Description
The Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe is a viewing point overlooking a large mountainous area with valleys, steep cliffs and a magnificent view over the Großglockner mountain. The area is a very good place for many typical mountain species, birds and mammals alike.
The viewing point consists of a large parking area with several viewing points overhanging the steep cliffs and valleys. The nearby grassy areas lack bushes and trees, so songbirds are hard to find. These areas are covered with Edelweiss flowers and small groups of Alpine Marmots. Also herds of Alpine Ibex can be seen nearby and on the other side of the valley on the steep cliffs (use binocular or telescope). Small flocks of kavče žlutozobé tend to hang around the parking area for scraps. They are very noisy, so easily found. The rocky areas surrounding the parking lot are good for pěvuška podhorní and pěnkavák sněžný. If you're lucky, a skalník zpěvný shows up.
The area gives you also a very good oppurtunity to observe raptors. They tend to be scarce in numbers, all species alike, but the area to observe is large and wide enough to give you a good oppurtunity to find orel skalní, sup bělohlavý and, if you're really lucky, a orlosup bradatý. Other species that can be seen are břehule skalní and rorýs velký.
Details
Access
The area is very easy accessable due to the parking lot. All pathways are paved and fenced and the area can be easily scanned by binoculars or telescope on many places.