Bunting breakthrough - Scheibum

In the Ammer Gorge Nature Reserve in the Scheibum area, the Ammer River – one of the few remaining intact wild rivers in the northern Alpine foothills – forged its way northward approximately 120.000 years ago after leaving the Alps. A magnificent Ammer Gorge was formed between Altenau and Peißenberg. Here, approximately 15 km from its source, the river carved a rocky gorge, forming the Scheibum. The name "Scheibum" means "all around" in Bavarian, referring to the round pools where, after the narrows, the Ammer flows, sometimes in a circle. 

In the Scheibum area lives the SandpiperFrom April to August, you can spot this shy bird on the Ammer River – it travels from far away in Africa to breed. The common sandpiper is characterized by the constant bobbing of its rear body and the fluttering wing beats as it flies just above the water's surface. Nests are built on sparsely vegetated gravel banks.

Avoiding disturbance of breeding grounds is crucial to preserving the population of the common sandpiper. Common sandpiper clutches are easily overlooked and trampled among the stones on gravel banks and islands, or the adults are driven away from the clutch, which can lead to overheating or cooling of the clutch or chicks, and ultimately to their death. Therefore, follow the posted rules of conduct and observe the prohibition on entering gravel banks, which are closed to protect the common sandpipers breeding there during the breeding and rearing season (mid-April to mid-July).