Description
The Steinhorster Becken is a fairly recent, human-made, nature reserve consisting of a mosaic of habitats, like reedbeds, freshwater ponds with islands and wetlands. The area serves as both resting and foraging for many species of bird.
In winter, the area is great for observing ducks, geese and herons, like Tufted Duck, Northern Shoveler, Barnacle Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Grey Heron and Great Egret. The ponds are also a great place to observe Goosander.
In spring, the area is used by Common Crane to rest when migrating northwards to their breeding grounds. Other migrating species that often can be found here are Osprey, Black Stork and Peregrine Falcon. The area is also home to many breeding species, like Black-headed Gull, Northern Lapwing, Great Crested Grebe and Eurasian Curlew. From 2010 on, the area is also home to a breeding pair of White Stork.
Details
Access
Parking area is available at Westerwieher Strasse. You can make a circular route of about three kilometers, both walking and cycling.