) to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!
Upload images
Allowed image types are jpeg,png,gif
Max file size is 20MB
Description
The NSG Rieselfelder Windel is a flat, open landscape where former sewage-irrigation fields have turned into a patchwork of wetland and farmland. Shallow ponds and reed-fringed basins alternate with wet grassland, ditches and open fields, so you can scan both water and open country in one visit. The open terrain offers long sightlines and makes it easy to pick out birds even at distance.
In spring, the ponds and muddy edges can hold waders, such as Малый зуёк. Wetland birds like Водяной пастушок and Обыкновенный зимородок are regularly observed, and the area also attracts raptors, including the occasional presence of Болотный лунь. Breeding-season passerines include Каменка, Садовая славка and Черноголовый чекан, along with non-passerines like Обыкновенная кукушка.
In summer, the site remains rewarding: the ponds host ducks such as Кряква, Хохлатая чернеть and Серая утка, while reedbeds continue to hold singing Тростниковая камышевка and Болотная камышевка. Open-country species like Чибис, Деревенская ласточка and Воронок are often present, and hunting raptors such as Пустельга обыкновенная and, with some luck, Чеглок can appear over the fields.
During autumn migration, the mix of water and open farmland really shows its strength. Expect increasing numbers of ducks (e.g. Серая утка, Чирок-свистунок, Широконоска, and occasionally Свиязь) as well as reedbed species such as Водяной пастушок. Passerine migration can bring gatherings of finches like Черноголовый щегол. Large movements are possible too, with Серый журавль sometimes observed in the area. Raptors are a constant highlight, with regular Канюк and occasional scarcer birds such as Перепелятник.
In winter, the ponds concentrate waterbirds: flocks of Чирок-свистунок and Кряква are typical, with Большой крохаль also recorded and Большой баклан as a quite stable presence. Reed edges and wet vegetation can hide Гаршнеп and Вальдшнеп, alongside Бекас. The surrounding trees and hedges can hold winter finches such as Юрок, Снегирь and even Обыкновенный дубонос, as well as winter visitors like Белобровик. A particularly nice winter specialty that is sometimes - although rarely - observed, then, is Усатая синица.
What makes this site special is how easy it is to combine wetland birding with classic open-country scanning in a compact area close to Bielefeld. A network of paths and viewpoints lets you explore quietly: spend time scanning the ponds and reed margins for rails and snipe, then walk the field edges for chats, pipits and hunting raptors.
Details
Access
The NSG Rieselfelder Windel is located in the southern part of Bielefeld, in the Windelsbleiche / Senne area, about 10 km from the city centre and surrounded by agricultural land.
The reserve can be reached easily by car via the A33 motorway (exit Bielefeld-Senne or Schloß Holte-Stukenbrock), followed by a short drive on local roads toward Windelsbleiche and Niederheide. Small parking possibilities are available at the Biological Station Gütersloh/Bielefeld, located in the area, and in some other spots. Click on the P in the map for directions.
Public transport is possible from Bielefeld with bus connections toward Windelsbleiche or Senne, followed by a short walk or bicycle ride to the reserve. The nearest bus stops are indicated in the map.
The best way to explore the area is on foot or by bicycle. There are several good viewpoints along the water basins and field edge, as well as some observation towers and hides, also shown on the map.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Reedbeds , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Plain , Pond , AgricultureConditions
Flat , Sandy , Wet , Open landscapeCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
The reserve also hosts the headquarters of the Biological Station Gütersloh/Bielefeld, located in a former farm building. The station manages and monitors several protected areas in the region, including the Rieselfelder Windel, and occasionally offers environmental education activities. Below is the link to the website of the Biological Station.