Description
Grosser Kirr is an island in the Barther Bodden below the town of Zingst. In September/October thousands of сив жерав gather there in the evenings to spend the night during their migration south.
The island is covered by salt marshes and dissected by creeks. It is an ideal breeding ground for numerous birds, especially waders like обичен свиркач , бојник , црвенонога тринга , црноопашна блатарка , остригар , and калуѓерка, as well as the езерски галеб.
As a consequence of its natural importance, walking on the island or landing boats there without permission is forbidden.
There is, however, a dyke along the Zingst harbor (lookout symbol on the map) from which you have a good view of the Kirr, in front of this also lie reedbeds. At the southeast end of the dyke path there is a covered birdwatching tower, and an observation tower with a public coin-operated telescope. These are marked on the map.
Details
Access
The easiest way to visit Zingst is by car. Parking is available in the centre of the town (Press P on the map for directions). It's about a 30min/2km walk all the way down to the observation towers. The area is also totally accessable by bike.
The nearest train station is in the town of Barth to the south. From there it is about a 45min/12km cycle ride to Zingst. However it is a very scenic route up along the seaside fields between the Bodstedter and Barther Bodden lagoons.


