Description
Lake Arpi has a big nesting colony of Krøltoppet Pelikan and Skestork. It is also a perfect stop for spring migrants like Hvid Pelikan, Rustand, Grågås and various waders. In summer the surrounding fields and meadows become home for passerines such as Bjerggransanger, Karmindompap, Stenpikker, Hortulan, Bjergirisk and predators like Dværgørn, Musvåge, Rørhøg, Spurvehøg and Lille Skrigeørn.
During spring migration and summer you can find waterfowl, waders, field and even forest species like Gøg and Misteldrossel in the area. There are several villages at the coast of Lake Arpi with cattle farms, where Stær, Landsvale 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 Krøltoppet Pelikan. 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).