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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.

Added* by Johannes Hohenegger
Most recent update 10 Δεκεμβρίου 2022

Description

The plains of Westliches Weinviertel are famous for Μεγάλη Ωτίδα. The area is inhabited by several species of high conservation concern, like Μεγάλη Ωτίδα, Στεπογέρακο, (Ανατολικός) Βασιλαετός or Λιβαδόκιρκος, which are dependent on the rather undisturbed, open agricultural landscape. Furthermore, it is an important wintering area for Χιονογερακίνα, Χειμωνόκιρκος, Βαλτόμπουφος and Διπλοκεφαλάς. On migration, big flocks of (Ευρωπαϊκή) Καλημάνα and (Ευρωπαϊκό) Βροχοπούλι can be seen, but several rarities have also been found here already. For example Βουνοσφυριχτής, Αετογερακίνα, Κραυγαετός, Στεπόκιρκος, Χιονοτσίχλονο, Ελατοτσίχλονο.

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 Τσαλαπετεινός here and in the evening or early morning you might hear or see the local (Ευρωπαϊκή) Κουκουβάγια. It is also one of the most reliable spots to see Καμπίσια Πέρδικα 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 (Ευρωπαϊκή) Κουκουβάγια and Βαλκανικός Δρυοκολάπτης there, but you will also need a scope to observe Μεγάλη Ωτίδα 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 Μεγάλη Ωτίδα 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 Μεγάλη Ωτίδα. Avoid stopping and never leave the car, if you think you are too near to the Μεγάλη Ωτίδα! The local population is declining at the moment and should not face any unnecessary disturbance.

Details

Access

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 and Habitat

Grassland , Plateau , Agriculture , Scattered trees and bushes

Conditions

Flat , Dusty , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration , Winter

Route

Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Car , Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

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

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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