) to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!
Upload images
Allowed image types are jpeg,png,gif
Max file size is 20MB
Description
The Veliko Blato reserve on the island of Pag is one of the top birding spots in Croatia. The wetland has a length of about 2 km and an average width of 1.2 km. It forms a shelter for a wide variety of marsh birds, especially during the nesting, migration and hibernation period. The northern part of the reserve is surrounded by reeds and some varieties of sedges. The edge of the lake is covered with meadows which are sometimes flooded in spring and fall. The southern part of the reserve is surrounded by karst terrain and stony fields. Among the birds you can see here are Short-toed Snake Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Black Kite, Tawny Pipit, Northern Wheatear, Western Yellow Wagtail, Montagu's Harrier, Wood Sandpiper, Ferruginous Duck, Great Egret, Purple Heron and Little Bittern.
There is an elevated bird hide on the north side of the lake. From the little wood on the west side of the lake a lovely path of 1 km runs along the north shore of the lake to the bird hide. Another path which is good to check out runs along the south side of the lake through stony fields and is excellent to spot Stone-curlew and Rock Partridge. Also check out the little wood for Eurasian Hoopoe, Woodchat Shrike and Cirl Bunting. The few houses and sheds near the lake are good to scan for Little Owl at dusk. And the numerous low stone walls throughout the area are good to scan for Rock Partridge.
Details
Access
Veliko Blato reserve is located 15 minutes east from Pag Town. Turn off the main road between Pag and Povljana, and park at the side of the road. Click on a P in the map for directions to a parking spot. Tip: park near the little wood and walk the beautiful path 1 km to the elevated bird hide overlooking the lake and reed beds. Note that there is almost no shade in the whole area and that it can get very hot in summer.