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Description
There's no suggestion that Strasbourg city centre is an idyllic birdwatching destination for anyone visiting on a given morning or afternoon, and day-trippers should come with fairly low expectations. However, for those able to put in the time and effort, it offers some of the finest and most diverse inner-city birding around.
Various factors make Strasbourg a popular venue for birds. These include: its location on a North-South migration route near the Rhine, between the Vosges and Black Forest mountain ranges; the surrounding water (the city centre being located on an island that also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site); and the large number of church spires and derelict lofts.
Pigeons are obviously ubiquitous but are not limited to Kaya güvercini. Gökçe güvercin can be found nesting in unused chimneys and Tahtalı are seen regularly. Kara kargası are constantly heard marking out their territory and are occasionally joined by a Ekin kargası or two. Gulls are mostly Gümüş martı and Karabağ martı.
Leylek are perhaps Alsace's most iconic bird and are commonly seen over the city, largely thanks to the highly successful breeding programme at the nearby Parc de l'Orangerie. Other large birds that can be watched passing overhead - usually following a NE-SW route - are Yeşilbaş, Karabatak, Kanada Kazı, Nil kazi and Gri balýkçýl.
Raptors are surprisingly common. Gök doðan can be spotted on the cathedral, where they have a nesting box. Atmaca and Kerkenez are regular urban hunters. Şahin are often mobbed by crows. And both Kızıl Çaylak and Kara çaylak can be seen high up during migration periods.
One species that's easy to find between late April and late July is the Ebabil. They're particularly numerous between Place Kléber and Place Broglie.
Common passerines include Karatavuk, which can be heard singing in the evening, Büyük baþtankara, Mavi Baştankara, Serçe and Kara kızılkuyruk, the latter of which nest here. There are also quite a lot of Florya. Occasional sightings include Ak kuyruksallayan, Kızılgerdan, Dağ kuyruksallayanı, Saka and Çıvgın.
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Access
Come to Strasbourg by any means: bus, train, tram, car... If you're driving, then the Opera car park on Place Broglie is quite useful for motorway access and for not getting caught up in the one-way system.