Introduction
The Cassonsgrat is a high alpine ridge near Flims in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. It's one of the two places in Switzerland where Eurasian Dotterel can be seen regulary and it is easy accessible.
Access
Starting point is Flims, which you can reach by car from Chur or by bus from Chur. If you like to stay there are plenty of hotels and rooms in Flims. If coming with the bus leave at 'Flims Bergbahnen'. Timetable on http://www.sbb.ch/en/index.htm
From the mountain resort Flims you take a chair lift to Foppa, change there to the one to Naraus, where a small cablecar (just 26 passengers) takes you up to 2700 m on the Cassonsgrat. Service starts at 8.30 and after about 30 minutes you can be on the ridge.
Time and Strategy
Only between the 20th of August and the 10th of September Eurasian Dotterel can be found on the ridge. Leave the station and go to the left, until you reach a flag. Scan now the ridge carefully. Usually the Dotterels are much closer than you think. If you don't have any luck to the left, try the plateau to the right of the station. Other species you might encounter are Rock Ptarmigan, Northern Wheatear, Water Pipit, Alpine Accentor and White-winged Snowfinch. If you are in good condition and free from giddiness climb down on the track to Naraus. On the cliffs under the cablecar Wallcreeper can be found.
Mammals you will encounter are Marmots and Chamois and, if you are lucky, Ibex. Look out of the cablecar from Naraus to Cassonsgrat. The last transport back is at 16.45. Be sure not to miss it!
Around Flims
In the forests around Flims all mountain species can be found, including Boreal Owl, Eurasian Pygmy-Owl, Hazel Grouse, Citril Finch and many others. Look out for undisturbed forest with old, mature trees. As these species are very unpredictable it's worthless to give exact locations. Try for the owls in early spring in the night and for Hazel Grouse in autumn, when they are calling.
Content and images originally posted by wintibird
