Description
The Rusanda Nature Park is characterized by significant biodiversity of plants and animals, predominantly birds. The area is dominated by the Rusanda salt lake which attracts many shorebirds, especially during migration seasons, including Culic mare, Culic mic, Piciorong, Ciocîntors, Sitar de mal, Bătăuș, Fugaci de țărm, Fugaci roșcat, Fugaci mic, Nisipar, Prundăraș gulerat mare, Prundăraș gulerat mic, Ploier argintiu, and Ploier auriu. The mud from the lake is used by the "Rusanda" Special Rehabilitation Hospital (also known as 'Rusanda Spa') for therapeutic treatments since 1867.
The park surrounding the spa is a home for a breeding colony of Vânturel de seară, Vânturel roșu, Cioară de semănătură, and Stăncuță, many songbirds like Sticlete, Florinte, Pițigoi albastru, Aușel cu cap galben, Rândunică, and Lăstun de casă as well as a wintering location for Ciuf de pădure.
In the reeds and saline meadows around the lake common are Presură de stuf, Boicuș, Pițigoi de stuf, Lăcar mare, Lăcar de stuf, Presură sură, and Ciocârlie.
The saline lake covers a surface of 4 km2, and its water is of similar salinity to the sea. It has been speculated that Rusanda lake is one of the remnants of the ancient Pannonian Sea, but the lake is probably a fossil bed of the Tisza river.
There are two birding observation towers. One is at the lake shore near the Spa buildings, from where shorebirds and waterbirds can be observed. The second one is far at the northwest edge of the lake, where common are shorebirds and saline grassland species.
Details
Access
Nature Park Rusanda is easily accessible from Melenci village. Turn left at the village's north exit towards the 'Rusanda Spa'.
Terrain and Habitat
Lake , Wetland , Grassland , Forest , Mud flats , Park , Reedbeds , AgricultureConditions
FlatCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
Spring , Autumn , SummerBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Narrow trail , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
During the summer, the water levels may shrink and it could be possible to walk over the salt mud. But be extra careful as unexploded bombs from WW2 are found in two locations inside the lake (location marked on the map).
Links
- 'Rusanda park prirode (nature reserve)' eBird hotspot
- 'Mala Rusanda' eBird hotspot
- 'Melenci--bara kod groblja' eBird hotspot
- eBird barchar of all 3 hotspots
- IBA Okanj and Rusanda