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Rheinaue Walsum

Nordrhein Westfalen  >  Germany

A beautiful meadow and cultural landscape that surprises with a variety of species, such as Common Cuckoo, Eurasian Skylark and Tree Pipit.

Added* by Max Huemer-Uffermann
Most recent update 3 June 2022

Description

At the beginning of Rheinaue Walsum you cross a mixture of deciduous forests and wet meadows, in which you can see deer and brown hares as well as species such as Common Redstart, Common Pheasant and Eurasian Hobby. If you follow the path, you will pass a small area of thistles and reeds, where Greater Whitethroat, Grasshopper Warbler and Common Chiffchaff are at home. Early in the morning the call of Common Cuckoo and Willow Warbler can be heard from the woods.

Then you get to the flood lakes and alder brooks. Gadwall breed on the lakes and with luck you will see Reed Bunting and Eurasian Spoonbill. In winter Goosander, Smew and Common Pochard rest there, during the migration period you can also find various waders such as Common Sandpiper and species such as Common Teal.

When you get to the dike, especially in spring, you notice the many Tree Pipit that fly out of the green areas on the dike. From the dike I have a good overview of the dike foreland, where the singing Eurasian Skylark can hardly be overheard. Other breeding birds are Linnet, Meadow Pipit and Western Yellow Wagtail. During migration European Stonechat, Whinchat and Northern Wheatear rest in this area. In addition to the wet meadows, there are also depressions in the dike foreland where, with a bit of luck, you can see species such as White-tailed Eagle, Common Redshank, Common Greenshank, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover and Green Sandpiper.

In winter, the entire area is mainly known for the massive numbers of hibernating Greater White-fronted Goose. In spring and summer it is also worthwhile to be out at dusk to hear Little Owl, Barn Owl and Tawny Owl calling.

Details

Access

The area can be reached via both the B8 and A59. The best parking lot is "Parkplatz kleine Wardstraße", if this is full, you can also park at the Rheinaue parking lot or at the nearby cemetery, but then you have to walk / drive a little along the street to get into the area. At the first mentioned parking lot you are right in the middle of the action. The walking route that is indicated on the map is about 8 km long.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Wetland , Plain , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Lake , Agriculture

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape , High water possible

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring , Summer , Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

With a lot of luck you can see exceptional birds like Black-crowned Night Heron or Sacred Ibis, both of which have already been reported in the area.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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Comments & Tips

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