Description
The Isar around Plattling's dam (Staustufe) provides excellent habitat for a diverse range of birds throughout the year. You can walk along both sides of the river beneath huge oaks and poplars, with smaller trees and bushes creating varied habitat. For example, (Ευρωπαϊκή) Αλκυόνη regularly shoot along the Isar or the small side channels, while Μεσαίος Δρυοκολάπτης is a regular find in the mature trees.
Winter is particularly rewarding when large numbers of ducks are aggregating below the dam including (Ευρωπαϊκή) Βουκεφάλα, Χηνοπρίστης, Καπακλής, and Μαυροκέφαλη Πάπια. (Ευρωπαϊκή) Νεροκελάδα descends from the mountains in winter and can be easily observed on the rocky shores, giving company to the year-round Λευκοσουσουράδα and Σταχτοσουσουράδα.
Spring and early summer are also excellent times to visit. A highlight is the breeding Σταχτόχηνα. You can often hear (Ευρωπαϊκός) Συκοφάγος calling and may find not only Μαυροσκούφης and Κηποτσιροβάκος but also Ορφεοστριτσίδα in the bushes. Reed-nesting species breed in the reedbeds above the dam.
Summer sees many swimmers using the area, making it less optimal for birding. Autumn is relatively quiet between departing migrants and arriving winter visitors, but it can still be nice to walk along the Isar.
Details
Access
Staustufe Plattling is located directly south of the town of Plattling. Parking is available at the dam, which is accessible by car. But you can also start the round from the Isarbrücke (B8), which is not far from Plattling's center. Another alternative parking space is just beyond the bridge at the Solschwelle (Isarwelle). Press a P on the map for directions to a parking spot.
The circular trail is around 3.5 km. A shorter trip to just the two main sites would visit the area above the dam and the main waterfowl roost below on the left side, which are about 500m apart.
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