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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 kalatiira and naurulokki, 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 töyhtöhyyppä, which now breeds here again, and the kuovi, 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: ristisorsa, tukkakoskelo, ruskosotka, mustakurkku-uikku, pilkkasiipi, kuikka, kaakkuri, and the rare amerikanjääkuikka may be spotted on the lake. Amongst the etelänharmaalokki one might discern a kalalokki, selkälokki, and the rare harmaalokki (even a merilokki returns regularly to the lake). In the reeds close to the water, taivaanvuohi might be seen next to kuovi and merihanhi. A sinisuohaukka sometimes flies over the fields in search for food, and a isolepinkäinen perches on the bushes.
In the breeding season, haahka, kalatiira, heinätavi, mustanmerenlokki, and pikkulokki (although non-breeding) can be observed on the lake. A mustapäätasku or a pikkulepinkäinen might sit in the bushes, and rastaskerttunen breeds in the reeds. The main attractions are, of course, kuovi and töyhtöhyyppä with its spectacular courtship flights.
Apart from those two species and the taivaanvuohi, waders are relatively rare, but metsäviklo, suosirri, suokukko, valkoviklo, and punajalkaviklo are possible to see during migration, and rantasipi 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, isovesipääsky, Paksujalka, mustapyrstökuiri, and valkosiipitiira are most notable; pikkumerimetso 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