Although I am interested in a wide range of biological issues, I am mostly inspired by ornithology.  Since 1976 I have been collecting biometric and ecological data from stonechats (Saxicola torquata) in North Rhine-Westphalia.  I have colour-marked populations in the Dueffel area in the lower Rhine valley and in the Heubach lowland near Duelmen.

Dietary analysis is my second main field of work.  I examine faeces and stomach contents.  The droppings of small mammals, rabbits and hares and particularly those of birds can provide a lot of information about the quality and quantity of animals’ nutrtition.

In my opinion, it is important to combine field studies with studying captive animals kept in controlled conditions.  Besides the enjoyment of keeping them, these two different approaches to animal work between them give insights that neither one could provide alone.

My interest in plants grew from my first profession: training as a gardener at a tree nursery was an easy way to learn about plants.  This was expanded by further education, numerous field trips and my ordinary work as a teacher.  Added to my activities collecting, pressing and microscopically examining plants, this background facilitates for me the identification of plant remains in dietary analysis.