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Description
Wacken offers surprisingly good birding for an urban environment. The main reason to come to Wacken, aside from its convenience for anyone visiting the European institutions, or for any Strasbourgeois heading for a swim in the nearby outdoor pool, is the chance to watch the resident Gråhegre fishing on the weir. Gulbeinmåke, Hettemåke and Storskarv also take advantage of the white water and are equally habituated to human presence, making photography rather easy.
The walking route shown on the map is offered as an example for anyone wanting to go for a stroll, but most of the birdlife is fairly compact and there's no real need to head out further than the canoe/kayak club at one end, or the appropriately named Ile aux Oiseaux (Bird Island) at the other.
Moving away from the weir you'll find a series of council-owned allotments and gardens that are full of birds, helped in part by one of the tenants creating a "refuge LPO" - a kind of mini bird reserve. There may not be a huge amount of light under the foliage but Kortklotrekryper abound, as do Gråfluesnapper in the spring and summer. As far as garden birds go, most of the usual suspects can be found at one time or another. Grønnsisik are notable visitors in winter, and it's always worth looking out for Gjerdesmett as well as Fuglekonge and Rødtoppfuglekonge in the riverside undergrowth.
The area towards the pool is a roost for corvids in winter, and receives frequent visits from a Spurvehauk. A little further on you'll often see a Isfugl darting across the water, and can usually find Storskarv in the tree tops, as well as Sivhøne underneath.
Details
Access
The weir in Wacken is opposite Strasbourg Eaux Vives canoe & kayak club, only a few hundred metres from the outdoor swimming pool, European Parliament, Council of Europe and European Court of Human Rights. There is limited street parking or a multi-storey car park not too far away. For public transport access, get off the tram (Line E) at Droits de l'Homme station.
Terrain and Habitat
City/village , River , ReedbedsConditions
FlatCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , SummerRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
You may have to make a little space for kayakers getting in and out of the water, but rest assured that you are allowed to be there.