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Description
An impressive 260+ species have been recorded in Frauenwinkel, the most important nature reserve of Lake Zurich. The reserve consists of two reeds (beautifully named „Üsser Sack“, 1, and „Inner Sack“, 2), a large zone of shallow water (3) and two islands, Ufenau (4) and Lützelau (5), which are open to the public. The nearby Kiesinsel ("gravel island"; 6) outside of the reserve, which is home to a colony of Common Tern and Black-headed Gull, is also worth mentioning.
The protected meadow areas are located on a gently sloping hillside. In the upper areas, they consist of litter meadows that merge into reeds towards the lake. Thanks to the work of the Frauenwinkel Foundation, the meadows are now extensively farmed again. The main target species are the Northern Lapwing, which now breeds here again, and the Eurasian Curlew, which last bred in Switzerland at this location in 2006. The great pressure from recreational users and the limited size of the site (350 hectares) prevent this species from breeding. To minimise disturbances, the area is largely closed to visitors. Walls made of wide wooden planks along the path prevent the birds from noticing humans, but also prevent good observation opportunities for birdwatchers along most of the way.
In winter, the bay is the most interesting area: Common Shelduck, Red-breasted Merganser, Ferruginous Duck, Slavonian Grebe, Velvet Scoter, Black-throated Diver, Red-throated Diver, and the rare Great Northern Diver may be spotted on the lake. Amongst the Yellow-legged Gull one might discern a Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, and the rare European Herring Gull (even a Great Black-backed Gull returns regularly to the lake). In the reeds close to the water, Common Snipe might be seen next to Eurasian Curlew and Greylag Goose. A Hen Harrier sometimes flies over the fields in search for food, and a Great Grey Shrike perches on the bushes.
In the breeding season, Common Eider, Common Tern, Garganey, Mediterranean Gull, and Little Gull (although non-breeding) can be observed on the lake. A European Stonechat or a Red-backed Shrike might sit in the bushes, and Great Reed Warbler breeds in the reeds. The main attractions are, of course, Eurasian Curlew and Northern Lapwing with its spectacular courtship flights.
Apart from those two species and the Common Snipe, waders are relatively rare, but Green Sandpiper, Dunlin, Ruff, Common Greenshank, and Common Redshank are possible to see during migration, and Common Sandpiper practically year-round. Yet, other places in the area are better suited for migration watch (see, for example, the entry "Stampf Rapperswil-Jona").
Amongst the rarities found here, Red Phalarope, Stone-curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, and White-winged Tern are most notable; Pygmy Cormorant spent several months here in 2000, 2002 und 2012.
Details
Access
Frauenwinkel is best reached by public transport: the train station Pfäffikon (coming from Zurich) is right next to the start of the path, the train station Hurden (coming from Rapperswil) is near the other end. If arriving by car, you can either park at Pfäffikon train station or Seedamm Hotel, but the parking lots might be busy.
The area can be explored on foot, wheelchair or by bike. The path leads alongside the road and railroad track. Most of the time, the wooden planks obstruct the view, though. Ufenau island can be reached by cruise ship from April onwards or by boat taxi (see the link), Lützelau can be reached by shuttle from June through September (booking in advance necessary, see the link).
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Reedbeds , Agriculture , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , LakeConditions
FlatCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , WinterRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
NoLinks
- Ample information on the area by Frauenwinkel Foundation (German)
- Wikipedia-entry on the area
- How to get to Ufnau island
- How to get to Lützelau island