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Description
Lake Arpi has a big nesting colony of Dalmatian Pelican and Eurasian Spoonbill. It is also a perfect stop for spring migrants like Great White Pelican, Ruddy Shelduck, Greylag Goose and various waders. In summer the surrounding fields and meadows become home for passerines such as Mountain Chiffchaff, Common Rosefinch, Northern Wheatear, Ortolan Bunting, Twite and predators like Booted Eagle, Common Buzzard, Western Marsh Harrier, Sparrowhawk and Lesser Spotted Eagle.
During spring migration and summer you can find waterfowl, waders, field and even forest species like Common Cuckoo and Mistle Thrush in the area. There are several villages at the coast of Lake Arpi with cattle farms, where Common Starling, Barn Swallow and other synanthropic species live.
Details
Access
From Gyumri go to Berdashen (last 20 km are unpaved but smooth). Then after the bridge over Ahuryan river, turn left, and after 100 m turn left again on a small road to the hydropower plant and park your car there. If the road is dry, you can go closely along the lakeshore.
It is the best place to observe Dalmatian Pelican. There is a colony on a nearby island. If you go further around the lake you can make a stop between Dzorakert and Tsakhut villages. It is also good place on a lake shore.
It takes 3-4 hours of thorough birding in this part of the lake. If you want to make full circle around Lake Arpi it can take 6-7 hours (including 3-4 stops).