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🇧🇪 Belgium /Culture & Society

Dozens of Birdwatchers Flock to Schulen to Photograph Rare Red-Rumped Swallow

From VRT NWS · (7h ago) Dutch Positive tone

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A rare red-rumped swallow was spotted in Schulen, Belgium, attracting birdwatchers from across the country.
  • The bird, typically found in Southern Europe and Asia, has only been sighted in Belgium a handful of times since World War II.
  • Over 50 birdwatchers quickly gathered to photograph the elusive species.

The quiet village of Schulen in Herk-de-stad has become an unlikely hotspot for ornithological enthusiasts after the sighting of an exceptionally rare bird: the red-rumped swallow. This striking species, characterized by its vibrant orange-red breast and blue-gray back, is a rare visitor to Belgium, with only four recorded sightings since the end of World War II. Its usual habitat lies in the warmer climes of Southern Europe and Asia, making its appearance here a significant event for the local birdwatching community.

Een buurtbewoner heeft de lijster gisterenavond toevallig gespot in zijn tuin. Omdat hij de vogel met zijn oranjerode borst en blauwgrijze borst zo opvallend vond, heeft hij op het internet opgezocht wat voor vogel het zou kunnen zijn

— Steven JacobsThe biologist explains how the rare bird was initially discovered by a local resident.

The discovery was serendipitous. A local resident noticed the distinctive bird in his garden and, intrigued by its unusual appearance, researched it online. He soon identified it as a red-rumped swallow. While the initial sighting in the garden didn't lead to immediate photographic opportunities, the resident's encounter with a local birdwatcher, Rob Vansweeveld, quickly mobilized the community. Vansweeveld, along with biologist and fellow birdwatcher Steven Jacobs, managed to locate the bird shortly after.

En het gaat dus om een rode rotslijster, een soort die normaal gezien alleen in Zuid-Europa of Azië voorkomt.

— Steven JacobsJacobs confirms the identification of the bird and its unusual origin.

The news spread like wildfire through the birdwatching network, and within hours, more than 50 dedicated spotters had descended upon Sint-Jorislaan in Schulen. "It is an exceptional opportunity to spot the red-rumped swallow," explained Jacobs, highlighting the rarity of the event. He described the bird's call as a 'tsjoep' and marveled at its beautiful plumage, noting the striking blue-gray of its head, reminiscent of bluestone.

Jaak en ik zijn vanmorgen in de tuin van de man gaan kijken, maar de rode rotslijster zat er niet meer

— Rob VansweeveldVansweeveld recounts the initial search for the bird after the resident reported it.

For Belgian birdwatchers, this sighting is more than just a chance to tick off a rare species; it's a moment of shared excitement and a testament to the rich biodiversity that can still be found, even in unexpected places. The swift mobilization of the community underscores the passion and dedication of these nature observers. While international coverage might focus on the geographical anomaly of the bird's presence, for locals, it's a celebration of nature's surprises and a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world right in their own backyard. The event has undoubtedly put Schulen on the map for bird enthusiasts across the country.

Maar even later hebben we hem toch gevonden, in een bomenrij langs een braakliggend stuk grond

— Rob VansweeveldVansweeveld expresses excitement upon finally locating the rare bird.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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