Description
Lake Arpi has a big nesting colony of pelikán kadeřavý and kolpík bílý. It is also a perfect stop for spring migrants like pelikán bílý, husice rezavá, husa velká and various waders. In summer the surrounding fields and meadows become home for passerines such as budníček černonohý, hýl rudý, bělořit šedý, strnad zahradní, konopka žlutozobá and predators like orel nejmenší, káně lesní, moták pochop, krahujec obecný and orel křiklavý.
During spring migration and summer you can find waterfowl, waders, field and even forest species like kukačka obecná and drozd brávník in the area. There are several villages at the coast of Lake Arpi with cattle farms, where špaček obecný, vlaštovka obecná 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 pelikán kadeřavý. 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).