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© Dale Forbes

Seewinkel / Fertő-Hanság NP

47.78941 , 16.79560

Hungary,Austria

Lake Neusiedl, Neusiedler See

Arguably Austria's premier birding destination with a large network of pans, lakes, wetlands, steppes and agricultural land. In addition, the confluence of influences from the Pannonian Steppes, the eastern Alps and Mediterranean zones make for particularly interesting biodiversity. The landscape is flat and perfect for exploring by bicycle and birding typically involves moving between the seasonally inundated soda pans, the patches of woodland, and scanning the steppes and skies.

The national park covers areas within both Hungary and Austria, with the Hungarian parts having somewhat more restricted access points for birding. The Austrian area of Seewinkel consists of a complex matrix of protected national park land and land in private ownership, the latter typically used for wine growing or other agricultural practices.

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

Site name was changed by Dale Forbes into "Seewinkel / Fertő-Hanság NP" (2021-09-14 16:45:59 )

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 47.7894/16.7956 (2020-11-08 17:23:14 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Neusiedler See - Seewinkel NP" (2020-11-08 17:23:14 )

Edited by Dale Forbes on 2021-09-27 06:44:43
Arguably Austria's premier birding destination with a large network of pans, lakes, wetlands, steppes and agricultural land. In addition, the confluence of influences from the Pannonian Steppes, the eastern Alps and Mediterranean zones make for particularly interesting biodiversity. The landscape is flat and perfect for exploring by bicycle and birding typically involves moving between the seasonally inundated soda pans, the patches of woodland, and scanning the steppes and skies. The national park covers areas within both Hungary and Austria, with the Hungarian parts having somewhat more restricted access points for birding. The Austrian area of Seewinkel consists of a complex matrix of protected national park land and land in private ownership, the latter typically used for wine growing or other agricultural practices.
Edited by Dale Forbes on 2021-09-14 16:45:47
Arguably Austria's premier birding destination with a large network of pans, lakes, wetlands, steppes and agricultural land.

  • 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)

Great Bustard (Otis tarda)
Pygmy Cormorant (Microcarbo pygmaeus)
Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca)
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)
Moustached Warbler (Acrocephalus melanopogon)

Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) was added by Dale Forbes (2021-09-27 06:34:08)

Great Bustard (Otis tarda) was added by Dale Forbes (2021-09-27 06:33:50)

European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) was added by Dale Forbes (2021-09-27 06:26:25)

Pygmy Cormorant (Microcarbo pygmaeus) was added by Dale Forbes (2021-09-27 06:26:16)

Moustached Warbler (Acrocephalus melanopogon) was added by Dale Forbes (2021-09-27 06:26:06)

  • Timing and strategy

Winter sees large numbers of wildfowl congregating in the area, with huge flocks of Greylag and Greater White-fronted Geese. Red-breasted and Lesser White-fronted Geese are recorded annually in the region.

Spring is dominated by migration, with significant numbers of shorebirds using the shallow soda pans as a stop-over site while migrating north. Displaying Great Bustards are a delight.

Summers can be pleasantly warm to hot, but Bee-eaters, Moustached Warblers, Pygmy Cormorants and the occassional swim in the lake will likely keep birders and their families entertained.

Fall / Autumn sees a milder passage migration of shorebirds than in the spring as most of the seasonal pans tend to be dry, with shorebirds tending to either move straight over the area or using smaller, scattered areas of habitat within the reedbed belt around the main lake.

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 Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-09-27 14:53
Winter sees large numbers of wildfowl congragating congregating in the area, with huge flocks of Greylag and Greater White-fronted Geese. Red-breasted and Lesser White-fronted Geese are recorded annually in the region. Spring is dominated by migration, with significant numbers of shorebirds using the shallow soda pans as a stop-over site while migrating north. Displaying Great Bustards are a delight. Summers can be pleasantly warm to hot, but Bee-eaters, Moustached Warblers, Pygmy Cormorants and the occassional swim in the lake will likely keep birders and their families entertained. Fall / Autumn sees a milder passage migration of shorebirds than in the spring as most of the seasonal pans tend to be dry, with shorebirds tending to either move straight over the area or using smaller, scattered areas of habitat within the reedbed belt around the main lake.
Edited by Dale Forbes on 2021-09-27 06:51
Winter sees large numbers of wildfowl congragating in the area, with huge flocks of Greylag and Greater White-fronted Geese. Red-breasted and Lesser White-fronted Geese are recorded annually in the region. Spring is dominated by migration, with significant numbers of shorebirds using the shallow soda pans as a stop-over site while migrating north. Displaying Great Bustards are a delight. Summers can be pleasantly warm to hot, but Bee-eaters, Moustached Warblers, Pygmy Cormorants and the occassional swim in the lake will likely keep birders and their families entertained. Fall / Autumn sees a milder passage migration of shorebirds than in the spring as most of the seasonal pans tend to be dry, with shorebirds tending to either move straight over the area or using smaller, scattered areas of habitat within the reedbed belt around the main lake.
  • How to get there

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

From Vienna, take the REX64 train to Neusiedl am See, connecting with the regional bus 290 to Illmitz. Most hotels in Illmitz have bicycles to rent. Public transport routing can be checked here.

CAR

From Vienna, follow the A4/E60 towards Budapest, taking exit 51 Gols/Weiden and heading south. Keep on the L205 to Podersdorf and follow the main road through town towards Illmitz and Apetlon.

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

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-09-27 14:36
PUBLIC TRANSPORT From Vienna, take the REX64 train to Neusiedl am See, connecting with the regional bus 290 to Illmitz. Most hotels in Illmitz have bicycles to rent. Public transport routing can be checked here https://anachb.vor.at/  here. CAR From Vienna, follow the A4/E60 towards Budapest, taking exit 51 Gols/Weiden and heading south. Keep on the L205 to Podersdorf and follow the main road through town towards Illmitz and Apetlon.
Edited by Dale Forbes on 2021-09-27 07:23
PUBLIC TRANSPORT From Vienna, take the REX64 train to Neusiedl am See, connecting with the regional bus 290 to Illmitz. Most hotels in Illmitz have bicycles to rent. Public transport routing can be checked here https://anachb.vor.at/  CAR From Vienna, follow the A4/E60 towards Budapest, taking exit 51 Gols/Weiden and heading south. Keep on the L205 to Podersdorf and follow the main road through town towards Illmitz and Apetlon.

Observation areas are generally accessible 24/7 and are free of charge. Birders and visitors are not allowed to leave marked trails, paths and roads. Direct access to the pans is typically closed to the public and observation needs to be done from the paths or observation points.

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 Dale Forbes on 2021-09-27 07:26
Observation areas are generally accessible 24/7 and are free of charge. Birders and visitors are not allowed to leave marked trails, paths and roads. Direct access to the pans is typically closed to the public and observation needs to be done from the paths or observation points.
  • Other attractions

Seewinkel is well known for its wines and vineyards are omnipresent in the area. BioDyn Weinhof Haider in Apetlon offers a variety of organic wines grown in the area, as well as wine tastings.

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 Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-09-27 14:37
Seewinkel is well known for its wines and vineyards are omnipresent in the area. BioDyn Weinhof Haider in Apetlon offers a variety of organic wines grown in the area, as well as wine tastings.
Edited by Dale Forbes on 2021-09-27 07:29
Seewinkel is well known for its wines and vineyards are omnipresent in the area. BioDyn Weinhof Haider in Apetlon offers a variety of organic wines grown in the area, as well as wine tastings.

The national park centre on the northern edge of Illmitz offers information about the national park as well as guided tours. See their website for more information.

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 Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-09-27 14:38
The national park centre on the northern edge of Illmitz offers information about the national park as well as guided tours. See their website for more information.
Edited by Dale Forbes on 2021-09-27 07:31
The national park centre on the northern edge of Illmitz offers information about the national park as well as guided tours.

A strong NW wind is common in the open plans of the region, which can make birding and cycling challenging. Blocks of wind-still and windy days will alternate.

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 Dale Forbes on 2021-09-27 08:21
A strong NW wind is common in the open plans of the region, which can make birding and cycling challenging. Blocks of wind-still and windy days will alternate.
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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Seewinkel / Fertő-Hanság NP - Orniverse