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Description
The Kölnbrein Dam is a large freshwater reservoir within the Hohe Tauern National Park and is the tallest dam (+/- 200 meters) in all of Austria! The reservoir is surrounded with beautiful mountain landscapes and the slopes are covered with low vegetation, like grasses and scrubs.
The reservoir itself is not a hotspot for birds; with a bit of luck, you'll be able to spot a Goosander or other species of waterbird. The shoreline is a good spot for Common Sandpiper and are even known to breed here. The (sometimes steep) slopes provide the best habitat for birds at this location. You can find species like Alpine Accentor, Black Redstart, Lesser Redpoll and Northern Wheatear. Several small rivers flow into the reservoir and provide an ideal habitat for Water Pipit and Grey Wagtail. Also White-throated Dipper can be seen foraging up here.
At the end of the track, a restaurant is located. Here, several large patches of bushes provide a breeding habitat for the scarce Bluethroat. Multipe information panels provide you with information about this rare breeding species of Austria.
The steep cliffs and clifftops are also worth checking for species like Yellow-billed Chough, Golden Eagle, Crag Martin and, with a bit of luck, Alpine Swift.
Details
Access
The area is easy accessable and a track is located from the eastern to the western side of the reservoir. The track is broad and unpaved and provides an amazing hike towards a restaurant at the end of the track.