On The Ebersberger Zeitung Cover

When I began the Phenological Survey of the local biotope in Parsdorf, I knew it would involve countless hours in the field, an abundance of patience, and meticulous hours identifying various animals, birds, and butterflies. What I didn't anticipate was the remarkable attention and awareness it would generate about our local wildlife. Even more surprising was finding myself presenting the findings to the city council, resulting in my research influencing local nature conservation even before publication. Yet, the greatest surprise was still to come—a full-page cover story in a newspaper!

One day, the president of BUND Naturschutz in Vaterstetten asked if he could share my contact details with a local journalist. "Of course!" I replied enthusiastically. As he mentioned, "A story like this doesn't happen every day," especially refreshing in a world often dominated by politics and less uplifting news. Naturally, I assumed the story might appear somewhere toward the middle or end of the publication; after all, surely there were more pressing issues in Ebersberg.

Imagine my astonishment when I discovered the story featured prominently on the front page of our regional newspaper! While there were a few inaccuracies in numbers, the article itself was beautifully written. It wonderfully captured how a humble exploration of an uncharted local area evolved into a meaningful conservation initiative.

Here is the translation to English including some corrections:

"Wildlife Reservoir on the Doorstep

Vaterstetten Resident Demonstrates: Over 60 Bird* Species Inhabit the Old Parsdorf Gravel Pit

Parsdorf — Originally, David Pérez Recio intended only to clear the breeding area for his favorite bird. However, he soon began a detailed study of the wildlife in the old Parsdorf gravel pit. The result shows that far more animal species inhabit this biotope than had been assumed before.

“A small, delicate bird with yellow rings around its eyes,” exclaims David Pérez Recio: The Little Ringed Plover! The bird is especially noted for its characteristic stepping behavior. “Those small movements are very cute,” he adds.

In early February 2024, he began clearing the biotope in Parsdorf to prepare a breeding site for his favorite bird. This is because the Little Ringed Plover prefers bare patches of earth near the water’s edge for nesting—and the Parsdorf gravel pit provided the appropriate conditions. During the cleanup, however, he soon discovered that several other animal species had already taken up residence.

The 30-year-old Spaniard, who has been living in Vaterstetten for two years, resides near the edge of Parsdorf. “I document birds, mammals, butterflies, and other animals there—it is a hobby,” he says.

Two wildlife cameras evaluated

Last summer, he received partial funding from BUND Naturschutz (Bavarian Nature Conservation Union) for two wildlife cameras. Now, Recio—who works as a business analyst—has completed his initial evaluation. He identified a total of 84 bird species. The number is bigger than thought before. "Only the birds, double as many!". 64 of which use the biotope actively as Residents, for breeding or as winter visitors, the others take a rest there during migration. Some interesting findings are the Little Ringed Plover, the Hoopoe, the Grey Partridge and the Red-Backed Shrike. Species that don't come that often to Germany. "The Grey Partridge breeds here successfully, and also does the Red-Backed Shrike".

But also, Beech Marten, Brown Rat, Wood Mouse, Common Shrew, Hare, Roe Deer and —what was fascinating— Red Foxes and Badgers appeared in front of the lens. "The pair of Badgers live in a middle-big sett with 5 entrances." Occasionally, a pair of foxes also stops by in the sett, the 30‑year‑old says.

Butterflies are documented

Twice a year, water frogs sit in the pond; moreover, Recio was able to document 15* different butterfly species. Some of them, such as the Brown Hairstreak, Idas Blue, the Short-tailed Blue, and the Argus Blue, are endangered in Germany. "It was very difficult to accurately identify the butterflies – for me, the most challenging part of the entire project." Now he likes Butterflies even more.

The gravel pit is a true reservoir of biodiversity, but it also has problems, such as remnants of the Munich Gravel Union (MKU), which formerly used the area, as well as noise and exhaust fumes from the nearby highway. "What surprised me the most was how many people, sometimes with dogs, come into the biotope during the breeding season." Despite the warning notices, "I believe that is the main reason why the Little Ringed Plover was unable to breed this year." Therefore, it is important to inform people accordingly.

The municipality of Vaterstetten is already reacting. Later this spring, the area will be fenced, explains the head of the Environmental Office, Tobias Aschwer. "Then access from the outside will only be possible for maintenance measures." Because the gravel pit should not be left to nature and become overgrown. Returning it to nature would not suit the little ringed plover at all. And they definitely want to keep the cute bird in Parsdorf. Just like all the other animals. "We must protect this habitat!"

He is already planning a new research project. Once again in the gravel pit. He wants to study the lives of the two badgers more closely.

Carmen Ick-Dietl"