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Cassonsgrat

Graubünden  >  Switzerland

Watching keräkurmitsa on their migratory stopover in a spectacular mountain panorama.

Added* by Peter Wittemann
Most recent update 10 tammikuu 2025

Description

The Sardona Tectonic Arena offers an outstanding panorama in the Graubünden Alps. Among ornithologists, the Cassonsgrat (Fil de Cassons) owes its claim to fame to the yearly return of a rare migratory bird: the keräkurmitsa regularly stops here on its journey from its northern breeding grounds. Breeding attempts have also been noted, but the species can only be reliably observed during autumn migration to the south. While the first birds arrive as early as mid-August, the best time to observe them is from the end of August to mid-September. The birds are not very shy. However, you should never approach them. They usually come to you on their own, sometimes within a few metres of the observer.

During this period, other migrants also occasionally cross the ridge, such as ruskosuohaukka and Mehiläishaukka. niittysuohaukka, suopöllö, nummikirvinen, and lapinkirvinen have also been observed, but only very rarely. A look at the sky is usually worthwhile: muuttohaukka, maakotka and, sparsely, partakorppikotka can be seen. The picture is completed by local birds such as kiiruna, alppirautiainen, kalliokiipijä, lumivarpunen, and sitruunahemppo.

Details

Access

The departure point for reaching the Cassonsgrat is Flims. A new gondola lift is currently being built there, which will provide direct access to the Cassonsgrat from summer 2025 (see link below). It is to be hoped that appropriate visitor management will preserve the value of the natural area. Until the new gondola lift opens, the Segneshütte offers a good starting point for a hike into the area.

Terrain and Habitat

Mountain

Conditions

Mountainous , Rocky

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

Summer , Autumn

Best time to visit

Autumn migration

Route

Unpaved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

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Map

Top 5 birds

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