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Description
Similar to the Inn floodplains at Bever, the floodplains between Samedan and Celerina lie in a wide mountain valley at 1,700 m in the Upper Engadin.
The route first leads through fields and a horse paddock dotted with trees (1). From the viewpoint, there’s a good view of the golf course—larger than the wetlands themselves—and it may be worth scanning briefly with a scope. Next come shallow ponds (2) where the Common Kingfisher often hunts, and where resting ducks and waders are likely to be found. The surrounding bushes offer stopover sites for songbirds. On the way back, ducks, Grey Wagtail, and White-throated Dipper can be observed along the Inn (3). Towards Samedan (4), the river’s varying flow speeds and oxbow channels form a mosaic of habitats with shallow and deep waters, sandbanks, and deadwood. The redesigned riverbanks serve as orientation landmarks for migrating songbirds.
The mix of trees, shrubs, and extensively grazed meadows provides breeding grounds for Lesser Redpoll, Common Redstart, Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Whitethroat, and Whinchat. The aquatic habitats are among the few in Switzerland where the Tufted Duck breeds. White-throated Dipper, Water Rail, and Little Grebe have also nested here.
Of the roughly 180 species recorded, most appear during migration. In spring, when bad weather hits the Alps, the trees and bushes fill with resting songbirds. Autumn also offers some opportunities. Common Nightingale, Ortolan Bunting, and Bluethroat are seen occasionally, while the sighting of a Red-breasted Flycatcher remains exceptional. Western Yellow Wagtail and Meadow Pipit are noted regularly, and even a Red-throated Pipit once appeared. Among the foraging Carrion Crow, a Hooded Crow or hybrid may be spotted.
Regular waders include Common Snipe, Northern Lapwing, and Green Sandpiper, with Wood Sandpiper and Ruff more rarely. The record of a Great Snipe shot in 1973 remains unique.
Other rarities include a Great Black-backed Gull shot in 1920, a Black-eared Wheatear seen (and surviving the observation) in 1985, and more recent sightings of Snow Bunting, Whiskered Tern, and Red-rumped Swallow.
Details
Access
The area is best reached from Celerina train station, but can also be accessed from Samedan train station. It is also located on a popular bike trail.
A tip for train travellers from Celerina: the station has only one platform, and the train to St. Moritz usually arrives first. It then waits for the train to Chur to arrive. Only after the train to St. Moritz has departed can you cross the tracks to board the train to Chur.