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SPA Westliches Weinviertel

Lower Austria  >  Austria

The plain of the Schmida valley around Wartberg and Sitzendorf is one of most important places for birds of the open, agricultural steppe in Austria.

Hinzugefügt* von Johannes Hohenegger
Zuletzt aktualisiert 10 Dezember 2022

Beschreibung

The plains of Westliches Weinviertel are famous for Großtrappe. The area is inhabited by several species of high conservation concern, like Großtrappe, Würgfalke, Kaiseradler or Wiesenweihe, which are dependent on the rather undisturbed, open agricultural landscape. Furthermore, it is an important wintering area for Raufußbussard, Kornweihe, Sumpfohreule and Raubwürger. On migration, big flocks of Kiebitz and Goldregenpfeifer can be seen, but several rarities have also been found here already. For example Mornellregenpfeifer, Adlerbussard, Schreiadler, Steppenweihe, Schneeammer, Fichtenammer.

By far the best observation place is the church hill of Wartberg, which is like a well-structured island in the middle of the agricultural steppe and where you have an excellent view of nearly the whole area. Birds on the plains are quite far away, but you can easily locate them with a spotting scope - because of the elevated point of view - and approach them safely on a public road afterwards. So you can also avoid getting too near to the birds and disturbing them (which happens extremly easily in the flat landscape). Furthermore, the spot is also very rewarding to scan for birds of prey and migrants flying over, but also migrant songbirds roosting in the bushy vegetation and dry grasslands around the church. During the breeding season, you'll maybe see Wiedehopf here and in the evening or early morning you might hear or see the local Steinkauz. It is also one of the most reliable spots to see Rebhuhn in the region.

Another nice spot (especially in morning light) to get a good overview is the observation tower in the east near Roseldorf. You can see Steinkauz and Blutspecht there, but you will also need a scope to observe Großtrappe and eagles from there.

Important notice: As it is a huge area and acess to the open plain is restricted due to conservation concerns, you will definitely need a spotting scope to get in touch with the birds. Please bear in mind that approaching the protected species is a punishable offence according to the Lower Austrian hunting law and that the local gamekeepers will not hesitate to intervene if animals are disturbed by observers. Hold on to the information in the map in order explore the area responsibly. Entering the dirt tracks within the breeding season (March to August) is forbidden. Nevertheless, you should not approach Großtrappe year-round, as they are very susceptible to disturbance. You'll get the highest chances to watch them from a reasonable distance, if you stay on the bigger roads, which are quite busy and not seen as a threat by the Großtrappe. Avoid stopping and never leave the car, if you think you are too near to the Großtrappe! The local population is declining at the moment and should not face any unnecessary disturbance.

Details

Zugang

There is a network of public streets in the area, which should be used for observation. You can stop at the dirt tracks entries but do not use them to enter the agricultural landscape, as this will disturb the wildlife and you will flush the birds. Also do not obstruct access to the dirt tracks if you leave your car there for longer. There are a few spots (see map) which are most suitable to park and observe from there.

Terrain und Habitat

Grasland, Wiesen , Plateau , Landwirtschaft , Vereinzelte Bäume und Büsche

Bedingungen

Flach , Staubig , Offene Landschaft

Rundweg

Ja

Ist ein Spektiv nützlich?

Ja

Gute Beobachtungszeit

Ganzjährig

Beste Beobachtungszeit

Frühjahrszug , Herbstzug , Winter

Route

asphaltierte Straße

Schwierigkeitsgrad der Tour

Einfach

Erreichbarkeit

Auto , zu Fuß

Beobachtungshütten oder -türme

Ja

Zusätzliche Informationen

Latest sightings can be seen on Ornitho.at, which is also recommended for submitting your personal sightings. See clickable link below.

Links

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