Written by: Reiner Horlacher
2025
Starting in February 2024, we made it our mission to track and record all wildlife data, with a particular focus on bird species, both resident and migratory, in Switzerland and the Rhein Valley where Golfclub Gams-Werdenberg is located.
On the golf course, we are proud to have two resident Mute Swan families. Both had successful litters of cygnets this year, with all the young surviving. Despite the aggressive nature of these birds, they did an excellent job protecting their young. We also have a family of Egyptian Geese that travel across the course, nesting in the tall grass around the lakes.
The lakes on the course are home to both Coots and Waterhens. While Coots are found in all of the lakes, Waterhens, being more shy, prefer more secluded areas, often nesting in spots surrounded by long grass for protection.
Over the past few years, we've noticed that some of the White Stork families have stopped migrating to warmer climates. Interestingly, some of these birds have ringed legs, indicating they are being monitored by the bird protection agency.
