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Dorćol Quay

Belgrade  >  Serbia

More than 160 species were observed from the Dorcol Quay. The best period birdwise is from November to February.

Added* by Dragan Simic
Most recent update 3 február 2025

Description

The Bank of Major Gavrilovic, colloquially called Dorcolski kej (Dorcol Quay), is possibly the best winter wildfowling spot in the city.

Highlight species: Nagy bukó, Örvös bukó, Kis bukó, üstökösréce, Hegyi réce, Füstös réce, Északi búvár and Sarki búvár. These days (winter 2025) look out for the Vörösnyakú vöcsök, Füles vöcsök, jegesréce, plus American Örvös réce. There is a breeding pair of Rétisas at the Veliko Ratno Island and they can be seen year-round, but the best chances are in winter, when they hunt ducks around the island. Also, about 4000 Kis kárókatona overwinter in the city in recent years (down from 7000 15 years ago).

In late February and March, the only duck species that does not overwinter here is heading back – the Böjti réce. By the end of March, Fekete gólya are back (they will be noticeable on autumn migration in late September and October, too), as well as Bakcsó. In March and November Daru are a possibility.

Photos by Josip Saric and Dragan Simic.

Details

Access

You can park nearby (click on a P in the map for directions to a parking) and then explore further on foot. The quay is good for walking, cycling, wheelchairs/mobility equipment users, and strollers.

Reachable by public busses 79 & 24.

Terrain and Habitat

River , Mud flats

Conditions

Flat , Dry , Open landscape

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

Autumn , Winter

Best time to visit

Winter

Route

Paved road , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

Beside a few small flocks by the bank, most of the birds will be in shallows by the Veliko Ratno Island, some 400+ metres away, which calls for a scope.

No need to hurry in the morning because there is often mist hanging above the water. It happened to me that there wasn't even a trace of fog in the city, so I went down to the river - which then I couldn't see at all, not to mention the birds. There is always some breeze over the river, which is very unpleasant in winter - don't forget a warm hat and gloves.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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