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Description
The Rohanschanze (1) is a barely visible defensive fortification dating back to the Thirty Years’ War. The former ramparts are now crowned with ancient oaks, and the holub plúžik can be seen here and in the surrounding fields.
Right next to the site lies a traditionally managed meadow enclosed by hedges (2), offering breeding grounds for birds of the cultural landscape that have become increasingly rare, such as the strakoš obyčajný and the žltochvost hôrny. During migration, pŕhľaviar červenkastý and pŕhľaviar čiernohlavý are often spotted, and there are records of the strakoš veľký from late autumn and winter.
The intensively cultivated fields around the area (3), visible from an observation platform facing north, provide resting places for migrating pipits, wagtails, and larks — mainly in spring, but also in autumn. Nearly every spring, the kaňa popolavá is sighted passing through this corridor. It’s worth scanning the more distant trees for resting sokol kobcovitý or včelárik zlatý — both rare species that are nonetheless seen here regularly. From these trees, you may also hear the distinctive song of the krutohlav hnedý.
Those who follow the path further east reach the southernmost vineyards of the Bündner Herrschaft (4), home to characteristic birds of these landscapes such as the strnádka svrčivá and strnádka obyčajná, both of which breed here.
Nearly 200 species have been recorded in total — owing to the fact that the area is regularly visited by Graubünden’s most dedicated birders. Among the very rare sightings are two records of strakoš kolesár (1967 and 1974), three of strakoš červenohlavý, one of ležiak úhorový, and, more recently, two of škovránka krátkoprstá, a species that will likely appear here more often in the future.
Details
Access
The area is best reached either from Landquart train station (it's a bit tricky to find the way across the motorway and railroad tracks) or from Malans train station. Those are also the best parking spots if you arrive by car.
Terrain and Habitat
Plain , Agriculture , Grassland , Scattered trees and bushesConditions
FlatCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Spring , Autumn , SummerBest time to visit
Spring migrationRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
To the north, the Siechenstuden and the Maienfeld vineyards can be visited (see the respective entries on this page).