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Park of Sanssouci palace in the style of an English landscape garden. Has lush forests with old trees. Germany's biggest population of Mandarin Duck.
The famous world heritage site around the palace of Sanssouci has more to offer than just a view at the beautiful temples, follies and gorgeous interiors. The park was designed in the style of an English landscape garden by Peter Joseph Lenné and has lush forests with old deciduous trees as well as dry grassland and is traversed by a small ditch "Parkgraben" which ends in a small pond "Maschinenteich".
The park is well known for its Mandarin Duck. More than 200 individuals gather along the Parkgraben in winter. The birds appeared after WWII, as escapes from the Berlin Zoo, and are nowadays self-sustaining and more or less stable as a population.
The old oak trees are perfect spots to see Middle Spotted Woodpecker and the nesting boxes are the home of Pied Flycatcher. Around 10 territories of Firecrest and 2 territories of Tawny Owl as well as several Icterine Warbler are within the park's boundaries. Five species of woodpecker make use of the old trees in the park.
In Winter you can observe Hawfinch, Marsh Tit, Eurasian Siskin and Brambling at the bird feeders in the park. In some years good numbers of Bohemian Waxwing can be seen feeding in the mistletoes, especially in January. Hundreds of thrushes roam the park in early spring.
Along the Parkgraben you can also see Common Kingfisher at close ranges. The Maschinenteich holds a territory of that species, as well as a nest of a Mute Swan.
Rarities in the park have been Eurasian Hoopoe, Ring Ouzel, Yellow-browed Warbler and Wood Duck among the many Mandarin Duck.
You can get to the park via its many entrances. Cycling is only allowed on the paved road through the park. The crowded sand paths are only for walking. For parking, see the P on the map, or click on it to get directions.