Leinepolder Salzderhelden

Niedersachsen > Germany

Leinepolder Salzderhalden is the largest (wet) greenland complex in southern Lower Saxony with a breeding population of Corn Crake.

Description

Leinepolder Salzderhalden (> 500ha) consists of a mixture of wet meadows, reedbeds scattered with bushes and trees. In winter and spring the area can get flooded resulting in a lage shallow lake attractive to waterfowl and migrating waders. March and April are best with large flocks of Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Shoveler and Common Teal among other waterfowl. Large flocks of Northern Lapwing often contain small numbers of European Golden-Plover . Common Crane usually is present, with single birds still around in May. Migration of waders in March - May can be interesting. Regular visitors are Ruff , Common Greenshank , Common Redshank (in small numbers), Green Sandpiper , Wood Sandpiper and Spotted Redshank but several rarities such as Broad-billed Sandpiper , Sociable Lapwing or Collared Pratincole have paid this site a visit.

Breeding birds are for example Bluethroat , Sedge Warbler , Grasshopper Warbler or Savi's Warbler. All European Rails and Crakes have used the area for breeding, though only Water Rail and Corn Crake turn up yearly.

Autumn migration usually is quieter due to the lack of water.

In winter, large flocks of Geese (usually Greylag Goose , Tundra Bean-Goose , Greater White-fronted Goose ) are around. Here, the chances are best for finding Rough-legged Buzzard , that occasionally stay a few days or weeks.

Details

Access

The area can be reached by car via A7. Exit "Northeim Nord", drive towards Einbeck and turn left after 600m. At the end of the road turn right towards Einbeck and then right onto L 572 again at the next crossing. Drive through Stöckheim and Drüber.

Extra info

The area can be crowded with birds or deserted. The abundence of birds is highly influenced of the water levels. Periods with lots of precipitation are required to create the high water situations that are necessary to flood the area. Therefore spring usually offers best conditions.