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Description
The wide stony river Marecchia flows past the small village of Ponte Messa. Most of the time and in especially in summer not much water flows through the river. But because the river holds water all year round and the the river is surrounded by many trees (especially poplar) and a green, hilly landscape full of high trees, the area attracts dozens of Вивільга звичайна. From May to August they seem to be everywhere. Best month to see most of them is July when they fly around with their young. Best time of the day is between 07.00 and 09.00. When you arrive later it is much more difficult to see them and sometimes you don't see them at all the rest of the day.
The circular walk indicated on the map brings you along the river and to the hilly pastures and wooded areas behind the river. Because of the height differences along this route, you are sometimes at eye level of the tree tops. This is perfect to observe Вивільга звичайна. The walk is also good for seeing Горлиця звичайна and Одуд. Among the other birds you can encounter are Сорокопуд терновий, Кропив’янка чорноголова, Зелений дятел, Ополовник звичайний, або синиця довгохвоста, Горихвістка чорна, Набережник палеарктичний, Плиска гірська and Повзик звичайний. Бджолоїдка звичайна nests in the banks of the river Marecchia and can be spotted easily most of the time in summer until the beginning of August. Ластівка скельна nests under the bridge (see the map).
An unexpected guest we saw several times was Баклан малий. In the deeper pools in the river bed it was hunting for fish.
Details
Access
The village of Ponte Messa is located 40 km inland from Rimini, and 3 km from the nice hilltop village of Pennabilli. The valley around Ponte Messa is characterized by a small-scale and attractive bocage landscape and a wide stony river. We stayed at the small Camping Marecchia (recommended, see the link below) and made the walk from there. You can park for free next to the campsite of Camping Marecchia and the adjacent restaurant Da Quinto. Click on the P in the map for directions.
Note that part of the walk (about 900 m) runs along a fairly busy road, so keep to the side of the road. The good thing is that from the road you get sometimes very good views of Вивільга звичайна. Don't forget to check out the views on the river from the bridge near the campsite.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , RiverConditions
Hilly , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
Spring , SummerBest time to visit
SummerRoute
Paved road , Narrow trail , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Best to walk clockwise. Start from the campsite heading along the main road and after 900 meter turn right at the sign of Lago D'Orso. Further on you can follow the signs of 'Anello di Poggio Gatone'. You can always follow the route with gps on your phone (click on the i-symbol in the map if you want more info on how this works).