Our Lakeland spy birds added 03 species to their observation list at the Bird Race on May 2025, 111. This surpassed the previous record of 110 species from last year! The weather initially cooperated, and by midday the team had "ticked" (as birdwatchers say) the forest bird species in Philadelphia and many water bird species in the Groß Schauen chain of lakes. Bitterns, hoopoes, and over 140 wood sandpipers are species that will make any birder's heart beat faster.
The tour continued across the lakes near Kossenblatt, the mouth of the Spree River into Lake Schwieloch near Sawall, and Beeskow to the Friedland ponds. Common terns, black terns, white-tailed eagles, and kestrels were also on the list, as was the now very rare crested lark. In the afternoon, the weather turned gloomy, but the team's mood remained the same. Even with light rain, the forests around Siedichum in the Schlaubetal valley were worth a visit.
Towards evening, we headed to the Oder lowlands near Neuzelle, and at dusk to the Boulder Park in Henzendorf. Meadow Pipits and Great Grey Shrikes filled the list. As always, the evening highlight was the Reicherkreuz Heath. With the weather now improving, the nightjars courted with their rasping song until dark.
After an intensive 21 hours, the day's results were finalized: 111 species. This impressive result is all the more remarkable given that, due to the early start date, not all migratory birds had yet arrived in the Lake District. The team searched in vain for turtle doves and red-backed shrikes. They won't arrive until the next few days. The bird race was a highlight of our birdwatching week. The Oder-Spree Lake District has once again proven itself to be a real hot spot for birdwatchers!
This was the tour of our Birdrace team 
