birding...

Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis ©Christoph Moning

The state of Baden-Wuerttemberg is home to, a unique selection of bird species for Germany which are more usually found in the warmer climes of the Mediterranean. For example, the Bee-eater and Hoopoe breed on the Kaiserstuhl, the Alpine Swift is to be found in nearby Freiburg and the Purple Heron in Waghaeusel. At the same time some species, the core of whose distribution is in Central Europe, also have significant populations in the state. These include the Red Kite, Middle Spotted Woodpecker and the Collared Flycatcher, as well as the Citril Finch - a representative of the alpine fauna - which has an isolated population in the Black Forest.

The state has many wetland habitats of national importance which, apart from Lake Constance (dealt with in detail below) are mainly to be found along the Rhine Valley and in the bogs of Upper Swabia (Schwaben).

Top species

Divers, Black-necked Grebe, Little Bittern, Bewick’s and Whooper Swan, Ruddy Shelduck, Red-crested Pochard and Ferruginous Duck, all Central European wader species, Mediterranean Gull, Black Tern, White-winged Black Tern, Whiskered Tern, Savi's Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Bearded Tit and a number of rarities.

Birding Baden-Wuerttemberg

Probably the best area for birding, after Lake Constance (details below), is the area around Freiburg with the sole breeding population of Alpine Swift in Germany. Alpine as well as Mediterranean species also breed between the Feldberg and Kaiserstuhl. In this area it is possible, within a short space of time, to observe Citril Finch, Ring Ouzel, Bee-eater and Hoopoe. Together with the Taubergiessennature reserve, the Freiburg region is good for a full week’s birdwatching. The best time to visit is mid-May to the end of June. This is also the best time for visiting the middle Alb foothills which provide a good insight into the bird life of the cultivated orchard meadows which are widespread in the area. A trip to this region can be combined with the wetlands at the Federsee or the River Danube near Ulm. For those wanting to combine a wetland visit with the Northern Black Forest, the Wagbachniederung near Waghaeusel is a must. This is perhaps the best wetland in the state apart from Lake Constance region.

Lake Constance (Bodensee) on the borders of Germany, Austria and Switzerland...

Lake Constance is the largest German inland water with a surface area of 570 km². Its maximum length is 63 km and it is 14 km wide at its broadest point. For birdwatching it is one of the most productive and varied regions in the whole of central Europe with 150 breeding bird species and over 410 confirmed species sightings. The proximity to the Alps and the sheer abundance of bird life add to the region’s attractions.

Top species

Divers, Black-necked Grebe, Little Bittern, Bewick’s and Whooper Swan, Ruddy Shelduck, Red-crested Pochard and Ferruginous Duck, all Central European wader species, Mediterranean Gull, Forster's Tern, Savi's Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Bearded Tit and a number of rarities.

Two important migration routes, the northern border with the Alps and the broad Rhine valley which are used by many species for traversing the Alps, meet at Lake Constance. When the conditions for overflying the Alps are unsuitable the migrating birds concentrate locally and large numbers of resting birds can be observed. This constellation is particularly relevant in the Rhine Delta where, as a result, many rare species are recorded annually.

Lake Constance is the most important central European rest, moult and overwintering area for many water birds. The Untersee part of the lake (which spreads out from the river Rhine to the waters of the Gnadensee, Zeller See, and Untersee) is rich in nutrition and attracts enormous concentrations of birds. The make-up of these water bird gatherings varies from season to season. In September they are characterised by late breeding species such as Great Crested and Black-necked Grebe, Tufted Duck and Mute Swan as well as breeding or visiting species in moult like the Red-crested Pochard. Later in November large numbers of diving ducks such as Tufted Duck, Pochard, Goldeneye, Teal, Gadwall, and Whooper Swan and Cormorants can be observed. Up to 200,000 water birds gather on Lake Constance at this time, many of which fed primarily on the Zebra Mussel. From January onwards the mussel eaters still dominate but the overwintering populations of divers, sea ducks and goosanders reach their peak. If the water level of the lake falls under 300 cm, mud-flats are exposed all around the shoreline providing good conditions for waders in transit. The actual state of the water level can be obtained by telephone under +49 7531-29580 (recorded info in German) or online under http://www.general-anzeiger-bonn.de/wetter/pegel/konstanz.html

Birding the Lake Constance region

The Vorarlberg Rhine Delta is the top birding area at any time of year and the Wollmatinger Ried should also not be neglected. The so-called diver stretch is very interesting in winter. Mettnau, Eriskircher Ried, and the Radolfzell und Stockach Aach estuaries can also be included in the programme. In spring and summer the Hohentwiel Vulkanberg is worth visiting. The Mindelsee is well worth a detour in autumn for its Ferruginous Ducks (with a 99.9 % sighting chance!). A five day tour in the Lake Constance area is time enough to experience a wide-ranging insight into the area’s bird life.

It is advisable to take your passport with you if you plan to cross the border into Austria or Switzerland where motorway tolls must be paid (vignette). All areas described are accessible by main road.