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Description
The Tamins oak forest can be explored along a nature trail. Within a relatively small area (approx. 350 ha), it combines various habitats: beech forest in the Ratenna wetlands (1), dry pine forest (2), and nutrient-poor dry meadows (3) on the sun-exposed Benisboden, as well as an oak forest designed as a wood pasture (4). The microstructures and sunny location make the area ideal for insects, lizards, and snakes, but also birds: more than 120 species have already been recorded.
Before arriving at the forest itself, it is worthwhile to search the meadows, bushes, and fruit trees for the Горихвістка звичайна and listen for the call of the Вівсянка городня. Along the lower path through the beech forest, one follows a lively stream most of the time. Amid the songs of typical forest birds such as Вільшанка, Дрізд чорний, Дрізд-омелюх, and Дрізд співочий, the Вівчарик світлочеревий can regularly be heard – and, somewhat less often, the Вівчарик жовтобровий. The shrub-covered dry meadows, rich in insects thanks to ecological grazing, are a perfect habitat for Сорокопуд терновий, Щеврик лісовий, and Вівсянка городня. The Трав’янка лучна and Трав'янка чорноголова are also frequently observed. The forest, finally, is home to various woodpecker species: while the call of the Жовна чорна more often resounds from the higher Pflida reserve, the Дятел малий and Крутиголовка звичайна inhabit the old oaks.
Up until spring, sightings of the Чиж цитриновий are possible, as it visits this area when it gets too cold higher up. The last observation of the Вівсянка гірська dates back some time. The Підкоришник короткопалий, common in Switzerland but rare in the canton of Grisons, can be observed here regularly. Looking upward is sometimes rewarded with sightings of the Яструб малий, Яструб великий, or even Беркут. At night, the call of the Сіра сова can be heard.
Details
Access
The area is best reached on foot from Tamins. It is also located above a cycle path along the Rhine.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Mountain , Scattered trees and bushes , GrasslandConditions
Hilly , RockyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
Spring , SummerBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Wide path , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The oak forest did not arise naturally but is a cultural monument: up until the 19th century, oak forests near settlements were planted mainly to fatten pigs. A trail with 19 signs provides information about the area. The cows in the reserve keep the grassland open and thus preserve the diversity of habitats. Please pay attention to the information signs: mother cows should be given a wide berth.
During migration periods, it is worth looking at the nearby dam lake at the Rhine before or after a walk through the oak forest, as it occasionally serves as a resting place for interesting waterbirds.
Links
- Information about value and management of the site (German)
- Information about the path, plants and insects (German)
- Information about the trail