Our birdwatching walk from Landhaus Alwine

We set off directly from Landhaus Alwine, heading east, and cross the Spree after just a few metres. Grey Herons wait patiently for their prey along the riverbank, joined in the winter months by their white relatives, Great White Egrets. Cormorants dive for food in the water, while Black Kites patrol the skies above.

Immediately after crossing the river, a path branches off to the right, which we follow for 2.5 km. Woodland stretches out on our left, while the landscape to our right is open. In summer, there is a good chance of spotting Red-backed Shrikes and, with a little luck, even a magnificent White-tailed Eagle perched in the trees along the Spree.

Beyond the Kleiner Schwarzberg on our left, a path turns off to the left, which we follow for 700 m. Here we turn right onto a forestry track (those wishing to take a shortcut can continue straight ahead). Woodland birds can be seen and heard everywhere. Alongside the common Great Spotted Woodpeckers, we may also discover the rarer Middle Spotted Woodpecker, whose distinctive nasal call often gives away its presence. Crested Tits are regularly seen, particularly among the pine trees, while both Short-toed Treecreepers and Treecreepers search the tree trunks for insects. With their brown and white plumage, however, these “masters of camouflage” are not always easy to spot against the bark.

After 400 m, we turn left onto the first forest path and, after another 600 m, reach an old arm of the Spree, where Mute Swans regularly breed and can be seen with their grey cygnets. We turn left and, after just under 500 m, pass another still body of water. Various species of duck gather here, particularly in winter, while Goldfinches and Siskins flit through the alders, often in large flocks.

After a little over a kilometre, we reach the Spree again and see Landhaus Alwine on the opposite bank. Whether it is coffee and cake or a hearty main course, a welcome opportunity to refuel awaits us – true to our motto: “regional, fresh and homemade”.

P.S. Depending on the season and with a little luck, you may also spot the following species here: Ospreys, Hobbies and Peregrine Falcons, Sparrowhawks, Buzzards, Montagu’s Harriers and Red Kites, Cranes, Storks, Woodcocks, Goldcrests, Greylag, Greater White-fronted and Lesser White-fronted Geese, Bitterns and Little Bitterns, Reed Buntings, Great Reed and Sedge Warblers, Hoopoes, Long-tailed, Great and Blue Tits, Black and Green Woodpeckers, and many more...

Who wouldn’t be tempted to set off on a short walk and discover the birdlife of the surrounding area?