Description
The plain between Langau and Wolfsbach is one of the best spots in Austria to observe wintering raptors like Rough-legged Buzzard or Hen Harrier. It is also one of very few places, where Pallid Harrier has been observed more regularly. White-tailed Eagle breeds in the vicinity. Rare visitors on passage, like Lesser Spotted Eagle , Long-legged Buzzard, Saker Falcon or Dotterel can be observed with luck. During migration season it's a stopover site for huge flocks of Northern Lapwing and European Golden-Plover and some Eurasian Curlew. But also passerines like Whinchat or Northern Wheatear. A small flood retention pond often attracts different waterbirds. The site is quite under-birded and therefore could provide surprises in the future (like Sociable Lapwing, Long-tailed Skua and others).
Details
Access
The site can be explored by bike or car, as there are many dirt roads and some paved roads across the plain. Birding should be done from the roads (except the main road crossing the plain) because all the surrounding fields are private agricultural land. If you stay near the car, parking on most of the roads is no problem. If you leave a car, only park it in places where you don't block access to the fields.
Terrain and Habitat
Plain, Agriculture, Grassland, Scattered trees and bushesConditions
Flat, Swampy, Dusty, Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter, Spring migration, Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road, Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot, Bicycle, CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Latest sightings can be seen on www.ornitho.at, which is also recommended for submitting your personal sightings.
Birdingplaces Near
Šafov ponds, Geras fish ponds, Langau coal mining pools, Riegersburg ponds, Schaditz plain, Nationalpark Thayatal.