IMG
© Marco Zahnd

Gurnigel–Gantrisch

46.71443 , 7.44543

Switzerland

The area is known for bird migration. Typical mountain bird species are also well represented in the area and most of them can be easily observed. 

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 46.7144/7.4454 (2020-11-06 20:01:45 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Gurnigel–Gantrisch" (2020-11-06 20:01:45 )

Edited by Marco Zahnd on 2022-02-18 12:15:52
The area is known for bird migration. Typical mountain bird species are also well represented in the area and most of them can be easily observed. 

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)
Black Grouse (Lyrurus tetrix)
Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca)
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
Eurasian Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium passerinum)
Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus)
Yellow-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus)
Crested Tit (Lophophanes cristatus)
Lesser Whitethroat (Curruca curruca)
Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus)
Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush (Monticola saxatilis)
Alpine Accentor (Prunella collaris)
Citril Finch (Carduelis citrinella)

Yellow-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus) was added by Marco Zahnd (2022-02-18 14:09:05)

Crested Tit (Lophophanes cristatus) was added by Marco Zahnd (2022-02-18 14:08:30)

Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush (Monticola saxatilis) was added by Marco Zahnd (2022-02-18 14:08:18)

Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca) was added by Marco Zahnd (2022-02-18 14:08:06)

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) was added by Marco Zahnd (2022-02-18 14:07:54)

Alpine Accentor (Prunella collaris) was added by Marco Zahnd (2022-02-18 14:07:47)

Citril Finch (Carduelis citrinella) was added by Marco Zahnd (2022-02-18 14:07:40)

Lesser Whitethroat (Curruca curruca) was added by Marco Zahnd (2022-02-18 14:07:30)

Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) was added by Marco Zahnd (2022-02-18 14:07:10)

Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) was added by Marco Zahnd (2022-02-18 14:06:55)

Eurasian Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) was added by Marco Zahnd (2022-02-18 14:06:46)

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) was added by Marco Zahnd (2022-02-18 14:06:36)

Black Grouse (Lyrurus tetrix) was added by Marco Zahnd (2022-02-18 14:06:21)

  • Timing and strategy

The Gurnigel-Gantrisch area offers exciting observations all year round. The diversity is smallest in winter. Only alpine resident birds can be observed. In addition, there is a lot of snow in the area. In spring, the first migratory birds return. With the first mild days, the birds singing activity increases. The majority of birds do not return until the first snow-free areas in April. In addition to the spectacular Black Grouse lek, a visit is already worthwhile for a large number of typical mountain bird species. From June onwards, the last snowfields disappear and the mountain peaks are also accessible. Late-arriving species such as the Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush can now be observed. For some years now, Griffon Vultures have been spending the summer in the area. Active bird migration starts as early as August. In addition to resting song birds, a great diversity of birds of prey can be observed. From October to November, the impressive song bird migration is a further highlight.

The area is very popular at weekends. It is worthwhile to be out early in the morning.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Marco Zahnd on 2022-02-18 12:16
The Gurnigel-Gantrisch area offers exciting observations all year round. The diversity is smallest in winter. Only alpine resident birds can be observed. In addition, there is a lot of snow in the area. In spring, the first migratory birds return. With the first mild days, the birds singing activity increases. The majority of birds do not return until the first snow-free areas in April. In addition to the spectacular Black Grouse lek, a visit is already worthwhile for a large number of typical mountain bird species. From June onwards, the last snowfields disappear and the mountain peaks are also accessible. Late-arriving species such as the Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush can now be observed. For some years now, Griffon Vultures have been spending the summer in the area. Active bird migration starts as early as August. In addition to resting song birds, a great diversity of birds of prey can be observed. From October to November, the impressive song bird migration is a further highlight. The area is very popular at weekends. It is worthwhile to be out early in the morning.
  • How to get there

The area is accessible by bus from Schwarzenburg and Thurnen all year round. These villages can be reached by train from Bern. Public transport runs daily, but the first connection of the day is late. It is therefore advisable to spend the night in the Berghaus Gurnigel or the Untere Gantrischhütte. The area is easily accessible by car. In winter the road is often snow-covered. There are sufficient parking spaces available for a fee.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Marco Zahnd on 2022-02-18 12:17
The area is accessible by bus from Schwarzenburg and Thurnen all year round. These villages can be reached by train from Bern. Public transport runs daily, but the first connection of the day is late. It is therefore advisable to spend the night in the Berghaus Gurnigel or the Untere Gantrischhütte. The area is easily accessible by car. In winter the road is often snow-covered. There are sufficient parking spaces available for a fee.

There are no fees to enter the area. 

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Marco Zahnd on 2022-02-18 12:18
There are no fees to enter the area. 
  • Other attractions

The Gurnigel-Gantrisch area is also home to good populations of Chamois. Red Deer, Mountain Hare and European Hare can also be observed with some luck. Furthermore, the area is exciting for lime-loving alpine flowers plants of wet meadows and moors as well as insect fauna.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Marco Zahnd on 2022-02-18 12:21
The Gurnigel-Gantrisch area is also home to good populations of Chamois. Red Deer, Mountain Hare and European Hare can also be observed with some luck. Furthermore, the area is exciting for lime-loving alpine flowers plants of wet meadows and moors as well as insect fauna.

Overnight accommodation is available in the Berghaus Gurnigel and the Untere Gantrischhütte. Consumption is also possible in summer and autumn in the Stierenhütte and Obernünene. WCs are available at the car parks.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Marco Zahnd on 2022-02-18 12:26
Overnight accommodation is available in the Berghaus Gurnigel and the Untere Gantrischhütte. Consumption is also possible in summer and autumn in the Stierenhütte and Obernünene. WCs are available at the car parks.

In winter, the area is only accessible to a limited extent due to protected zones. The snow situation must also be taken into account. At exposed places in the higher area, the danger of falling should be taken into account.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Marco Zahnd on 2022-02-18 12:22
In winter, the area is only accessible to a limited extent due to protected zones. The snow situation must also be taken into account. At exposed places in the higher area, the danger of falling should be taken into account.
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

Gallery

Reports

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Species:
2022-05-15 Gantrisch May 2022 Marco Zahnd
2022-03-11 Wasserscheide - Selibüel - Schüpfeflue Marco Zahnd
Gurnigel–Gantrisch - Orniverse