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Oak Forest at Tamins

Graubünden  >  Switzerland

Natural forest reserve for plants and microfauna, which also serves as a home for some interesting birds

Added* by Peter Wittemann
Most recent update 24 října 2025
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Description

The Tamins oak forest can be explored along a nature trail. Within a relatively small area (approx. 350 ha), it combines various habitats: beech forest in the Ratenna wetlands (1), dry pine forest (2), and nutrient-poor dry meadows (3) on the sun-exposed Benisboden, as well as an oak forest designed as a wood pasture (4). The microstructures and sunny location make the area ideal for insects, lizards, and snakes, but also birds: more than 120 species have already been recorded.

Before arriving at the forest itself, it is worthwhile to search the meadows, bushes, and fruit trees for the rehek zahradní and listen for the call of the strnad cvrčivý. Along the lower path through the beech forest, one follows a lively stream most of the time. Amid the songs of typical forest birds such as červenka obecná, kos černý, drozd brávník, and drozd zpěvný, the budníček horský can regularly be heard – and, somewhat less often, the budníček lesní. The shrub-covered dry meadows, rich in insects thanks to ecological grazing, are a perfect habitat for ťuhýk obecný, linduška lesní, and strnad cvrčivý. The bramborníček hnědý and bramborníček černohlavý are also frequently observed. The forest, finally, is home to various woodpecker species: while the call of the datel černý more often resounds from the higher Pflida reserve, the strakapoud malý and krutihlav obecný inhabit the old oaks.

Up until spring, sightings of the zvonohlík citronový are possible, as it visits this area when it gets too cold higher up. The last observation of the strnad viničný dates back some time. The šoupálek krátkoprstý, common in Switzerland but rare in the canton of Grisons, can be observed here regularly. Looking upward is sometimes rewarded with sightings of the krahujec obecný, jestřáb lesní, or even orel skalní. At night, the call of the puštík obecný can be heard.

Details

Access

The area is best reached on foot from Tamins. It is also located above a cycle path along the Rhine.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Mountain , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland

Conditions

Hilly , Rocky

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

Spring , Summer

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Wide path , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

The oak forest did not arise naturally but is a cultural monument: up until the 19th century, oak forests near settlements were planted mainly to fatten pigs. A trail with 19 signs provides information about the area. The cows in the reserve keep the grassland open and thus preserve the diversity of habitats. Please pay attention to the information signs: mother cows should be given a wide berth.

During migration periods, it is worth looking at the nearby dam lake at the Rhine before or after a walk through the oak forest, as it occasionally serves as a resting place for interesting waterbirds.

Links

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Map

Top 5 birds

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