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Description
The valley of the Rhine, which originates in Grisons / Graubünden, has been entirely cultivated and is intensively used in this canton; wetlands and alluvial forests are almost completely absent. The 7-hectare area of "Siechenstuden" (also known as "Siechastuden", "Siechastuda") is a rare exception. Two mountain streams cascade down the slopes here; a high, artifical embankment protects the area from their destructive force, but it is still supplied with water. Inside the embankment, there is a peaceful riverbed, gravel banks, several artificial ponds, reed beds, shrubs, abundant deadwood, and an area resembling an alluvial forest which turns into a deciduous and then coniferous forest further from the marsh. This location is particularly interesting for toads, frogs, and newts, but also attracts water-associated birds—most notably those stopping here for rest after their strenuous Alpine crossing in spring.
Over 180 species have been recorded in Siechenstuden. Delice doğan, Yalıçapkını, Gökçe güvercin, Guguk, Gece Balikçili, Atmaca, Saz delicesi, Boyunçeviren, and Küçük ağaçkakan are among the sought-after species that are regularly observed, along with the Yeşil düdükçün during migration periods and the Büyük ak balýkçýl and Kilkuyruk in winter. Additionally, the site has hosted rarer guests such as Sarı mukallit, Bataklýk suyelvesi, Kaşıkçı, Balaban, Küçük balaban, Sarıbacaklı kumkuşu, Çayır delicesi, and Küçük kumkuşu, proving that many surprising observations are possible during migration. One of only three recorded observations of the Uzunkuyruklu korsanmartı in the canton was also made at Siechenstuden.
Details
Access
The area can be reached on foot within half an hour from Maienfeld. The nearest bus stop is Jenins, Sonne, from which there is a 15-minute walk to Siechenstuden. Small parking spaces are available at the entrances (please avoid using the area west of the site). The area can be viewed from a path running along the top of the embankment and another crossing through the site. The best viewpoint is from this middle path, which leads over a small hill with a bench. The access is steep, and only part of the path is wheelchair accessible.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Wetland , Reedbeds , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , PondConditions
Flat , HillyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migrationRoute
Narrow trail , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Given its small size, visiting the site does not require much time. It can easily be combined with a detour to the vineyards near Malans or Maienfeld (see the corresponding entry on this page).
"Siechastuda“ means "place (or maybe "bushes") of the sick“; in the past, sick people were banished from the village to this area. It is telling that nowadays the animal species that used to own the Rhine valley are confined here…