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Description
One of the only decent places in Holzgerlingen for birding, the Holzgerlinger Wald is a forest situated in the north of the town, yet a reasonable distance from even central Holzgerlingen. Unlike other locations in the town, the forest is not very built up, and can be quite empty (as in no people!) at times.
There are many paths through the forest, so you can choose how to explore it. At times the main paths can feel lifeless when all birds go silent, but there are plenty of forest birds to be found even if they aren't singing. Ciocănitoare pestriță mare are surprisingly common, but don't pass off all woodpeckers as Ciocănitoare pestriță mare. Ciocănitoare de stejar, Ciocănitoare neagră, and Ghionoaie verde can also be found here. Pițigoi mare and Pițigoi albastru are very abundant, and Pițigoi sur, Pițigoi de brădet, Pițigoi codat, and Pițigoi moțat are also present. Other forest birds include Aușel cu cap galben, Țiclean, Cojoaică cu degete scurte, Silvie cu cap negru, Pitulice mică, Ochiuboului, Măcăleandru, Botgros, and Scatiu. Some of these are only or more likely to be seen in Winter/Autumn or Spring/Summer.
I've found that some of the best birding areas in the forest oftentimes aren't the paths themselves but the destinations along the paths. The Feuchtbiotop Wiedorfer Wiese, a tiny pond near the West Holzgerlingen glade (and marked on the map), is one example. It is sometimes home to Găinușă de baltă, Rață mare, Stârc cenușiu, Ghionoaie verde, Pițigoi sur, and so on. The East Holzgerlingen glade, or Schönaich glade (also marked on the map) is even bigger than the West Holzgerlingen glade, and is home to Stârc cenușiu, Ciocănitoare pestriță mare, Ghionoaie verde, Șorecar comun, Gaiță, and at least in the wintertime, around the fruiting trees and evergreen perimeters of the glade, Sturz de vâsc, Cocoșar, and Sturzul viilor. The surrounding forest holds Corb, Botgros, Pițigoi sur, and more. The unusual diversity of birds (especially in Winter) as well as the hill whereupon the fruiting trees rest may draw some similarities to an alpine habitat.
Remember to please submit any sightings to the eBird Hotspot, linked below in the "Links" section, to grow the data.
Details
Access
In the northwest of Holzgerlingen, drive to Weihdorfer Straße and turn into the Parkplatz am Parkfriedhof parking lot, where you will be greeted by a couple of small wooden bird statues near the entrance to the forest. It is important that you follow this wooden bird statue path and not the other path to the left, as that path will only lead you to a cemetery. Press P on the map for directions to the parking. There are many paths in the forest, don't get lost!
You can also enter in other areas, even in Schönaich and Böblingen, though whether this still technically counts as the Holzgerlinger Wald (despite being part of the same forest patch!) is up for debate. The route is best traveled on foot, though much of it can be cycled. You will miss birds if you cycle, however.
You can turn back at any time, there is no goal when entering. In Winter when the trees are fruiting you may wish to make your way towards the East Holzgerlingen glade to try your luck at finding Sturz de vâsc, Cocoșar, or Sturzul viilor.
The path marked on the map includes a full loop around the West Holzgerlingen glade, including the Feuchtbiotop Wiedorfer Wiese, as well as a route to the East Holzgerlingen glade.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Wetland , Reedbeds , Pond , PlainConditions
Flat , Wet , Slippery , HillyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , WinterRoute
Paved road , Unpaved road , Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
You can find deer and foxes in the forest as well. Be careful for ticks, if you go off the path there can be a lot.
The forest is a public park, so remember there may be other people as well. Cars sometimes drive through areas.