The Great Rosin at the northwestern corner of See (lake) Kummerow is a detour to Mecklenburg. Our destination is located between the little towns of Malchin, Dargun and Demmin.
Northern Shovelers (Spatula or Anas clypeata) are really common with almost 200 individuals and Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) as, but there are also 6 Garganey (Spatula querquedula), at least 20 Red-necked Grebes (Podiceps grisegena), a good 40 Northern Pintails (Anas acuta), a few remaining Smew (Mergellus albellus) and a few Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna). But the surprise are the masses (≥430) of Black-necked Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) with their cheeky golden-yellow ear tufts behind their red eyes, swimming everywhere in their magnificent plumage.
While the countless Common Coots (Fulica atra) are already building their nests, the Red-necked Grebes are still preparing the nest sites. Among the various ducks are the rather rare Garganey, which spend the winter in Africa as migratory birds. The drake is adorned with a wide, curved stripe over the eyes, which tapers to a point in the neck area. The delicate song of the Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) can also be heard. The singer can then also be seen. In the meantime, two Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) appear, circling over the area for a long time, but they do not manage to catch anything when observed; at least not in the area that can be overlooked from the dam.
On the way back we not only see Western Marsh-Harriers (Circus aeruginosus) but also a late female Hen or Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus).
The lake is crossed by the Peene, which flows into the lake near Neukalden and exits again at Aalbude, in the Dargun district. Water level fluctuations from the Peene, and even from the Oder, the Szczecin Lagoon and the Pomeranian Bay influence the water level of the lake. To the northwest of the lake is the Neukaldener Moorwiesen nature reserve with the Große Rosin polder. As part of the renaturation measures of this raised moor area, the dikes were converted so that the floodwaters of the Peene can flow in unhindered but can only flow out slowly again. The polder has been completely flooded since 2007. The area is accessed by the approximately 3 km long Kützerhofer Damm, which connects Aalbude with the town of Kützerhof. Not least because of the limited load capacity of the dam due to the boggy ground, it is generally closed to motor vehicle traffic. When the weather is wonderful like today, the route is easily manageable on foot.
In addition, you can let the unique atmosphere work on you so much better. It’s also unique because the water and reed areas on both sides extend right up to the path, so you feel like you’re in the middle. To start with, the calls of the Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris), which, when heard at close range, go through your heart and soul and resonate in your ears for a long time. They are complemented by the never-ending shrill cries of Common Black-headed Gulls (Larus ridibundus), which have a sizeable breeding colony here.
From the observation tower near the so-called Aalbude and the two observation platforms located on the dam to the Aalbude, you have a wide view over this extensive water landscape. Birds can be observed at any time of the year: many shoveler ducks swim in the shallow water, wading birds inspect the mud for food.
The car park at the exit from Kützerhof towards Aalbude is a good starting point for a hike into the area. Between Dargun and Neukalen the road turns to Klützerhof. Follow the signs “Aalbude” through Klützerhof. Shortly behind Kützerhof there is a marked parking space on the side of the road. The parking spaces directly in Aalbude belong to the restaurant there and are therefore not accessible.
The Kummerower See is located on the northern edge of Mecklenburg Switzerland. The whole area is a true paradise for bird watchers. With its idyllic lakes, extensive forests and picturesque landscapes, this region in northern Germany offers a variety of habitats for an impressive variety of bird species.
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.