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© Juanita Olano Marín

Škocjanski zatok Nature Reserve

45.54771 , 13.75590

Slovenia

Škocjanski zatok is one of the best birding places in Slovenia. A major part of the 122 ha reserve consists of a brackish lagoon with saltmarshes, mudflats and nesting islands. About one quarter of the area is covered by an artificially created freshwater marsh consisting of wet meadows, reedbeds and ponds. Around 260 bird species have been recorded at Škocjanski zatok since 2001. Most notably, the reserve hosts breeding populations of Little and Common Terns, Kentish Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Common Redshank and, sporadicaly, Pied Avocet. Škocjanski zatok is managed by DOPPS, the Slovenian BirdLife Partner. DOPPS also runs a nice visitor centre at the entrance of the reserve.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Site name was changed by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) into "Škocjanski Zatok Nature Reserve" (2023-04-02 11:34:08 )

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 45.5477/13.7559 (2020-11-12 17:41:24 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Škocjanski Zatok" (2020-11-12 17:41:24 )

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2023-04-02 19:00:48
Škocjanski zatok is one of the best birding places in Slovenia. A major part of the 122 ha reserve consists of a brackish lagoon with saltmarshes, mudflats and nesting islands. About one quarter of the area is covered by an artificially created freshwater marsh consisting of wet meadows, reedbeds and ponds. Around 260 bird species have been recorded at Škocjanski zatok since 2001. Most notably, the reserve hosts breeding populations of Little and Common Terns, Kentish Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Common Redshank and, sporadicaly, Pied Avocet. Škocjanski zatok is managed by DOPPS, the Slovenian BirdLife Partner. DOPPS also runs a nice visitor centre at the entrance of the reserve.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2023-04-02 18:11:53
Škocjanski zatok is one of the best birding places in Slovenia. A major part of the 122 ha reserve consists of a brackish lagoon with saltmarshes, mudflats and nesting islands. About one quarter of the area is covered by an artificially created freshwater marsh consisting of wet meadows, reedbeds and ponds. Around 260 bird species have been recorded at Škocjanski zatok since 2001. Most notably, the reserve hosts breeding populations of Little and Common Terns, Kentish Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Common Redshank and, sporadicaly, Pied Avocet. Škocjanski zatok is managed by DOPPS, the Slovenian BirdLife Partner. DOPPS also runs a nice visitor centre at the entrance of the reserve.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2023-04-02 18:10:41
Škocjanski zatok is one of the best birding places in Slovenia. A major part of the 122 ha reserve consists of a brackish lagoon with saltmarshes, mudflats and nesting islands. About one quarter of the area is covered by an artificially created freshwater marsh consisting of wet meadows, reedbeds and ponds. Around 260 bird species have been recorded at Škocjanski zatok since 2001. Most notably, the reserve hosts breeding populations of Little and Common Terns, Kentish Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Common Redshank and, sporadicaly, Pied Avocet. Škocjanski zatok is managed by DOPPS, the Slovenian BirdLife Partner. DOPPS also runs a nice visitor centre at the entrance of the reserve.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)
Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
Kentish Plover (Anarhynchus alexandrinus)
Common Redshank (Tringa totanus)
Little Tern (Sternula albifrons)
Pygmy Cormorant (Microcarbo pygmaeus)
Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus)
Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)
Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
Eurasian Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)
Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)
Cetti's Warbler (Cettia cetti)

Cetti's Warbler (Cettia cetti) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2023-04-02 11:43:55)

Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2023-04-02 11:43:19)

Eurasian Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2023-04-02 11:42:51)

Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2023-04-02 11:42:14)

Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2023-04-02 11:41:51)

Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2023-04-02 11:41:42)

Pygmy Cormorant (Microcarbo pygmaeus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2023-04-02 11:41:18)

Little Tern (Sternula albifrons) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2023-04-02 11:40:57)

Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2023-04-02 11:40:37)

Kentish Plover (Anarhynchus alexandrinus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2023-04-02 11:39:44)

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2023-04-02 11:39:26)

Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2023-04-02 11:39:09)

Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2023-04-02 11:38:28)

  • Timing and strategy

Škocjanski zatok can be productive any time of the year, since it hosts important habitat both for wintering and migrant species as well as for breeding birds. Any time of the day can be good, although early mornings are recommended (but check opening times).

Two trails are available, the main trail in the Bertoška bonifika area (north-eastern part) and a shorter trail in the western part near the centre of Koper (see map). Birding is done on foot along the trails and from the observation hides and towers. It is not allowed to leave the trails.

Since the area is very extensive, a spotting scope is very helpful for finding and identifying the scarcer species.

Guided tours are available on prior arrangement (email or phone: +386 5 626 03 70).

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2023-04-02 18:58
Škocjanski zatok can be productive any time of the year, since it hosts important habitat both for wintering and migrant species as well as for breeding birds. Any time of the day can be good, although early mornings are recommended (but check opening times). Two trails are available, the main trail in the Bertoška bonifika area (north-eastern part) and a shorter trail in the western part near the centre of Koper (see map). Birding is done on foot along the trails and from the observation hides and towers. It is not allowed to leave the trails. Since the area is very extensive, a spotting scope is very helpful for finding and identifying the scarcer species. Guided tours are available on prior arrangement (email or phone: +386 5 626 03 70).
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2023-04-02 18:35
Škocjanski zatok can be productive any time of the year, since it hosts important habitat both for wintering and migrant species as well as for breeding birds. Any time of the day can be good, although early mornings are recommended (but check opening times). Two trails are available, the main trail in the Bertoška bonifika area (north-eastern part) and a shorter trail in the western part near the centre of Koper (see map). Birding is done on foot along the trails and from the observation hides and towers. It is not allowed to leave the trails. Guided tours are available on prior arrangement (e-mail or (email or phone: +386 5 626 03 70).
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2023-04-02 18:35
Škocjanski zatok can be productive any time of the year, since it hosts important habitat both for wintering and migrant species as well as for breeding birds. Any time of the day can be good, although early mornings are recommended (but check opening times). Two trails are available, the main trail in the Bertoška bonifika area (north-eastern part) and a shorter trail in the western part near the centre of Koper.Koper (see map). Birding is done on foot along the trails and from the observation hides and towers. It is not allowed to leave the trails. Guided tours are available on prior arrangement (e-mail or phone: +386 5 626 03 70).
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2023-04-02 18:28
Škocjanski zatok can be productive any time of the year, since it hosts important habitat both for wintering and migrant species as well as for breeding birds. Any time of the day can be good, although early mornings are recommended (but check opening times). Two trails are available, the main trail in the Bertoška bonifika area (north-eastern part) and a shorter trail in the western part near the centre of Koper. Birding is done on foot along the trails and from the observation hides and towers. It is not allowed to leave the trails. Guided tours are available on prior arrangement (e-mail or phone: +386 5 626 03 70).
  • How to get there

The reserve is located near Koper at the Slovenian coast and is best visited by car/taxi or by bycicle from Koper bus or railway station. No public transport is available at the reserve entrance. 

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2023-04-02 18:32
The reserve is located near Koper at the Slovenian coast and is best visited by car/taxi or by bycicle from Koper bus or railway station. No public transport is available at the reserve entrance. 

Access to the reserve is free but only possible during the opening hours, which change depending on the season. The visitor centre has different opening hours. Check the website of the reserve for details.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2023-04-02 18:59
Access to the reserve is free but only possile possible during the opening hours, which change depending on the season. The visitor centre has different opening hours. Check the website of the reserve for details.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2023-04-02 18:40
Access to the reserve is free but only possile during the opening hours, which change depending on the season. The visitor centre has different opening hours. Check the website of the reserve for details.
  • Other attractions

The reserve also hosts some interesting plants (e.g. seaside arrowgrass Triglochin maritimus), amphibians and reptiles, including the European Pond Turtle. Old Istrian cattle and Camargue horses live in the marshes and are very important for the maintenance of the freshwater marsh and wet meadows.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2023-04-02 18:50
The reserve also hosts some interesting plants (e.g. seaside arrowgrass Triglochin maritimus), amphibians and reptiles, including the European Pond Turtle. Old Istrian cattle and Camargue horses live in the marshes and are very important for the maintenance of the freshwater marsh and wet meadows.

The reserves has various hides and observation towers which allow close observation of wildlife. The modern visitor centre offers a cafeteria and a shop with nice souvenirs and products from local suppliers.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2023-04-02 18:55
The reserves has various hides and observation towers which allow close observation of wildlife. The modern visitor centre offers a cafeteria and a shop with nice souvenirs and products from local suppliers.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Not available yet
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