CZ: To Nature!

This year in Bohemia (and indeed in the whole of Europe) it was mild winter and spring is already in full swing at the end of March. Drafting birds returned an average of 14 days early, many of them nest, on sunny areas already crocuses, snowdrops and violets unpacked, and wild animals are starting to breed.

What Is Happening in Forest

In the woods where nature is managed in a friendly way, you will find trees of all kinds and ages, including old dying logs. These are a very important habitat for the forest, which is inhabited by countless species of fungi, beetles and invertebrates, but also birds and small mammals. Bats often nest under the barking trees, so please never peel it. By the way - do you know that 27 species of bats live in the Czech Republic ?! If you see a hollow or round hole in the den of the tree, sit quietly and observe it for a while, you may see its inhabitants arrive.

Birds occupy cavities according to their size and the size of the airway opening. So you can guess who lives here: some little tits or flycatchers are nesting behind a small entrance (up to 4 cm). Starlings, Downy Woodpeckers, Yellow-headed Woodpeckers and Worms need a larger opening, between 4 to 9 cm. And cavities with an opening larger than 9 cm can be the home of a black woodpecker, after which dove-ducks and small owls like to dwell. In old deciduous trees with hollows he loves for example bearded owl.

Otherwise, we recommend making a slight noise in the forest, so that you know in time and animals that you do not want to meet. Wild boars, for example, are young, and although marsupines are cute, they are not really friends. There is a danger from their mother, a goddess who is very vigilant and responds uncompromisingly to potential dangers.

Due to the nesting of rare bird species, it is forbidden to enter some trails in the national parks and bird reserves in this time of year. It concerns Elbe Sandstones, Bohemian Switzerland, Bohemian Forest, etc.

Please note that no observation of animals and birds cannot lead to endangerment or destruction of their habitat. Always keep all chicks found in their place, if possible, do not touch them. Their mothers will take care of them as soon as you are out of sight. If you find a visibly injured animal, you can contact one of the rescue stations, whose list can be found at zvirevnouzi.cz.

Tip for birdwatching: Best if you get up early in the morning. Birds are the most active in the morning. And of course the binoculars. 

What Flowers Are Blooming Now?

Among the first harbringers of spring are yellow coltsfoot flowers. This unpretentious herb grows typically in the dust near the road and in the construction areas. Did you also collect it as a medicine in your childhood? It is used for inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.

In the deciduous forests you will find small charming blue-violet flowers of the hepatica, and the snowflake often grows directly throughout the plantations. Famous is the national natural monument Peklo u České Lípa.

Crocuses are rarer but we know them from gardens, because a variety of colorful cultivars are commonly sold. Do not carry anything from nature to the flower beds! This must not be the case, and there may be significant fines for protected species.

We have another tip for a fun to diversify your walk: if you encounter a flower in nature, take a picture and send it to us in a photo competition. Check out the competition pages to see what you can win.

Enjoy the spring minding not the quarantine!

Text: Radka Snížková

Photos: Pixabay.com