Читать книгу The Moselle Cycle Route. From the source to the Rhine at Koblenz онлайн
20 страница из 42
The Moselle enters the Rhine at Deutsches Eck in Koblenz (Stage 14)
Wildlife
While a number of small animals (including rabbits, hares, red squirrels, voles, water rats and weasels) may be seen scuttling across the track, and deer glimpsed in forests, this is not a route for observing mammals. However, there is a wide range of interesting birdlife. White swans, geese and many varieties of ducks inhabit the river and its banks. Cruising above, raptors, particularly buzzards and kites, are frequently seen hunting small mammals, with kites diving occasionally into the river to catch fish. Other birds that live by fishing include cormorants – noticeable when perched on rocks with their wings spread out to dry – and kingfishers. These live in many locations, mostly on backwaters, perching where they can observe the water. Despite their bright blue and orange plumage, they are very difficult to spot. Grey herons, on the other hand, are very visible. Common all along the Moselle, they can be seen standing in shallow water waiting to strike or stalking purposefully along the banks.