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Description
The sheer diversity of sought-after wildlife in Lotoshino here is immense and well-worth a visit even though the place is somewhat hard to get to. Anyone interested in birdwatching in Moscow Oblast should spare a day for this place, as missing it is absolutely unthinkable.
Bela roda breed in the village Bol'shaya Sestra, and can be seen rather reliably. The entire area of the ponds is an excellent place to observe Belorepan, in fact, many visitors believe seeing this eagle is guaranteed here, and this may be the most reliable site in a huge radius of Moscow. Other raptors which use the reserve are Orao kliktaš and Crni orao. Although both eagles have a good presence here, seeing the eagles is not guaranteed. For best results, visit a place described at the end.
In recent years, sightings of Crna roda seem to have increased exponentially, and in 2020 a Crna roda summered here. The stork favoured the south-western parts of the area, and in fact this area, indicated by a map, is also the area where most eagle sightings appear to be concentrated. This is the only place in the region where Veliki labud breeds, which can be seen on the large ponds. The surrounding forests hold Buljina, Veliki tetreb, Gaćasta kukumavka and Dugorepa sova among more common ones.
Details
Access
This reserve is best reached by car from Moscow, or alternatively by taxi from Volokolamsk to Bol'shaya Sestra. It is doable by public transport but difficult as timetables aren't the best for the region.
From Volokolamsk, turn down the R108 and continue down to Maslennikovo, where it joins the R107. Turn left, and then in the first possible place turn right onto a road heading north. Continue down this road to Borki and Bol'shaya Sestra, park and explore the ponds on foot.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Wetland , Lake , Scattered trees and bushes , GrasslandConditions
Flat , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
SummerRoute
Paved road , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The area is a fish farm, and the guards of the fish farm sometimes get nervous when people visit. To avoid any confrontations, a link is provided down below to a phone number which you should call before visiting, mentioning the date and number of people with you.