Description
The starting point is the parking area at the “Illmitzer Seewäldchen”. Following the sandy trail to the north, the voices of Vuga, Pupavac , Vijoglav, Žuti Voljić, and Muharica can be heard at the forest edge in spring. Pupavac, Juričica, and Češljugar are regulars. A quick look with a spotting scope towards the opening under the gable of the prominent stable reveals whether (and how many) Kukuvija are present.
At the birdwatching hide "Südliche Seekoppel", with the view in the reedbelt of Lake Neusiedl various waterbirds can be observed. Breeding species like: Žličarka, Mali Vranac, Veliki Vranac, Siva Guska, Eja Močvarica, Ćubasti Gnjurac, Mala Bijela Čaplja, Velika Bijela Čaplja, Siva Štijoka or migrants like Zviždara, Kulik Blatarić, Crnokrila Prutka, Prutka Migavica, can be regularly seen.
On the way to the Seebad (the lakefront resort) in spring, birdwatchers familiar with the voices of reed passerines will be able to hear all of the species breeding here: Trstenjak cvrkutić , Trstenjak Rogožar, Veliki Trstenjak, Crnoprugasti Trstenjak and Veliki Cvrčić, as well as Brkata Sjenica, Sjenica Mošnjarka and Močvarna Strnadica. Mali Gnjurac, Mlakuša, Glavata Patka, Siva Štijoka and Ćubasti Gnjurac can be seen swimming in the pools of open water within the reed belt, as can – with a little luck – the occasional Patka Njorka.
In "Seebad" itself has become known for two primary reasons. First, periods of bad weather between April and mid-May can force large numbers of migrating passerines to seek refuge in the few available trees, bushes, and meadows. Second, this part of the shore of Lake Neusiedl is the best place in all of Austria to see skuas (mainly Dugorepi pomornik and Širorepi pomornik). A few specimen of this rather rare bird family (at least for inland birdwatching) are discovered here every year between mid-August and mid-October. The harbour inlet for ferries is a good place to get quite close-range photos of some of the more common gulls.
Details
Access
The street "Seestraße" is accessable by car. The hide "Südliche Seekoppel" (former "Warmblutpferdekoppel") is accessable by foot or bicycle.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Wetland , Lake , ReedbedsConditions
FlatCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Summer , Spring migration , Autumn migration , Autumn , SpringRoute
Paved road , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
There is one birdwatching hide existing along the "Seestraße". This hide can be exclusively used by official Nationalpark exkursions and is closed for public use. The "Seebad" is an official public swimming area and therefore a great spot to enjoy the warm water of Lake Neusiedl.
