Description
The large open water surface of the reservoir and the little amount of disturbance during wintertime attracts thousands of wintering waterbirds, making the area one of the best places in North Rhine-Westphalia to look for ducks etc. Rødstrubet Lom, Sortstrubet Lom, Nordisk Lappedykker, Gråstrubet Lappedykker, Toppet Skallesluger, Lille Skallesluger, Bjergand, Fløjlsand and Sortand are recorded regularly (but not annually), besides high numbers of the more common species like Taffeland, Troldand, Hvinand, Stor Skallesluger, Toppet Lappedykker and Lille Lappedykker. The rivers that feed and exit the lake are holding several breeding pairs of Vandstær, Isfugl and Bjergvipstjert. The surrounding forests are also interesting, where some territories of Gråspætte can be found. With low water levels in late summer and autumn, the resulting mudflats become attractive for migrating waders, like Almindelig Ryle, Mudderklire, Hvidklire, Lille Præstekrave and Stor Præstekrave.
Details
Access
There are several (mostly paid) parking possibilities around the lake. Considering the size of the lake it's best to take the road around the lake by car and stop at interesting lookout places, e.g. the dam in the northwest corner or the bridges. The southern part of the lake is not accessible by car, it's possible to park the car and explore the shore by foot or bike.


