Description
The area offers birding potential for some hours. If you're time is limited focus on the Dornweiher between the "Kleiner Bischofsweiher" and "Dechsendorfer Weiher" (Großer Bischofsweiher), which is often the most interesting part.
The "Dechsendorfer Weiher" is only partially a nature reserve, which is situated on the northern shore. Yet, particularly in early spring or autumn (when it's too cold for swimming) you might find some interesting waterfowl on it, such as non breeding Corcodel cu gât negru, Rață sunătoare and others. The woods around offers habitat for species like Ciocănitoare pestriță mică, Ciocănitoare de stejar and Grangur.
In contrast to the latter the "Kleiner Bischofsweiher" is protected and often holds Rață pestriță, Rață cu ciuf, Rață cu cap castaniu and Corcodel cu gât negru. Note, that during breeding season the path along the northern shore might be closed. Yet, especially on its eastern shore you still have a good overview, but birds can be quite distant. In late spring/early summer Lăcar mare and Lăcar de stuf should be more easily heard than seen in the reeds around the shoreline.
The most interesting part of the area are however the "Dornweiher" between both sites. Stârc de noapte are seen regularly and in recent time apparently all around the year (unusual in Germany). Pay furthermore attention to Pescăraș albastru, Gușă vânătă and Lăcar mare. The patient observer might even be rewarded with Buhai de baltă or Pițigoi de stuf during the winter.
In most years conditions for wader migration aren't suitable. Yet, here and then one of the more common species is observed, instead the open waterbodies attract Uligan pescar, Chirighiță neagră and Pescăruș mic on a regular basis.
Details
Access
You find a quite large car park nex to the southeastern shore of the "Dechsendorfer Weiher" on the road between Dechsendorf and Möhrendorf. If you're more interested in the northwestern part of the area, drive instead from Dechsendorf in the direction of "Röttenbach". Shortly after leaving the village you should come to a junction (to Röhrach), where you can also park your car on a field path on the right side of the road.
Next to the mentioned junction and in the village Dechsendorf you find bus stops which are approached by the bus lines 205 and 283 from Erlangen.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Wetland , Lake , Reedbeds , City/villageConditions
Slippery , Wet , Flat , High water possibleCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , SummerRoute
Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
There is an observation facility south of the Dornweiher, which however is to my view a bit misplaced and not treated well.
