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Description
The Tomateninseln are a stretch of beach and gravel banks that vary in size (or disappear completely) depending on the water level of the River Rhine: When the water levels are normal to low, there are wide expanses of gravel banks along part of the shore that provide a great habitat or stopover for feeding or migrating birds. During periods of high water, the islands are completely covered and the access to the site is cut-off due to flooding along the final stretch off the access road.
These dynamic changes and the fantastic panoramic viewpoint make this a great place to observe birds (especially in relation to seasonal conditions and habitat changes)!
Birds that can be seen well here all year round are Казарка канадська, Лебідь-шипун, Баклан великий, Чапля сіра, Мартин звичайний and Плиска біла. With a bit of luck, Набережник палеарктичний, Рибалочка блакитний and Чепура велика can also be seen.
In spring and summer, Крячок річковий and Пісочник малий are usually present. During the summer months, large flocks of Ластівка сільська, Ластівка міська and Ластівка берегова gather to glide and feed above the river. With a bit of luck (at least for us birdwatchers), this feeding frenzy can also attract a Підсоколик великий.
In winter and early spring small groups of Крех великий and Гоголь зеленоголовий can be observed swimming and diving in the river, while Щеврик гірський often feed among the stones and pebbles.
The site has a good record of attracting a good range of passing ducks, gulls and terns, some quite rare. These include Морянка, Мартин малий, Мартин сивий, Мартин гренландський, Крячок каспійський, Крячок чорний and Крячок білощокий.
Favourable water levels also attract passing Waders in spring or autumn. Over the years a great variety of Waders have been observed here: Пісочник великий, Кульон середній, Брижач, Побережник чорногрудий, Побережник малий, Коловодник лісовий, Коловодник болотяний, Коловодник великий, Коловодник звичайний and Коловодник чорний.
The surrounding alluvial woodland plays host to a good range of songbirds (Woodpeckers, Thrushes, Tits, Finches etc. and Warblers in summer).
Details
Access
The area is easily accessible by car or bike, however it can be cut off during seasonal high water periods!
There are a number of parking spaces that offer great views without having to actually leave the car park! This makes it a great site for elderly birders, families or anyone with mobility issues.