Neusiedler See and the surrounding Seewinkel region form Austria's ornithological crown jewel. This shallow steppe lake, shared with Hungary, represents the westernmost extent of the Pannonian lowlands and hosts over 340 recorded bird species. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and Biosphere Reserve, the area combines open water, extensive reedbeds, saline pools (Lacken), and surrounding agricultural land to create unmatched habitat diversity.
Understanding the Landscape
The lake itself averages only 1.1 meters in depth, with a fringing reedbed covering over half the total area. East of the lake, the Seewinkel region contains dozens of saline and alkaline pools that expand and contract with seasonal rainfall. This mosaic of habitats supports different bird communities throughout the year.
Signature Species
Great Bustard (Otis tarda)
The world's heaviest flying bird maintains one of its most important Central European populations in the Seewinkel grasslands. Adult males can exceed 16 kilograms and perform spectacular inflation displays during spring. The Austrian-Hungarian cross-border population has stabilized through coordinated conservation efforts with agricultural practices.
Viewing Great Bustards
The display grounds (leks) are active from late March through May. Approach distances are strictly regulated to prevent disturbance. Designated viewing areas near Tadten and Andau provide excellent opportunities. Always use established hides and observation points.
Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
One of Europe's most elegant wading birds, the spoonbill breeds in the Neusiedler See reedbeds in a colony that has grown significantly over recent decades. Their distinctive spatulate bills sweep through shallow water to capture small fish and invertebrates. Watch for feeding groups in the Seewinkel pools from April through September.
Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
More secretive than its grey cousin, the purple heron skulks in dense reedbeds but regularly hunts along reedbed edges at dawn and dusk. Their breeding colonies hidden deep in the reeds can be detected by the strange groaning calls during spring. Best observed during morning feeding activity at pool margins.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring Migration (March - May)
Spring transforms Neusiedler See into a staging area for millions of northbound migrants. Wader passage peaks in April-May with species including:
- Ruff - males in full breeding plumage
- Black-tailed Godwit
- Spotted Redshank
- Temminck's Stint
- Wood Sandpiper
Passerine migration brings waves of warblers, chats, and flycatchers through scrubby areas and woodland edges.
Breeding Season (May - July)
The reedbeds support breeding colonies of herons, egrets, and spoonbills. Grassland species including skylarks, corn buntings, and hoopoes establish territories. The Seewinkel pools host breeding avocets, black-winged stilts, and occasionally Kentish plovers.
Autumn Migration (August - October)
Southbound migration begins with wader passage in August, building through September. Raptor migration along the lake's western shore can produce excellent counts of honey buzzards, harriers, and occasional rarities. Waterfowl numbers build toward winter peaks.
Winter (November - February)
Mild winters attract significant waterfowl concentrations including thousands of greylag geese and various duck species. White-tailed eagles patrol the lake and pools. The surrounding fields hold flocks of buntings and occasional great grey shrikes.
Notable Raptors
White-tailed Eagle
Several pairs breed around the lake, with numbers supplemented by wintering birds. Early morning and late afternoon offer best viewing opportunities as eagles hunt waterfowl and fish.
Saker Falcon
This powerful falcon maintains a small breeding population, hunting over open grasslands for ground squirrels and birds. Nest boxes installed on electricity pylons have supported the population in recent years.
Red-footed Falcon
A passage migrant in spring and autumn, with flocks sometimes gathering in the Seewinkel to hunt large insects. May counts occasionally reach several hundred individuals during favorable conditions.
Practical Information
Getting There
The town of Neusiedl am See lies approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Vienna. Regular trains connect from Vienna's Hauptbahnhof. A vehicle is helpful for exploring the dispersed Seewinkel sites, though cycling on the extensive network of paths is popular during warmer months.
Key Sites
- Biological Station Illmitz - Information center with current sightings and maps
- Lange Lacke - Large saline pool with observation tower, excellent for waders
- Zicksee - Accessible lakeshore, good for waterfowl
- Apetlon pools - Multiple small Lacken with varied species
Best Times to Visit
April-May and September-October offer peak diversity during migration. Summer months provide breeding bird activity but fewer overall species. Winter visits can be productive for raptors and waterfowl, though many pools may freeze.
Resources
The Neusiedler See National Park website provides current information and guided excursion schedules. BirdLife Austria maintains regional contacts who can advise on recent sightings.