The sedge marsh of the Winkel is home to rails and ducks. In spring and fall, numerous duck species rest here on the flooded floodplain, and some wading bird species join them at the water's edge. Some rare duck species, such as shoveler and garganey, remain in the area to breed. With a bit of luck, the very hidden water rail can be observed at the water's edge, and its "squeaking" calls can be heard more frequently. The marsh harrier breeds in the higher growing sedge stands. The very rare common snipe - the heraldic animal of the floodplain project - also breeds in the marshy areas in some years. It displays an impressive "bleating flight" during mating and is therefore also popularly known as the sky goat.
From April to June, the tree frogs and green frogs can be heard calling from the shallow overflowing reeds. The concert of the tree frogs only sounds at night, but is then all the more impressive.
Beavers have settled in the floodplain for a few years now. The nocturnal rodents cannot be seen, but they leave clear traces. Numerous willows have been gnawed or fallen over.
Contact:
Arbeitsgemeinschaft Biologischer Umweltschutz e.V.
Teichstraße 19
59505 Bad Sassendorf - Lohne
Tel.: 02921/969878-0
E-Mail:abu@abu-naturschutz.de
Photos: B. Beckers