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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 Chiră de baltă and Pescăruș râzător, 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 Nagâț, which now breeds here again, and the Culic mare, 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: Călifar alb, Ferestraș moțat, Rață roșie, Corcodel de iarnă, Rață catifelată, Cufundar polar, Cufundar mic, and the rare Cufundar mare may be spotted on the lake. Amongst the Pescăruș cu picioare galbene one might discern a Pescăruș sur, Pescăruș negricios, and the rare Pescăruș argintiu (even a Pescăruș negru returns regularly to the lake). In the reeds close to the water, Becațină comună might be seen next to Culic mare and Gâscă de vară. A Erete vânăt sometimes flies over the fields in search for food, and a Sfrâncioc mare perches on the bushes.
In the breeding season, Eider, Chiră de baltă, Rață cârâitoare, Pescăruș cu cap negru, and Pescăruș mic (although non-breeding) can be observed on the lake. A Mărăcinar negru or a Sfrâncioc roșiatic might sit in the bushes, and Lăcar mare breeds in the reeds. The main attractions are, of course, Culic mare and Nagâț with its spectacular courtship flights.
Apart from those two species and the Becațină comună, waders are relatively rare, but Fluierar de zăvoi, Fugaci de țărm, Bătăuș, Fluierar cu picioare verzi, and Fluierar cu picioare roșii are possible to see during migration, and Fluierar de munte 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, Notatiță cu cioc lat, Pasărea ogorului, Sitar de mal, and Chirighiță cu aripi albe are most notable; Cormoran mic 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