It actually lives in forests, but it is also being spotted more and more frequently in settlements: many Bavarians are observing great spotted woodpeckers these days. Another bird, on the other hand, is not doing well at all – although it is also frequently observed.
No bird count comes without a surprise: great spotted woodpeckers love Bavaria’s gardens – at least in winter. This is a result of the “Hour of the Winter Birds”, which the State Association for Bird Protection (LBV) called for again this year around Epiphany. Almost half of the participating hobby ornithologists reported at least one great spotted woodpecker in their garden.
This is unusual because the black and white feathered birds with the deep red undertail coverts are actually found in forests. The LBV biologist Angelika Nelson cites the usually plentiful supply of food there or a particularly strong influx of overwintering residents from northern Europe as possible reasons for their garden visits. Either way, the blackbird-sized birds are a feast for the eyes.
For the fourth time in a row, the house sparrow took first place in the winter bird hour. Anyone who concludes that the small, sociable species is doing well in Bavaria is mistaken. Populations are falling dramatically, especially in the cities, because house sparrows can no longer find breeding grounds there. The great tit has regained second place, in 2021 the field sparrow had pushed it out of there.