Vogelraupfi, protected area
Vogelraupfi is a small island in the Aare river near Bannwil in the Bern region, roughly 300 meters long and 80 meters wide. The island is covered with grasses and trees and serves ducks, swans, kingfishers, and many other bird species as a nesting, resting, and wintering site.
The area was first protected in 1944, but the original island disappeared in 1965 due to changes in the Aare river after construction of the Bannwil hydroelectric power plant. A new island was created in 1970 using the old side channel of the river to ensure birds could continue to use the habitat safely.
Vogelraupfi has long been recognized by locals as a refuge where birds breed, rest, and overwinter throughout the year. The name itself reflects this role, pointing to the bird species that depend on this island as a critical stopover on their migration routes.
Access is available from walking paths along the Aare river, with visitors expected to keep a safe distance from the island and stay on marked trails. Binoculars are helpful for bird watching, and the best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon, especially during spring and autumn migration periods.
The island seen today is an artificial creation from 1970 and not the original Vogelraupfi, which disappeared in 1965. This successful reconstruction demonstrates how active conservation measures can restore a lost breeding and resting site for birds.
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