The landscape conservation association requests observations of family groups by October 10th
The landscape conservation association of the Groß-Gerau district is calling on the public to report sightings of partridge coveys. Family groups of partridges across Germany will be recorded until October 10, 2026. The data will provide information on, among other things, the success of this year's breeding season.
The survey has been underway since August 15th as part of the collaborative project "Save the Partridge – Promote Diversity!". The Groß-Gerau District Landscape Conservation Association is a project partner, and the Hessian Ried region is one of ten project areas.
Adult and young birds can still be distinguished
During the breeding season, partridges live relatively secretively. After the breeding season ends, they are more frequently seen in family groups, which are referred to as "coves." The birds spend autumn and winter in these groups.
The current time of year is particularly interesting for data collection because adult and juvenile birds can still be distinguished. Therefore, in addition to the number of birds observed, the age composition of a partridge covey important. It can provide clues as to whether it is a family with a successful breeding record or a group of several adult birds.
The data will be evaluated by the umbrella organization of German ornithologists for the joint project.
Report observations online
Anyone who spots partridges can report their sighting via the portal ornitho.de or the NaturaList app. According to the landscape conservation association, the birds are particularly easy to observe at dusk, about an hour before sunset.
Suitable locations include quiet field paths and other marginal structures, as well as the edges of flowering areas and hedges.
Instructions for distinguishing between adult and juvenile birds and for recording partridge coveys can be found on the project website.
Information on recording partridge chains
The collaborative project "Save the Partridge – Promote Diversity!" is part of the Federal Programme on Biological Diversity. Its aim is to stabilize partridge populations and simultaneously enhance habitats in the agricultural landscape.
(GROSS-GERAU – RED/PM)
Featured image: A covey of partridges on a field path, photographed by Olaf Lübke
