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A former US army airfield that is now a unique urban nature reserve of dry heath and sand grassland.
The history of the Alter Flugplatz and its unique habitat make it an interesting place to go birding. The look and feel of the place is quite unusual: a long, open expanse of dry heath and sand grassland with an urban backdrop. The most obvious birds here are members of the Corvid family: the otherwise dominant Carrion Crow is trumped here by good numbers of Rook, Jackdaw and Magpie. There is usually a hovering Eurasian Kestrel or soaring Common Buzzard to be found, too.
In spring and early summer the scattered bushes and trees of the site are a good place to hear and see Common Redstart, Greater Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Willow Warbler. With a bit of luck, Red-backed Shrike can also be seen. During spring migration, the site is well worth a visit. it is possible to see groups of Western Yellow Wagtail (especially in the northern part), as well as the odd Whinchat, European Stonechat, Ring Ouzel or Northern Wheatear. With luck and patience, Tawny Pipit can also be seen here. They are rare but regular stopover visitors at this site.
The Alter Flugplatz is best accessed on foot or by bike. There are tram stops and car parks that are a short walk away. There is a good network of paths throughout the site (Please stick to the paths to avoid disturbance).
The northern part of the area is completely fenced off and therefore offers birds the minimum level of disturbance. A small herd of donkeys graze here. This part of the site is the best place to search for Western Yellow Wagtail, Northern Wheatear, Whinchat and Tawny Pipit.
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