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Description
The artificial lake of Lago Ritóm itself is of little ornithological interest, but spectacular alpine species can be observed on the slopes along the wheelchair accessible circular trail. The good accessibility makes it possible to visit the area in half a day. However, it is not only ornithologically worthwhile to spend the night there and experience the sunset and sunrise behind the mountaintops. The huts of the Swiss Alpine Club Refugio Lago Ritóm and especially Capanna di Cadagna offer a good opportunity, and the holiday flats on Lago Cadagno are even more comfortable. The latter provide an ideal starting point for a circular walk around the lake in the early morning, when there are still few cars in the area. The surrounding slopes can then be searched for grouse.
The renaturalised marshland of Cadagno di Fuori offers the opportunity to observe Καστανολαίμης. The adjacent hedgerows by the car park are home to Lesser Whitethroat. The rocks along the lake are breeding grounds for the Τοιχοδρόμος. On the Alpe Ritom north of the lake, Πυροκότσυφας can be observed from the track. Other notable breeding birds include the Χιονοψάλτης, (Κοινός) Χιονόστρουθος, Lesser Redpoll, (Κοινός) Φοινίκουρος, Ακτίτης, Βουνοτσίχλονο, Citril Finch and (Ευρωπαϊκός) Κούκος as well as Rock Ptarmigan, Λυροπετεινός and Πετροπέρδικα. If you're lucky, you might hear the (Κοινός) Μπούφος at night. The chances are best at the southern end of the lake near Piora. A look upwards can be worthwhile at any time: Χρυσαετός and, in summer, (Ευρωπαϊκός) Σφηκιάρης can often be observed.
Details
Access
Lago Ritóm can be reached by car from Piotta, which is a bit of a shame as the many cars (families and anglers) can ruin the nature experience from 11am to 4pm on nice weekends. If there is no other option, you can park at Cadagno di Fuori. Press P on the map for directions. A more environmentally friendly, comfortable and spectacular option is to take the very steep funicular railway from Piotta Centrale to Piora. The short and beautiful path from Piora to the lake also offers the opportunity to observe species of the alpine coniferous forest.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Mountain , Wetland , LakeConditions
FlatCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
SummerBest time to visit
SummerRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Camping is not allowed. The track north of the lake is wheelchair accessible. The circular walking route indicated on the map is about 10 km.