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Pešter Plateau - Karajukića Bunari

Raška, West Serbia  >  Serbia

An important highland peat bog stopover site for migratory birds on the Pešter Plateau.

Added* by Mileta Čeković
Most recent update 2 december 2025

Description

Karajukića Bunari is a village on the 1200-meter Pešter plateau, known as the coldest place in Serbia, with over 130 days per year of sub-zero temperatures and the lowest temperature recorded of -40°C (-40°F too). The area is also known for 'temperature inversion' as cold air from surrounding mountains is retained on the plateau, especially on the lowest points around the lake near the village, while the temperature on the surrounding hills is several degrees higher.

The wider area around the lake is a convenient stop for many birds during migration. Highlight (but regular) bird species include Stor Skallesluger (breeding), Engsnarre, Sort Ibis, Gåsegrib, Slangeørn, ​Ørnevåge, ​Hedehøg (breeding), Lille Tårnfalk (august), Stenpikker, Markpiber, and Rødstrubet Piber (migration). Also recorded are Strandhjejle, Hjejle, Sibirisk Hjejle, Pomeransfugl, Odinshane, Rødvinget Braksvale, Damklire, ​Sandterne,​ Steppehøg, and Alpeallike (winter).

The best months to visit are August and May, although this is an excellent birding place all year round.

Details

Access

Karajukića Bunari village can be accessed from Sjenica (over Buđevo) or Duga Poljana (over Tuzinje). There is a dirt road from the village to the lake which is usually passable by normal cars. The two observation towers are accessible only by foot, although both are not too far from the dirt roads. There is also an embankment on the west side of the lake that is very convenient for watching birds. Note the many streams flowing and many ponds scattered around when walking through the meadows surrounding the lake.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Grassland , Plain , Valley , Lake

Conditions

Flat , Wet , Open landscape , No shadow

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

Autumn , Spring , Summer , All year round

Best time to visit

Autumn migration , Spring migration , Spring , Summer , Autumn

Route

Unpaved road , Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

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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