In the heart of the majestic Alps, where rugged peaks rise into the sky and untouched landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see, lies the enchanting Stelvio National Park or Stilfser Joch. Nestled in this breathtaking expanse lies the Stelvio Pass, a mountainous wonderland that attracts both adventurers and nature lovers. For avid bird watchers, Stelvio National Park is a paradise full of bird wonders waiting to be discovered. Examples include Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca), Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix), Eurasian Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), Hazel Grouse (Bonasa bonasia) and Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta).
If you want to discover nature and animals, you would do well to go alone or at most in pairs. Only then do you have the peace and quiet to actually perceive the “breath of nature” in every season, the silence or the natural sounds. What can you recommend to a visitor to the park? Are there any particularly worthwhile places? The good news is undoubtedly that you can make equally interesting observations and discoveries everywhere in the park. However, some peculiarities can still be noted. In Vinschgau there are mighty Ice Age cones of rubble. The Martell Valley is impressive, a long high valley whose end is the Cevedale. The Ulten Valley is rich in forests and has a large number of lakes.
It is quite easy to find high alpine habitat at the Passo dello Stelvio. Here you can meet the wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria), which is otherwise difficult to observe. On the one hand, it is a master of camouflage and blends effortlessly into the rocky surroundings. However, when it unfolds its crimson wings, one marvels at the colorfulness and intricate wing pattern. A living work of art! But other typical inhabitants of alpine landscapes such as the Eurasian Crag-Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris), the Gray Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea), the Eurasian Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) and the White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus) can also be seen.
Is there a best season? Or is there a particularly recommended time of year to visit the park? Actually not. Every day of the year there is a chance to discover fascinating motifs. In winter it is of course important to prepare accordingly. You can then move comfortably through the landscape on skis or snowshoes. Due to the significant differences in altitude, spring and autumn last for long periods. Depending on what altitude you are at, you can still marvel at spring-like flower meadows in June or photograph the first autumn impressions, sometimes even snowy winter landscapes, in August.
The network of paths in the park is quite well developed and enables hikes of all levels of difficulty, from strolls to challenging mountain tours. Exploring the park is easiest in summer and fall. Then numerous huts are open up to the higher altitudes and offer the opportunity to stay overnight. Comfortable hotels, on the other hand, are of course open all year round in the national park region and are available in every town, no matter how small. In the Swiss Engadine National Park, leaving the paths is generally not permitted, but in the Italian park it is simply “not recommended” to leave the paths.
In order to meet the growing demand for top images of the rarer species of Palaearctic Bird-lens.com has specifically made trips to remote places. Additionally every chance is used, if a rare bird is around the homeground. This to do everything to ensure excellent photos of the Birds of the Western Palearctic . The yield of pictures also of rare Western Palaearctic birds is very good. There are other nice images of birds, that you will find behind the tab “Picture Shop“. Just give a notice if you need a picture of a bird which is not online.