Northern Black Sea coast Protected areas: Durankulak lake Sabla lake Vocational High School of Veterinary Medicine ,“Prof. d-r George Pavlov”, Dobrich, Bulgaria

Durankulak lake In 1983 Durankulak lake was declared a protected area as part of the measures for the preservation of endangered species of hydrophytic birds. In 1989 the territory was proclaimed an area of ornithological importance by Bird Life International. 260 species of birds have been found, 72 of which are included in The Red Data Book of Bulgaria.

Durankulak lake Little Bitterns Purple Herons Marsh Harriers The fresh waters of Durankulak lake, the vast reedbeds along the shore and the location of the wetland on the 'Via Pontica' migratory route are the most important factors, supporting an impressive avian richness throughout the whole year. During the breeding season many water-connected birds (like Little Bitterns, Purple Herons, Ferruginous Ducks, Marsh Harriers, Little Terns etc.) prefer the area for nesting. Little Bitterns Purple Herons Marsh Harriers Little Terns

Geese are the most numerous waterfowl then, numbering tens of thousands (primarily White-fronted and Red-breasted Geese). White-tailed Eagles, Pallas's Gulls and Lesser White-fronted Goose could also be registered during winter.

Great varieties of passerines (Red-backed and Lesser Grey Shrikes, Black-headed Buntings, Tawny Pipits, Calandra Larks, Bearded Reedlings, warblers etc.) also breed in the vicinity. Here is the place with the densest population of Paddyfield and Moustached Warblers in Bulgaria. Calandra Larks Tawny Pipits Black-headed Buntings Red-backed Shrikes

The territory around the lake is perfect for observing the soaring migration of storks and birds of prey in autumn or spring. But the main popularity of Dourankoulak comes for the times of the winter months when a huge quantity of water birds (Black-necked Grebes, Pygmy Cormorants, Mute and Whooper Swans, Pochards, Tufted Ducks, Red-breasted Mergansers, Yellow-legged Gulls etc.) inhabit its waters. Mute Swans Black-necked Grebes Pygmy Cormorants Pochards Tufted Ducks

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