ZEISS Nature Blog -

ZEISS Digital Nature Hub

Participate in Fascinating Live Lectures with Experienced Ornithologists and Conservationists.

Although we may not be able to see you at Rutland Water this year, here at ZEISS we have been working on something very special to help bring nature to you – virtually! Get ready to immerse yourself in our virtual nature experience…

We are excited to announce that The ‘ZEISS Digital Nature Hub’ has now opened its virtual doors for early admission – with access to our virtual exhibition experience, lecture schedule, the latest product information and exclusive new content.

Raptor Persecution in the UK

The fight against the illegal killing

The persecution of birds of prey in Great Britain has unfortunately long been a major problem in nature and species conservation, with Buzzard, Hen Harrier and Golden Eagle particularly affected.

In his article, Lee Thickett reports on the background of raptor persecution in the UK and the effects within wildlife. Lee also shows some ways to solve these challenges in the future.

31.07.2020, Buzzard, golden eagle, great britain, lee thickett, uk |

Learning to identify virtuoso bird voices

As with different instruments in music, it takes practice to identify each individual sound.

For untrained ears, a springtime dawn chorus of birds can sound like musical chaos, difficult to distinguish between different bird calls.

It can be much easier to memorize bird species’ appearances rather than their songs. This article will give you a great overview on the subject.

31.07.2020, bird voices, Blackcap, michaela sulz, Mountain Chickadee, Tawny Owl |

Bird identification for children

It is fun watching birds with others.

Birding usually requires us to be quiet to avoid disturbing the birds, so they won’t fly off. Urban birds, however, are accustomed to some noise.

Nature conservation organizations usually offer programs or clubs for children and youth, and offer options for organized activities in addition to bird watching, such as saving frogs, environmental education and conservation, and work days to maintain natural areas.

Binoculars, birdwatching, eagle, Nature conservation organizations |

Inconspicuous, but impressive

It is about the details

Nature proves everyday why a second glance is worth it and why fast judgement is out of place. What seems to be inconspicuous at first sight, might be very impressive.

Often it is about an extraordinary species that you do not discover so often as it camouflages very well or behaves rather covert.

Binoculars, Buzzard, Common Moorhen, wallflower |

Water for Drinking and Warblers for Watching

The South Carolina swamp forests

drinking water, savannah river, seasons, south carolina, swamp forests |

The Dark Art Of Vismigging – Part Two

Leading Lines

Bird migration is everywhere, making it a universally accessible, constantly changing wonder of nature – and if you’re lucky enough to live on a coastal flyway at the edge of a continental landmass (well, it was more about planning and sacrifice than luck), then the possibilities for a migration junkie like myself are almost endless.

Better still, when you position yourself at the axis of various topographical, geographical and coastal features, there are different ‘subgenres’ of bird migration that open up to you – meaning that during the right season, there are different choices, depending on prevailing wind and weather conditions.

31.03.2020, bird migration, changing of seasons, Mark Pearson |

The Dark Art Of Vismigging – Part One

Incoming!

Bird migration is an endlessly fascinating phenomenon that taps into a variety of our basic impulses and desires. There's the sensual, animalistic connection it nurtures and strengthens with the cyclical changing of seasons, and the subtle sub-seasons within them;

the odd but very human urge to install order and a sense of control over the relative chaos, by meticulously counting and recording each and every bird - getting our 'ducks in a row' (often literally).

25.03.2020, bird migration, changing of seasons, Mark Pearson |

Backyard Birders

More discoveries in your garden.

Outside, nature is exploding with this sunny weather, and we sit more inside than usual. Experienced birders know their lonesome piece of forest to enjoy nature as good as all days. Kids learn much at home at the moment.

Lucky are those with a big garden. But birds you may watch also from the balcony or through the window. That is a practical biology lesson for the whole family.

23.03.2020 |

Raptor Spectacle in Eilat

Migration time of birdwatchers

Bird watchers come to Israel from around the world once a year. From March 22nd to March 31st the big Birding Festival is celebrated in Eliat. It’s the time when the birds fly north again. The steppe eagles are a very special spectacle for the birders.

Their big swarms are very impressive every year. But how do the birds find their way to Eliat? In this article you will learn more about the eagle’s sense of direction and the great festival of bird watchers.

06.03.20, BirdLife, Eliat, israel, Steppe Eagle |