Radolfzell bird observatory

Radolfzell Bird Observatory is a research institution at the western end of Lake Constance in Radolfzell, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, dedicated to the study of bird migration and behaviour.

About Radolfzell Bird Observatory

The observatory is a member of, and attached to, the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology (originally the Max Planck Institute for Behavioral Physiology), and it coordinates bird ringing across South Germany, Austria, and Berlin. It is housed in the Wasserschloss Möggingen, a converted water castle that gives the institution a distinctive historic home.

History

Radolfzell Bird Observatory was established in 1959, when it became attached to the Max Planck Institute for Behavioral Physiology. It carries forward the legacy of the Rossitten Bird Observatory, founded in 1901 in East Prussia and relocated after the Second World War, making Radolfzell part of a research tradition stretching back more than a century.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits at the western end of Lake Constance in Radolfzell am Bodensee, Baden-Württemberg, within the Europe region. Use the map and directions on this page to plan your route.

Visiting Radolfzell Bird Observatory

As a research institution focused on ornithology, specific public visiting arrangements are not confirmed here; check the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology's website for current details before planning a visit.

See your named star from here

Radolfzell's researchers track birds across continents using precise coordinates, and the same principle of pinpointing an exact position applies to a named star's right ascension and declination. Name a star, or browse the star catalogue to see stars already named by others.