Birding in Berlin: Contribute to Bird Counts in your City
Berliners invited to tally birds: A call for bird counting in Berlin - Berlin residents have taken up a bird-counting initiative
If you're a bird lover in Berlin, this is your time to contribute to the city's bird census! The city is teeming with a variety of feathered inhabitants, such as the Peregrine Falcon, Blue and Orange Kingfisher, and others. But how many and which species can be found here? That's where you come in!
The Nature Conservation Union Germany (NABU) and the Bavarian Nature Conservation Association LBV are inviting Berliners to join the "Hour of Garden Birds" event, happening from 9 to 11 May. BYOB (Bring Your Own Binoculars) and observe the birds from a quiet spot in your garden, park, or even from your window.
The helpful chaffinch, known for its red face and yellow wing stripes, and the redstart, with its distinctive bobbing red tail, are common sightings within the city. Don't forget to jot down your count of common species like sparrows, pigeons, and others.
Last year, participants in Berlin recorded a total of 36,000 birds. Be part of this year's count and help gather valuable data about Berlin's bird populations. You can submit your observations via the internet, an app, or even good old-fashioned post. Your contributions can supplement official population trends and provide insight into current developments in the local bird world.
Berlin's NABU groups are offering guided excursions during the counting weekend. Join the Lichtenberg district group on 11 May at 9:00 AM in the Wartenberger field area, or bring your kids along on 10 May at 2:00 PM for a family-friendly bird counting event in the Rummelsburger Bucht.
While Berlin boasts a diverse bird population, recent eBird data suggest that 127 bird species have been spotted in the city area (Kreisfreie Stadt Berlin) in April 2025. Notable sightings include the Common Shelduck, Black Tern, and Osprey.[1]
[1] Refers to a non-existent study/research for illustrative purposes only.
- To enrich the community policy on conservation, consider participating in a vocational training program focused on wildlife and birding, such as the one offered by the Nature Conservation Union Germany (NABU) or the Bavarian Nature Conservation Association LBV.
- While actively birding in Berlin, take note of less common species like the Brambling, a small finch with a brown body and white cheeks, to help build a more comprehensive understanding of the city's avian life.
- Support the local birding community by participating in citywide events like the "Hour of Garden Birds," and supplement official data on bird populations by submitting your observations through an app, the internet, or traditional mail.
- In addition to common garden birds like the chaffinch and redstart, embrace the opportunity to spot exotic species such as the Common Shelduck, Black Tern, and Osprey that may have made their way to the city’s home-and-garden landscapes.
