Photo: Cesar von Meissen
Nature reserve in Essen-Heisingen
The bird sanctuary at Baldeneysee It's called Heisinger Bogen. Located on the northern shore of the lake in the Essen district of Heisingen, it was created in the 1930s immediately after the lake's construction. The area encompasses shallow waters, floating-leaved vegetation, and remnants of alder swamp forest, providing habitat for numerous bird species and other animals. It's an important resting place for migratory birds and home to special and rare species such as kingfishers and little grebes. Nature lovers will find a true natural paradise here at Baldeneysee.
Rare species
In the Heisinger Bogen bird sanctuary At Baldeneysee, in addition to the familiar native birds, several rare and protected species live. Grey herons are among the most frequently encountered birds here, with a colony of an impressive 90 breeding pairs having established itself. Coots and moorhens populate the waters. Great crested grebes frolic in the floating-leaf zone, while little grebes inhabit the shallow waters. Unlike this rare species, mute swans and mallards are regularly seen at Baldeneysee. Cormorants live at the lake year-round and breed within the protected area. A highlight for birdwatchers are the colorful kingfishers. The area is also an important resting place for migratory birds and provides habitat for non-native species such as Canada geese and Egyptian geese. It is a paradise for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts.
Sunbathing turtles
Besides these and other bird species, other animal species can also be found in the Heisinger Bogen bird sanctuary. Frogs, toads, newts, and other amphibians find ideal living conditions in the shallow water zones and ponds. Red-eared sliders bask on logs. Dragonflies and butterflies can be observed in the reed beds and floating-leaved vegetation. Bats use the area as a hunting ground. And let's not forget the native fish, as the Ruhr River and the Baldeneysee canal provide habitat for pike, perch, carp, and catfish.
Our conclusion
Besides sports and fun, the Baldeneysee offers special moments, especially for nature lovers. Groups of cormorants hunting, basking turtles, and colorful kingfishers can be observed here. Nature lovers will find a true natural paradise at the Baldeneysee.
