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Description
The starting point is the western end of Schrändlgasse. From here, the route leads about 200 m to the south. At a stable, turn right onto a very long, straight path. The former border watchtower can already be seen in the distance as an orientation point. Look out for Toplærke at the beginning of this path. The route continues through an expansive meadow area, where Storspove, Vibe, Tårnfalk, and Sanglærke have their breeding territories. Råge and Stær often forage in these meadows in large flocks.
After almost a kilometre, the ground starts to become wetter and wetter, and the area known as the Wasserstätten begins on the eastern side of the path. A wide variety of ducks and herons frequent the northern part of the area at high water levels, and Rørspurv, Sivsanger, and Drosselrørsanger should also easily be heard here.
The southern part of the Wasserstätten, which is also the western end of the Graurinderkoppel, is much more open and expansive, and is a great place for waders such as Klyde, Stylteløber, Stor Kobbersneppe, Brushane and Sortklire. Krikand and Skeand are mostly abundant here, as are sandpipers at low water levels, while Skestork often forage here in quite large groups. Due to the large observation distances, it definitely pays to carry a spotting scope on this route. If possible, be on site a little before sunrise, otherwise heat shimmer and backlight can quickly make observing conditions difficult.
The route until the observation tower in the Sandeck is a beautiful mosaic of partially disused vineyards, meadows, single trees, and bushes. Turteldue, Gøg, Sydlig Nattergal, Høgesanger, Stillits and Skovspurv are just some of the species of these habitats. The little patch of forest in the Sandeck also provides habitat for Pirol and Hærfugl as well as a mixed colony of Råge and Allike. Disused Husskade nests are regularly used by Skovhornugle, while the white donkeys’ stable is often shared with Slørugle – which is indicated by the black, glistening pellets on the ground. The wide expanse of the lakeshore zone is inhabited by many different waterbirds and is occasionally used as hunting grounds by Havørn and Vandrefalk. From the tower, the reed belt of the nature reserve zone can be scanned for flying herons, Dværgskarv, and Rørhøg. Hvidøjet And and other swimming waterbirds are often spotted in the channels between the reeds.
The path northwards along the lake dune is sandy at first (bicycles are best pushed!), but quickly transitions into a normal, slightly raised dirt road that leads through vineyards and a bush-strewn landscape. Chances of seeing Høgesanger, which is fairly common here, are highest in mid-May. Tårnfalk, Agerhøne, Hærfugl, Tornsanger, and Rødrygget Tornskade are further species breeding along the lake dune.
The rest of the way to Seestraße, the route offers a good view of the lakeshore zone of Lake Neusiedl on the one side and the wet meadows around the Herrnsee on the other. Next, follow Seestraße towards Illmitz. At the signpost to the Biological Station Illmitz, turn the opposite direction – to the right – onto a dirt road that leads back to the starting point. The area between Kirchsee and Krautingsee can be a great place to observe meadow-breeding waders, particularly in wet springs.
Details
Access
The Sandeck is the southern-most end of the sandy lake dune stretching 25 km from Weiden am See to this point. The two access routes lead through the conservation zone of the National Park and are quite diverse, both ornithologically and regarding their landscape. Arid grassland, fallows, and small stands of bushes and trees alternate with vineyards (many of which have been disused in recent years), and wet meadows transition into expansive inundation zones and finally into the giant reed belt.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Steppe , Dunes , Reedbeds , Agriculture , Grassland , Scattered trees and bushes , PlainConditions
Flat , Sandy , Dry , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Summer , SpringRoute
Unpaved road , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
The two 16 m-high observation towers in the southern lake- shore area (Graurinderkoppel and Sandeck) were originally Hungarian border watchtowers which were transferred to their current sites after the fall of the Iron Curtain. The upper levels can only be accessed as part of National Park excursions.