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Description:
It is a large (over 32 sqkm) dam-reservoir on upper Narew river. Although this is an artificial lake (since 1970), it is quite popular birding spot among Polish birders. Wildest part of the country, variety of birds, vast reedbeds and marshes around, surrounded by old woods and wet meadows, atract variety of rare birds and birders as well.
The lake extends from north-west to south-east, crossed at its eastern part by railwaytrack (reaching the most remote railway station in Poland) that divides reservoir into two parts. The railwaytrack is the most favourite and the most visited spot by birders, as the dykes that come along the railway provide quite easy walking and good views for both sides of the lake. The best areas to visit are eastern parts, where the edges of the lake end with hughe, muddy plains and wet meadows. To the south, the lake touches the norhern edges of Bialowieza Forest.
Many rarities have been recorded there. The area is best known as a breeding site for Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola - at least 30 pairs breed here since 1994) and easy to see White-tailed Eagles and Great White Egrets in high numbers while they hunt for fishes. Citrine Wagtails and also a breeding Marsh Sandpipers (Tringa stagnatilis) can be seen at the far, eastern end of the lake. Some - although very few - Black Grouse lekking males can be seen on very early mornings aclose to Narewka and Siemianowka villages. More of them are seen during winter in Grodecko-Michalowska Niecka.
Another excellent birding place nearby, are the beautiful Bachury fishponds (just beside northern shore of the reservoir). Red-footed Falcons and Merlins are quite often seen there, as well as rare grebes and marsh terns. Unfortunatelly, this is private area, so fishponds are closed to the public (unless you know its owner...).
It is also a very good birding area during migration periods for waterfowls and waders (ie Terek Sandpiper), rare raptors, gulls (Mediterranean and Pontic) and terns (including all marsh terns). A flocks of Divers (Red-throated and Black-throated) can be seen here on spring at the open water.
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 Topographic
map of THIS area
English, German and Polish description. Pocket sized 13x20cm
(60x77cm unfolded) 1:100 000, covering 40x70kms. Full of
details, recently updated, simply the best map available!
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