) to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!
Upload images
Allowed image types are jpeg,png,gif
Max file size is 20MB
Description
You probably wouldn't go out of your way to visit but if you're in Strasbourg anyway, you may find Étang du Karpfenloch a pleasant place to spend a few moments birdwatching, especially in winter when the ducks and other waterbirds have arrived. The big plus aside from its proximity to a big city is the glorious afternoon light on a sunny winter's day.
There will be quite a few walkers passing by. They'll mainly be interested in the Αργυροτσικνιάς as well as the (Ευρωπαϊκός) Κορμοράνος and Σταχτοτσικνιάς, which are there all year round along with a surprising number of (Ευρωπαϊκή) Αλκυόνη.
From mid-to-late autumn until the spring, you can find large numbers of Καπακλής, accompanied at different times by groups of Γκισάρι and/or Μαυροκέφαλη Πάπια and, to a lesser extent, (Ευρωπαϊκό) Σφυριχτάρι. Towards the back of the pond there should also be several (Κοκκινόλαιμο) Νανοβουτηχτάρι and perhaps some Σκουφοβουτηχτάρι.
If you stick around for an hour or more, you have a good chance of seeing the raptors that pass semi-regularly but usually briefly. Πετρίτης, Βραχοκιρκίνεζο, (Κοινή) Γερακίνα and (Κοινό) Ξεφτέρι are all realistic possibilities, and a Διπλοσάϊνο has been known to frequent the far side of the pond.
Corvids - mainly (Σταχτιά) Κουρούνα, Χαβαρόνι and (Κοινός) Κόρακας - congregate nearby in winter and will pass over the pond at various points during the day without necessarily hanging around. There are several Πευκοδρυοκολάπτης in the vicinity. Μαύρος Δρυοκολάπτης can also be found, though not as easily as in the past.
Passerines that you have a good chance of encountering include Καλόγερος, Γαλαζοπαπαδίτσα, Καστανοπαπαδίτσα, Δεντροτσοπανάκος and (Κοινό) Λούγαρο. In winter, you'll probably hear Γερακότσιχλα and Κεδρότσιχλα too.
Details
Access
Étang du Karpfenloch is about 6 km northeast of the city center of Strasbourg. The pond is right next to a car park that shouldn't ever be full (there's more space on the road if necessary). Press P on the map for directions. You can also cycle here quite easily, but there's no public transport. If you're already in Robertsau then it's not too far to walk here from Parc de Pourtales.