LINKS
orientalbirdclub
Ayuwat Jearwattanakanok's BS
Tim Laman's WP
Festival de la photo de Montier-en-Der
Birds of the World
IOC World bird list
www.wikiaves.com
www.ornitho.lu
www.ornitho.ch
www.ornitho.fr
Guislain Simard's macro-photo
jewel-beetles
AARGAU-ZURICH
Klingnau
This point of observation is made by the widening of the Aar river, forming a kind of artificial lake located in the canton of Argovie between the towns of Koblenz and Klingnau (north of confluence with the Rhine); a pleasant walk makes it possible to skirt on foot or to bicycle the water level where it is possible to observe all kind of birds, especially the watery ones, ducks, plovers, gulls, terns, coots, hens, etc.
The end located near Koblenz is the least aesthetic part because of the presence of a dam which feeds the lake, while on the side of Klingnau, several roselières provide an ideal refuge for many birds, such as reed warblers, Savi's warbler, herons, grebes etc Several small islands strew the lake and are visible since a point of observation located at the top of a tower.
There are relatively few raptors at this place except for black kite, the marsh harrier and, at certain periods, the osprey, however the autumnal season constitutes the ideal period to observe the birds of passage. The fields and the orchards of the neighbourhoods are also a good point of observations for many species as the goose of the harvests, the ashy peak as well as many sparrows.
Neeracherried (Neerach's ponds)
It can appear odd to locate a nature reserve in the marshes of Neerach for several reasons: the place is encircled by roads with strong automobile frequentation and the airport of Zurich is located just beside the reserve; for the calm, one can better find!
Who more is, the access to the reserve is controlled by rather incongruous schedules of opening and that is not free, which will not fail to aggravate certain visitors. However, the interior of the reserve deserves really the turning, so much the place calm and is well arranged with observatories on the wetlands of the site.
It should be said that the marshes of Neerach constitute one of the last large peaty punts remained intact in Switzerland; it is an ideal habitat for many unusual watery species like the crakes and the level of water is adjustable thanks to a stopping located in the vicinity. Many water birds in this reserve, herons, yellow legged gull, wood sandiper, snipes or rails and crakes; among ducks present, one will be able to observe the garganey (irregular) and the ruddy shelduck.
Many typical sparrows of the roselières are also present the such reed of the snap rings or the penduline-tit. But one of the principal attractions of this reserve is the regular presence of the eurasian hobby and especially of red kite; this last is moreover abundant in all the wooded area of Switzerland extending between Zurich and Schaffausen; it is easily observable all around the marshy zone and the presence of the planes constantly taking off and return by no means seems to obstruct it. Note also that this reserve is of less interest in winter.
Flachsee (Stille Reuss)
Stille Reuss is a marsh area locates not far the village of Rottenschwill and an enlargement of the Reuss river called the 'Flachsee'. This zone contains several islets furnishing habitat and refuge for many water-birds; although less rich in species than the lakes of Neuchatel or Klingau, the visitor can await for some good surprises at the beginning of spring, such as the red-footed falcon, the little crake or the aquatic warbler.