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Description
An impressive 260+ species have been recorded in Frauenwinkel, the most important nature reserve of Lake Zurich. The reserve consists of two reeds (beautifully named „Üsser Sack“, 1, and „Inner Sack“, 2), a large zone of shallow water (3) and two islands, Ufenau (4) and Lützelau (5), which are open to the public. The nearby Kiesinsel ("gravel island"; 6) outside of the reserve, which is home to a colony of Fjordterne and Hættemåge, is also worth mentioning.
The protected meadow areas are located on a gently sloping hillside. In the upper areas, they consist of litter meadows that merge into reeds towards the lake. Thanks to the work of the Frauenwinkel Foundation, the meadows are now extensively farmed again. The main target species are the Vibe, which now breeds here again, and the Storspove, which last bred in Switzerland at this location in 2006. The great pressure from recreational users and the limited size of the site (350 hectares) prevent this species from breeding. To minimise disturbances, the area is largely closed to visitors. Walls made of wide wooden planks along the path prevent the birds from noticing humans, but also prevent good observation opportunities for birdwatchers along most of the way.
In winter, the bay is the most interesting area: Gravand, Toppet Skallesluger, Hvidøjet And, Nordisk Lappedykker, Fløjlsand, Sortstrubet Lom, Rødstrubet Lom, and the rare Islom may be spotted on the lake. Amongst the Middelhavs-sølvmåge one might discern a Stormmåge, Sildemåge, and the rare Sølvmåge (even a Svartbag returns regularly to the lake). In the reeds close to the water, Dobbeltbekkasin might be seen next to Storspove and Grågås. A Blå Kærhøg sometimes flies over the fields in search for food, and a Stor Tornskade perches on the bushes.
In the breeding season, Ederfugl, Fjordterne, Atlingand, Sorthovedet Måge, and Dværgmåge (although non-breeding) can be observed on the lake. A Vestlig Sortstrubet Bynkefugl or a Rødrygget Tornskade might sit in the bushes, and Drosselrørsanger breeds in the reeds. The main attractions are, of course, Storspove and Vibe with its spectacular courtship flights.
Apart from those two species and the Dobbeltbekkasin, waders are relatively rare, but Svaleklire, Almindelig Ryle, Brushane, Hvidklire, and Rødben are possible to see during migration, and Mudderklire practically year-round. Yet, other places in the area are better suited for migration watch (see, for example, the entry "Stampf Rapperswil-Jona").
Amongst the rarities found here, Thorshane, Triel, Stor Kobbersneppe, and Hvidvinget Terne are most notable; Dværgskarv spent several months here in 2000, 2002 und 2012.
Details
Access
Frauenwinkel is best reached by public transport: the train station Pfäffikon (coming from Zurich) is right next to the start of the path, the train station Hurden (coming from Rapperswil) is near the other end. If arriving by car, you can either park at Pfäffikon train station or Seedamm Hotel, but the parking lots might be busy.
The area can be explored on foot, wheelchair or by bike. The path leads alongside the road and railroad track. Most of the time, the wooden planks obstruct the view, though. Ufenau island can be reached by cruise ship from April onwards or by boat taxi (see the link), Lützelau can be reached by shuttle from June through September (booking in advance necessary, see the link).
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Reedbeds , Agriculture , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , LakeConditions
FlatCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , WinterRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
NoLinks
- Ample information on the area by Frauenwinkel Foundation (German)
- Wikipedia-entry on the area
- How to get to Ufnau island
- How to get to Lützelau island