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Description
Similar to the Inn floodplains at Bever, the floodplains between Samedan and Celerina lie in a wide mountain valley at 1,700 m in the Upper Engadin.
The route first leads through fields and a horse paddock dotted with trees (1). From the viewpoint, there’s a good view of the golf course—larger than the wetlands themselves—and it may be worth scanning briefly with a scope. Next come shallow ponds (2) where the Обыкновенный зимородок often hunts, and where resting ducks and waders are likely to be found. The surrounding bushes offer stopover sites for songbirds. On the way back, ducks, Горная трясогузка, and Оляпка can be observed along the Inn (3). Towards Samedan (4), the river’s varying flow speeds and oxbow channels form a mosaic of habitats with shallow and deep waters, sandbanks, and deadwood. The redesigned riverbanks serve as orientation landmarks for migrating songbirds.
The mix of trees, shrubs, and extensively grazed meadows provides breeding grounds for Горная чечетка, Обыкновенная горихвостка, Обыкновенный жулан, Славка-мельничек, and Луговой чекан. The aquatic habitats are among the few in Switzerland where the Хохлатая чернеть breeds. Оляпка, Водяной пастушок, and Малая поганка have also nested here.
Of the roughly 180 species recorded, most appear during migration. In spring, when bad weather hits the Alps, the trees and bushes fill with resting songbirds. Autumn also offers some opportunities. Южный соловей, Садовая овсянка, and Варакушка are seen occasionally, while the sighting of a Малая мухоловка remains exceptional. Жёлтая трясогузка and Луговой конёк are noted regularly, and even a Краснозобый конёк once appeared. Among the foraging Европейская чёрная ворона, a Серая ворона or hybrid may be spotted.
Regular waders include Бекас, Чибис, and Черныш, with Фифи and Турухтан more rarely. The record of a Дупель shot in 1973 remains unique.
Other rarities include a Морская чайка shot in 1920, a Испанская каменка seen (and surviving the observation) in 1985, and more recent sightings of Пуночка, Белощекая крачка, and Рыжепоясничная ласточка.
Details
Access
The area is best reached from Celerina train station, but can also be accessed from Samedan train station. It is also located on a popular bike trail.
A tip for train travellers from Celerina: the station has only one platform, and the train to St. Moritz usually arrives first. It then waits for the train to Chur to arrive. Only after the train to St. Moritz has departed can you cross the tracks to board the train to Chur.