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Veliko Blato

Pag  >  Croatia

Lake and wetland with big reed beds that is great for raptors, passerines and waders, all year round. Also good area to spot Pasărea ogorului and Potârniche de stâncă.

Added* by Johnny J Love
Most recent update 24 aprilie 2024

Description

The Veliko Blato reserve on the island of Pag is one of the top birding spots in Croatia. The wetland has a length of about 2 km and an average width of 1.2 km. It forms a shelter for a wide variety of marsh birds, especially during the nesting, migration and hibernation period. The northern part of the reserve is surrounded by reeds and some varieties of sedges. The edge of the lake is covered with meadows which are sometimes flooded in spring and fall. The southern part of the reserve is surrounded by karst terrain and stony fields. Among the birds you can see here are Șerpar, Vânturel mic, Gaie neagră, Fâsă de câmp, Pietrar sur, Codobatură galbenă, Erete sur, Fluierar de mlaștină, Rață roșie, Egretă mare, Stârc roșu and Stârc pitic.

There is an elevated bird hide on the north side of the lake. From the little wood on the west side of the lake a lovely path of 1 km runs along the north shore of the lake to the bird hide. Another path which is good to check out runs along the south side of the lake through stony fields and is excellent to spot Pasărea ogorului and Potârniche de stâncă. Also check out the little wood for Pupăză, Sfrâncioc cu cap roșu and Presură bărboasă. The few houses and sheds near the lake are good to scan for Cucuvea at dusk. And the numerous low stone walls throughout the area are good to scan for Potârniche de stâncă.

Details

Access

Veliko Blato reserve is located 15 minutes east from Pag Town. Turn off the main road between Pag and Povljana, and park at the side of the road. Click on a P in the map for directions to a parking spot. Tip: park near the little wood and walk the beautiful path 1 km to the elevated bird hide overlooking the lake and reed beds. Note that there is almost no shade in the whole area and that it can get very hot in summer.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Wetland , Agriculture

Conditions

Rocky , Open landscape

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration , Summer

Route

Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

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Comments & Tips

Place to stay

Camp Ljubac

Northern Dalmatia  >  Croatia

Located at the heart of Zadar's county birdwatching scene, Camp Ljubac caters perfectly to birding and nature enthusiasts. Whether you fancy a cabin or a glamping tent, the accommodations are immersed in nature. Complete with kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and a wooded outdoor terrace, you'll have all you need. Close to the sea and growing in popularity among nature enthusiasts, Camp Ljubac is an ideal base for your birdwatching in Northern Dalmatia.

Offer

15% discount on the room rate + 2 free transfer from & to Zadar’s airport (in case of arrival via plane) or 2 free transfer to Zadar City Old Town. Just use the promo code BIRDING15 when you are searching for accommodation . Bookable all year for Treehouses and from beginning of May till end of October for Glamping Tents. 

Cancellation policy : Guests will be charged 30% of the reservation if they cancel. Prepayment policy : Guests must pay 30% to confirm the reservation in 3 days after booking and 70% 7 days before arrival. All prices are VAT included.

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