Watching migratory birds: The best places and technology for nature lovers

Every year, a fascinating natural spectacle is repeated over our heads: millions of migratory birds move between breeding and wintering grounds. If you want to observe migratory birds, you will find ideal conditions and technical equipment for clear, undisturbed views in Germany, from the Wadden Sea to your own garden. In this guide, we show you the best places, tried-and-tested technology from binoculars to WLAN cameras as well as legal and nature conservation rules - so that you can observe, document and effectively protect migratory birds.

Why is bird migration important for nature lovers?

The seasons and their role in bird migration

Migration follows the course of the year: In the fall, many species migrate southward; in the spring, they return to their breeding grounds. If you want to observe migratory birds at these times, you will see impressive formations of cranes and geese as well as the arrival of well-known singers such as swifts and robins.

This periodic coming and going reflects resources such as food and breeding grounds. It turns migration into a living natural calendar that brings nature lovers closer to ecological relationships.

Species diversity and behavioral patterns of migratory birds

Over 250 species can be observed in Germany, many of which migrate on different routes. Songbirds such as chiffchaffs often migrate alone at night, while day migrants such as cranes fly in V-formations.

Regular observation reveals trends in populations, phenology and habitat quality. In this way, anyone who wants to observe and report migratory birds contributes to a better understanding of climate and landscape changes.

Where are the best places for birdwatching in Germany?

Nature reserves and protected areas

Resting and migration areas are often located along coasts, wetlands, rivers and wide open landscapes. If you want to observe migratory birds here, you can benefit from observation towers, footbridges and visitor centers with up-to-date information.

• Wadden Sea (Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony): Huge congregations of waders and water birds, particularly active at low tide.
• Lower Oder Valley National Park (Brandenburg): Excellent for cranes, geese and birds of prey during migration and winter.
• Münster Rieselfelder (North Rhine-Westphalia): Traditional observation site with low-barrier paths and changing water levels.
• Ismaninger Speichersee (Bavaria): Very species-rich throughout the year, with strong migrations in the fall.

Stay on the paths in protected areas and speak quietly. This allows you to observe migratory birds without disturbing breeding or resting birds and at the same time increases your own chances of sighting them.

Popular birdwatching sites for families

Families benefit from short distances, safe infrastructure and clear information. Educational trails, platforms and guided tours make it easier to get started and make observations child-friendly.

• Drömling Landscape Park (Saxony-Anhalt): Observation towers, nature trails and family-friendly offers.
• Dümmer Nature Park (Lower Saxony): Easily accessible viewpoints and tours, ideal for first migratory bird experiences.
• NABU observation huts: Scattered throughout Germany, often easily accessible with a baby carriage or rollator.

Plan visits on clear, windless days with good visibility. Then you can observe migratory birds and at the same time enjoy relaxed walks.

What equipment do I need for birdwatching?

Camera selection - Which species are suitable for birdwatching?

The right technology depends on your goal and location. For beginners, compact cameras with a strong zoom or a smartphone with a binocular adapter are often sufficient for observing and documenting migratory birds.

System or SLR cameras with a 300-600 mm telephoto lens are ideal for detailed photos. A short shutter release delay, image stabilization and continuous shooting rates from 10 frames per second help with aerial photography.

• Digital compact cameras with zoom: Lightweight, flexible and ideal for garden and short distances.
• System or SLR cameras with telephoto lens: High image quality for species at long flight distances.
• Wi-Fi wildlife cameras: Automatic photos or clips at the feeding site, controllable via app and with energy-saving standby.
• Network or PTZ cameras: Pan and zoom remotely, optionally with motion detection and night vision.

For outdoor use, look out for IP protection classes such as IP65 or higher and good IR LEDs for twilight. This allows you to observe migratory birds even in low light and secure usable recordings.

Tips for installing and using surveillance cameras

WLAN cameras are suitable for convenient viewing at the feeding house or watering hole. Choose mounting heights of 2-3 meters, stable mounts and a viewing angle without branches in front of the lens.

Use 2.4 GHz WLAN for greater range and repeaters for large gardens. Rechargeable batteries with solar panels or weatherproof power supply units are ideal for the power supply; local microSD (128-256 GB) complements a GDPR-compliant cloud.

• Installation height: 2-3 meters for good images and minimal interference.
• Power supply: Battery or solar models avoid cables and tripping hazards.
• Storage and data protection: SD card, encrypted cloud or NAS; exclude lines of sight to neighboring properties.

Aim the motion detection at feeding stations or perches, not at bushes in the wind. This allows you to monitor migratory birds, reduce false alarms and extend battery life.

How do I protect birds when watching and feeding?

Legal regulations for the protection of birds in Germany

Wild birds enjoy special protection under the Federal Nature Conservation Act; disturbing breeding and resting birds and damaging nests is prohibited. Find out on site about rules on entering protected areas and drone bans.

Keep your distance, avoid playback calls and stay on marked paths. Legal details on prohibition and disturbance standards can be found in Section 44 BNatSchG at gesetze-im-internet.de.

Responsible feeding and observation

Feeding supports birds, especially in winter, and can make observations in the garden easier. Clean feeders and suitable mixtures are important so that you can observe migratory birds without encouraging disease.

• Only use clean, covered feeders and clean them regularly.
• Do not feed bread; instead feed sunflower seeds, nuts, fat food and unsalted oatmeal.
• Place feeders away from the wind and out of the reach of cats, replace water troughs daily.

Practical advice and species lists for feeding are available from NABU. How you can observe migratory birds and keep them healthy at the same time.

Common mistakes in bird watching and how to avoid them

Misconceptions about bird feeding and watching

A common misconception is that feeding is only permitted in winter. The truth is that feeding is possible all year round if hygiene and species protection are right.

Rest is also underestimated. The best way to observe migratory birds is to keep your distance, keep your voice down and keep to a fixed location instead of frequently walking around.

• Feeding outside of winter is possible, but must be done in a clean and species-appropriate manner.
• Consideration is key, as every flight at resting places uses up valuable energy.
• Do not install cameras in nesting boxes or at the nests of protected species.

Technical problems and solutions when using cameras

False alarms are often caused by incorrectly aligned sensors or moving branches. Align zones precisely and test locations provisionally first.

If the streams are jerky, a lower resolution or bit rate and fixed WLAN reception will help. This allows you to observe migratory birds without constant interruptions.

• Limit sensor fields to feeding areas and perches.
• 2.4 GHz networks and repeaters for range, 5 GHz for high data rates close to the house.
• Solar kits with battery buffer cloudy days; only use weatherproof plug connections for mains operation.

Plan cable routes, check storage duration and encrypt remote access. This increases the security and reliability of your recordings.

Additional tips on location selection and best observation practices

Ideal locations in your own garden or on the balcony

Migratory birds can also be observed without traveling if the garden structures are right. Clear lines of sight, berry-bearing shrubs such as elder or rowan and water sources attract many species.

Balcony owners can sow seed mixtures of native species and create small watering holes. Make sure they are quiet, cleaned regularly and placed where they are safe from cats.

Optimal times and conditions for birdwatching

The most active hours are in the early morning and late afternoon. Calm, clear days offer the best views and photos, especially on weekdays with little disturbance.

• Autumn migration peak: End of September to mid-October, cranes and ducks are easy to see.
• Spring migration peak: mid-March to the end of April, ideal time for returning songbirds.

You can find up-to-date information on hotspots and rare species via reporting portals such as ornitho.de. This allows you to observe migratory birds in the right place at the right time and plan your observations accordingly.

Birdwatching combines nature experience, knowledge and relaxation. Set up your observation site today, test your technique and get off to a safe start: Migratory bird watching - with technique and consideration!