Description
Lake Arpi has a big nesting colony of pelikán kučeravý and lyžičiar biely. It is also a perfect stop for spring migrants like pelikán ružový, kazarka hrdzavá, hus divá and various waders. In summer the surrounding fields and meadows become home for passerines such as kolibiarik vrchovský, červenák karmínový, skaliarik sivý, strnádka záhradná, stehlík horský and predators like orol malý, myšiak hôrny, kaňa močiarna, jastrab krahulec and orol krikľavý.
During spring migration and summer you can find waterfowl, waders, field and even forest species like kukučka obyčajná and drozd trskota in the area. There are several villages at the coast of Lake Arpi with cattle farms, where škorec obyčajný, lastovička obyčajná and other synanthropic species live.
Details
Access
From Gyumri go to Berdashen (last 20 km are unpaved but smooth). Then after the bridge over Ahuryan river, turn left, and after 100 m turn left again on a small road to the hydropower plant and park your car there. If the road is dry, you can go closely along the lakeshore.
It is the best place to observe pelikán kučeravý. There is a colony on a nearby island. If you go further around the lake you can make a stop between Dzorakert and Tsakhut villages. It is also good place on a lake shore.
It takes 3-4 hours of thorough birding in this part of the lake. If you want to make full circle around Lake Arpi it can take 6-7 hours (including 3-4 stops).