Poda Reserve

Burgas Region > Bulgaria

Coastal lagoon on the southern edge of Burgas City, having variety of habitats: sand and stony beach, reedbeds, brakish water bodies, grasslands and tree lines.

Added* by Petar Iankov
Most recent update 7 January 2023

Description

Reed-beds preserve the only on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast breeding colony of Eurasian Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Pygmy Cormorant, Purple Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Great Egret and Little Egret, and Great Bittern in some years. All year round presence of Dalmatian Pelican, White-tailed Eagle, Western Marsh Harrier, Common Kingfisher and many other. Typical bottle-neck site for the migrating soaring birds, such as the both species of pelicans, White Stork and Black Stork, 36 species of birds of prey, including Imperial Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle and thousands of Lesser Spotted Eagle, Levant Sparrowhawk, Red-footed Falcon and other. Wintering species include Tundra Swan, Pallas's Gull, Moustached Warbler, Long-tailed Duck, White-headed Duck and other. In total 309 bird species have been recorded on the just one square kilometer territory of the reserve. The BSPB/BirdLife Bulgaria's Poda Centre is open all year round and can provide valuable help, information and advise for best birding around Burgas. Many and interesting species can be seen and photographed easily and with little effort.

Details

Access

Easy access by car from Burgas City, taking the road E87 to the South and reversing at the road junction near Kraymorie Estate. Park site near the road ant the old bridge. Access possible by public transport as well, taking the bus 17 from the Central bus station (Avtogara Yug) towards Kraymorie Estate, do not leave the bus at its last stop in Kraymorie, but on the next bus stop toward Burgas - bus stop "Poda". Few hundred meters ahead and you will be at the BSPB/BirdLife Bulgaria's Poda Centre. The best way to explore the area is from the terrace of the Centre and by walking into the area (1-2 km distance). Birding hides and photographic hides available.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Lake , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Sea , Beach , Mud flats , Reedbeds

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Unpaved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

Accomodation possible for internship and volunteering. Several photographic hides available. Small shop for souvenirs, books and refreshements available.

Entering your records into the free mobile application SmartBirds Pro https://smartbirds.org/ you will help Nature conservation in Bulgaria.

Links