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This report presents bird sightings recorded in the ROSCI0120 nature reserve during the winter season of 2024/25, from November to February. The reserve comprises Tâmpa (955 m) and Dealul Melcilor (712 m), two natural topographic features jutting out from the extensive forest habitat of the Postăvaru Massif into the city of Brașov, Romania. This is an abbreviated version of the full report.

Looking down towards Șaua Tâmpei (Tâmpa Saddle) from the relatively open slopes to the south-west of the summit on New Year's Day (2025). With an abundance of young pine (Pinus sylvestris), this is a good area during winter to observe conifer-preferring species such as coal tit, crested tit and even crossbill, which may descend from the spruce forests of the upper mountain reaches during a cold spell. The summit of Mt. Postăvaru is visible back right.

Looking down towards Șaua Tâmpei (Tâmpa Saddle) from the relatively open slopes to the south-west of the summit on New Year's Day (2025).

Sightings of 29 bird species were reported inside the reserve during the interval under study. Birds characteristic of the urban habitat which only sporadically visit the reserve have been removed from the table (see the full report for a complete list). For a description of the habitat in the area under study and for a glossary of bird names in English, Latin, Romanian and German, the reader is referred to last year’s report.

The bar charts below depict the number of field trips resulting in a sighting of each species, expressed as a percentage of the total of 14 field trips (a score of 100% means that the species was observed during every field trip, while a score of 50% means that the species was observed 7/14 times).

Common and widespread European woodland bird species top the chart for Tâmpa. Conifer-preferring species such as coal tit, crested tit and occasionally crossbill were observed in areas populated by pine. Undisturbed by substantial forestry operations, Tâmpa’s forest habitat even provides a refuge for white-backed woodpecker.

The greater number of species were identified on Dealul Melcilor. In fact, Dealul Melcilor is the best site located within easy reach of Brașov known to this observer where, under the right conditions, sightings of such a variety of woodland birds can be obtained with such ease. The hill packs multiple habitats into a small and compact area which is easy to survey; mixed woodland containing lowland and upland typical tree species, extensive cliffs at the old quarry, open areas of grass and scrub and even a small area of wetland. In addition to common European woodland bird species, the area also appeals to hawfinch and goldfinch, and in spite of the smallness of the territory and its proximity to the urban area, a common buzzard or two have made themselves at home there, and probably a sparrowhawk as well. Goldcrest and bullfinch spend the winter, while mistle thrush were observed as they made a short stop on passage while migrating from higher to lower ground.

Red squirrel were observed throughout the range, being seen especially often on Dealul Melcilor. Roe deer were principally seen on Tâmpa.

A young roe deer, photographed on Tâmpa in January.

A young roe deer, photographed on Tâmpa in January.