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Common Toads again
Every spring I enjoy observing countless Common Toads (Bufo bufo) in their breeding ponds. So here are a few of my favorite shots from...
Kevin Esser
Mar 24, 2023


Early start
Winter is almost over and the first active amphibians are the most beautiful sign of upcoming spring I can imagine. I was lucky to...
Kevin Esser
Feb 17, 2023


Same procedure as every year
Another spring and another amphibian season... unfortunately, I missed the Common Frogs once again (they only stay a very few days in the...
Kevin Esser
Mar 28, 2022


Black and yellow is my fellow
Autumn is not exactly my favorite season. The cold & dark, the lack of reptiles... I don't like it at all. Of course, the foliage color...
Kevin Esser
Oct 30, 2021


Former military site
Finally I made a day trip to a good looking area I had in mind for a long time. I arrived after an one hour drive and hoped to explore a...
Kevin Esser
Aug 14, 2021


Local Reptiles
Here is a small collection of reptiles I observed during the summer. All the pictures were taken in spots within a driving range of 5 -...
Kevin Esser
Jul 28, 2021


Saving Newts
During the peak of the amphibian breeding season I checked some canal manholes for trapped animals. The best way to do this is to go...
Kevin Esser
Apr 16, 2021


Today is Toad Day
The Common Toads (Bufo bufo) are finally very active in the local ponds. It's a lot of fun to watch them. Sometimes they are floating...
Kevin Esser
Apr 3, 2021


Sunshine and Lizards
As soon as the sun comes out, the Common Wall Lizards (Podarcis muralis) will do the same thing. Early in spring, even if it's still...
Kevin Esser
Mar 30, 2021


March of the herps
This March was mainly very cold and grey in Germany. After the sun finally showed up, we went for a hike in the area and found some...
Kevin Esser
Mar 29, 2021


Bavarian Alps, part IV
With a combination of mountain railway and hiking we went up to the top of Jenner and back down again to visit the Königsee (big lake)....
Kevin Esser
Jun 6, 2020


Bavarian Alps, part III
A nice hike along a little stream called Hammersbach leads to the Höllentalklamm (Hell Valley Gorge). The name might sound a little...
Kevin Esser
Jun 4, 2020


Bavarian Alps, part II
While hiking around a lake north of Mittenwald, we saw some Grass Snakes. My goal was to take pictures of a melanistic specimen… and I...
Kevin Esser
Jun 3, 2020


Bavarian Alps, part I
Samira and I actually had different travel plans, but because of COVID-19 all flights were canceled and borders were closed, so we ...
Kevin Esser
Jun 1, 2020


German spring - Reptiles
Spring is also the best time to observe reptiles in Europe. The Slow Worm (Anguis fragilis) is the most common reptile around and it was...
Kevin Esser
May 13, 2020


German spring - Amphibians
I spent another winter in Costa Rica, so I was able to flee from the cold and enjoy the tropical flora and fauna. Back in Germany, I also...
Kevin Esser
Apr 14, 2020


Nahe valley
The Nahe is a river in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, Germany, a left tributary to the Rhine. The name Nahe is derived from the...
Kevin Esser
Jun 21, 2019


Amphibious welcome in Germany
After three marvellous months in Costa Rica, I am back in Germany. Of course it's great to finally see my girlfriend, family and friends...
Kevin Esser
Apr 16, 2019


Yellow-bellied beauty
Not every human influence on nature is harmful. Stone walls, quarries, artificial waters and some others can be the habitat for many...
Kevin Esser
Jul 10, 2017


Treasure hunt
I have planned to explore a new destination somewhere not too far away. I used the help of Google Earth. After searching in the vicinity...
Kevin Esser
Jun 25, 2017
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