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Description
Villa Duchessa di Galliera is a nice spot for the observation of species breeding in broad-leaved forests in the Apennines, as Dugokljuni puzić and Zelena žuna. However, the most interesting species can be observed during migration, especially in spring. Indeed, the park is a raptor migration hotspot: hundreds of Zmijar in March, and of Osičar in May can be observed in one day. During February-March, and October-November, thousands individuals of Ždral can be observed migrating over the park going to or coming from the wintering sites in France and Spain. Also, Pupavac is frequently seen in the open habitats from March to May. In winter, Gorska lasta can be easily seen flying over the gardens at the entrance of the park, often with more than 10 individuals, and in the forest Kraljić, Jelova senica and Siva senica can be observed.
During extreme cold winters, Barska strnadica, Šumska ševa, Crnogrla strnadica and Strnadica kamenjarka have been found in the gardens. Siva čaplja has nested in the forests, but not every year. Among the birds that can be seen all year round in the park, Vatroglavi kraljić is very common both in winter and in spring, Ćubasta senica is found in the sites with pine trees, and a pair of Šumska sova is nesting close to the church on top of the hill.
Details
Access
The urban park can be visited only walking, and it is not allowed to enter the park by car or cycling. There are 18 km of paths in the park, but I recommend the route suggested in the map (about 5 km), as it covers all the different habitats. The Villa Duchessa is situated within city limits and therefore on walking distance from public transport: trains and busses. The parking spaces are shown in the map, but is not always easy to find an empty lot. Click on a P in the map to get directions to a parking spot.