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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 Küszvágó csér and Dankasirály, 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 Bíbic, which now breeds here again, and the Nagy póling, 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: Bütykös ásólúd, Örvös bukó, Cigányréce, Füles vöcsök, Füstös réce, Sarki búvár, Északi búvár, and the rare Jeges búvár may be spotted on the lake. Amongst the Sárgalábú sirály one might discern a Viharsirály, heringsirály, and the rare Ezüstsirály (even a Dolmányos sirály returns regularly to the lake). In the reeds close to the water, Sárszalonka might be seen next to Nagy póling and Nyári lúd. A Kékes rétihéja sometimes flies over the fields in search for food, and a Nagy őrgébics perches on the bushes.
In the breeding season, Pehelyréce, Küszvágó csér, Böjti réce, Szerecsensirály, and Kis sirály (although non-breeding) can be observed on the lake. A cigánycsuk or a Tövisszúró gébics might sit in the bushes, and Nádirigó breeds in the reeds. The main attractions are, of course, Nagy póling and Bíbic with its spectacular courtship flights.
Apart from those two species and the Sárszalonka, waders are relatively rare, but Erdei cankó, Havasi partfutó, Pajzsoscankó, Szürke cankó, and Piroslábú cankó are possible to see during migration, and billegetőcankó 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, laposcsőrű víztaposó, Ugartyúk, Nagy goda, and fehérszárnyú szerkő are most notable; Kis kárókatona 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