Niederwald Eagle Sanctuary

Niederwald Eagle Sanctuary


Ornithology is the study of birds and the term ‘birder’ is for bird
watchers that travel long distances to spot a rare bird. When a birder
sees a certain bird they check if off on their list. There is even a
24 hour World Series of Birding which is held in New Jersey every
year! Well if you can’t make it to the World Series of Birding you can
still home in your inner Ornithologist (that is just pecking to get
out) at the Niederwald Eagle Sanctuary located on top of the hills in
Rüdesheim.

First of all, this Eagle Sanctuary is located in one of the most
beautiful views I have ever seen. It is located right next to the
Niederwald monument on the top of Rüdesheim. You can get there by
going up the cable cars or driving up the mountain in your car to the
car park. No doubt these birds are living on some prime real-estate!

Founded in 1968, the mission of the sanctuary is to look after injured
birds of prey and owls. They also raise abandoned chicks. As soon as
the birds are either recovered or they are grown enough to be
released.

The sanctuary has 15 different species of bird of prey, with 30 to 35
birds in total. You can even catch the birds flight training from time
to time.

The sanctuary has wonderful woods with views of the Rhein around it
and it is a perfect place where you can end a hike! Some famous
locations nearby is the old town of Rudesheim, Bingen, Schloss
Johannisberg, and the Niederwald monument.

You can buy your tickets at the entry way. The entrance price is
adults € 4.50, and children 3-14 years it is € 3.00. There are also
family group rates for € 10.00.

The ticket man was very nice and we were ready to see his birds!

There is a path in the sanctuary where you can view the birds in their
cages. They had a lot of room and most of the time there was only one
bird per each cage.

We were looking at them and they were looking right back at us!

I think of the coolest things about the sanctuary compared to a zoo,
is that you know these birds will be back in the wild someday soon. So
now we have a rare opportunity to look at them so close and have a
connection with them, which you normally wouldn’t have.

The path was peaceful and didn’t feel like a zoo at all. It was
important for us to be quiet and respect the birds in the sanctuary.

The cutest of the day award went to the baby owls! One baby was
missing an eye. It felt good to know that he will be well taken care
of.

The most impressive and my personal favorite was the adult owl! His
talons were so impressive and to look into his eyes was really
amazing.

Right outside the sanctuary there is a restaurant with an incredible view!

Unless you have Ornithophobia (an abnormal and irrational fear of
birds), the Niederwald Eagle Sanctuary is a great place to go when you
want to leave your weekend living room nest!

Author’s Profile: Gemma is a Jersey Broad Abroad living in Wiesbaden, Germany, and she is enjoying her extended European vacation.