Description
Okanj saline lake is surrounded by wast saline meadows and ponds with steppe vegetation. It is a protected area and part of the broader IBA area "Okanj and Rusanda".
Common on the lake shores are Σιγλίγουρος, (Ευρασιατική) Τουρλίδα, Καλαμοκανάς, (Ευρωπαϊκή) Αβοκέτα, (Ευρωπαϊκή) Λιμόζα, Μαυρότρυγγας and Μαχητής, while on the lake (Ευρασιατική) Χουλιαρόπαπια, (Ευρωπαϊκή) Σαρσέλα, (Ευρωπαϊκό) Κιρκίρι and Πρασινοκέφαλη Πάπια are common.
Καστανολαίμης, Μαυρολαίμης, Σταχτοπετρόκλης, (Κοινή) Σιταρήθρα and Σκορταλλός can be found in the wast saline meadows north and northwest of the lake.
All four Serbian Harriers are recorded here too: Καλαμόκιρκος, Χειμωνόκιρκος, Λιβαδόκιρκος and Στεπόκιρκος.
Details
Access
Okanj Lake can be accessed from the south and north.
South access from Elemir village is more convenient as the paved road leads directly to the birding observation platform. This is also a good starting point for a walk along the lake's southern or northern shores.
North access is from the road Melenci - Kumane. In the middle point, about 5 km from both villages, the dirt road leading to Okanj Lake departs. Note that this road is often not passable due to heavy mud and is not recommended for ordinary cars.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Grassland , Steppe , Lake , Mud flats , ReedbedsConditions
Flat , Wet , Open landscape , No shadowCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
Spring , AutumnBest time to visit
Spring , Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Wide path , Narrow trail , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
The area of Okanj reserve is huge. Short visits are best around the observation station and the south lake shore. But if you have more time, the saline meadows and smaller ponds on the northwest and north of the lake may reveal many interesting findings.