Description
Although Smederevo Fortress, quay, and Jezava River mouth are nice places for birding, the star species of the city is Gråsejler in downtown Smederevo. Gråsejler is a rare species in Serbia, recorded mostly in the southeast near North Macedonia and Bulgaria borders. In northern Serbia, it can be found mostly in bigger cities on the Danube, up to Belgrade and very rarely in Novi Sad. However, Gråsejler is hugely outnumbered by much more common Mursejler, thus it is very hard to spot.
Luckily, there is a place and time where and when Gråsejler is easily spotted in northern Serbia. Because Smederevo is relatively close to the Đerdap gorge, a significant number of Gråsejler find their way to the town traveling upstream of the Danube. Further, as of the end of September, most of the Mursejler are already gone, but Gråsejler stay even up to the first half of November. They can be most easily spotted in Smederevo downtown, in Karađorđeva and Stevana Nemanje streets, throughout all of October, ideally the first half. Look around tall buildings, 5-10 floors tall, in mornings and evenings.
The second best time of the year to visit Smederevo is winter, when unexpected winter guests can come to the Danube, like Sangsvane, Sortstrubet Lom, Sildemåge, or Sølvmåge.
Details
Access
The best places to park in Smederevo are near the quay. Click one of the P markings on the map for directions.
Terrain and Habitat
River , City/village , ParkConditions
FlatCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Autumn , Spring , WinterBest time to visit
Autumn , WinterRoute
Paved road , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoLinks
- 'Smederevo--Jezava' eBird hotspot
- 'Smederevo--Dunavski Kej' eBird hotspot
- 'Smederevo Fortress' eBird hotspot
- Barchart of all 3 eBird hotspots