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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, Crvenokljuna Čigra settle on artificial water rafts, flown over from time to time by Crna lunja. 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 Ćubasti Gnjurac, Močvarna Strnadica, Trstenjak cvrkutić as well as Kokošica which can sometimes be observed closely. The 6 species of woodpeckers nest in the forest. The Ried shelters Crnoglavi Batić, Rusi Svračak and several raptors such as Škanjac osaš, Sokol Lastavičar, Vjetruša; several orchids bloom there in May, just like on the slopes of the dike.
Migratory species such as terns, Bukoč, Crnogrli Gnjurac or Patka Pupčanical are regular in spring and autumn. We should also note the migratory stopover that some Pčelarica make there regularly in early August.
Winter is the most interesting period in terms of diversity and numbers. These species are found: Ćubasti Gnjurac, ducks (Patka Kreketaljka, Patka Žličarka, Patka Lastarka, Kržulja, Divlja Patka, Patka Batoglavica, Krunata Patka, Glavata Patka, Patka Gogoljica, Veliki ronac, occasionally divers. This site is one of the best to see Štekavac in Alsace, although it is not a certain observation. Another rare but regular winter visitor is Riđogrli Gnjurac. Siva Guska comes to rest by hundreds in early winter. A dormitory of Veliki Vranac allows you to watch impressive aerial ballets at the end of the day. Eja Strnjarica hunts in neighboring meadows, where you can also sometimes observe Veliki svračak.
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.