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| The vogel.schau.plätze |
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The wetland area of the Absetzbecken Hohenau - Ringelsdorf (total area 55 ha) is an artificial creation, important chiefly for waterfowl and waders. This area is maintained and protected as a substitute for natural wetlands (natural backwaters of lowland rivers, muddy habitats), which hardly exist any longer in Central Europe. The water from the nearby river March and the water pumping system of the sugar factory make it possible to keep certain areas wet and free from vegetation. The vogel.schau.plätze have been maintained and protected since 1998 by the AURING society.
In this area for bird protection, over 230 bird species have so far been recorded. To retain the attraction of this area for both birds and ecotourists, some intensive habitat management is required. Interesting birdwatching points may be found at the watchtower by the Kühlteich, at the hide on the Anlandebecken, and also at the ringing station:
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| The Anlandebecken |
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| The 38 hectares of the Absetzbecken Hohenau-Ringelsdorf was part of the sugar factory. The Anlandebecken received the mud that was washed from the sugarbeet, and what is now the Kühlteich was a "holding pool" where the effluent water was clarified. Ornithological research showed that these areas were of great importance for passage birds, and laid the foundations for the preservation of the wetlands, which are now open to visit. The mosaic of shallow water, wet and dry mud and dense vegetation is carefully maintained. The Anlandebecken helps replace some of the habitats that existed prior to the regulation of the river March. During the migration season, this is one of the most important resting and feeding areas for waders in the whole of Austria. |
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| The Kühlteich |
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The 17 hectare Kühlteich is the most significant winter resting place for northern waterbirds in the whole March-Thaya area. It also happens to be an important component of the sugar factory's work. The factory's use of the Kühlteich coincides with the requirements of bird conservation. Each year in early summer, Black-headed Gulls settle in the reed islands. This is the only breeding colony of these birds in Lower Austria.
In winter the pool is the most important waterbird resting place in eastern Lower Austria. Up to 5,000 ducks may be found here, and it is also the roost site for up to 10,000 geese. The 17 ha pool cools the waste water emitted by the sugar factory. The watchtower gives good views of bird activity over the whole of the Kühlteich. Other species that may be found here in season include Black-necked Grebe, Garganey and Shoveler, as well as terns. During the breeding season , the Kühlteich is of great importance for waterfowl and waders, as well as for reedbed passerines. The observation tower at the Kühlteich makes it possible to watch the birdlife of the Kühlteich. Numerous species of birds are found here throughout the year.
Please note:
The Hohenau Sugar Factory was closed down. The Kühlteich has been drained and will be transformed into a fish pond. |
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| Finding the vogel.schau.plätze |
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| If your visit begins in Hohenau, then start at the watchtower beside the road to the border-crossing (cars can be parked by the tower, or it is just 15 minutes walk from the railway station). If you are coming from Ringelsdorf, then follow the March-Panorama cycle-route or take the turning from the B49, just beyond the isolated Tollhouses, to reach the ringing station.
Don't forget to bring a pair of binoculars and, if possible, a field guide with you. To get more out of your observations, it is possible to use the AURING telescope and field guides, for the price of a small donation.
With the train:
Direct trains are regular from Wien-Nord (Praterstern), towards Bernhardsthal.
By bicycle:
March-Panorama- and Kamp-Thaya-March-Cycle routes
By car:
From Vienna, take the B8 to Angern, then North along the B49 to Hohenau.
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| Accomodation |
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If you wish to stay for longer at the vogel.schau.plätzen, and thus have time for more excursions in the neighbouring area, there are opportunities for overnight stays. In Hohenau itself there is some basic accommodation available (information from the AURING society), or for more luxurious accommodation, there is the Hotel Steinberg near Zistersdorf, and the Pension Schramm in Zistersdorf, each about 15km away.
Alternatively, for people with more simple expectations it may be possible, for just the cost of a donation, to stay in the ringing station overnight if space permits: contact the AURING society for details.
 Pension Stadtcafé Zistersdorf
Hotel Steinberg
Ringing station
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| Contact us |
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Verein Auring
Weststraße 7
A- 2273 Hohenau
Phone: (0043) 0664 - 941 88 81
e-mail: info@auring.at |
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