Hirschbornteiche

I have spent time around the Hirschbornteiche since 2014. Over the years, I have witnessed the restoration of the ponds and, more recently, the arrival of a beaver family that has begun to reshape the landscape.

About three years ago, this observation became more regular. While my youngest child was not yet placed in kindergarten, we began walking the area several times a week. The paths were gentle and accessible—an easy place for a young child, and a place that invited slowing down.

During this time, I began to notice clear changes in wildlife. Species such as cormorants, cranes, and kingfishers appeared more frequently. What started as simple curiosity led me to bring a camera along, at first just for enjoyment, without any defined goal.

In recent months, the changes have become more pronounced. Beavers began blocking waterways near the Waldweiher close to Bad Soden-Salmünster, working both upstream and downstream. As water levels shifted, I observed an increase in insects, followed by a rise in songbirds—especially robins—responding to the altered habitat.

Now, working as a photographer, this project has become a way to record these changes over time—returning to the same places, observing gradual transformation, and documenting how the landscape responds when natural processes are allowed to unfold.

The goal of this ongoing observation at the Hirschbornteiche is to document long-term environmental change through steady presence and repeated observation.

Rather than focusing on isolated events, this project follows gradual transformation over time — how water, wildlife, and landscape respond when natural processes are allowed to develop.

By returning to the same locations across seasons and years, the aim is to build a visual and contextual record of change shaped by natural forces, particularly the influence of beaver activity on waterways and habitat structure.

This project is guided by a strong respect for wildlife and the surrounding environment.

All photography and observation are carried out with minimal impact. Animals are not baited, approached, or influenced, and existing paths are used whenever possible. Special care is taken during sensitive periods such as breeding seasons and winter months.

The focus is not on capturing dramatic images at any cost, but on documenting presence, behavior, and change without disturbance. If a situation risks affecting wildlife, the observation ends and no image is taken.

The well-being of wildlife always takes priority over photography.

Observation is carried out using a combination of photography, trail cameras, and repeated site visits over time.

Trail cameras are used selectively and responsibly to observe movement patterns and activity without human presence. Photographic documentation focuses on environmental context, behavior, and visible changes in water flow, vegetation, and wildlife presence rather than close or intrusive imagery.

In addition to direct observation, this project is informed by existing knowledge of the area. Valuable context has been gained through the work of Irina Ries, author of Die Hirschbornteiche, as well as through conversations with members of the Vogel- und Naturschutzverein Bad Soden-Salmünster 1973 e.V..

While personal accounts and historical observations shared by others are not recorded as formal data, they have been highly beneficial in understanding past wildlife presence, long-term changes, and the character of the area. This shared knowledge helps provide context for what is observed today.

This is an open-ended project. There is no fixed conclusion, as the landscape itself continues to evolve.

Observations, images, and notes will be added over time as seasonal shifts and long-term changes unfold. The intention is to allow the project to grow naturally, shaped by patience, consistency, and continued presence.

Requests for additional information, image usage, or observational data related to this project are welcome.

Please note that not all material is publicly available, particularly where wildlife sensitivity or location protection is a concern. Any shared information is considered on a case-by-case basis.

For inquiries, please contact me directly by email.