

Thanks again,

Nick Qickert, Canada

On a recent trip to Europe I spent a week in Berlin and spent two days of these birding with Rolf.  As this was only my second trip to Europe  there were quite a few other species which could be new, especially those which were near the western extremes of their ranges (especially my most hoped-for target species- Great Bustard), but I was happy to see any birds as it’s a long time between European trips for me. We spent the first day in the Uckermark, where I met Rolf at a nearby train station.  The weather was cool and wet with light rain which soon became heavier and didn’t stop the whole day.  All birders know that they what you see is a matter of chance and bad weather doesn’t help, so I had lowered my expectations. Yet it’s a true testament to Rolf’s skill as a birder and a guide that this still stands out as one of the best day’s birding of my trip – while the overall abundance and diversity were probably lower than could be expected in better weather, we managed to see many of the species that I’d hoped to find.  As soon as we opened the car door at the first location Rolf pointed out the call of River Warbler, a rare species in this area which I soon saw.  This was followed shortly afterward by Barred Warbler, another species at the western edge of its range.  Rolf’s knowledge of the local area was extensive; coupled with his outstanding knowledge of calls this meant that we found birds in situations where it would have seemed impossible given the weather as the birds were hardly moving and if there had been any movement it would have been very hard to spot it in the rain.  We visited a number of sites across a variety of habitats, seeing a variety of birds along the way. Given Rolf’s talents I can only wonder at what else we would have found in better weather.  Along with the River Warbler, I’d have to rank the last bird of the day – Red-necked Grebe –  as the equal best, but the White Stork at the ruined church and the Common Cranes in the fields were also high contenders.

We followed with another great trip two days later to Havelland, where Black Woodpecker was one of the first birds of the day in forest (excellent).  Despite the fact that it was not the season for displaying and they should have been harder to find, soon after arriving at Havellandisches Luch we saw a group of 6 Great Bustards from the road at quite close range, followed by unbelievably good views of two others from one of the observation hides, one resting on a track in the sun barely 100m away.  This had been an unforgettable experience. Recent flooding had prevented us from visiting our planned final sites, and a number of routes near the Gulpersee were likewise closed, but we still ended off with great views of a singing male Ortolan Bunting in a tree which capped off an amazing day of birding.

Thanks Rolf for an awesome birding experience!  I could not recommend Rolf more highly – he is simply an amazing and knowledgeable guide, seriously one of the best I’ve ever been with.  He’s also an entertaining and thoroughly likeable person with whom to spend the day.  If you have the chance to go birding with him, do it – you’d be missing out if you don’t!

F. Hemmings, Sydney, Australia

e Wuche Berlin isch sehr schön. Vill schöner no, wenn mer ein Tag
devoo, mit em Rolf Nessing ir Umgäbig de Vögel nohgoht.
In Beetz Sommerfeld sind mir vom Rolf abgholt worde mit sim Büssli und
aagsait isch gsii Havellandtour.
Nöd wiit sind mer gfahre gsii bis zur erschte Gruppe Kranich wo
gemächlich uf emene abgerntete Fäld Fueter gsuecht händ. Eine isch
beringt gsii und mir händ chönne s richtige Abläse vo de Farbe und
Beschriftig üebe. Ahand vom Ring het spöter de Rolf öis no chönne
mitteile, dass de Kranich im 99 beringt worden isch und jewiils in
Spanie oder Frankriich überwintered.
Im ganze Tag sind mir vo einem Hotspot zum andere gfahre;
die schönschte Momänt sind gsii
föif Grosstrappe ir Landschaft z entdecke: es juvenils und vier Wiibli,
ganzi Fälder volle Kiebitze,
es Rohrweihe Paar und no e wiiblichi Rohrweihe am rupfe vo sinere Büüti,
Bi der untere Havel en juvenile Habicht,
zwei no bsetzti Rauchschwalbenäschter imene hide – de Rolf het
sorgfältig die junge usegnoh und mir hend gseh, dass si nonig flügge
sind ( am 6. September! )
Grüenschänkel, Kampfläufer, Sandrägepfiifer und grossi Brachvögel
en Raubwürger und 2 Nüüntöter
Dezue Stockänte, Krickänte, Schnatteränte, Löffelänte, Pfiifänte,
Lachmöwe, Steppemöwe, Kormoran, Schwarzstorch, Silberreiher,
Zwertaucher, Huubetaucher, Rotmilan, Möisebussarde,
Sperber,Ringeltuube, Türketuube, Buntspächt, Iisvogel, Schafstelze,
Fäldlerche , Gartebaumlöifer, Zilpzalp, Büütelmeise, Blaumeise, Dohle,
Näbelchräie, Kolkrabe, Fäldspatze, Buechfink, Distefinke.

Ganz am Schluss bim Gülper See no öppe 4000 Graugäns wo sich scho am
sammle gsii sind, debii no Churzschnabelgans und e Tundrasaatgans.

Der Seeadler het der Abschluss gmacht.

Das isch en schöne Tag gsii, dank em Rolf mit sim schnälle Aug und
sim fiine Ohr!

Helena Lüthy, Schweiz

Tuve el privilegio de poder conocer una parte del Havelland en compañía de mi hermana Helena y la conducción de Rolf quien con sus conocimientos profundos de las aves de la región (que mi hermana ya enumeró con mucha eficacia), pude admirar las grullas y los Grosstrappen (Avutarda) en sus lugares de alimentación, que luego volví a ver en el apartado de aves en amenaza de extinción en el museo de Ciencias Naturales de Berlín. Impresionante el lago de Gülpen con sus 4000 gansos, además de todas las que no conocía, algunas similares a las que también tenemos en nuestro país, Argentina. Rolf amenizo sus explicaciones con comentarios sobre la historia de la región y la idiosincrasia de la gente. La zona me llamó a recordar nuestras pampas por la extensión de cultivos entrecortados por montes de distintos tamaños.
Un viaje inolvidable para repetir, especialmente por la amabilidad, el entusiasmo, la atención que Rolf mostró en todo momento.

Ines Tassier, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Trotz Corona hat es Rolf möglich gemacht, mit uns beiden passionierten Birdern eine tolle Zweitagestour durch die Uckermark zu organisieren. Wir haben uns morgens gegen 8 Uhr getroffen und beobachteten als erste Top-Spezies eine Gruppe von etwa 50 Seidenschwänzen an einem idyllischen See. Sie haben sich satt gefressen an ihrer Lieblingsspeise, den Beeren der Laubholzmistel. Für Ende April eine absolute Sensation, normalerweise erwartet man diese Vögel schon längst in ihrer skandinavischen Heimat. Von da aus fuhren wir zu mehreren Biotopen, wo wir unsere nächsten Key Spezies in Ruhe beobachten und auch filmen konnten. Erste Highlights waren dabei Beutelmeise beim Nestbau, Rothalstaucher beim Balztanz. Wir konnten Rotbauchunken hören, ohne Rolf’s Sachverstand hätten wir diese Geräusche niemals zuordnen können. Weitere Lokations ließen uns Ortolan, Schreiadler, Kleinspecht und Schwarzspecht beobachten. An einem unscheinbaren See mit Schilf konnten wir einige Bartmeisen beobachten, hörten den Balzruf vom Kleinen Sumpfhuhn und konnten tolle Aufnahmen von einem Rohrschwirl machen. Kraniche, Weißstörche, Fischadler und Seeadler rundeten diese tollen zwei Tage für uns ab. Wir können Rolf und seine Touren nur wärmstens weiterempfehlen. Thomas und Lars

Wir haben mit Rolf eine private 4-Tagestour in Berlin (Habichte) und der Uckermark (Schlagschwirl, Schreiadler, Zwergschnäpper, Trauerseeschwalben-Brutkolonie, Wachtelkönig etc.) unternommen um die Lebensräume kennenzulernen und einige Vogelarten zu beobachten. Rolf kennt Fauna, Flora und Geologie des Gebietes wie seine Westentasche und hat uns kompetent durch die Habitate geführt. Da er die Vogelstimmen sehr gut bestimmen kann, wussten wir sofort beim Betreten eines Gebietes welcher Vogel wo singt oder ruft und haben damit auch fast alle Zielarten gefunden und beobachtet. Fazit: Sehr interessante und lehrreiche Tour. Martin Rutz

Wir waren schlichtweg begeistert von der Tour und sie wird uns für immer in guter Erinnerung bleiben. Es war ein richtiger Augenöffner bzw. eine Tür in eine neue Welt – die der Vögel. Danke für dein Engagement, mit dem du fast 12 (!) Stunden begeistert bei der Sache geblieben bist! So sprang deine Begeisterung auf uns über und die Zeit verging wie im Fluge. Wir haben uns jetzt viele Vogelführer und -Apps besorgt und wollen auch in Zukunft bei Spaziergängen mit der Vogelkunde weitermachen. Wir werden dich jederzeit und von ganzem Herzen weiterempfehlen. Franzi & Meti aus Berlin

 Our birding tour with Rolf was incredible. Although we live in Berlin, we never visited the Uckermarkt region – we got interested in birds recently and this was our first birding trip. We learned plenty, from how to use binoculars properly to recognising calls. Rolf’s enthusiasm is infectious, he’s got so many facts and anecdotes and listening to them is a pleasure. The day has gone by fast, we noted down 40 species of a vast variety – waders, raptors (including an eagle!) and songbirds. The colony of bee-eaters was an amazing sight, we did not expect birds this colourful in Brandenburg! We’d recommend this trip to anyone, and will certainly be doing this again!

Nasza wycieczka z Rolfem była niesamowita. Choć mieszkamy w Berlinie, nigdy wcześniej nie wybraliśmy do Uckermarkt – ptakami interesujemy się dopiero od niedawna i to była nasza pierwsza wyprawa. Bardzo dużo się nauczyliśmy, od poprawnego używania lornetki do rozpoznawania śpiewu. Entuzjazm Rolfa jest zaraźliwy, ma dużo do opowiedzenia i z przyjemnością się go słucha. Dzień minął nam bardzo szybko, odnotowaliśmy ponad 40 gatunków o sporej różnorodności – brodzące czaple, polujące orły i śpiewające trznadle. Cudnym widokiem była kolonia żołny, tak kolorowych ptaków nie spodziewaliśmy się w Brandenburgu! Wyprawa godna polecenia, na pewno wybierzemy się na nią ponownie! Karolina & Ryan

Ostseetour Februar 2022: Drei Tage Vogelbeobachtung im Februar an der Ostsee mit Rolf Nessing – das waren 3 Tage voller Highlights und spannender Erlebnisse. Zugegeben, das Wetter war nicht immer perfekt – es gab auch mal Regenschauer und kräftigen Wind, aber dafür konnten wir Arten beobachten, die sich an unseren Küsten nur im Winter sehen lassen. Da war u.a. ein Prachteiderenten-Männchen ganz in der Nähe, Tausende Bergenten, Samt- und Trauerenten konnten ausgiebig beobachtet werden. Eine Eiderente kämpfte mit einer großen, wehrhaften Krabbe – siegte und schluckte sie dann im Ganzen runter, eine andere Eiderente verspeiste genüsslich einen Fisch. Wunderschöne Eisenten waren von verschiedenen Seebrücken aus gut zu beobachten und zu fotografieren. Eine Familie Singschwäne erfreute uns genauso wie ein Trupp Schneeammern am Strand. Einige Strandpieper entfachten bei Sturm und starkem Regen in uns das Jagdfieber – schließlich wollten wir unbedingt ein Foto. Und auch so manch anderer Vogel wurde zu unserer Freude von Rolf entdeckt, der wie immer bei Touren mit ihm nie müde wurde, seine Begeisterung für die Vogelwelt und sein unglaubliches Wissen über Vögel und die Natur allgemein mit uns zu teilen. Vielen Dank für 3 unvergessliche Tage! Marlis und Achim Böttche sowie Erhard Hering

Thank you for guiding us on two excellent birding days in April 2022, one in Havelland and one in Uckermark.  Both were excellent and yielded well over 80 bird species each day.  In fact, we totalled 106 different species in all (plus two more upon our return to Berlin) as well as a weasel, several roe deer, a pair of nutria (also called beaver rats or coypu) and some mouflon (wild sheep). For us, the highlights were the numerous sightings of the majestic White-tailed Eagle, as well as Cranes, Osprey, Marsh Harriers, and Red and Black Kites along with our first ever sightings of Bearded Tit, Red-necked Grebe, White and Black Storks and of course the Great Bustards.  In total we had 17 ‘lifers’ on the list and had a wonderful visit. Many thanks once again, Nick & Tanja Cooper 

Thank you for the interesting days. We loved to be with you and we enjoyd your knowledge and enthousiasme! Johan and Helga, NL 

Thanks again for a superb day of birding!  As you know, I have severe problems with my hearing and my vision, but you made it so easy for me to see the birds!  Even though I had seen a great many of the common birds before today, I was able to add quite a few new birds to my list – much more than I could have ever accomplished on my own in a single day!  I don’t have the count yet, but I’m sure that nearly half of the 60 birds I logged were lifers for me.  To top that off, you are good company – fun to be with and interesting to talk to.  You’re certainly one of the very best birding guides I’ve ever met, and I hope I’ll have a chance to do a bigger trip with you one of these days! Rob Rachlin, Greensboro, NC, USA

Merci à Rolf pour cette journée dans le Land de Brandebourg. De nombreuses espèces vues, malgré le temps pas toujours de notre côté ! Nous avons visité différents milieux, étangs, bois, plaine agricole, mares… Grèbe jougris, Fauvette grisette, Bruant des roseaux, proyer, jaune, Pie-grièche écorcheur, Grue cendrée, de nombreux rapaces dont un Aigle pomarin (et une « Buse variable » en français s’il vous plaît !) Merci à Rolf pour sa disponibilité, sa sympathie, son expertise et ses partages d’anecdotes au cours de ses presque 50 ans de pratique. Pour un débutant comme moi, j’ai beaucoup appris, notamment sur l’identification des rapaces et des passereaux aquatiques. Rolf est un réel expert en son domaine, de plus c’est quelqu’un de vraiment sympa. A bientôt, Yann B., France

Our experience birding with Rolf was wonderful. He was very organized and set us up for success riding the public transit to meet him. His knowledge and passion for the environment and birds was contagious. His excitement when we saw a bird, and the knowledge he shared with us was great. He took us to diverse habitats and showed us many exciting species. It was an excellent experience. Ryan and Betsy, Arizona, USA