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Description
Villa Duchessa di Galliera is a nice spot for the observation of species breeding in broad-leaved forests in the Apennines, as Short-toed Treecreeper and Eurasian Green Woodpecker. However, the most interesting species can be observed during migration, especially in spring. Indeed, the park is a raptor migration hotspot: hundreds of Short-toed Snake Eagle in March, and of European Honey-buzzard in May can be observed in one day. During February-March, and October-November, thousands individuals of Common Crane can be observed migrating over the park going to or coming from the wintering sites in France and Spain. Also, Eurasian Hoopoe is frequently seen in the open habitats from March to May. In winter, Crag Martin can be easily seen flying over the gardens at the entrance of the park, often with more than 10 individuals, and in the forest Goldcrest, Coal Tit and Marsh Tit can be observed.
During extreme cold winters, Reed Bunting, Wood Lark, Cirl Bunting and Rock Bunting have been found in the gardens. Grey Heron has nested in the forests, but not every year. Among the birds that can be seen all year round in the park, Firecrest is very common both in winter and in spring, Crested Tit is found in the sites with pine trees, and a pair of Tawny Owl is nesting close to the church on top of the hill.
Details
Access
The urban park can be visited only walking, and it is not allowed to enter the park by car or cycling. There are 18 km of paths in the park, but I recommend the route suggested in the map (about 5 km), as it covers all the different habitats. The Villa Duchessa is situated within city limits and therefore on walking distance from public transport: trains and busses. The parking spaces are shown in the map, but is not always easy to find an empty lot. Click on a P in the map to get directions to a parking spot.