c

Mainaue Augsfeld

Bavaria, Lower Franconia  >  Germany

The great variety of waterbody, reedbeds and greenland attract many different breeders and resting birds.

Added* by Thomas Büttel
Most recent update 21 February 2022

Description

The single parts of the area are quite different and offer more or less reliable birding opportunities depending on disturbances by passengers, the local airfield, the sometimes miserable water quality during hot summer months and the often neglected maintenance of the habitats. Therefore, this site is ranked in the category C, although it would have more potential.

A visit in spring is usually recommendable. Bluethroat are found reliably in the last week of March in the vicinity of the tower hide, 1 or 2 pairs stay in the reeds of the oxbow-lake during the breeding season. The site has some fame for offering good chances to actually see Little Bittern. Apart from that other classical reed related species should be easier heard than seen. Common Nightingale is common, Eurasian Wryneck and Red-backed Shrike are present with at least 1 breeding pair over the last years. Sadly, Penduline Tit seems to have abandoned the area, but should turn up regularly on migration.

The water surface attracts local geese, several species of dabbling ducks and Osprey on passage. For resting waders the site has lost most of its importance due to now mostly overgrown sandbanks. Note that in winter the shallow lake quickly freezes over.

The greenland area around is usually worth a look all around the year. Notable breeders include Corn Bunting, Grey Partridge (very hard to see) and Eurasian Skylark. On migration season pay attention to European Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Northern Lapwing and European Golden Plover. In the winterly months you have chances to see Great Grey Shrike and less regular Greater White-fronted Goose, Taiga Bean Goose and Whooper Swan.

Details

Access

Leave the motorway A70 at the exit "Knetzgau" and follow the singposts towards "Haßfurt". After a roundabout (take the second exit), turn left in the direction of Augsfeld, a small village just beyond the railway. Continue always straight on, until you've left Augsfeld and turn then into the second lane on your right hand side. Just before a bend to the right you should find a small hiking car park on your left.

The next train station is situated in Haßfurt. A bicycle is certainly advisable, leave the town in southeastern direction to the airfield and continue on the same lake, which runs for some time parallel to the a metioned oxbow-lake, until it finally bends to the left. Here you come to the same car park as described

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Agriculture , Reedbeds , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland

Conditions

Flat , High water possible , Open landscape , No shadow

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Summer , Spring , Autumn migration

Route

Wide path , Paved road , Narrow trail , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Bicycle , Foot , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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