Explorer Route - A Sea of Reeds

The Mariskensänger, one of five reed warblers in the reed belt, finds its only breeding area in Austria at Lake Neusiedl. Hidden in the old reeds with a dense bend layer, the males make themselves heard through their song, especially in spring.

Bearded tits spend their entire life in the reed belt. They feed on insects and spiders - in winter on reed seeds. They often move through the reeds in small groups. Their call, a peppy, nasal "psching", usually announces them.

Normally, amphibians like green frogs avoid waters rich in fish, as both their spawn and the tadpoles are easy prey for fish. In the thicket of the reed belt, however, there are enough hiding places and shallower, fish-free areas.

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There is enormous negative pressure in the trap bubbles of the yellow-flowered water hose. If a small aquatic animal touches the cap of the bubble, it opens in a flash and sucks in the surrounding water together with its prey.

The bubble opens in a flash and sucks in the surrounding water together with its prey.

Small crustaceans such as water fleas constantly filter tiny algae out of the water. They themselves are an important food source for many insects and fish. Under ideal conditions, they appear en masse - they are then easy to see with the naked eye.