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Gauja National Park, Amata area

Vidzeme  >  Latvia

Birding in Gauja National Park is interesting, because birds that are difficult to spot in Western Europe can be found here. Like rare woodpecker species.

Added* by John Morecroft
Most recent update 17 March 2020

Description

The forests of slopes in Gauja National Park with old deciduous trees attract less common species of woodpeckers (White-backed Woodpecker, Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker and Middle Spotted Woodpecker). Relatively often spotted are the elsewhere rare Greenish Warbler, Red-breasted Flycatcher and locally common Hazel Grouse. Ural Owl has started nesting in the park, and the smallest owl of Latvia — Eurasian Pygmy Owl — is also seen more often. Many Corn Crake and some species of warblers, which are not common in Western Europe (River Warbler, Blyth's Reed Warbler), are found in the riverside meadows of Gauja.

Details

Access

There is a 3.5 km hiking trip along Amata river that is a good starts for forest birds (see the P on the map for parking). This trail in the forests near Zvārte Rock you can extend if you want by walking further north along the Amata River. Among the bird species you can see along this trail are: Red-breasted Flycatcher, Greenish Warbler, European Honey-buzzard, Common Kingfisher, Crested Tit, Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker and Hazel Grouse.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , River

Conditions

Hilly , Rocky

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

Spring , Summer , Autumn

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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