Austria's most rewarding birding destination is just a one hour drive or train ride from Vienna. The region east of Lake Neusiedl (Neusiedler See), characterized by shallow salt lakes, pastures and meadows and sunny weather offers the most diverse bird life you can find in the country.

Key target species

More than 370 species of birds have been recorded around the lake, the most productive area being the Austrian Seewinkel and Hanság regions, on the south-eastern shore. Breeding species include specialities such as Eastern Imperial Eagle, Great Bustard, Pygmy Cormorant, Little Crake, Syrian Woodpecker, Hoopoe, Bee-eater, Barred Warbler, Moustached Warbler and River Warbler - just to name a few.

When to go
The birding high seasons at Seewinkel are those of migration, when species diversity is highest: April/May and August/September. But every month of the year has their specialties and very good reasons to visit: low vegetation and good photo opportunities in March/April, rare breeding species with their offspring and start of the southbound migration in June/July, birds of prey and various Siberian geese from October-March. When visiting at the peak of summer (June-August), bear in mind that it can get very hot. Birding is then best restricted to the earliest morning hours (i.e. 6-10 a.m.).

Private guided tours at Lake Neusiedl/Seewinkel

Private tours with experienced birding guides are arranged by St. Martins Lodge in Frauenkirchen. Tours include rental Swarovski Optik binoculars and scope: Pricing & request

Bird photography opportunities at Seewinkel

Besides guided tours, St. Martins offers a submerged wetland photo hide in April (target species: shorebirds, ducks, wagtails etc.) and probably the best bee-eater hide in Austria (season: May-July), both offering excellent photo opportunities.

St. Martins Lodge grounds, an Austrian birding hotspot itself
Conservation measures like grazing, water management, nest boxes and the creation of a bee-eater breeding colony result in an outstanding bird diversity on the premises of the lodge. With 225 bird species recorded, St. Martins is among the top 10 Austrian ebird hotspots by total species count.

detailed descriptions of the birding sites in the region | order for € 9,90

If you want to save the shipping: both publications as well as my other books and posters are available at the St. Martins lodge reception.