Radolfzell bird observatory

The Radolfzell bird observatory operates within Wasserschloss Möggingen, a converted water castle that serves as a research facility for studying bird migration and behavior. The site contains laboratory equipment and analysis stations where scientists document and investigate the patterns of migratory bird populations passing through the region.

The facility was founded in 1959 and continues the work of the Rossitten Bird Observatory, which originally began in 1901 in East Prussia. After the Second World War, researchers relocated their operations to Radolfzell, creating a continuous legacy of European bird research.

The facility maintains connections with the European Union for Bird Ringing network while coordinating bird ringing activities across southern Germany, Austria, and Berlin.

The observatory itself is not open to visitors, but a small museum in front of the castle displays videos about bird observation methods and research work. The exhibit provides insight into how researchers conduct their work and explains the basics of migration patterns and field techniques.

The research facility houses a specialized wind tunnel installed in 1999 that allows scientists to examine bird flight aerodynamics in detail. This rare feature in a bird research center enables researchers to measure the physical forces involved in the flight behavior of migrating species.

Location: Radolfzell am Bodensee

Inception: 1959

Part of: Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Max Planck Institute for Behavioral Physiology

Website: http://orn.mpg.de/3216/Standort_Radolfzell

GPS coordinates: 47.76611,8.99639

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:11