Description
Lake Arpi has a big nesting colony of Αργυροπελεκάνος and (Ευρασιατική) Χουλιαρομύτα. It is also a perfect stop for spring migrants like Ροδοπελεκάνος, Καστανόπαπια, Σταχτόχηνα and various waders. In summer the surrounding fields and meadows become home for passerines such as Mountain Chiffchaff, (Κοινή) Ροδόσπιζα, Σταχτοπετρόκλης, Βλαχοτσίχλονο, Twite and predators like Γερακαετός, (Κοινή) Γερακίνα, Καλαμόκιρκος, (Κοινό) Ξεφτέρι and Κραυγαετός.
During spring migration and summer you can find waterfowl, waders, field and even forest species like (Ευρωπαϊκός) Κούκος and Γερακότσιχλα in the area. There are several villages at the coast of Lake Arpi with cattle farms, where (Ευρωπαϊκό) Ψαρόνι, σταβλοχελίδονο 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 Αργυροπελεκάνος. 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).