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Description
The mouth of an old Rhine rambling arm, the Taubergiessen stream was transformed into a body of water in the early 1960s for hydroelectric developments. This sector, although located on the German shore, belongs to the Alsacian city of Rhinau; it is situated on the right bank of the river following the rectification work. It is bordered to the west by the channeled Rhine, to the east by protected meadows of the Ried for their rich flora and, to the south, by the lush Rhine forest set aside by the German administration. The transition with the Rhenish forest is done gradually by a flooded forest zone, with many dead trees on foot.
The body of water is remarkable for the passage and wintering of water birds. Peripheral dikes allow to observe them in excellent conditions, without disturbing them. A hide located 1 km from the ferry offers a good view of the southern part of the water where they are concentrated. Morning is usually the best moment of the day, lighting is favorable. Several circuits run through the different natural environments which total nearly 1000 ha (ask the reserve guard in the premises of the former German customs). The site is accessible and worthy of interest all year round.
During the breeding season, kalatiira settle on artificial water rafts, flown over from time to time by haarahaukka. The morning concert given in the early hours of the day by warblers, nightingales and many other passerines is a delight.
In the reedbeds, you will be able to hear silkkiuikku, pajusirkku, rytikerttunen as well as Luhtakana which can sometimes be observed closely. The 6 species of woodpeckers nest in the forest. The Ried shelters mustapäätasku, pikkulepinkäinen and several raptors such as Mehiläishaukka, nuolihaukka, tuulihaukka; several orchids bloom there in May, just like on the slopes of the dike.
Migratory species such as terns, sääksi (kalasääski), mustakaulauikku or heinätavil are regular in spring and autumn. We should also note the migratory stopover that some mehiläissyöjä make there regularly in early August.
Winter is the most interesting period in terms of diversity and numbers. These species are found: silkkiuikku, ducks (harmaasorsa, Lapasorsa, jouhisorsa, tavi, sinisorsa, telkkä, tukkasotka, punasotka, punapäänarsku, isokoskelo, occasionally divers. This site is one of the best to see merikotka in Alsace, although it is not a certain observation. Another rare but regular winter visitor is härkälintu. merihanhi comes to rest by hundreds in early winter. A dormitory of merimetso allows you to watch impressive aerial ballets at the end of the day. sinisuohaukka hunts in neighboring meadows, where you can also sometimes observe isolepinkäinen.
Details
Access
From Strasbourg or Sélestat, take the N83 to Benfeld, then take the D5 in the direction of Rhinau (via Herbsheim and Boofzheim). In Rhinau, take the free ferry for Germany -passage every 15 min. Note that during periods of flooding, the ferry is stopped: in this case, access by the Gerstheim or Marckolsheim bridges. Once you have crossed the Rhine, follow the river to the south via the dike.