Description
This area, which stretches along the Strimona River, offers countless different habitats. On your left you have the river with the waterfowl. These often come up the river from the lake and stay on one of the countless islands in the river. Then comes a beautiful meadow which stretches to the dam. Meadow breeders and Золотистая щурка breed there in spring. You can drive or walk along the dam path at walking pace. On the right side of the dam path there is another strip of meadow, hedges, groves, marshes and pasture. The area is therefore attractive for many birds. Of course it depends on the season which birds can be observed. Many migratory birds make a stop in the area but the area has also many breeding birds. Depending on the amount of rain, the alluvial forests are wetter or drier.
Some birds are rather shy. But you can take good photos from the car. Удод come very close sometimes when they are foraging. The same applies to the larks which are looking for food along the road.
Details
Access
You can get to the area by car or by bike from Vironia. You drive from Vironia to the bridge. In front of the bridge (River Strimona or Struma) there is a picnic area. You could park there and walk. Or you can drive on the dam. Shortly after the picnic area, the paths split. If you want to see more pelicans and herons, take the lower path. If you want to see all the other birds, the upper way. We found it most interesting on the first 4 km. There are people who then drive across the pasture to get on the other way. A no-go for us! Bee-eaters breed in the ground and other meadow breeders.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Plain , Agriculture , Grassland , Scattered trees and bushes , Reedbeds , River , ForestConditions
Flat , Sandy , Wet , No shadow , Open landscapeCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Spring , Autumn , SummerBest time to visit
Autumn migration , Spring migration , SpringRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Car , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The road has some potholes. So be careful with the car. It might be a bit muddy after heavy rain. The nearest restrooms or places to eat are in Vironia or Megalochori. You can take good pictures from the car. Window below, and camouflage yourself. Please do not leave any rubbish! If you want to park the car next to the dam path, please make sure that there are no birds breeding there.


