Description
Built in 2004, the retention basin undergoes an ongoing succession and change of habitat types. After loosing it's open character through the establishment of willow, alder and reed stands, it is now a very diverse, mostly flooded area of open water, reed beds and young alluvial forest. The construction activity of Eurasian Beavers alters the landscape regularly and creates more open habitats, where the beaver fells the young trees.
The basin holds significant numbers of different warbler species such as Камышевка-барсучок, Тростниковая камышевка, Дроздовидная камышевка, Болотная камышевка, Обыкновенный сверчок and Соловьиный сверчок and also Черноголовый чекан and Болотный лунь. Breeding has been documented for Волчок and Кваква. Обыкновенный фазан, Серая куропатка, Водяной пастушок, Обыкновенная горлица and Тростниковая овсянка are regular or abundant breeding birds. Big flocks of Обыкновенный скворец use the reed beds for roosting at night, so by the end of May, it is worth to check them for Розовый скворец. Деревенская ласточка also sleeps communally in the reed and attacks of Перепелятник and Чеглок can be seen regularly at dusk.
Overflying birds of prey, which can be seen quite regularly, include Могильник, Орлан-белохвост, Балобан and Луговой лунь. On migration, the area provides roosting habitat for bigger numbers of songbird migrants and surely has potential to produce rarity sightings as well. Желтоголовая трясогузка has already been recorded, but the area is not covered well by birders, so most rarities surely pass unnoticed.
Winter visitors include the regular species Полевой лунь and Зимняк, but also a record of Большая выпь.
Details
Access
Access is easiest by car, but public busses service Roseldorf station which is approx. a 10 minute walk to the edge of the basin. Please follow the cirular route (2 km) and do not leave the track in order to not disturb any wildlife. It is definitely not recommended to enter the basin itself, as it is flooded in huge areas anyways. Click on the P in the map for directions.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Wetland , Grassland , Agriculture , Mud flats , Reedbeds , PlainConditions
Flat , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Paved road , Narrow trail , Unpaved road , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Latest sightings can be seen on Ornitho.at, which is also recommended for submitting your personal sightings. See the clickable link below.
