Welcome to YALAKOM, a collection of articles, narratives and photographs documenting some of the wildlife, especially birds, encountered on my local patches, presently in New Zealand’s South Island. Some articles are concerned with important nature conservation issues I found worthwhile researching and sharing. Below are the most read articles and you can easily browse the rest using the thematic index. I hope you enjoy the read and find what you are looking for. Feel free to get in touch for any inquiry.

NEW ZEALAND – Stevensons Island: A small, intimate bird heaven on Lake Wanaka

Stevensons Island is a hidden gem of Lake Wanaka. Peace and quiet rule this wild island situated just a short boat ride away from Wanaka township (Otago, South Island). The dense native bush vegetation that covers most of the island attracts… Continue reading

NEW ZEALAND – The introduced Springbok mantis has been killing native ones since the 70’s and natives are loosing the battle: can you tell them apart? Continue reading

GERMANY – Discussing and documenting the rough fate of five fieldfare fledglings, including a disabled one. Continue reading

GERMANY – Return of the mystery bird, aka the magnificent hawfinch, to my bird feeder along with his two adorable chicks. Continue reading

GERMANY – A clutch of great tit fledglings hunted down by a tenacious Eurasian jay with some inevitable casualties. Continue reading

FRENCH ALPS – Exploring the wilds of Roubion, a charming perched medieval village in the Parc National du Mercantour. Continue reading

MONGOLIA – An attempt to trace the fascinating story of the rare Przewalski horse, the last truly wild horse, in twelve parts. Get started with Part 1