Birds of Mārupe: A Day Among Sunflowers and Wings

Birdwatching is usually a slow and meditative process — something you want to devote as much time to as possible.

But since we can’t always spend hours in nature or travel to faraway spots where rarities might appear, I often prefer to look for birds close to where I live.

Yesterday (October 2, 2025), I had three hours for birdwatching. I could either drive an hour to a promising location and watch for just one hour, or stay local and explore around Mārupe Parish.

I chose the second — and it turned out to be the right choice.

Sunflower Fields Alive with Finches

It’s autumn, migration is in full swing, and Mārupe is full of sunflower and hemp fields — perfect feeding grounds for migrating birds.

Driving slowly through the countryside, I discovered a few fields where birds had gathered. In one sunflower field, the blooms towered above me, and finches were darting actively among the stalks.

I stood patiently at the edge of the field, hoping one would land close enough for a portrait. I didn’t get the perfect shot, but through the sea of green I caught the bright eyes of a Brambling.

And then came a real surprise — a Goshawk swept silently right over my head from behind and landed on the road about 30 meters away.
For a moment, it let me admire it, take a few quick photos, and then it was gone — wild freedom embodied.

In the Fields of Hemp and Light

Next, I visited a harvested hemp field by the highway. The day before, I had seen small flocks there and several Common Buzzards hunting above the open fields.

One Buzzard graciously perched on top of a withered tree — a perfect pose.
From my car (the best kind of hide!), I managed to photograph it before it took off again.

At another field, I found a large flock of Tree Sparrows, and among them — more finches. With my binoculars, that essential part of every birder’s kit, I spotted another Brambling.

To get a photo, I had to sneak closer, feeling for a moment like a cat stalking a mouse — only in my kind of hunting, no one gets hurt.
Except maybe my patience. But that, too, is healed by being in nature.

And yes, this Brambling also ended up captured — in my frame, not in a net.

A Day’s Companions

In total, during this short Mārupe adventure I saw:

• Chaffinches,
• Bramblings,
• Greenfinches,
• Blue Tit,
• Tree Sparrows,
• Goldfinches,
• a Common Buzzard,
• a Goshawk,
• and a Song Thrush.

Each bird a moment of beauty, a reminder that even close to home, the world is alive with wings and wonder.

Find Inspiration — and Wear It

If you don’t have the time to go deep into nature, follow me — I’ll take you, through stories and photos, to quiet corners where you can find peace, inspiration, and the joy of birds.

And if you want to carry that feeling with you every day —
Explore our clothing collection with original bird photography.
From T-shirts and hoodies to dresses and leggings, each piece lets you wear your love for birds and share the beauty of nature wherever you go.