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Description
The Tomateninseln are a stretch of beach and gravel banks that vary in size (or disappear completely) depending on the water level of the River Rhine: When the water levels are normal to low, there are wide expanses of gravel banks along part of the shore that provide a great habitat or stopover for feeding or migrating birds. During periods of high water, the islands are completely covered and the access to the site is cut-off due to flooding along the final stretch off the access road.
These dynamic changes and the fantastic panoramic viewpoint make this a great place to observe birds (especially in relation to seasonal conditions and habitat changes)!
Birds that can be seen well here all year round are Canada Goose, (Βουβός) Κύκνος, (Ευρωπαϊκός) Κορμοράνος, Σταχτοτσικνιάς, Καστανοκέφαλος Γλάρος and Λευκοσουσουράδα. With a bit of luck, Ακτίτης, (Ευρωπαϊκή) Αλκυόνη and Αργυροτσικνιάς can also be seen.
In spring and summer, Ποταμογλάρονο and Ποταμοσφυριχτής are usually present. During the summer months, large flocks of σταβλοχελίδονο, Λευκοχελίδονο and Οχθοχελίδονο gather to glide and feed above the river. With a bit of luck (at least for us birdwatchers), this feeding frenzy can also attract a Δεντρογέρακο.
In winter and early spring small groups of Χηνοπρίστης and (Ευρωπαϊκή) Βουκεφάλα can be observed swimming and diving in the river, while (Ευρωπαϊκή) Νεροκελάδα often feed among the stones and pebbles.
The site has a good record of attracting a good range of passing ducks, gulls and terns, some quite rare. These include Χιονόπαπια, Νανόγλαρος, Θυελλόγλαρος, Ισλανδόγλαρος, Καρατζάς, Μαυρογλάρονο and Μουστακογλάρονο.
Favourable water levels also attract passing Waders in spring or autumn. Over the years a great variety of Waders have been observed here: Αμμοσφυριχτής, Σιγλίγουρος, Μαχητής, Λασποσκαλίδρα, (Κοινή) Νανοσκαλίδρα, Δασότρυγγας, Λασπότρυγγας, Πρασινοσκέλης, Κοκκινοσκέλης and Μαυρότρυγγας.
The surrounding alluvial woodland plays host to a good range of songbirds (Woodpeckers, Thrushes, Tits, Finches etc. and Warblers in summer).
Details
Access
The area is easily accessible by car or bike, however it can be cut off during seasonal high water periods!
There are a number of parking spaces that offer great views without having to actually leave the car park! This makes it a great site for elderly birders, families or anyone with mobility issues.