The Ottenstein plateau is of particular interest on account of its numerous ponds and lakes and its species-rich bird population. In the autumn the sheer variety of birds is enriched by large numbers of migratory birds from Northern Europe.

Mallard ducks, pochards and tufted ducks, coots, great crested grebes and dabchicks, mute swans and grey herons can often be seen here. If you are lucky and keep quiet enough, you may also see black-necked grebes, gadwalls, teal and moorhens. Especially rare examples of birds include the eagle owl, marsh harrier, black stork, black kite, kingfisher, corncrake and the common rose finch.