Kevin EsserAug 13, 2021Former military siteFinally 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 EsserJul 27, 2021Local ReptilesHere 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 EsserApr 15, 2021Saving NewtsDuring 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 EsserApr 2, 2021Today is Toad DayThe 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 EsserMar 29, 2021Sunshine and LizardsAs 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 EsserMar 28, 2021March of the herpsThis 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 EsserDec 2, 2020Portugal, part IIOur second destination was Tavira. Unfortunately the C.19 restrictions were tightened and we were not allowed to leave the Concelho...
Kevin EsserNov 26, 2020Portugal, part I Samira and I actually had other plans, but they were messed up by the "C-word." So Plan B was needed. We have never traveled there...
Kevin EsserJun 5, 2020Bavarian Alps, part IVWith 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 EsserJun 3, 2020Bavarian Alps, part IIIA nice hike along a little stream called Hammersbach leads to the Höllentalklamm (Hell Valley Gorge). The name might sound a little...
Kevin EsserJun 2, 2020Bavarian Alps, part IIWhile 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 EsserMay 31, 2020Bavarian Alps, part ISamira and I actually had different travel plans, but because of COVID-19 all flights were canceled and borders were closed, so we ...
Kevin EsserMay 12, 2020German 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 EsserApr 13, 2020German spring - AmphibiansI 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 EsserJun 20, 2019Nahe valleyThe Nahe is a river in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, Germany, a left tributary to the Rhine. The name Nahe is derived from the...
Kevin EsserMay 5, 2019Scaly EmeraldThe drive away from the coast and further inland led us into a very beautiful, hilly landscape. At the stone walls we found some amazing...
Kevin EsserMay 4, 2019Frog RescueWhen I came across this manhole, I checked if some animals were trapped inside. And yes, I found six Marsh Frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus)...
Kevin EsserMay 3, 2019One week in Croatia, part II Lake Vrana -the biggest lake of Croatia- and its surrounding areas were proclaimed a Nature Park in 1999. This unique habitat is of...
Kevin EsserMay 1, 2019One week in Croatia, part IFor the past few months, I have been working as a naturalist guide in Costa Rica and so nature has been my "office". Before I have to go...
Kevin EsserApr 15, 2019Amphibious welcome in GermanyAfter three marvellous months in Costa Rica, I am back in Germany. Of course it's great to finally see my girlfriend, family and friends...