Description
The starting point is the parking area at the “Illmitzer Seewäldchen”. Following the sandy trail to the north, the voices of kobilar, smrdokavra , vijeglavka, rumeni vrtnik, and sivi muhar can be heard at the forest edge in spring. smrdokavra, repnik, and lišček are regulars. A quick look with a spotting scope towards the opening under the gable of the prominent stable reveals whether (and how many) Pegasta sova are present.
At the birdwatching hide "Südliche Seekoppel", with the view in the reedbelt of Lake Neusiedl various waterbirds can be observed. Breeding species like: žličarka, pritlikavi kormoran, veliki kormoran, siva gos, rjavi lunj, čopasti ponirek, mala bela caplja, velika bela čaplja, mala tukalica or migrants like žvižgavka, komatni deževnik, pikasti martinec, močvirski martinec, can be regularly seen.
On the way to the Seebad (the lakefront resort) in spring, birdwatchers familiar with the voices of reed passerines will be able to hear all of the species breeding here: srpična trstnica , bičja trstnica, rakar, tamariskovka and trstni cvrčalec, as well as brkata sinica, plašica and trstni strnad. mali ponirek, zelenonoga tukalica, sivka, mala tukalica and čopasti ponirek can be seen swimming in the pools of open water within the reed belt, as can – with a little luck – the occasional kostanjevka.
In "Seebad" itself has become known for two primary reasons. First, periods of bad weather between April and mid-May can force large numbers of migrating passerines to seek refuge in the few available trees, bushes, and meadows. Second, this part of the shore of Lake Neusiedl is the best place in all of Austria to see skuas (mainly dolgorepa govnačka and lopatasta govnačka). A few specimen of this rather rare bird family (at least for inland birdwatching) are discovered here every year between mid-August and mid-October. The harbour inlet for ferries is a good place to get quite close-range photos of some of the more common gulls.
Details
Access
The street "Seestraße" is accessable by car. The hide "Südliche Seekoppel" (former "Warmblutpferdekoppel") is accessable by foot or bicycle.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Wetland , Lake , ReedbedsConditions
FlatCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Summer , Spring migration , Autumn migration , Autumn , SpringRoute
Paved road , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
There is one birdwatching hide existing along the "Seestraße". This hide can be exclusively used by official Nationalpark exkursions and is closed for public use. The "Seebad" is an official public swimming area and therefore a great spot to enjoy the warm water of Lake Neusiedl.
