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Description
At the right time of the year and if the weather is playing along, the "Seetaucherstrecke" can be one of the most rewarding spots in Switzerland for birdwatching. It is especially worth coming here during two periods of the year: From the second half of August to the end of September, the Lake Constance may be second to none in the world to watch Arctic Skua and Long-tailed Skua. On their way southwards from the breeding grounds, a few individuals regularly spend those weeks on this large inland freshwater body. The birds are usually foraging out in the open, often slightly south to the area described here. Many birders rent boats (available at the Romanshorn harbour) to observe them up close. If you do so, make sure to check the weather forecast! On the lake, you are likely to encounter Little Gull, Mediterranean Gull, and Black Tern as well.
The second time of year when the "Seetaucherstrecke" shines is during the winter months. Slavonian Grebe, Red-throated Diver, Black-throated Diver, and Red-necked Grebe as well as Red-breasted Merganser and Velvet Scoter, otherwise rare in Switzerland, can reliably be observed. With luck, Greater Scaup, Common Scoter, and Great Northern Diver can be seen, too. In the harbour and on the pales, make sure to check the gulls: In between the common Yellow-legged Gull, Black-headed Gull, and wintering Common Gull, the European Herring Gull is regularly observed. Seeing a Caspian Gull and sometimes the very rare Great Black-backed Gull might be possible, too. Amongst the waterfowl in the harbours, you might encounter aFerruginous Duck. Another attractive winter species is the Whooper Swan: Lake Constance is the only area in Switzerland where they can be easily observed every year. While the Seetaucherstrecke is not the best place for this species, it might be worth having a closer look at the swans. There are also a few records of the rare Bewick's Swan.
While the best chances of seeing rare species are in the height of winter, a visit in March is also worthwhile. Some of the loons that are still here by then have already changed into their breeding plumage.
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Whether you come in late summer to observe jaegers or in winter for the loons and grebes, always check the weather forecast! Especially when renting a boat, be sure to avoid storms. If coming in winter, make sure there isn’t much wind, as the birds will be far away and observing them is only possible if there aren’t many waves on the water surface. The app Windy provides an excellent wind forecast, MeteoSuisse is a reliable weather forecast in general.
The area is very easy to reach by train, there is a train station close to every spot. The area can be explored either by taking the train and riding from one station to the next, or by foot. The part between Uttwil and Güttingen is particularly rewarding, as the path leads directly along the shore. It is forbidden to ride a bike here. The path is wheelchair accessible.
Coming by car is also possible too, check the Ps on the map for various parking lots. In summer, and especially on the weekends, the lots might be busy, though. There is really almost no reason not to come by public transport.