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Geloi Wetland

Sicilia  >  Italy

Geloi Wetland is a private natural reserve, placed on 3rd migration route of Sicily. It’s a stop-over site for migratory birds, who find shelter, rest and food.

Added* by Manuel Andrea Zafarana
Most recent update 26 února 2026

Description

The Plain of Gela forms a sort of bottleneck along the Gela and Maroglio rivers and through this bottleneck passes a bird migration route. This route is internationally well-known and represents the third way of migration through Sicily, on averagem 60.000 birds belonging to 177 species (ibis hnědý, kolpík bílý, jespák bojovný), pass in spring and autumn.

The Plain is one of the most important agricultural areas in Sicily. It was known as the ‘Granary of Rome’ for the abundance of its wheat crops. Today in Geloi, surrounded by farming activities ranging from wheat to artichokes and other vegetables, a small but important colony of ouhorlík stepní struggles to survive while the few remaining natural wetlands and marshes have become a fundamental wintering site for waterbirds, such askulík zlatý and čejka chocholatá.

Geloi is also a perfect breeding site for poštolka jižní, mandelík hajní e Dytík úhorní, čáp bílý: in this area there are the most numerous populations of Italy. The Geloi Wetland is a haven for diverse species, including flamingos, herons, and the endangered European pond turtle, making it a crucial site for wildlife conservation.

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Italiano: La Piana di Gela forma una sorta di imbuto naturale lungo i fiumi Gela e Maroglio, attraverso il quale passa una rotta migratoria per l'avifauna. Questa rotta è nota a livello internazionale e rappresenta la terza via di migrazione della Sicilia: in primavera e in autunno vi transitano in media 60.000 uccelli appartenenti a 177 specie.

La Piana è una delle aree agricole più importanti della Sicilia. Era nota come il 'Granaio di Roma' per l'abbondanza delle sue colture di grano. Oggi a Geloi, circondata da attività agricole che spaziano dal grano ai carciofi e altri ortaggi, una piccola ma importante colonia di Pernice di mare lotta per sopravvivere, mentre le poche zone umide naturali e le paludi rimaste sono diventate un sito di svernamento fondamentale per uccelli acquatici.

Details

Access

To visit the nature reserve, a reservation is required. Please contact via WhatsApp at +39 351 836 5099 to book your visit.

It is possible to reach Geloi by taking the provincial roads SP35 and SP82 but be careful as they can be in disrepair, especially in winter!

Once you arrive at the "Casa Geloi" Visitor Centre, you can park your car and walk along the paths.

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Italiano: Per visitare la riserva naturale è necessaria la prenotazione. Si prega di contattare tramite WhatsApp il numero +39 351 836 5099 per prenotare la visita.

È possibile raggiungere Geloi percorrendo le strade provinciali SP35 e SP82, ma fate attenzione perché possono essere in cattive condizioni, specialmente in inverno!

Una volta arrivati al Centro Visite 'Casa Geloi', è possibile parcheggiare l'auto e proseguire a piedi lungo i sentieri.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Plain , Steppe , Agriculture , Grassland

Conditions

Wet , Open landscape , Hilly

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

Spring , Winter , Autumn

Best time to visit

Spring , Winter

Route

Wide path , Narrow trail , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

See Geloi biodiversity here: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/geloi-biodiversity-list

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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