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Fascia di Rispetto di Genova Prà

Liguria  >  Italy

Small urban park with a high variety of vegetations that is a stop for migrant passerines during spring migration. The canal is a nice spot for waterfowl.

Added* by Luca Forneris
Most recent update 26 January 2021

Description

Fascia di Rispetto di Genova Prà. In winter and summer this park is not worth a visit since only common and urban birds are present. European Robin, Blackbird, Hooded Crow, Jackdaw, Yellow-legged Gull, Greenfinch, White Wagtail, can be found throughout the year. Eurasian Kestrel is present too but less common, and a Rose-ringed Parakeet colony is now stable. During spring migration this place turns into a targeted stop for trans-Saharan passerines. You can find Whinchat, Pied Flycatcher, Common Redstart and Spotted Flycatcher perched on top of lampposts, stakes and benches while birds like Greater Whitethroat, Subalpine Warbler and Moltoni's Warblerare hidden inside bushes, or eat bugs on top of trees such as Quercus ilex or Quercus suber, together with Reed Warbler, Marsh Warbler, and other acrocephalus birds. The latter is particularly appreciated from insectivorous birds. Some years ago it was possible to see up to eight or nine different species, moving from branch to branch. On top of one tree I personally saw Reed Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Icterine Warbler, Greater Whitethroat, Moltoni's Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, and other birders saw Lesser Whitethroat, Wood Warbler and Eurasian Wryneck. A noteworthy species to mention is the Eurasian Scops Owl , but it was seen only once, resting on a tree.

Woodchat Shrike and Red-backed Shrike stays on shrubs and are a regular presence during spring migration, together with Common Nightingale, whose beautiful song can be heared. On the grass you may find Western Yellow Wagtail of different subspecies (flava and cinerocapilla the commonest among the others) and Eurasian Wryneck. If you are really lucky also Black-headed Bunting can be found in late May/early June (1 the 2012/06/29, 2 (m+f) the 2013/06/1-2). Needless to say, the sky is covered with migrant European Bee-eater, Barn Swallow, House Martin and Common Swift and for this reason Eurasian Hobby can be observed. Also Red-footed Falcon is a regular presence.

Irregular and vagrant species need to be included too:

- during pandemic a European Roller was seen on a lamppost (2020/05/28). It was the first sighting of Coracias garrulus in the park, but in the upper hills the species is a regular migrant (6 together in May).

- Rosy Starling may occur during its periodical invasion in late May. They can be seen feeding on mulberries or sour cherry trees. (2018/05/29)

- a Little Bunting was seen 2018/04/16. Emberiza pusilla is a vagrant bird in Liguria region.

The surrounding area is noteworthy too: from the canal wooden bridge you may see Little Bittern (regular presence) and Purple Heron. Other heron species like Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Great Egret fly in formation above the canal and the city. The canal, which full name is Canale di calma di Pràm is a nice spot also in winter. Red-throated Diver is a regular winter species, and Velvet Scoter was a special guest during December 2017. Also, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull are present.

The area near the ecological island is a real hidden gem, having hosted migrant passerines such as Ortolan Bunting (more than five together!), Sedge Warbler, Tree Pipit, Western Yellow Wagtail, Red-footed Falcon, Eurasian Hobby, Greater Whitethroat and also a pair of Common Pheasant during pandemic. You can make a stop here, but I doubt this place will host again such a wide variety of species. May is the perfect month to admire European Honey-buzzard migration: if you are lucky enough and the wheather condition is good, you can sit on the park bench and see flocks of raptors flying above the city. Also, Black Kite, Short-toed Snake Eagle and Booted Eagle are regular migrant raptors that you can spot from March to May.

Details

Access

The park is accessible by car and by bus. There are two car parks, one at west and one, bigger, at east. There are also 2 near bus stops.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , City/village

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

Spring

Best time to visit

Spring , Spring migration

Route

Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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