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 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 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...
Kevin EsserJul 9, 2017Yellow-bellied beautyNot every human influence on nature is harmful. Stone walls, quarries, artificial waters and some others can be the habitat for many...
Kevin EsserJun 24, 2017Treasure huntI 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 EsserApr 16, 2016Good newts, everyone!I was never really satisfied with the process of catching newts out of the water during their aquatic phase and putting them on moss...