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Home , Bearded reedling, Black grouse, Citrine wagtail, Common chaffinch, Common goldeneye, Common merganser

Marius Karlonas

Birding in region

Vilnius, 2017

1 Birding in Lithuania NemunAS deltA region

Text: Marius Karlonas

Consulted: Liutauras Raudonikis, Justas Gulbinas, Rita Grinienė, Žymantas Morkvėnas, Eglė Pakštytė, Povilas Bagdonas, Jusys, Žydrūnas Preikša

Front cover : Great ( media) © Kęstutis Čepėnas Names of authors of the photographs inside

Maps: Vita Monkuvienė

Designed: Mindaugas Kirstukas

Translated: Vida Augustauskienė

Acknowledgements: For assistance in the preparation to: Agnė Račkauskaitė For technical assistance to: Justina Liaudanskytė

Prepared: Lithuanian Ornithological Society (LOS)

The book is produced within the frame of the LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance project “Integrated planning tool to ensure viability of ” (LIFE Viva Grass, project No. LIFE13 ENV/LT/000189).

Lithuanian Ornithological Society takes the responsibility for the content of and information used in the publication. The content of the publication does not necessarily coincide with the opinion of the European Commission.

Project coordinator Project partner Baltic Environmental Forum Šilutė District Municipality

Publishing supported: EU LIFE Programme, The Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Lithuania

Printed using ecological paint on ecological paper

Bibliographic data of the publication provided to the National Bibliographic Data Bank (NBDB) of Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania.

© Marius Karlonas, 2017 © Lithuanian Ornithological Society, 2017 ISBN 978-609-95816-4-4 © Šilutė District Municipality, 2017

2 Contents

Nemunas Delta - a Paradise of Water and ...... 4 Meadows of Nemunas Delta: for Nature and People ...... 6 How to use the Field Guide ...... 8

Description of the areas 1. Velnežeris and Surrounding Meadows ...... 9 2. Senrusnė and Sennemunė with Adjacent Meadows ...... 12 3. Meadows of Sausgalviai ...... 15 4. Žalgiriai Forest ...... 20 5. Rupkalviai Ornithological Reserve and Meadows at Šlažai Bridge .... 23 6. Meadows of Šyšgiriai ...... 27 7. Tulkiaragė Polder and Krokų Lanka ...... 31 8. Island of Skirvytė ...... 34 9. Bevardis Stream and Surrounding Meadows ...... 37 10. of Rusnė ...... 40 11. Coastal Area at Uostadvaris ...... 43 12. Nemunas Delta from Boat ...... 46 13. Lakeside of Krokų Lanka and Old River Bed of ...... 49 14. Aukštumala Nature Trail ...... 52 15. Fish Ponds of ...... 55 16. Meadows of Stankiškiai and Kniaupas Bay ...... 58 17. Ventės Ragas Ornithological Station ...... 61 18. Sakūčiai Forest and Adjacent Flooded Meadows ...... 64 19. Kintai Forest ...... 67 20. Coastal Area at Svencelė ...... 70 21. Fields of Dreverna and Observation Tower in Coastal Area ...... 73 22. Meadows of Kliošiai ...... 76

Useful information ...... 79 The official list of recorded in the Nemunas delta area ...... 82 The map of the described areas ...... 94

3 Nemunas Delta - a Paradise of Water and Birds

The publication describes the Nemunas Delta and the coastal meadows stretching on the eastern coast of the Curonian , one of the most unique natural areas in the East . Its greatest value, without any doubt, is the vast flooded areas adjoining Nemunas, the longest river in Lithuania, the widely branching out Nemunas Delta and a shallow Baltic lagoon - the . In different of the year this site of unique nature attracts a of bird species that come here with the first cracks in the ice, floods caused by ice hummocks, and stay until the lagoon and flooded meadows are locked up by ice again. Currently, in the Nemunas Delta and its vicinity over 300 bird species are found, i.e. exceeding 90 percent of all bird variety recorded nationally. Such abundance of birds in the area is also caused by, possibly, the biggest bird migra- tion route in the Western Palaearctic. Along the eastern coast of the and the Curonian Lagoon on certain days over a million birds through. That’s why it is not astonishing that in the Nemunas Delta within the last century the greatest number of new bird species were found - 46. In 1929, in the Ventë Cape the station, one of the first stations in the world, was founded. At present the biggest bird catching trap in the world is erected here. It is also the place where the stationary zigzag traps were designed and used for the first

A road across the flooded meadows at the Sakūčiai forest © Žymantas Morkvėnas

4 time globally. Each year tens of thou- sands of migrating birds are ringed in the Ventë Cape Ornithological Station, while welcoming nearly the same number of visitors interested in the the work that is done here. The variety of birds, the endan- gered bird species breeding in the Nemunas Delta, a plenty of birds fly- Water runs out of the Nemunas Delta ing through in autumn and spring meadows through canals, after the water migrations determined that several level drops © Žymantas Morkvėnas areas of the Nemunas Delta region were designated as protected areas. The Nemunas Delta Regional Park, 29 069 ha, is the biggest among them. The distinctive phenomenon of this is floods occurring in spring, flooding several tens of thousands of hectares. In 1993, according to seven criteria of the International Ramsar Convention taking care of protection of , the Nemunas Delta was included into the List of wetlands of international importance. In , only several wetlands of such natural value exist - the Danube Delta in and the Doñana wet- lands in . In 2004, due to the abundance and variety of migrating birds and rare breeding species the major part of the Nemunas Delta Park was included into the international network of protected areas - Natura 2000. The Nemunas Delta is an area protecting the greatest number of bird species in Lithuania. It is important for 21 endangered breeding species. Here agglomerations of more than 14 migrating bird species, of international importance, are recorded. Such globally endangered species as the Greater Spotted , Great , Black- tailed , Eurasian , Aquatic Warblers breed in specific here in Nemunas Delta. The list can be continued with more than twenty breed- ing bird species included into the list of the Red Book of Lithuania, or flocks of hundreds of thousands of waterfowl or birds, such as geese, , , agglomerating in the flooded Nemunas Delta in spring! In late autumn months, besides plentiful of waterfowl, no one can stay un- moved by the numerous and raptors flying by, that leave an indel- ible impression for visitors in the Ventė Cape. The Nemunas Delta is important not only for birds. The Nemunas river and the Curonian Lagoon are of European importance for migrating salmons. Here endangered species such as the European Bitterling, the Spined Loach, the Loach live, and the Asp, which is rather common and is available for fish- ing. Local people are not astonished to see an otter, endangered in many Euro- pean countries, but couldn‘t even imagine that next to them, in the Nemunas Delta, the Great Nested , the Green Pomphid, both protected, and pond

5 , dissecting the night sky and spending days in garrets at local farmers, be- ing under strict protection in Lithuania, feel splendidly here. In addition to that, natural habitats not found in many European countries exist here: vast raised in the Aukštumala and Svencelė swamps, marshy deciduous forests and not to mention the flooded (scientifically called alluvial) meadows. And all of this you can find in Nemunas Delta - a natural area, though tiny at the European scale, but very unique. The Nemunas Delta as well stands out in the Baltic region in terms of its landscape shaped by the constant interaction of nature and people. Having come to the area we get into a complicated system of polders, encounter dis- tinctly shaped willow alleys and feel the boundless spaces that take us to the times when the very interesting culture of meadowers, gardeners and wetland- ers flourished upon this land. Welcome to Nemunas Delta!

Meadows of Nemunas Delta: for Nature and People

Since the old days, the fertile meadows of the Nemunas Delta earned their fame because of its lands and fodder production. Assoc. Prof. Martynas Purvinas, a researcher of culture of Lithuania Minor, compared the strategic sig- nificance of the fertile grasslands, tended carefully by cultivators, in the 17th-19th centuries, with oil businesses nowadays. It does not surprise, as in those days horses were the main means of transport for the army, post and other services. Today, the meadows of the Nemunas Delta continue to be of particular impor- tance, as they are the essential condition for agriculture developed in the area. The annual floods of the Nemunas river bring deposits and nutrients dissolved in water, that make the meadows of the region known for its high yields. In modern culture of consumer society, we are accustomed to value things containing measurable benefits to people, furthermore, it is even better if they can be assessed in monetary terms as well. But how to measure pure air, fertile lands and abilities to deliver new yields every year, the benefits of pollinating ? Our consciousness takes it for granted and underrates it. However, already now, we can observe increasing disastrous or highly costly consequences of disturbed natural processes. Scientists, being aware of the necessity to draw attention of the modern society to the benefits delivered by nature and the importance of natural processes, proposed the concept of eco- system services. Ecosystem services are benefits or added value that the eco- system provides to people. According to the nature of provided benefits the

6 services are divided into provisioning services (for example, fodder, food, medicinal raw material, biomass for energy production, etc.), regulating services (for example, management of natural water regime dynamics, sustaining richness of soil, pollination of plants, etc.) and cultural services (for example, aesthetic satisfaction, Extensive farming - a key to preserve rare recreational opportunities, relax- bird species © Žymantas Morkvėnas ation, inspiration, etc.). The concept of ecosystem services calls us to more widely evaluate the ben- efits that Nemunas delta meadows bring to people. One of the services provided by the meadows is an opportunity to discover and enjoy birds living there. Be- sides the possibility for an individual birdwatcher to rejoice the surrounding na- ture, it is also an opportunity to attract local and foreign tourists into the region. While discovering the diversity of birds and uniqueness of the Nemunas Del- ta, tourists spend their money on accommodation, catering, transport and other services, helping to sustain the economical viability of the region. Furthermore, by sharing their impressions they spread the word about the region in the world. Such ecosystem services provided by the meadows, water bodies and birds in the Nemunas Delta are beneficial for the local people too. It is not just an aes- thetic benefit that the ecosystem provides for the population of the country and foreign guests, more important – it can also bring a solid contribution to the de- velopment of regional welfare and bring practical benefits for the local people.

Fishing is one of the main means of livelihood in the Nemunas Delta © Žymantas Morkvėnas

7 HOW TO USE THE FIELD GUIDE

The map of described sites. To easily find the area you are looking for, open the map at the end of the book and find the number of this area . This number in the Content and Index will refer you to the page containing the area description; or you may use the numbering on the margins of the book pages 1 - turning the pages you‘ll easily find the area. The List of bird species recorded in the Nemunas Delta area is placed at the end of the publication. Each species is indicated the period, when the prob- ability to observe the species in the Nemunas Delta is highest. Explanations and symbols used in the area descriptions TOP 3 indicates three most important species in the described area, with a higher probability to watch them in the mentioned area, compared to other places. Notable species means species of birds with a high probability to find them in the described area, however, in most cases these are rare species or the ones recorded only in this Nemunas Delta region. The list does not include common bird species that occur everywhere. The best of the year for is marked in colours: - spring; - summer; - autumn; - winter. - Approximate duration of your stay in the described area. The period will depend on the number of sites or routes you will choose for birdwatching . - A significant part of the Nemunas Delta falls under the boundaries of the state border guard zone, thus the visitors to this area must possess his/her identification document with them, i.e. the passport or identification card (no driving license is accepted). The State Border Guard Service carry out regular patrolling in this area and check personal identification documents. - The visitors are advised to have both binoculars and a spotting scope. In most cases the symbol is linked to the areas where waterfowl or waders are watched, as birdwatching there might be done from long distances. 1 - A birdwatching site or any other important site described in the text. , - Described birdwatching routes or important roads.

- The North direction will enable to better read the map.

- The scale will enable to assess distances more precisely.

8 Velnežeris and Surrounding 1 Meadows

1-2 h

TOP 3: Black-necked , Little , Whiskered Tern.

Notable species. Agglomerations mon , , Common of migrating geese, ducks and wad- Crane, Black-tailed , Eurasian ers. Breeding period: Greylag , , Marsh , Common , Graganey, Northern Shov- Snipe, Whiskered Tern, Black Tern, eler, , Grey Par- White-winged Tern, Western Yellow tridge, Black-necked Grebe, Eurasian (M. f. f.), River Warbler, Red- Bittern, Little Bittern, Black Kite, Red backed , Common Rosefinch, Kite, Marsh , Montagu‘s Har- Eurasian Penduline . rier, , Water , Com-

9 Site description. It is an oval for migrating waders that base them- shaped fluvial origin lake 2 km south selves here in numerous flocks. from Pagėgiai. The shores are low, Breeding. After migration the marshy, abundantly overgrown with importance of the territory does floating aquatic plants. Here the Gėgė not diminish, vice versa, increases. river has its source and further flows In the lake various species of ducks through the cultural meadows sur- breed, including Garganeys, Gad- rounding the lake. Lake Velnežeris is walls, Northern , Common well known due to its ornithological Pochards, also Black-necked , importance for protected species. the young are brought here from the meadows by Greylag Geese. The Birdwatching sites and tactics. aquatic vegetation of Velnežeris is Migration. At the end of March a perfect breeding suit for rare spe- and beginning of April, when the con- cies of terns, thus more than 50 pairs tours of the lake are still hardly seen of Whiskered Terns and more than because of the flooded meadows, 20 pairs of Black Terns settle here. here thousands of migrating geese In some years, White-winged Terns and ducks start flocking together, and also hatch here. The line of reed beds they stay on this territory until the wa- around the lake - homes two more ter fully subsides. Having the water protected species - the Eurasian Bit- level become low, damp meadows of tern and Little Bittern, so you’ll have the catchment area of Velnežeris turn to spend an evening at the lake in or- into an ideal feeding and resting place der to hear these rare birds. Another

Whiskered Tern (Clidonias hybridus) © Marius Karlonas

10 1

Water Rail ( aquaticus) © Simonas Minkevičius reason to stay at Velnežeris in the On the shores of the lake you evening is crakes. After the sunset, may discover Common Rosefinches, in the reed beds and meadows of the Eurasian Penduline Tits; and in adja- lake catchment you may hear Little cent bushes or bigger canals Com- Crakes, Water Rails and Corn Crakes. mon Cranes and Common The meadows adjacent to the lake breed. are also liked by rare birds, waders The most convenient place to in particular, among which you may have a view of the lake and mead- hear or see Eurasian Curlews, Black- ows is a dyke at the northern part of tailed Godwits, Common Snipes; and the lake 1 , and after the water sinks sometimes Marsh , a rare you are able to drive or walk around species, settle here. Birds of prey like the lake . The meadows at the this area too, Montagu’s and Marsh southeast of the lake are valuable Harriers in particular, breeding on the for waders. lake shores each year. Besides harri- ers, you may also watch other rarer Other . In the lake and hooked birds: Red and Black catchment area meadows Canadian Kites come to hunt in the catchment , Red Roxes, European meadows of the lake. and Roe Deers may be observed.

11 Senrusnė and Sennemunė Lakes with Adjacent Meadows

2-4 val.

TOP 3: , , Eurasasian Curlew.

Notable species. Agglomera- Red Kite, White-tailed , Marsh tions of migrating Swans, Geese, Harrier, Montagu‘s Harrier, Lesser Ducks and Waders. Breeding: Grey- Spotted Eagle, , Spotted lag Goose, Gadwall, Eaurasian Teal, Crake, Little Crake, Corn Crake, Com- , Common Pochard, North- mon Moorhen, Common Crane, Eur- ern , Common Merganser, asian Oystercatcher, Ruff, Common Grey , , Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian , Grey , Eu- Curlew, , Marsh ropean Honey Buzzard, Black Kite, Sandpiper, Whiskered Tern, Black

12 Tern, White-winged Tern, Eurasian express a different aspect, namely the . variety of breeding rare species. Breeding period. In the breeding Site description. The area ca. 10 period the most valuable sites are 2 km to the west from Pagėgiai be- Senrusnė Lake and the lakeside mead- longs to the Pagėgiai municipality. ows. In the lake rare in Lithuania Sennemunė and Senrusnė are fluvial species breed, namely Eurasian Teals, origin lakes, as Velnežeris. The lakes Garganeys, , Common Po- are overgrown with abundant aquat- chards, Northern Shovelers, Common ic plants, the shores are swampy. Mergansers bring the young bred in The lakes are surrounded by cultural old poplars, and Greylag Geese take meadows that are flooded in the their goslings here from the adjacent spring snowmelt period and then meadows. Colonies of rare terns set- part of roads become impassable. In tle themselves on the aquatic plants, Senrusnė Lake the Senoji Rusnė Orni- Black and Whiskered Terns, and some- thological Reserve was established. times even White-winged Terns, breed on the lake. In the corners of the lake, Birdwatching sites and tactics. overgrown richly with aquatic plants Migration. Access to the area high- and swampy, in evenings Water Rails ly depends on spring snowmelt: in vocalize their sharming, accompanied some years all roads are passable eas- by yapping and whiplash-like sounds ily, however, in some springs off-road of Spotted and Little Crakes. In the vehicles couldn‘t enter until mid-April. shore reed beds of the lake Eurasian As soon as migration starts (the sec- produce deep booming calls, ond half of March), geese and ducks Marsh and Montagu‘s Harriers nest. land on the flooded meadows sur- In the lakeside meadows, waders rounding the lakes. The uniqueness of rapidly becoming extinct in Lithuania, the meadows, in view of the Nemunas still breed, including the most rare Delta, is revealed when the water lev- ones, namely Ruffs, Eurasian Curlews, el starts to drop and the first meadow Black-tailed Godwits, Common Red- patches open here, whereas the best shanks and Eurasian Oystercatchers. places in the low-lying delta are still No specific infrastructure for bird- under water; and such condition lasts watching exists in this area, and the approximately until the end of the first best site to observe Senrusnė Lake is decade in April. In this period the vicin- the hill at the settlement of Lazdėnai ity of Senrusnė attracts the largest 1 , this birdwatching site is on the pri- flocks of geese and the first migrat- vate real estate, and though the own- ing waders. After the water level goes ers are friendly to the birdwatchers, down in the low delta, the biggest ag- it is necessary to respect the private glomerations concentrate there, and property. Another site to watch onto the uniqueness of Senrusnė begins to the lake and lakeside meadows is the

13 “inside” of the lake, i.e. standing on view is Vičiai Lake 4 situated 1,5 km the peninsula surrounded by the lake east from Kucai. The lake is richly 2 . In the breeding period, the visitors overgrown with aquatic plants where are advised to avoid intensive walking a numerous colony of Black Terns (up around the lake in not to disturb to 150 pairs) is settled. The lakeshores rare birds breeding here. and the lakeside of the Gėgė river are Sennemunė Lake reminds of preferred by rare crakes, namely Wa- Senrusnė, but the variety of waders ter Rail, Little Crakes, Spotted Crakes, is smaller here. Nevertheless, several . In the meadows years ago in the pine grove at the vil- adjacent to the lake, raptors hunt, lage of Kucai, situated on the other namely White-tailed Eagle, Lesser side of the lake, a rich colony 3 of Spotted Eagle, Montagu‘s and Marsh Grey and White Storks was Harriers, Red and Black Kites, Honey found, including Black and Red Kites Buzzards. In evenings you may hear that bred there. Two years ago a sounds of Corn Crakes, grating krek strong storm severely damaged or krek, and sometimes you may hear destroyed the bird nests, currently Common Quails. the number of breeding herons and storks reduced significantly, and Red Other animals. You may easily see Kites withdrew. It is expected that grazing in the meadows. Eu- in a few years the colony may be re- ropean Beavers and Canadian Minks stored and regain its significance. inhabit the lakes, the meadows are In this area another place impor- abundant in Red . Sometimes tant from the ornithological point of you may succeed in seeing a .

Eurasian Curlews (Numenius arquata) at Senrusnė Lake © Marius Čepulis

14 Meadows of Sausgalviai

2-10 h 3

TOP 3: Marsh Sandpiper, Aquatic Warbler, .

Notable species. Agglomera- , Little Crake, Corn tions of migrating Swans, Geese, Crake, Common Moorhen, Common Ducks and Waders. Breeding: Grey- Crane, Little Ringed , Ruff, lag Goose, Euroasian Teal, Garganey, , Great Snipe, Black- Black Stork, European Honey Buz- tailed Godwit, , Com- zard, Black Kite, Red Kite, White- mon Redshank, Marsh Sandpiper, tailed Eagle, , Monta- Whiskered Tern, Eurasian Eagle-, gus’s Harrier, Lesser Spotted Eagle, , Western Yellow Wagtail , Common (M. f. f.), Bluethroat, Aquatic Warbler, Kestrel, Euroasian , Water Rail, Common Rosefinch.

15 (beginning of May), but and Whooper Swans do not stay long, so visitors who wish to see flocks of thousands of these birds have to come here in the first decade of April. The number of geese in the low-lying delta increases in the second decade of April when in the higher delta (Pagėgiai municipality) the flooded meadows become very scarce, while Birdwatchers enjoy seeing flocks of -wad ers in the meadows near the village of here abundance of water attracts Saus­galviai © Marius Karlonas geese; flocks of geese migrating in Western Lithuania concentrate main- Site description. The village of ly in the area of the Nemunas Delta Sausgalviai, 8 km south from Šilutė, Regional Park. Waders also took to is situated in a unique area from the the vicinity of Sausgalviai, here they standpoint of nature, within the land from the migration start, the sec- boundaries of the Nemunas Delta ond half of March, as small hills and Regional Park. When snowmelt starts roads make a perfect place for them in spring and the adjacent meadows to rest and feed. Depending on the are abundantly flooded, the village water level, you may access to the remains unflooded and looks like an area by four roads: island, For ornithologists and bota- 1. To come from Šilutė via the vil- nists, this area is known due to its lage of Užliekniai. If you choose this natural values, and in 2005 here a road you will have to in mind botanical-zoological reserve of mead- that sometimes the main road from ows was established. Užliekniai to Sausgalviai is flooded; in that case you will have to make Birdwatching sites and tactics. a detour via the Kūlynai forest. This Migration. The name of this area route is most reliable when the wa- is mentioned among ornithologists ter level is extremely high. most often in spring when the mead- 2. To take the road from Šilutė and ows of Sausgalviai are widely flooded turn to the left at the Žalgiriai forest. and become a real paradise for birds This road stays flooded until the lat- and birdwatchers. As early as end of est dates, that‘s why it is advised to March, the flooded meadows are full choose this road not earlier than May of swans, ducks and geese, numer- or at the time when the water level in ous flocks of which perch the water the meadows is very low. surface and patches of land emerged 3. To take the road along the Ne- there. Ducks and geese stay here un- munas river from Pagėgiai, via the til water disappears on the meadows village of Tatamiškiai. Sometimes the

16 3

The village of Sausgalviai from the air © Irmantas Gelūnas road is flooded near Sausgalviai, at ley of Leitė and a small hill in front of the Leitė river, but in the second half you 1 . This site is one of the main of April the water level drops and birdwatching sites in Sausgalviai as in the road becomes passable by car. the flooded valley numerous flocks of 4. To come from Rusnė via the ducks, geese and swans agglomerate, Žalgiriai forest and the village of and on the small hill further in front Tatamiškiai. This road is impractica- or in edge waters waders feed and ble until mid-April. geese rest. The second observation In Sausgalviai, few main bird- site is not far away from the first one: watching sites are offered, depend- beyond the village stop at the flooded ing where bird flocks concentrate at road 2 . From this site you will partly that time. If you take the first route, observe the same birds on the left from Šilutė and turn to the right at side of the road, also you will have an Užliekniai towards Sausgalviai, you opportunity to observe birds on the will be able to make the first stops be- right side of the road in the flooded fore you come to the village as geese meadows and on the small hill at the often flock on both sides of the road at village. Ruffs and waders are fond of the very start in this direction. You will the small gravel road edges, and in the reach the first birdwatching site hav- second half of April you will find flocks ing come to Sausgalviai. You will en- of these birds right on the road. If the ter the village and having passed the road is passable at this point, it is ad- first two farmhouses on the left hand visable to move further to the pump side, you will see the narrow road to station building 3 , as this site has two the left direction, and having moved advantages: 1. being on the dyke you 100 m, you will view the flooded val- will be able to observe the area from

17 a higher point; 2. if you come here in water level in the meadows usually the afternoon the sun will shine onto is low, and around you will see open your back and you will have better meadow areas, liked very much by conditions to watch the valley. For the waders. Here numerous flocks of ruffs fourth birdwatching site, you will have feed and rest, sometimes Eurasian to come back to the village and turn Curlews, in flocks of hundreds, land, to the left in the centre. Drive nearly as well as numerous flocks of Wood 900 m to the crossing where the road Sandpipers and other waders. Being forks 4 . In early spring, if the water at site from time to time look into the level is very high and you may not ac- sky: sometimes the Greater Spotted cess to this site, you may come close Eagle, breeding in the forest, out to it. From this site you may birdwatch to hunt over the meadows. onto three different sides: 1. the vil- Breeding. In May-June water usu- lage of Sausgalviai on the hill - most ally is fully out of the meadows and often flocks of geese feed or rest the areas around Sausgalviai become here, and waders run at the water; 2. a home to hundreds of rare and com- the flooded meadows on the Žalgiriai mon birds. Late spring and summer forest side - here water stays until the provides the opportunity to reach the latest in the delta, so it depends much sites which in spring are under water, on the time of your visit, here you thus in this period you are advised to may see nearly all species of ducks, leave your car in Sausgalviai and go grebes, geese and swans; 3. the side birdwatching on foot or by bicycle. of Šilutė, or north-eastwards, - here The best time for a hike is early morn- water is present until late, so you may ing, an hour before sunrise, or late also see a variety of ducks, swans and evening - three hours before sunset resting geese. This side deserves a and two hours after sunset. At these more attentive look, but to do so it is intervals of the day birds are most ac- necessary to go to birdwatching site tive - you may hear the most secret 5 . In order to come to the fifth bird- and rarest birds. You will see the great- watching site, drive out of the village est number of rare and beautiful birds of Sausgalviai taking the direction to- taking the two different routes from wards Užliekniai, and drive 1,4 km to the village of Sausgalviai, as follows: the first farmhouse on the left side of 1. it is the route, 6,5 km, fol- the road. Pass it and immediately turn lowing the gravel road and small road to the left taking the small sandy road, across the meadow, and it will take follow it 1,8 km, and beyond the pine you about 4 hours to cover the entire grove again turn to the left. Follow circle. The includes the natural this small road to the flooded mead- and cultural meadows, the Leitė river, ows until the road is passable, or it the canals of the drainage system, the becomes dangerous because of soft bushy areas. Taking this route you will mud on the road 5 . At this site the have the opportunity to see the major

18 3

A Mash Sandpiper ( stagnatilis) in the meadows of Sausgalviai © Marius Karlonas share of the species included under to the first one, but with less bushes, the subtitle Notable species above: an open landscape with haymaking Greylag Geese, different species of fields and prevails. In the ducks, you will hear Crakes, watch canals you will watch ducks, hear waders (Great Snipes near site 4 ), Crakes, in the meadows rare species pass by two colonies of Sand Martins of waders breed (Marsh Sandpipers (at sites 4 and 3 ), late in the evening like ravines between small hills 300 m or early in the morning you will hear to the south from site 1 ), you will be Bluethroats, and in the meadows near able to hear Bluethroat and Common site 4 - songs of Aquatic Warblers, a Rosefinches. When it is broad daylight rare species. Following this route on Montagu‘s and Marsh Harriers, Honey a sunny day, you will also see raptors, Buzzard, Red Kites, Common Kestrels among which you may observe Great- and Hobbies hunt. At noon activity of er and Lesser Spotted Eagles, Red and other birds drops fiercely, so if you Black Kites. Late in the evening, after come to birdwatch raptors you will dark, the Eurasian Eagle-Owl comes not hear and see many other birds. out of the Žalgiriai forest to hunt in the meadows, and if success accom- Other animals. In the river and panies you may see this species. canals European Beavers and Cana- 2. it is the route, 5,9 km, dian Minks are found. Early in morn- following the gravel road and small ings and evenings may be road across the meadow, and it will observed in the meadows near the take you about 3,5 hours to cover Žalgiriai forest. Roe Deer are com- the entire circle. This route is similar mon in the meadows.

19 Žalgiriai Forest

2-6 h

TOP 3: Greater Spotted Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Eurasian Eagle-Owl.

Notable species. Black Kite, Shrike, Red Crossbill, Common Rose- White-tailed Eagle, Lesser Spotted , Hawfinch. Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Com- mon Crane, Common Snipe, Eurasian Site description. The forest, 2,5 , , Eur- km to the southwest from Šilutė, is asian Eagle-Owl, , Europe- partially flooded by snowmelt water an Nightjar, Grey-headed Woodpeck- each year. The Žalgiriai forest, nearly er, Black , Great Spotted quadratic, 1231 ha, with the Rupkalviai Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Wood- raised in its centre, is surround- pecker, Dunnock, River Warbler, ed by cultural meadows from three Eurasian Golden Oriole, Red-backed sides, in the western side it borders

20 with the Nemunas river. Due to the abundant biodeversity of habitats, plants and animals the forest is in- cluded into the EU network of nature protected areas NATURA 2000; the forest is within the boundaries of the Nemunas Delta Regional Park. 4

Birdwatching sites and tactics. Though from the point of view of na- ture the area is exceptional, for bird- watchers this forest is not gratifying. Scarce roads or paths going deeper into the Žalgiriai forest exist, and the existing ones are flooded by snow- melt water in spring. As it is difficult to get into the Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga) at forest in the period best for watch- the Žalgiriai forest © Marius Karlonas ing and , you may watch and hear these birds when you minutes 2 : Greater Spotted Eagles, stay on the main roads or hike along Lesser Spotted Eagles, Common the Voryčia river. The Žalgiriai forest is Buzzards, Montagu‘s Harriers and accessible by two gravel roads start- Marsh Harriers fly out to hunt in the ing from the road Šilutė-Rusnė. meadows. When hiking from your The roads, marked in , are car southwards, on the left side of passable to the end of the forest in the road you will the meadows over all seasons of the year, at the mead- which birds of prey, White-tailed Ea- ows of Sausgalviai, where flood wa- gles in particular, like to hunt when in ter stays on the road in many cases early spring the meadows are flood- until May. Having entered the for- ed and full of waterfowl. In May-June est, drive up to the bridge over the hiking along this road 3 you may Voryčia river, and here you may leave hear River Warblers, Barred Warblers, your car 1 . From this point you may Common Rosefinches, watch Red- go to all four directions. backed and European Night- Hiking back towards the road jars flying at the forest outskirts in the you will watch birds as follows: Grey- evening. The road distance to the end headed Woodpeckers, Black Wood- of the forest is 1,2 km. hiking from the peckers, Thrushes, Hawfinches, Red car along the small road overgrown Crossbills and others. The road, 1,5 with grass along the Voryčia river km, takes you to the meadows, walk eastwards; beyond 600 m you will 200 m further and stop for at least 20 come to the meadows 4 , and in-

21 Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus) © Armandas Naudžius stead of turning and going back stop piece of the forest is liked by moose and wait for birds of prey. In the for- very much, here sparse black alders est located on both sides of the river dominate 5 . Drive further until you you may find numerous Wrens, Rob- reach the bridge over the Voryčia river ins, Thrushes, sometimes you may and leave your car there 6 . From this see Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers. If point you may hike back via the for- you walk from your car eastwards the est, 1,8 km, to point 5 . Besides Wood- small road along the river will shortly peckers, Thrushes, Dunnocks and oth- end, and this site is liked by Green er forest birds, at this end of the forest Sandpipers. When the day is closing, in the evenings and mornings Eurasian at site 1 you may hear Eurasian Ea- fly. At the end of the for- gle-Owls but it is strictly prohibited to est you may turn and come back on provoke them using audio recordings the small road up to point 6 , or to or to approach the bird closer having turn to the left (the south-west direc- heard its sound - it is a very rare spe- tion) across the meadow, and within cies in Lithuania. 300 m you will reach the small road When you turn into the gravel along the Nemunas banks, and return- road at the bridge of Rusnė, marked ing on it you will come to birdwatch- in , it may be difficult to pass ing points 7 and 6 . Taking this route because of water on the beginning you will hear many different warblers of the gravel road, but when it is wa- and other bush and forest birds. terless you may drive to its very end, where in spring the road is flooded Other animals. European Bea- at the Leitė river. Having entered the vers, Canadian Minks, Red Foxes, forest move very slowly as the entire Roe Deer, Moose.

22 Rupkalviai Ornithological Reser-­ ve and Meadows at Šlažai Bridge

2-6 h

5

TOP 3: Aquatic Warbler, Great Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit.

Notable species. Agglomerations Rail, Spotted Crake, Corn Crake, Little of migrating swans, geese, ducks and Ringed Plover, Ruff, Common Snipe, waders; Lesser White-fronted Goose. Great Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Eur- In breeding season: , asian Curlew, Common Redshank, Garganey, , Black Stork, Sand Martin, Western Yellow Wagtail White-tailed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, (M. f. f.), Bluethroat, Northern - Montagu’s Harrier, Lesser Spotted ear, Common Warbler, Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Water Aquatic Warbler, Common Rosefinch.

23 Site description. The Rupkalviai the second half of April, waders ap- Ornithological Reserve and its sur- in greater numbers and perch on rounding meadows are a unique patches of meadows above water, on territory in the Nemunas Delta, the edges of small roads. Ruffs, that are importance of which occurs in flood convenient to watch when feeding or and breeding seasons in spring time. resting on small roads to the flooded The Reserve‘s territory starts in the meadows, like this territory, in partic- distance of 1 km from Šilutė towards ular. When water is high in the mead- Rusnė and extends on the right side ows you may be astonished by a vari- of the road, nearly up to the bridge ety of duck species: during the migra- to Rusnė. Cultured meadows with tion period Eurasian Wigeons, Gad- abundant drainage systems, serving walls, Eurasian Teals and Garganeys, as cattle pastures and haymaking , Northern Pintails, Northern fields, cover the entire territory. Only Shovelers, Common Pochards, Tufted several farmhouses are scattered Ducks, Common Goldeneyes, around in the territory. and Common Mergansers land here. The Rupkalviai flooded meadows are Birdwatching sites and tactics. the best place to watch the Common Migration. In the migration pe- in spring, sometimes you riod the variety of species of the ag- may count tens of them here. glomerations is similar to that in the In this area the observation op- meadows of Sausgalviai - in early portunity highly depends on the wa- spring tens of thousands of geese ter level on the meadows and roads, and ducks, hundreds of Whooper and and in the regular spring circum- Tundra Swans feed and rest here. In stances in our country, when the ma-

Birdwatchers in Rupkalviai watching the rare Lesser White-fronted Goose ( erythropus) © Marius Karlonas

24 5

Ruffs (Philomachus pugnax) © Marius Čepulis jor part of the meadows are flooded, ing crossed the Šlažai bridge, you 6 main watching sites occur. have to make a left turn before the The first birdwatching site 1 , Žalgiris forest, and follow 1 km along when coming from the direction of the gravel road, at the farmhouse, Šilutė, you may reach by turning to again turn to the left towards the the gravel road on the right hand meadows. At this point, geese like side, before the Šlažai bridge. From the edges of the flooded meadows, here to the farmhouse located in the as well as waders. field, the road is usually passable, The 4 observation point is the but further on it is flooded until the most popular among birdwatchers, end of April. The meadows on the covering the Rupkalviai flooded mead- left side of the road are flooded rare- ows. Having turned to the right from ly, so geese alight here to feed. The the main road, at the sign directing to second birdwatching site 2 is on the the Rupkalviai ornithological reserve, other side of the Šlažai bridge, at the follow the gravel road via the settle- road to the village of Pagryniai. Here ment of Rupkalviai up to the wood are scattered on a large processing workshop, pass it and turn area, and they are difficult to ob- to the left, go forward 100 m and park serve, but this point is convenient, as your car on the hill. Large flocks of the agglomerations can be observed geese, among which sometimes it is from a shorter distance. The same possible to see the endangered Less- territory, from the other side, can er White-fronted Geese, land here to be observed from this site 3 . Hav- feed on this hill and around the cem-

25 etery on the northern side. Ducks and Cra­kes and Corn Crakes breed, you other waterfowl scatter around on may hear Bluethroats at the edges of these meadows and make birdwatch- the canals in late evenings or at night. ing comfortable, if to walk around the You may see or hear all these birds fol- wood processing workshop. Waders, lowing the route marked in . The ruffs in particular, alight on the road distance of the route is 7,1 km, and you to feed and rest on the western side are advised to devote at least 4 hours of the meadows 5 , and it is advisable for the hike. The best season for the to walk here on foot, as some parts of hike across the meadows of Rupkalvi- the road are flooded or muddy. Hav- ai is from the middle of May to the end ing returned from the fourth point to of June. Within that period, even the the main road, drive to the bridge to latest home-coming song-birds are Rusnė, and before it turn to the right here and they are active throughout towards the village of Šyša. Some- the major period of the 24 hours of a times geese flock in the meadows day. If you wish to hear such secret adjacent to the village of Šyša and birds, as the Spotted Crake, the Wa- you will be able to stop your car at ter Rail, the Great Snipe, the Aquatic the point closest to the birds. You will Warbler or the Bluethroat, you are reach one of the main birdwatching advised to delay your hike until dusk, points at the village of Šyša, within 1,4 thus starting around 7-8 p.m. km from the bridge towards Rusnė. You are advised to leave your car at Other animals. European Bea- the pathway into the meadows 6 , on vers and Canadian Minks are met in the right hand side. Through the space the canals, sometimes Moose come between the trees, or having walked out from the forest of Žalgiriai, and a little bit along the pathway into the at its edges, in the evenings bats of meadow, you will be able to observe various species are common. In the the Rupkalviai Ornithological Reserve meadows Red Foxes and Roe Deer from the western side. are frequent. Breeding. In the breeding period this site becomes known due to the abundant population of the Aquatic Warbler breeding here. In the Reserve meadows several tens of these en- dangered birds breed, and without any disturbance to them, you are able to observe standing on the pathways across the meadows. Also, in the meadows several pairs of Black-tailed Godwits, Common Snipes, Great Sni­ Red (Vulpes vulpes) pes, Common Redshanks, Spotted © Marius Karlonas

26 Meadows of Šyšgiriai

2-3 h

6

TOP 3: Black-tailed Godwit, Great Snipe, Corn Crake.

Notable species. Agglomerations shank, Eurasian , Western of migrating swans, geese, ducks Yellow Wagtail (M. f. f.), Bluethroat, and waders, Lesser White-fronted Common Grasshopper Warbler, Riv- Goose. Breeding: Garganey, Grey er Warbler, Red-backed Shrike, Com- Partridge, White-tailed Eagle, Black mon Rosefinch. Kite, Marsh Harrier, Montagu‘s Harri- er, Lesser-spotted Eagle, Water Rail, Site description. The meadows Spotted Crake, Corn Crake, Common of the Šyša polder extending on the Crane, Common Snipe, Great Snipe, western outskirts of the town of Black-tailed Godwit, Common Red- Šilutė adjoin the village of Šyšgiriai

27 Birdwatchers in the meadows of Šyšgiriai © Marius Karlonas and the Aukštumala peat fields to the Birdwatching sites and tactics. north, the Aukštumala river to the In spring, when the water level is high west, and the Šyša river to the south. access to the meadows of Šyšgiriai The area of 830 ha has heavy drain- may be rather complicated, as some age systems, and solely the Pamaru- parts of the gravel road is flooded. kas river flowing across the middle of However, the road is not flooded ev- the meadows is intact by human ac- ery year and it is worth checking on- tivities, so rare bird species are fond site. Usually, from mid-April the road of it in their breeding period. When becomes practicable. The only road to snowmelt starts in spring the area is the site exists: in Šilutė, at the Turgaus abundantly flooded, water lies on the aikštė (Eng. Market Square) turn to meadows until May. Many drainage Pievų street, and having passed one canals and field roads are overgrown residential block you will come to the with bush belts fragmenting the gravel road leading to the meadows meadows. Nearly all meadows in this of Šyšgiriai ( ). part of the Nemuunas Delta Regional Migration. In spring, when the Park are haymaking fields or cattle meadows are flooded this area be- pastures producing favourable condi- comes a paradise for migrating wa- tions for birds. The major part of the terfowl, numerous agglomerations Nemunas Delta meadows are private of which stay here until water fully and it is important to respect the pri- drains out in the meadows. Flocks of vate properties, and not to use motor migrating ducks, geese and waders vehicles outside the roads. particularly are fond of the flooded

28 meadows during their migration to migration peak, in the second half of the breeding places in the North, April, two birdwatching sites could they make brief stops here to rest be recommended: 1 Low-lying area and feed. In these meadows nearly of the meadows at the village of each year individual Lesser White- Šyša where water goes closely to the fronted Geese are found, and in road - ruffs stay on both sides of the 2012 a record number of individuals road; 2 The cobble road from the of this species was recorded, i.e. 15 village of Šyša to the north; in spring, Lesser White-fronted Geese in one this road is partially flooded nearly flock. On this site birdwatching of until end of April but on some patch- agglomerations is comfortable due es above the water various waders 6 to the gravel road next to the Šyša land to rest and feed, such as Little river, as here birds land on both sides Ringed , Common Snipes, of the road. Waterfowl like the entire Wood Sandpipers, Ruffs, Black-tailed meadow segment from Šilutė to the Godwits and others. Aukštumala river, and no individual Breeding. In the breeding period birdwatching site for swans, geese the set of bird species is similar to or ducks may be highlighted, the en- that of the Rupkalviai Ornithologi- tire distance of 4,3 km is suitable for cal Reserve (page 23) located on the birdwatching staying on the road. other side of the Šyša river: Black- Waders, particularly Ruffs and Black- tailed Godwits, Great Snipes, Com- tailed Godwits, prefer the meadows mon Snipes breed in the meadows, at the village of Šyša. The birdwatch- Water Rails and Corn Crakes are ing site depends greatly on the wa- heard at the canals and the river- ter level, however, for ruffs at the side, River and Common Grasshop-

A flock of migrating geese in Šyšgiriai meadows © Marius Karlonas

29 Great Snipes (Gallinago media) © Kęstutis Čepėnas per Warblers reel here. At daytime may be flooded up to May, and activ- you may watch Montagu‘s ity of birds drops from July. You are and Marsh Harriers, White-tailed advised to start the hike in the eve- Eagles, Black Kites. After dark drive ning before sunset, or early in the on the road very slowly and try to morning - just before sunrise. Great discern a “radiant” eye of the Euro- Snipes become most active one hour pean Nightjar on the road. At sum- after sunset and sing until morning; mer nights they like to land on warm if you wish to hear them start the gravel roads, and it is easy to find 2-hour hike around 9-10 p.m. Great them when you drive slowly on small Snipes are very rare and protected roads at edges of woods. in our country, so listen to them only The visitors who want to hike in from a long distance in order not to these meadows and hear the most scare them from the leking places. interesting birds breeding here are advised to follow this route . Other animals. In canals Euro- The route follows small field roads pean Beavers and Canadian Minks across the meadows with drain- are found, sometimes Moose come age systems and along the Pamaru- out of the Aukštumala raised bog, kas river. You are recommended to and in evenings various species of choose this route, 4 km, only at the bats are common on its edges. Red end of spring and in the first half Foxes, Roe Deers and Grey Hares are of summer because the road partly frequent in the meadows.

30 Tulkiaragė Polder and Krokų Lanka Lake

1-3 h

7

TOP 3: Water Rail, Little Crake, White-tailed Eagle.

Notable species. Greylag Goose, Crake, Common Crane, Common Common Shelduck, Gadwall, Eurasian Snipe, Common Redshank, Black- Teal, Garganey, , tailed Godwit, Western Yellow Wag- Crested Grebe, , Com- tail (M. f. f.), Bluethroat, Common mon , Eurasian Bittern, Grasshopper Warbler, River Warbler, Great Cormorant, White-tailed Eagle, Savi‘s Warbler, Aquatic Warbler, Red- Black Kite, Marsh Harrier, Montagu‘s backed Shrike, Common Rosefinch, Harrier, , Water Rail, Common Reed Bunting. Spotted Crake, Little Crake, Corn

31 Site description. When farming Birdwatching sites and tactics. was ceased in the Tulkiaragė polder You may come to the Tulkiaragė pol- the meadows became overgrown der on the same road as to the mead- with bushes and reed beds which ows of Šyšgiriai . The polder made the diversity of bird species in starts immediately after you pass the this area rather poor, but in 2010-2015 bridge over Aukštumala and extends the implementation of the project for to Krokų Lanka lake. One of the best protection of the Aquatic Warbler was sites for birdwatching in Tulkiaragė is started and many reed beds in the the bird observation platform on the Tulkiaragė polder were cut each year. pump station 1 . From the bridge over This process in the course of a few Aukštumala drive 2,3 km, then turn successive years restored the condi- into the small road on the right hand tions suitable for other very rare bird side and, having passed 1,3 km, you species to breed. Common Redshanks will come to the pump station beauti- came back to the area, partition of the fied with a picture of the Aquatic War- reed beds increased the populations bler, with an observation platform on of Marsh Harriers and crakes, and in top. Looking through binoculars or 2016 the first singing Aquatic Warbler a spotting scope you may watch the male was recorded. It is expected that nest of the White-tailed Eagle, where in the future these endangered birds “the king of the delta” has been nest- will start breeding in these meadows ing many years in a row. Closer to the of the Nemunas Delta Regional Park. lake, in dried off black alders the Black

Bird observation platform in Tulkiaragė © Marius Karlonas

32 7

Moose (Alces alces) © Marius Karlonas

Kite, a rare raptor, started nesting in From the pumping station hav- recent years. You may watch these ing turned to the west, towards the birds from the small roads or the ob- lake, you will come to the birdwatch- servation platform: both species are ing path, 1,2 km in one way . included into Red Data Book of Lithu- Taking this path you will come to the ania. In May-June, from the observa- observation platform 2 , from there tion platform you may watch up to you will be able to observe the lake 60 different bird species. Crakes and from a closer distance. In the shore Bitterns make noise in the reed beds, reed beds many different warblers over the meadows Common Snipes are abundant. The best season and and Common Redshanks perform time to visit this area are mornings their courtship flies, Montagu’s and and evenings in May-July. Marsh Harriers, Hobbies hunt, Com- mon , River and Savi’s Other animals. The observation Warblers produce their -like reel- platform in Tulkiaragė, probably, is ing. If you stay a bit longer, in Kampupė the best point in the Nemunas Delta you will wait to see Common Shel- to watch Moose. In evenings and ducks nesting here. If you observe the mornings you may watch them wad- lake through a spotting scope you will ing through edges of the reed beds watch Greylag Geese with goslings, or in the open field. Also, European various species of ducks, Great Cormo- Beavers and Roe Deer are common. rants, Crested Grebes.

33 Island of Skirvytė

1 h

TOP 3: Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Ringed Plover, .

Notable species. Agglomerations Site description. The Skirvytė riv- of migrating ducks, waders, and er is one of the two branches of the terns. Breeding: Common Shelduck, Nemunas river which together with Common Merganser, Grey Partridge, the Atmata river flows around Rusnė Great Cormorant, White-tailed Eagle, Island. This river marks the border Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Oystercatch- between Lithuania and the Kalinin- er, , Common grad Region of the Russian Federa- Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, tion and is actively observed by the Black-tailed Godwit, Little , Little State Border Guard Service, which Tern, Common Tern, Common King- patrolling on Rusnė Island stop visi- fisher, Sand Martin. tors and request to provide with

34 8

Birdwatchers watching Eurasian Oystercatchers on Skirvytė island © Marius Karlonas personal identification documents. Pakalnė river, pass by the fuel sta- In the Skirvytė river several small tion and at the point where the main sand islands were naturally formed road forks into two, stay on the left and in the course of time overgrew road. From the sign of the small town with bushes and high grass. Birds are of Rusnė continue on the gravel road found in the island of the Skirvytė 770 m, having gone up on the dyke river located 1 km westwards from you will see two contiguous small the small town of Rusnė; its area is roads to the left side, one of them 0,7 ha excluding shoals emerging in will stretch over the top of the dyke, summer. The entire island of Rusnė while the other - at the bottom. You including the Skirvytė river and its will reach the Skirvytė river follow- islands are within the boundaries of ing any of them, and at the concrete the Nemunas Delta Regional Park. bank turn onto the small road to the left. From the point 1 , in the river, Birdwatching sites and tactics. you will see the island abundantly Access to this island is easy as the is- overgrown with bushes, land is very close to the small town In early spring, when the water of Rusnė, from which a good qual- level in the river is high, the island is ity gravel road . goes to the not liked by birds, as it is difficult for Skirvytė river at the point of the bigger birds to land on the surface island. In the small town of Rusnė overgrown with bushes. But in May having crossed the bridge over the when the water level starts to drop

35 Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) © Marius Čepulis and sandy shores emerge, this habi- with the young often come here to tat becomes home or a feeding place rest. Over the river you may observe for numerous birds. On the island Eur- White-tailed Eagles looking around asian Oystercatchers, Little Ringed for search of fish in shallow waters, Plovers and Common Ringed Plovers, and Marsh Harriers fly over the shores Common Sandpipers, Little Terns and aiming at their prey. Common Terns breed, and besides the In August, when intensive migra- birds living on the island, birds breed- tion of waders starts this island turns ing in adjacent areas and the young into the second best site in the Ne- from there gather on the island. From munas Delta to watch these birds, mid-summer particularly, when water following the fish ponds in Kintai shrinks more and in front of the island (page 55) . If the water level in the sandy dry patches and shoals emerge, river does not rise and flood the san- hundreds of various birds perch on dy shoals the area continues to be the island. Birds that bred in nearby of major importance for migrating areas gather here, such as , birds throughout the entire migra- Black-tailed Godwits, Ruffs, Com- tion period until November. mon Sandpipers, Whiskered Terns, Black Terns, also gulls: Black-headed, Other animals. European Bea- Little, Herring and Caspian. Common vers, Eurasian Otters, Canadian and Common Mergansers Minks, Roe Deers, Grey Hares.

36 Bevardis Stream and Surrounding Meadows

1-3 h

9

TOP 3: Common Redshank, Black Tern, Short-eared Owl.

Notable species. Agglomerations wit, Common Redshank, Black Tern, of migrating swans, geese, ducks and Short-eared Owl, Western Yellow waders. Breeding period: Garganey, Wagtail (M.f.f.), Northern Wheatear, Gey Partridge, Eurasian Bittern, White- Common Grasshopper Warbler, Savi’s tailed Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Montagu‘s Warbler, Red-backed Shrike. Harrier, Water Rail, Spotted Crake, Lit- tle Crake, Corn Crake, Common Crane, Site description. The pastures Ruff, Common Snipe, Black-tailed God- and hayfields stretching in the south-

37 western part of the island of Rusnė distance from the bridge over the have abundant drainage systems, Pakalnė river to the Bevardis stream however, as a part of the territory is 4,4 km, the major part being a remains marshy human activities gravel road. The road to the Bevar- are not in progress there. Numerous dis stream is flooded extremely rare- narrow fluvial origin small eutrophic ly, so you will be able to reach the lakes, old river beds, the shores of watching point even in early spring. which are overgrown with plenti- Migration. In early spring, some ful reed beds, lie in the meadows. areas of the meadows around the Two of them, lakes Kalnupžiogis and Bevardis stream are flooded, and Juodvilkė, are linked by the Bevardis due to that, geese, ducks and wad- stream, sometimes also called Pelin- ers land here in numbers. Geese clus- takis. As the entire island of Rusnė, ter mainly this area is also within the boundaries on both sides of the gravel road, of the Nemunas Delta Regional Park. far before you will reach the Be- vardis stream, because the more Birdwatching sites and tactics. eastern meadows are higher, with You may drive to the bridge over the scarce water. Closer to the Bevar- Bevardis stream 1 from the direc- dis stream, more water appears in tion of Rusnė, having crossed the the meadows, thus greatly accom- Pakalnė river and following the main modating flocks of migrating ducks road up to the stream . The and waders. Along with water, high

Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) © Marius Čepulis

38 number agglomerations crowd also in the meadows on the western side of the Bevardis stream, between lakes Kalnupžiogis and Juodvilkė. Breeding. Having water fallen off in the meadows, the Bevardis stream, the lakes, old river beds, and the surrounding meadows be- come home for numerous species of protected birds. If you come to the bridge over the Bevardis stream as early as end of May, you will be met, in a very close distance, by a numer- ous Black Tern flock, hatching on water soldiers. For breeding, wad- ers choose the meadows between 9 lakes Kalnupžiogė and Juodvilkė, here you may watch Common Red- shanks, Black-tailed Godwits, Com- Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) mon Snipes and Ruffs. The shores © Simonas Minkevičius of the stream and lakes are richly overgrown with reeds, are marshy or hear a substantial number of birds and preferred by crakes. In this area breeding in this area, however, you you may hear 4 species of crakes: the will observe the most of interesting Water Rail, the Little Crake, the Spot- birds, having started out for a hike ted Crake and the Corn Crake. In the to the four lakes, old river beds, and shore reed beds the Eurasian Bittern three streams. This route of delivers its foghorn sound, the Savi’s 4,6 km follows small roads you may Warbler produces its buzzing songs, go on a bicycle or drive by car. Early the Marsh and Montagu’s Harriers morning or evening before sunset is nest and hunt here. This is one of the the best time to set out, as crakes, best spots in the Nemunas Delta to bitterns and owls are most active be- watch the Short-eared Owl. These fore sunrise or after sunset. Thus, if mysterious owls set out hunting at you wish to see a big variety of birds, or after sunset, and at that time the in summer, it is advisable to start a highest possibility to see the Short- 3-hour hike at around 4-5 a.m. in the eared Owl, sitting or flying low over morning or at 8-9 p.m. in the evening. the meadows, exists. From the bridge over the Bevar- Other animals. European beavers, dis stream, or within a short walking Canadian Minks, Roe Deers and Grey distance from there you may watch Hares are common in the meadows.

39 Fish Ponds of Rusnė

2 h

TOP 3: Black-necked Grebe, , Northern Shoveler.

Notable species. Greylag Goose, Woodpecker, Savi’s Warbler, Bearded Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, Common Reedling, Eurasian Penduline Tit. Pochard, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Description. The fish ponds erect- Grebe, Great Cormorant, Eurasian ed on the northern part of Rusnė is- Bittern, , Western Marsh land have not been used for intense Harrier, White-tailed Eagle, Water commercial fishery for over two de- Rail, Common Moorhen, Eurasian cades. Half of the ponds‘ area is richly Coot, Common Sandpiper, Black Tern, overgrown with reeds and bushes Common , Lesser Spotted and few ponds are not filled with wa-

40 ter. Though intense fishery activities You will be able to see the major have been ceased in this aquaculture share of the ponds taking the 3,6 km farm, the area is taken care of by a route around the third pond watchman who issues permits for (No 3). Starting to walk along the fishermen to get into the pond area. route from the watchman’s house, you may have a look at the first pond Birdwatching sites and tactics. and continue the hike in the south- You will see the information sign west direction. Following the small concerning entrance to the pond road, in the reeds and bushes you area on the left side of the road, may hear the first Eurasian Penduline when driving from Šyškrantė to- Tits and Bearded Reedlings, generally wards Uostadvaris . If you want common in this area. In the distance to bird watch in the ponds you will of 600 m from the watchman’s house have to contact the watchman who you will come to the dyke, and having usually is present in the area, and climbed it, you may observe the sec- you will have to look for him in the ond pond. In 2017, in the trees at the house at the gate 1 . Having agreed end of the pond Great Cormorants with the watchman, it is best to started to breed, and within the first 10 leave your vehicle here and continue year ca. 1000 pairs settled here. Hav- birdwatching on foot, as the roads in ing examined the second pond, con- the pond area are of poor condition. tinue on the top of the dyke, along

Black-necked Grebe ( nigricollis) © Marius Čepulis

41 Northern Shoveler ( clypeata) © Simonas Minkevičius the edges of the third pond. In this hundreds of ducks, including also pond grebes like to breed, among Eurasian Wigeons, Northern Pintails, common Great Crested Grebes you Common Goldeneyes, Garganeys and may also watch rare Black-necked Eurasian Teals. In the migration peri- Grebes. Having reached the fourth od, Tundra and Whooper Swans land pond, turn into the small road on the here and in late autumn it is one of left side, to the eastern direction. the best sites to see these species in Following this small road, you may the Nemunas Delta. Having come to observe three ponds on the right the seventh pond, turn to the left and side (No 4, 5, 6). In the fourth pond, proceed towards the watchman‘s Little Grebes and Common Moorhens house. The seventh pond is very shal- breed, however, you may fail to suc- low, abundantly overgrown with ceed to watch them emerging out of reeds, and thus liked by water birds, the aquatic vegetation. Usually, the such as ducks and Greylag Geese; the fifth and sixth ponds are the most edges of the pond are the best place interesting ones, Gadwalls, Northern to discover Bearded Reedlings, Eur- Shovelers, Common Pochards and asian Penduline Tits, Savi’s Warblers, Tufted Ducks, Eurasian Coots breed Western Marsh Harriers, also to hear here; Greylag Geese bring the young Eurasian Bitterns and Water Rails. from the meadows to these ponds. Migrating water birds also like these Other animals. European Beavers, two ponds, in autumn and spring Canadian Minks, Eurasian Otters, Ra- here you may watch a paddling of coon Dogs, Red Foxes, Roe Deers.

42 Coastal Area at Uostadvaris

2-6 h

11

TOP 3: Little Bittern, Short-eared Owl, Citrine Wagtail.

Notable species. Agglomerations ern Yellow Wagtail (M.f.f.), Citrine of geese, ducks and waders. Breed- Wagtail, Bluethroat, Northern Wheat- ing: Greylag Goose, Garganey, Grey ear, Common Grasshopper Warbler, Partridge, Eurasian Bittern, Little Bit- Savi’s Warbler, River Warbler, Aquatic tern, White-tailed Eagle, Western Warbler, , Common Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Wa- Rosefinch. ter Rail, Corn Crake, Common Crane, Common Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Site description. The cultured Common Redshank, Black Tern, Short- meadows with heavy drainage sys- eared Owl, Common Kingfisher, West- tems extending in the south-west-

43 ern part of Rusnė island adjoin the small roads are under water until wide belt in the Curonian mid-April. Though in May water still Lagoon to the west, the Atmata river lays sporadically in the meadows the to the north, and the Rusnaitė river small roads usually are dry and you to the south. After snowmelt runoff may go by car from the directions in spring cattle pasture in the mead- of Uostadvaris or Pakalnė. The main ows, grass is mowed. Due to these watching point and site, from where extensive farming methods applied birdwatching will be continued hik- here very rare birds for Lithuania oc- ing, is the birdwatching tower 1 of cur in the meadows. As the entire Uostadvaris in the coastal area. Rusnė island, this area also falls un- Migration. The observation tower der the boundaries of the Nemunas is a perfect place to look around, to Delta Regional Park. enjoy the landscape of Rusnė island, the Curonian dunes in the distance of Birdwatching sites and tactics. few kilometres and the Ventė Cape Entrance to this area depends on Ornithological Station (Lith. Ventës seasons of the year, as in spring rago ornitologinë stotis). From this the meadows are flooded heavily tower, the meadows may be seen with snowmelt water and often the very well where in spring and au-

Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) © Marius Čepulis

44 tumn geese flock, also you may ob- meadow and bush birds: Common serve the reed belt where you could Grasshopper, River Warbler, Savi’s see the Eurasian Bittern or a waiding Warble, Marsh Warblers, Meadow moose, and the coastal area of the , Common Rosefinches. The Curonian Lagoon liked by flocks of Sun disappearing below the horizon, resting ducks so much. Each autumn you will be halfway of the route, and and spring millions of birds come from the Uostadvaris port you will back flying on the coastal area, and hike in the direction of the tower the tower is one of the best places to across the meadows with heavy watch autumn and spring migrations drainage systems. Covering this in the district of Šilutė. segment try to keep a slow pace Breeding period. From the tower and stop occasionally to listen: in or standing next to it you may nearly the evenings the Aquatic Warbler, always hear “ping” calls of Bearded the rarest songster in Europe, sings Reedlings very close to you in the in the meadows. Nearby, Common reed beds or reeling Savi’s Warblers. Redshanks and Black-tailed Godwits If you walk along the reed bed you breed, Greylag Geese with the young will find the rare Citrine , swim in the canals, Corn Crakes de- each year at least three pairs of liver their krek krek calls, Common these breed here. Snipes utter their stutter songs in 11 As other places, this area reveals the air. After sunset, it is advisable itself to its best early in the morn- to pay attention to each bigger bird ing or late in the evening when dusk flying above the reeds or meadows birds become more active. If you as Short-eared Owls set for hunt- want to find the most interesting ing at that time. You will be back at birds in this area you are advised the tower when it is nearly dark, but to choose the route of 8 km enthusiastic hikers are advised to across the fields that is fit for hiking walk further along the dyke , and bicycling. The hiking duration about 600 m, towards the Rusnaitė following this route is 4-5 hours, it river. Walking on the dyke along the is advisable to start the hike around reed beds be attentive and listen, at 7-8 p.m., from the tower eastwards night here you may hear Eurasian (choosing this direction you will find and Little Bitterns accompanied by the greatest number of birds). Be- sharming vocalisations and piglet- fore the dark falls, in the meadows like squeals of Water Rails. between Pakalnė and the Uostad- varis port you will observe hunting Other animals. Moose, Roe Deer, Montagu’s Harriers and Western European Beavers, Eurasian Otters, Marsh Harriers, White-tailed Eagles, Canadian Minks, Grey Hares.

45 Nemunas Delta from Boat

2-6 h

TOP 3: agglomerations of migrating ducks, Little Gull, Bearded Reedling.

Notable species. Agglomerations Common Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, of migrating ducks; Great White Common Redshank, Black Tern, Whis- Egrets, various species of gulls. Breed- kered Tern, Little Gull, Common King- ing period: Greylag Goose, Garganey, fisher, Citrine Wagtail, Savi’s Warbler, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, Com- Bearded Reedling, Eurasian Pendu- mon Pochard, Tufted Duck, Common line Tit, Common Rosefinch. Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Eur- asian Bittern, Great Crested Grebe, Site description. To explore the White-tailed Eagle, Western Marsh Nemunas Delta travelling by boat is Harrier, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Com- a unique opportunity to look at the mon Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, littoral area nature from a different

46 angle. Travelling by boat you may line, the trip by boat will take up to visit the most remote places of the two hours, depending on the number delta, not accessible by road, and of stops you may wish to have and to see the realm of waterfowl. The look around. Curonian Lagoon, the Kniaupas bay, If you start from the small river the rivers of Atmata, Minija and port in Atmata, go into Minija, and Upaitis, the islands of Atmata, the very soon, beyond 800 m, turn to shallow of the Kniaupas bay and the the Upaitis river, and proceed to the Ventė swamp - these are habitats Kniaupas bay. In this segment you preferred by birds, that you may see will see Grey Herons, Little and Black- taking the 12 km route from Uostad- headed Gulls that breed nearby, also varis or Mingė by boat. Common often sitting at the riverside. As the Kniaupas bay is Birdwatching sites and tactics. If very shallow in some places, you will you wish to make a reservation for a be able to go only along it without trip by boat, you will have to contact any turnings, following the straight the captains in the villages of Mingė route for boats. The bay is a valuable or Uostadvaris in advance and to territory for breeding and migrat- agree regarding the exact time, route ing waterfowl. In the breeding pe- and duration (For more information riod you may observe Greylag Geese, concerning boat rent see website of Gadwalls, Northern Shovelers and the Šilutė Tourist Information Cen- Common Pochards, Common Gold- 12 tre www.siluteinfo.lt). If to take the eneyes, Common Mergansers, Eur- route, marked in the yellow dotted asian Coots, Great Cormorants, Great

Birdwatchers aboard © Marius Karlonas

47 Crested Grebes, at the edges of the in the river mouth of Atmata, ask the bay Whiskered Terns breed. In the captain to come as close as possible migration period numerous agglom- to them 1 and to turn the engine off, erations of ducks and migrating wa- for at least ten minutes. Besides com- terfowl exceeding several thousand mon birds, Garganeys and Eurasian are observed. Teals, Gadwalls, Eurasian Oystercatch- Having reached the Curonian La- ers, Northern Lapwings, Common goon, you will not be able to turn im- Redshanks, Black-tailed Godwits, mediately towards the small islands Common Snipes, Little and Common in Atmata, as waters at the banks are Terns, Citrine Wagtails breed here. To too shoal for boats. The captain will walk on the island during the breeding be able to turn into the direction of period (May 20 - July 31) is prohibited, the river mouth of Atmata, having so at that time you may watch the gone ca. 1,5 km into the Lagoon. The birds staying on board the boat only. variety of waterfowl, gulls and turns Having looked around the islands in also like this area of the Curonian Atmata, return to the small river port Lagoon, and here an awesome pan- via the Atmata river. oramic view onto the Ventė Cape Or- nithological Station (Lith. Ventės rago Other animals. European Beavers, ornitologinė stotis) and the dunes of Eurasian Otters, Canadian Minks. Go- the Curonian will open in front ing by boat you may observe Moose of you. Having reached the islands and Roe Deer on the river banks.

Great Egret (Egretta alba) © Simonas Minkevičius

48 Lakeside of Krokų Lanka and Old River Bed of Minija

1-3 h

13

TOP 3: Montagu’s Harrier, Common Redshank, Aquatic Warbler.

Notable species. Flocks of migrat- ted Crake, Little Crake, Corn Crake, ing swans, geese, ducks and waders. Common Moorhen, Common Crane, Breeding: Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Common Snipe, Common Redshank, Garganey, Northern Shoveler, Com- Black-tailed Godwit, Black Tern, mon Pochard, Tufted Duck, Grey Whiskered Tern, Western Yellow Partridge, Great Crested Greebe, Wagtail (M. f. f.), Northern Wheat- Eurasian Bittern, White-tailed Eagle, ear, Common Grasshopper Warbler, Marsh Harrier, Montagu‘s Harrier, Savi’s Warbler, Aquatic Warbler, Red- Eurasian Hobby, Water Rail, Spot- backed Shrike, Common Rosefinch.

49 Site description. Krokų Lanka is a lagoon lake in the Nemunas Del- ta Regional Park, halfway to Šilutė, a town, and Ventės Ragas (Ventė Cape). At the shores of the lake two villages, Rūgaliai and Minija, were established. The shores are nearly entirely overgrown with rush and reed beds. In deeper waters aquatic plants, such as yellow pond lilies, pondweed, parrot water mil- foil, grow. The lake is 4,4 km wide and Birdwatchers from at Krokų Lan- 3,3 km long. The lakeside meadows ka lake © Marius Karlonas are flooded each spring, but a heavy drainage system usually drains water all the field roads are passable, you out in the meadows prior to May. The may observe the biggest part of the Minija river flows on the western side agglomerations in the meadows and of the lake, and in the meadows the lake at 6 observation sites marked on old river bed is seen. the map: 1 The lowland in the mead- ows, where water is preserved rather Observation sites and tactics. long, and this place is liked very much Migration. As in the biggest part by flocks of migrating ducks. 2 The of the Nemunas Delta, the lakeside birdwatching tower at the lakeside of meadows in the flood season in spring Krokų Lanka, from here you may over- are highly flooded, thus access to the look the lakeside meadows and the area may be impossible due to flood- lake. This site is of particular impor- ed roads. However, the roads are not tance in the autumn migration period flooded every year and water pres- when the water level in the meadows ence in the meadows lasts differently, becomes lower and ducks flock in the thus, the best way to learn the situ- lake. 3 The area of meadows lying in ation is to come here. To come here the lowland preserves water longer, you may take only two roads: from and here migrating ducks and wad- the road Šilutė-Kintai, at the village ers land to feed. 4 These meadows of Rūgaliai or at the old river bed of possess scarce water, and geese land Minija, you will have to turn to the di- here to feed. 5 In the flooded mead- rection of the village of Minija (Mingė) ows geese and ducks flock, and in the . Then, following the gravel road outskirts of the wood, in trees, breed- towards the lake you may, just from ing White-tailed Eagles sit. In late au- the road, observe flocks of swans, tumn, all western lakeside area is one geese, ducks and waders feeding and of the best places in the Nemunas resting on the flooded meadows. If Delta to watch Northern Harriers.

50 Breeding period. From the begin- ing tower and observe the lake. It’s ning of May to the second half of worthwhile to wait in the tower for July, Krokų Lanka lake and the lake- at least 20 minutes, as you may not side meadows become home for tens hear or see all birds coming out of of rare birds. On the shores of the the reeds simultaneously. Having ob- lake several families of Greylag Geese served the lake, continue the hike fol- breed, as well as rare ducks: Gadwalls, lowing the field pathway, as shown Northern Shovelers, Common Po- on the map. Taking this route you’ll chards, Tufted Ducks and Garganeys. come back to the tower in about two Common Redshanks, Black-tailed hours. The best time for birdwatching Godwits, Common Snipes breed in is early morning or late evening. It’s the meadows. White-tailed Eagles, important to plan your time so that Marsh and Montagu‘s Harriers, Eur- you were in route at sunrise or sunset. asian Hobbies hunt here. In the reed Visitors who wish to hear the rare beds of the lake Eurasian Bitterns are Aquatic Warbler are advised to enjoy rather frequent, and at the edges of birdwatching from sites 1 and 6 . If the canals Water Rails and Spotted you happen to have a spotting scope, Crakes are heard in the evenings. observe the grass tops - the Aquatic You will encounter the biggest Warbler sings most often on the high- number of breeding birds‘ species if est grass tops and is easy to notice in you take the 4,3 km route, marked a far distance. in green, across the lakeside mead- ows. It is advisable to start the route Other animals. Moose, Roe Deer, from watching point 2 . Having left European Beavers, Eurasian Otters, 13 your car, climb the highest birdwatch- Canadian Minks, Grey Hares.

Montagu’s Harrier male (Cyrcus pygargus) © Marius Čepulis

51 Aukštumala Nature Trail

1 h

TOP 3: Black , Golden Plover, Great Grey Shrike.

Notable species. , Site description. The former White-tailed Eagle, Eurasian Spar- Aukštumala wetland used to be one rowhawk, Eurasian Hobby, Com- of the most unique raised bogs in mon Crane, Golden Plover, Common Lithuania previously, however, cur- Snipe, , Green rently it has been deeply hurt by Sandpiper, , Earope- human activities - in the course of an Nightjar, Eurasian Wryneck, Black over half a century the peat mining Woodpecker, Woodlark, Golden Ori- company has been operating there. ole, Great Grey Shrike, Hawfinch. The entire territory of the raised bog and the mining fields are within the

52 Birdwatchers from on the Aukštumala Nature Trail © Eugenijus Ostašenkovas boundaries of the Nemunas Delta you will see the information board and Regional Park, and only in its western the sign directing to the Aukštumala part a telmological nature reserve Nature Trail. Leave your vehicle in was established, where in 2013-2017, the small forest 1 on the other side in the implementation of the wetland of the road, and from here continue restoration project the hydrological walking. The one way distance of the regime of the survived raised bog was Nature Trail is 1,2 km , thus the restored, trees and bushes are being hike will take you at least an hour. managed, the nature trail including Covering the first part (370 m) of the 14 an observation tower was erected. Nature Trail you will pass through a In 1900, this raised bog was explored grove, and that is the only part thoroughly by C. A. Weber, a German of the Nature Trail where you are able botanist, and Aukštumala became the to watch forest birds, Here you may first raised bog in the world that was observe Great Spotted Woodpeckers, scientifically researched. In 1902, the Black Woodpeckers, to hear Eurasian botanist described it and published Golden Orioles, Hawfinches and other a monograph on research of bogs, common forest birds. The second part the first one in the world. The book is of the Nature Trail will start after you published in English and Lithuanian. cross a small bridge over the drain- age ditch. From here onwards, you Birdwatching sites and tactics. will follow the wooden trail of 480 Going from Šilutė to the direction m across an open habitat - the edge of Kintai, just before the village of of the raised bog overgrown with Rūgaliai, on the right side of the road scarce birch trees. In this segment

53 you may observe Woodlarks, Tree and Meadow Pipits, in the mornings and evenings Common Snipes, Eurasian Woodcocks and Green Sandpipers fly here. The third section of the Nature Trail extends along the new wooden trail 350 m long, from the old bird watching tower via the open raised bog to the new observation tower located in the middle of it 2 , at the marshy small lakes. Walking along this section or watching birds from Common Crane (Grus grus) the observation tower, you will have © Dalia Račkauskaitė an opportunity to see the rare Golden Plovers, Wood Sandpipers, and early time to visit this habitat is the breed- in the morning you may to listen to ut- ing season, in April - July. tering mating calls of Black . If you have a more attentive look from Other animals. In the bog and the tower, you may notice Great Grey its edges Grass occur abun- Shrikes on top of small pine trees, dantly, Common Wipers are not rare, White-tailed Eagles flying in the sky, at the trail you may notice Viviparous trumpeting Common Cranes, an- . Moose, Roe Deer, Grey Hares nouncing of their presence. The best are met here.

European Golden Plovers ( apricaria) © Renatas Jakaitis

54 Fish Ponds of Kintai

1-4 h

15

TOP 3: Common Shelduck, White-tailed Eagle, agglomerations of migrat- ing waders.

Notable species. Agglomerations Little Ringed Plover, Common Ringed of migrating geese, ducks and waders; Plover, Common Sandpiper, Common various species of gulls. Breeding peri- Tern, Savi’s Warbler, Eurasian Pendu- od: Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Northern line Tit, Common Rosefinch. Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Great Cormo- Site description. It is one of the rant, Grey Heron, White-tailed Eagle, largest areas of commercial fish , Water Rail, ponds (600 ha) in Lithuania estab- Common Moorhen, , lished in the northern part of the

55 White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) © Marius Čepulis

Nemunas Delta Regional Park, at the the best bird watching sites in west- riverside of Minija near Kintai, a small ern Lithuania, in particular, because town. In the area of the ponds the of their importance for White-tailed hotel and restaurant Mėlynasis karpis Eagles, migrating waders and ducks, (The Blue Carp) operates, rent servic- that can be met here from early spring es of boats are rendered, the oppor- to late autumn. Ducks like the entire tunity to photograph birds from na- area, but the largest flocks land in the ture inbuilt hides is provided. Before biggest pond next to the main road going into the pond area it is neces- (No. 1). In the ponds Greylag Geese, sary to contact the administration via Gadwalls, Northern Shovelers, Tufted telephone or to go to the complex Ducks and rare Common Shelducks Mėlynasis karpis 1 and to make res- breed, and you may watch them main- ervation with the administrator con- ly in the southern part of the ponds cerning birdwatching. You may find (No. 2 and No. 3). Waders like this all information regarding the ponds, area, in particular when the ponds are the services and contacts at www. pumped out of water and the muddy kintai.lt. When watching birds in the bottom of the ponds becomes a per- ponds, it is necessary to respect pri- fect feeding place for hundreds, or vate property - for travelling by car sometimes even thousands of migrat- use only gravel roads, you may not ing Golden Plovers, Lapwings, Gulls, go onto the dykes or damage road and other waders. Seeking to save coating. When roads are wet traffic is time in the search of accumulation of prohibited and visitors are admitted birds, having come to the pond area to the ponds on foot only. it is important to ask the local staff about drained ponds. In spring and Birdwatching sites and tactics. summer such drained ponds are rare The ponds of the fishery are one of cases, and sometimes not available at

56 all, as it depends on the decision of the The area of the Kintai fishery fishery owners to catch fish or, vice farm is the best site in the Nemu- versa, to fill the ponds in with water nas Delta and Lithuania to observe for introducing young fish. In autumn, White-tailed Eagles. In cold winters usually at the end of September more you may come across them through- ponds are drained, and stay not filled out the year. In the ponds White- with water until winter. Then the fish- tailed Eagles catch fish to feed them- eries turn into the best sites to watch selves or to bring to the young in migrating waders. But it is not neces- nests. You may watch the largest ag- sary to wait for the moment when glomerations of White-tailed Eagles pond waters are drained, as migration after the young leave their nests in of waders from the Far North starts August-October. In that period up to at the end of July, and August as well 40 White-tailed Eagles of different as the first half of September is the age may be counted in the ponds. best time to discover these birds. If at The best time of the day to enjoy the that time no drained ponds exist, it is view is the noon, when having the worthwhile exploring muddy shores weather got warmer these majestic or edges of small islands. The Kintai birds soaring in the sky. fishery farm has 5 ponds where small islands, so much liked by waders, are Other animals. Moose, Roe Deer, situated: 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Among these, European Beavers, Eurasian Otters, the small islands in ponds No. 3 and Canadian Minks, Muskrats, Racoon No. 6 are extremely attracting waders. Dogs, Red Foxes, Grey Hares.

15

A of Common Shelducks (Tadorna tadorna) in Kintai fish ponds © Marius Karlonas

57 Meadows of Stankiškiai and Kniaupas Bay

1-3 h

TOP 3: Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, agglomerations of migrating geese.

Notable species. Agglomera- Rail, Little Crake, Corn Crake, Com- tions of migrating swans, geese, mon Moorhen, Ruff, Common Snipe, ducks and waders. Breeding: Grey- Great Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, lag Goose, , Garganey, Common Redshank, Green Sand- Northern Shoveler, Tufted Duck, piper, Little Gull, Black Tern, Whis- Grey Partridge, Eurasian Bittern, kered Tern, Western Yellow Wag- Great Egret, White-tailed Eagle, tail (M. f. f.), Bluethroat, Northern Western Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Wheatear, Common Grasshopper Hobby, Montagu’s Harrier, Water Warbler, River Warbler, Savi’s War-

58 bler, Bearded Reedling, Eurasian birdwatching sites may be indicated: Golden Oriole, Common Rosefinch. 1 The main site to observe this area is the birdwatching tower in the Site description. The Kniaupas northern part of the Kniaupas bay. bay is in the northern part of the From here you will see the migrating Nemunas Delta Regional Park. The waterfowl flocking in the Kniaupas shores of this water body are very bay and the flooded meadows where shallow, overgrown with submerged geese land. You may come here tak- and emerged vegetation, some plac- ing the only road, at Stankiškiai having es are marshy. The Ventė Forest and turned southwards, but in early spring the flooded meadows of the village the road at the tower may be flooded. of Stankiškiai extend in the northern 2 the lowland in the meadows be- part, the Ventė mire - in the western tween the village of Stankiškiai and the part, and the Curonian Lagoon - in the fishery ponds of Kintai. Water stays in southern part. The entire complex of the meadows until late, sometimes the area is extremely valuable due to as late as the second half of spring, breeding rare birds here and numer- and it is possible to watch ducks and ous flocks of geese and ducks staying flocks of migrating waders then. This here in the migration periods. site is very valuable in autumn when wet places in the surroundings are Birdwatching sites and tactics. scarce, and because of this, geese, Migration. For the spring and au- waders land on this lowland. In early tumn migration periods, three main spring the gravel road across this low-

16

Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) © Žymantas Morkvėnas

59 and Common Rosefinches. From the watch tower of the Kniaupas bay you may watch Greylag Geese, various species of ducks, Little Gulls, Black and Whiskered Terns. You may see or hear the majority of these birds living in the bay and surrounding meadows, if you walk along the route of 5 km. It is advisable to start the route from the observation tower, you may leave your car here, and continue hik- ing. The route leads from the watch- Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) ing tower along the edge of the Ventė © Dalia Račkauskaitė forest to the village of Stankiškiai, and having reached the village turn to the land is often flooded. 3 The meadows right in the direction of the fish ponds around the village of Minija (Mingė). of Kintai. Having come to the ponds Migrating geese are fond of this site, turn again to the right onto the gravel both in spring and autumn migration road and walk 900 m, and on the right periods, in spring active fights of Ruffs hand side you will see a small road take place. In early spring the gravel across the meadows. Take this small road to the village may be flooded. road and you will reach the dyke of The meadows between the vil- the Kniaupas bay, and following it you lage of Stankiškiai and the Kniau- will come back to the tower. When pas bay are a hunting area liked by hiking along this route make a stop Northern Harriers. every several minutes, look around Breeding period. In May-July the and listen: tens of birds of different water level in the meadows usu- species sing in the meadows and on ally shrinks and bird species that are the coast of the Kniaupas bay. Time very rare in Lithuania nest here. Corn duration of the route is ca. 3 hours. Crakes, Ruffs, Great Snipes, Black- Hikers wishing to hear and see tailed Godwits, Common Redshanks more forest and reed bed birds may breed, here breeding Montagu’s and choose the small road on the dyke be- Western Marsh Harriers, White-tailed tween the Kniaupas bay and the Kin- Eagles and Eurasian Hobbies hunt in tai forest . The one way distance the meadows. In the reed beds and of the route is 1,2 km. shore bushes of the Kniaupas bay you may hear Eurasian Bitterns, Water Other animals. Moose, Roe Deer, Rails and Little Crakes, Bluethroats, European Beavers, Eurasian Otters, Common Grasshopper, River and Canadian Minks, Grey Hares, Racoon Savi’s Warblers, Bearded Reedlings Dogs, Red Foxes.

60 VentėS RAGAS Ornithological Station

2-4 h

17 TOP 3: Barred Warbler, Common Rosefinch, intensive migration of birds.

Notable species. Greylag Goose, line Tit, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Red- Grey Partridge, Eurasian Bittern, Eur- backed Shrike, Common Redpoll, asian Hobby, Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Common Rosefinch. Wryneck, Lesser Spotted Woodpeck- er, Common Grasshopper Warbler, Site description. The Ventė Cape River Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Barred Peninsula (Lith. Ventės ragas) lo- Warbler, Firecrest, Long-tailed Tit, cated in the north-western part of Bearded Reedling, Eurasian Pendu- the Nemunas Delta Regional Park is

61 Birdwatchers in Ventė Cape at dawn © Marius Karlonas widely known due to the bird ringing Ragas Ornithological Station (Lith. station, the biggest one in the world. Ventės rago ornitologinė stotis). You The station was founded in 1929, af- will have to leave your vehicle in the ter the lighthouse keeper M. Posin- parking lot 1 near the shop as ac- gis had noted the unique features of cess close to the pier by transport the peninsula resulting from abun- means is prohibited. dance of migrating birds and had in- The ornithological importance of formed , a famous the Ventė Cape is best revealed in the Lithuanian natural scientist and the autumn migration when millions of founder of this ornithological sta- birds take the migration route via the tion. Each year millions of birds fly peninsula. In spring numerous flocks via the Ventė Cape and at the peak take the migration route too, though of autumn migration the number of less, compared to autumn. Strategi- migrating birds comes to around half cally the best site to watch the bird a million per day. migration is the extreme end of the Cape, at the lighthouse 2 , from Birdwatching sites and tacti- where the concrete pier extends into cs. Having gone 7 km in the south- the lagoon. Standing at this point you west direction from Kintai along the will be able to watch birds flocking coastal area, you will reach the vil- in hundreds, migrating ducks, gulls lage of Ventė; if you continue 1 km and terns over the lagoon, to watch further, you will come to the Ventės waders, gulls, terns and

62 birds landing on the pier for rest and Visitors wishing to better learn night, also to watch agglomerations the history of the Ventės Ragas Or- of waterfowl in the lagoon at the nithological Station may visit the mu- Ventė swamp and the Kniaupas bay. seum and see the exhibits there 3 . The best time to watch the annual You may see the routine of the bird ornithological phenomenon is the ringers in a small house at the biggest peak of the autumn migration start- trap 4 , here the ornithologists of the ing each year around mid-September Station ring birds. You may also make and lasting approximately until mid- reservation for a tour around the October. For visitors wishing to get Ventė Cape guided by an ornitholo- the best view of intensively flying gist. For more information see web- birds the time of the day is also im- site www.vros.lt. portant: the most numerous flocks If you come in spring or summer, start at early dawn, the migration you may allocate more time to ex- slows down at around 10-11a.m. Some plore the village of Ventė. Having vis- days occur when birds fly uninter- ited the Ventės Ragas Ornithological ruptedly the entire day, in most cases Station, you may observe the lagoon such distinctive days follow very poor from the birdwatching tower built on weather conditions that lasted sev- the coast of the lagoon 5 , and con- eral days or weeks. tinue observation following the route Autumn migration of Common marked as on the map. The dis- Starlings is worth mentioning sepa- tance of the route is 2,5 km, and it will rately; it starts as early as mid-June take you more than an hour if you do and lasts to the end of July. About birdwatching on route. The meadows, 30 000 Common Starlings are ringed bushes and shores of the lagoon in the within that period. territory of the village is a perfect site to watch birds. Here you may find Eur- asian Bittern, Grey , Eurasian Hobbies, Marsh Harriers, Lesser Spot- ted Woodpeckers, Barred Warblers, Eurasian Penduline Tit, Red-backed 17 Shrikes, Eurasian Golden Orioles, Com- mon Rosefinches, and in recent years Common Redpolls started to breed.

Other animals. Roe Deer, Grey Sand Martins (Riparia riparia) in the trap Hares, European Beavers, Canadian in the Ventė Cape © Vytautas Jusys Minks, Eurasian Otters.

63 Sakūčiai Forest and Adjacent Flooded Meadows

2-5 h

TOP 3: Montagu’s Harrier, Aquatic Warbler, Agglomerations of migra- ting ducks and geese.

Notable species. Agglomerations ter Rail, Corn Crake, Common Crane, of migrating geese, ducks and wad- Great Snipe, Common Snipe, Eur- ers. Breeding: Greylag Goose, Eur- asian Woodcock, Common Redshank, asian Teal, Garganey, Grey Partridge, Green Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Quail, Red Kite, White-tailed Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Western Yellow Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, European Wagtail (M. f. f.), Bluethroat, Common Honey Buzzard, , Grasshopper Warbler, River Warbler, Eurasian Hobby, Spotted Crake, Wa- Aquatic Warbler, Common Rosefinch.

64 Site description. To the south of Klaipėda, then turn to the direction of the Aukštumala raised bog, between Žemaitkiemis and within the distance the settlements of Sakūčiai and Alka, of 5 km you will come to the village of the cultural flooded meadows sur- Alka. In early spring or other seasons, round two forest areas - Bundulai the biggest number of minor field and Sakūčiai. roads are not practicable, and bird- In spring, when the Minija and Te- watching could be done solely from nenis rivers overflow, the meadows the main roads crossing this area. and forests are flooded by snowmelt In spring (sometimes in autumn), water staying here rather often as numerous migrating ducks, geese and late as the end of April. Sometimes waders land in the flooded areas. You the meadows are partially flooded may watch the area from 6 ( 1 - 6 ) in autumn, winter or summer. There- birdwatching sites, moving along the fore, in the Soviet period a polder wa- main road across the meadows or the ter regulation system was erected, gravel road alongside the Minija river. named the Alka polder. Breeding. In May, water in the meadows usually disappears, and Birdwatching sites and tactics. small field roads become passable Migration. You may come to this by motor vehicles. Then the area har- area from the village of Sakūčiai, hav- bours breeding birds. From mid-May ing crossed the bridge over Minija; or to mid-July in the meadows Grey you may drive from Šilutė towards Partridges, Common Quail, Spot-

18

Spotted Crake ( porzana) © Simonas Minkevičius

65 routes marked in or red dotted lines. The meadows in this territory are private and it is required to re- spect private property, not to drive by motor vehicles onto the meadows. The distance of the route marked in green is 4,7 km, hiking on the small field roads will take ca. 2 hours. Fol- lowing this route you will see and hear various meadow birds, including Aquatic Warblers and Montagu‘s Har- riers. The best time of the day to take this route is evening, at sunset. The distance of the route marked Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) in is 9,2 km, hiking will take ca. © Marius Karlonas 4-5 hours, but you may also ride a bi- cycle, with stops every several hun- ted Crakes, Water Rails, Corn Crakes, dred meters. Following the route Great Snipes, Common Snipes, Com- you will see and hear birds of wet mon Redshanks, Black-tailed Godwits meadows, such as Black-tailed God- are found, Common Rosefinches sing wits, Common Redshanks, Green in the bushes. Globally endangered Sandpipers, Common Snipes, Great Aquatic Warblers are fund in the Snipes, Eurasian Woodcocks, wood- meadows around Sakūčiai and Bunda- peckers, raptors. The most appropri- lai forests. Each year several tens of ate time for the route is from early singing male birds are recorded here. morning until noon. In the canals of the drainage system To hear Bluethroats after dark Eurasian Teals, Garganey breed, from you have to come to site 7 and hike the meadows Greylag Geese bring on the banks of the canals and the their goslings. Over the meadows you Tenenis river overgrown with bush- may watch breeding and hunting here es. Next to this site you may hear White -tailed Eagles, Lesser Spotted Aquatic Warblers. Eagles, Montagu‘s and Marsh Harri- ers, Eurasian Hobbies, and in some Other animals. In mornings and years Red Kites, Northern Goshawks evenings Moose come out of the and European Honey Buzzards live in Sakūčiai forest. Also, Roe Deer, Grey the forest. Hares, European Beavers, Foxes, Ca- The biggest number of birds liv- nadian Minks, Eurasian Otters are ing in this area can be seen taking the found.

66 Kintai Forest

1-4 h

TOP 3: Tawny Owl, , Middle Spotted Woodpecker.

Notable species. White-tailed Site description. Northwards Eagle, , Com- from the small town of Kintai, on mon Crane, Green Sandpiper, Eur- the coastal zone of the Curonian La- asian Woodcock, Stock Dove, Tawny goon, the Kintai forest extends over 19 Owl, Eurasian Wryneck, Black Wood- 800 ha adjoining the Svencelė raised pecker, Middle Spotted Woodpeck- bog on the north. The northern and er, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, western parts of the forest are wet, Woodlark, Tree , Eurasian Gold- in some places marshy, and there en Oriole, Red Crossbill, Hawfinch. mainly deciduous trees grow - black

67 alders, , asps, In the central Owls hoot. What species you will and southern parts of the forest the succeed to see also depends on the soil is dryer, here coniferous trees area of the forest you will choose for dominate. A gravel road cross- birdwatching. ing the forest longitudinally, from You will discover the greatest Kintai to Svencelė, usually is in good number of birds, if you take the small condition. road crossing the forest longitudinal- ly - a route from Kintai to Svencelė, 5 Birdwatching sites and tactics. km one way. In the forest you may go The forest suits for birdwatching by car, with three stops in different in all seasons of the year, as part of parts of the forest. 1 If you go north- the birds, such as woodpeckers, tits, wards via Kintai, a small town, just be- live here throughout fore Uogaliai, a village, turn to a small the year. In spring and the first half road on the left side, and beyond 100 of summer, the number of birds in m you will enter the Kintai forest. The the forest increase; raptors, Green first stop will be at the very beginning Sandpipers, Eurasian Woodcocks, of the forest. In this area of the for- Tree Pipits, Dunnocks, flycatchers, est you may watch forest and settle- Eurasian Golden Orioles and others ment birds, such as Middles Spotted come to breed here. At night, Tawny Woodpeckers, flycatchers, Eurasian

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) © Dalia Račkauskaitė

68 Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) © Marius Karlonas

Golden Orioles, Eurasian , goes through a wet marshy forest in Hawfinch and others. At night here which deciduous trees prevail. Going you may hear Tawny Owls. 2 The eastwards from your car, beyond 1,8 second stop is within the distance of km you will come out to the fields 2 km from the entrance road, in the at the settlement of Kiškiai. In this middle of the forest. Leave your car area of the forest Green Sandpipers, at the sudden turn to the right, on the Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Middle lot with wooden benches and a table, Spotted Woodpeckers, Lesser Spot- on the left hand side. In this area of ted Woodpeckers, Common Cranes the forest pineries and groves breed; at night Tawny Owls hoot. Eur- prevail, and these are liked by Wood asian Woodcocks are found in the en- Warblers, Dunnocks, Black Wood- tire forest, but if you wish to see and peckers, Spotted Fycatchers, Tree hear them you have to come into the Pipits, Coal and European Crested forest before sunset or sunrise. Tits, Red Crossbills. 3 The third stop is in the northern part of the forest, Other animals. European Bad- 19 within the distance of 750 m to the gers, Beavers, Red Deers, Fallow exit from the forest. At this point deers, Roe Deers, , Euro- you will see a small road to the left, pean Polecats, Canadian Minks, Red and here you may leave your car and Foxes, Dogs, Common Mar- continue on foot following this small tens, Stone Mar­tens, Muskrats, Grey road eastwards . The small road Hares, Wild Boars.

69 Coastal Area at Svencelė

2 h

TOP 3: Short-eared Owl, Citrine Wagtail, Eurasian .

Notable species. Agglomerations eared Owl, Western Yellow Wagtail of migrating ducks, Whooper Swans (M. f. f.), Citrine Wagtail, Bluethroat, and Tundra Swans. Breeding: Grey- Northern Wheatear, Common Grass- lag Goose, Garganey, Grey Partridge, hopper Warbler, Savi’s Warbler, Riv- Eurasian Bittern, White-tailed Eagle, er Warbler, Aquatic Warbler, Barred Lesser Spotted Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Warbler, Bearded Reedling, Com- Montagu‘s Harrier, Water Rail, Corn mon Rosefinch. Crake, Common Crane, Little Ringed Plover, Common Snipe, Common Site description. In the coastal Redshank, Short-eared Owl, Short- zone of the Curonian Lagoon for pro-

70 tection of the Aquatic Warbler the Bo- biggest number of migrating water- tanical Zoological Reserve of Svencelė land in ponds, lakes, bays and Meadows, borders upon the Svencelė certain coastal areas of the Curonian swamp to the east, the Kintai forest to Lagoon. The village of Svencelė is a the south, and the village of Svencelė site like that. However, the wide reed to the north. The Reserve covers the bed belt at the shores of the lagoon area of ca. 50 ha, however, the wet as well as private estates in many meadows between the Kintai forest cases limit the observation space and the Curonian Lagoon adjoining onto the lagoon, thus it is not easy the northern boundaries of the Re- to explore this coastal zone in detail. serve are equally valuable. The Kiteboarding Centre located in the northern part of Svencelė, on Birdwatching sites and tactics. the bank of the lagoon, is a suitable The area is most valuable in the breed- place to watch waterfowl 1 . The ing period of birds when in the reserve Centre also provides catering and ac- meadows rare birds breed, and in the commodation services, you will find autumn migration period when nu- more information on website www. merous waterfowl flocks agglomerate kaitumokykla.lt. When strong wind in the Curonian Lagoon at Svencelė. blows a lot of people gather near this Migration. When the autumn Centre, so ducks, swans and other waterfowl migration starts usually waterfowl move further to other there is no water in the Nemunas places. Kiteboards in the lagoon are Delta meadows, and due to this the seen from long distances and if you

20

Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) © Kastytis Vainauskas

71 notice them it is not worth going finch, Eurasian Reed Warblers, Great close there. The best time to visit this Reed Warblers and other common watching site is September-October. birds. Above the meadows White- Breeding period. If you come from tailed Eagles, Lesser Spotted Eagles, the Kintai forest, in its northern part Montagu‘s and Marsh Harriers hunt. you will come into the meadows and At sunset the secret Short-eared Owls will see the oil pumping station. Leave set out for hunting in the meadows, your car at the edge of the forest 2 and after dark the sounds of Eurasian and start hiking westwards, taking the Bitterns, Spotted Crakes, Water Rails, small road leading to the coast- Corn Crakes and Bluethroats are heard al meadows. The small road twists in the meadows and reed beds. A along the edge of the forest up to the good observation space opens when meadows, and soon you will reach the you come to the end of the small road coastal area of the Curonian Lagoon and climb the dyke, from this site you overgrown with reeds, then the small will see the meadows and the lagoon road turns to the right and continues from a higher point 3 . 300 m more. The one way distance You are recommended to walk from your car to the end of the small around in the village of Svencelė, each road is 800 m. Taking this route for year the breeds in it. hiking you will be able to watch birds of wetlands and reed beds: Common Other animals. Moose, Roe Deer, Redshanks, Common Snipes, West- European Beavers, Eurasian Otters, ern Yellow Wagtails, Barred Warblers, Canadian Minks, Racoon Dogs, Red Bearded Reedlings, Common Rose- Foxes, Grey Hares.

Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola) © Dalia Račkauskaitė

72 Fields of Dreverna and Obser- vation Tower in Coastal Area

1-4 h

TOP 3: Numerous agglomerations of migrating ducks, raptors and pas- serine birds.

Notable species. Numerous ag- Site description. Halfway be- glomerations of migrating geese, tween Šilutė and Klaipėda, the village ducks, raptors and passerine birds. of Dreverna is situated, surrounded Breeding period: Grey Partridge, by cultivated fields and waters of Eurasian Bittern, Common Moorhen, the Curonianl Lagoon. The Dreverna 21 Little Ringed Plover, Common King- river that falls into the Curonianl La- fisher, Northern Wheatear, Savi’s goon flows via the village, so does Warbler, Bearded Reedling. the historic Klaipeda Canal (King Vil-

73 Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) © Saulius Karalius helm Canal), where ships used to ply ing Lesser-spotted Eagles, White- waters of Nemunas to Klaipėda with- tailed Eagles, Montagu‘s, Marsh and out entering the Curonian Lagoon. Northern Harriers, Eurasian Sparrow- and Northern Goshawks, Com- Birdwatching sites and tactics. mon and Rough-legged Buzzards, The area becomes unique when Common Kestrels stop here to hunt. spring and autumn migration period Merlins and Peregrine de- comes, migrating birds land in the serve mentioning too, and they are vicinity to rest and feed. There are easiest to find them in these fields scarce cultivated lands in the Nemu- end of September-October. Falcons nas Delta, and because of that, these are attracted here by numerous flocks fields are the best place to watch rap- of passerine birds that are often at- tors and passerine birds in the district tacked by falcons. Sometimes, within of Klaipėda. In autumn, you may ob- a few kilometres, you may happen to serve flocks of thousands of Common watch 5 or more Merlins. Look for fal- Chaffinches and , Common cons not only flying in the sky, as more Linnets, Yellowhammers and flocks of often these birds may be watched sit- other granivorous. From late autumn ting in the middle of arable land, thus to early spring (October-March), in it is important to observe each shady these fields you may observe rare ground clod. guests of the North, such as Horned In these fields Northern , , or Snow Buntings. Rap- , Eurasian tors also like these fields, and migrat- Curlews, Whimbrels and Ruffs land.

74 In spring and autumn, the field roads goon and neighbouring fields opens. most often are in poor condition due Sometimes you may observe small to driving agriculture vehicles on the flocks of waders in the river mouth roads, however, two main routes are and the sandy coastal area. 2 The nearly always passable by car. The first river mouth of Klišupė. You may come route , marks roads to the south to this observation site following the and east of the village of Dreverna. route . Having come to the dyke The second route , marks the at the coastal area, park your car here, road in the fields to the north of the as the small road on top of the dyke village of Dreverna, between the riv- is of poor condition. From your car, ers Klišupė and Dreverna. walk in the northern direction 300 m Waterfowl also like the vicinity of until you reach the river. Ducks, swans the village of Dreverna, but for rest and grebes like the lagoon area at the they prefer the Curonian Lagoon, in- river mouth. In the coastal reed-beds stead of the arable fields. The best you may hear Savi’s Warbler, Bearded sites to watch them are as follows: Reedling, Eurasian Bitterns. On the 1 The observation tower at the river other side of the river, you will see the mouth of Dreverna. You may come to Kliošai meadows where often harriers the tower via the village of Dreverna. hunt. Common Moorhens breed in the Go up to the Dreverna river port, park Klaipėda Canal and Common Kingfish- your car on the parking lot, walk 200 m ers stop here in the migration period. towards the river mouth, and you will find yourself at the observation tower, Other animals. Roe Deer, Europe- and climb it. From the top of the tow- an Beavers, Canadian Minks, Eurasian er a wide view onto the Curonian La- Otters, Racoon Dogs, Red Foxes.

21

A flock of migrating Common Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) © Marius Karlonas

75 Meadows of Kliošiai

1-3 h

TOP 3: Common Redshank, Aquatic Warbler, Citrine Wagtail.

Notable species. Agglomerations Warbler, River Warbler, Aquatic War- of migrating waders, Wood Sandpip- bler, Common Rosefinch. ers and Ruffs in particular. Breeding: Eurasian Bittern, White-tailed Eagle, Site description. 10 km south Marsh Harrier, Montagu‘s Harrier, from the city of Klaipėda and 3 km Corn Crake, Water Rail, Common west from Priekulė, on the littoral Snipe, Common Redshank, Black- area of the Curonian Lagoon, flooded tailed Godwit, Western Yellow Wag- meadows extend, on the biggest part tail (M. f. f.), Citrine Wagtail, Savi’s of which the Klošiai Landscape Na-

76 ture Reserve was established. In the Common Redshanks, loud krek krek center of the Reserve the Tyrai mire is calls of Corn Crakes in the meadows, located, which was damaged by the and Montagu’s and Marsh Harriers Soviet drainage system, and taken hunting over them. Walking on a wid- under protection currently. In the er area in the meadows in the breed- middle of the mire the Klaipeda Ca- ing period is not allowed, because of nal (King Vilhelm Canal) and a gravel breeding rare species here. road extends, and the edges are over- You will reach the second bird- grown with bushes expanding also watching site, having come to the into the valuable sedge meadows of northern area of the meadows 2 . the Reserve. Currently, environmen- From the first birdwatching site come tal organisations look after the mead- back to the Klaipėda Canal and, having ows, remove trees and bushes, cut turned northwards, cover the distance the grass down. Due to these nature of 2,6 km along the gravel road across management measures and exten- the Tyrai mire, next to the Klaipėda sive nature friendly farming methods, Canal (you will not be able to see the the biggest share of the Aquatic War- mire because of trees growing at the blers‘ population in Lithuania breed in edge). Having come into the open the meadows of Kliošiai. meadows, leave your car on the left side of the road, and continue on foot. Birdwatching sites and tactics. Moving northwards, on the small road Coming to this area from Šilute, you next to the meadows, stop every ten may go by the forest of Kintai and meters and look around: here you may Svencelė, or from Šilute you may go to Priekulė, then turn to the direction of Dreverna. Coming from Priekulė, beyond 4,5 km you will cross the Klaipeda Canal (King Vilhelm Canal), beyond 50 m turn into the small road on the right hand side. Follow it west- wards up to the birdwatching site at the edge of the meadows 1 . This road is public, though going by a pri- vate estate, and it is not prohibited to watch birds or leave a car. Leave your car at the road and walk a few tens of meters into the meadow to have a wider observation field. From this site you’ll be able to enjoy Aquatic Warblers singing on top of grasses, Aquatic Warbler ( paludicola) 22 mating flies of Common Snipes and in the meadows of Kliošiai © Marius Karlonas

77 see and hear Corn Crakes, Aquatic take ca. 2-3 hours. On the entire ter- Warblers, Common Redshanks, Black- ritory of the meadows of Kliošiai, the tailed Godwits, Common Snipes, Ci- best time for birdwatching is early trine Wagtails, Common Rosefinches, morning at sunrise and late evening, hunting Harriers. Do not get asto­ an hour before sunset. The best nished if you hear shots or blasts from season for birdwatching in this area the Klaipėda direction, such sounds starts mid-May, with Aquatic War- might come from the military poly- blers already back in the meadows, gon situated just in few kilometres and lasts until mid-July when activity northwards from the meadows and is of the birds reduces. intensely used, but it is absolutely safe The meadows are also worth vis- to watch birds in the meadows. iting in the spring migration season Another area, i.e. the meadows to see abundant flocks of waders on the other side of the Klaipėda that stop here for short rest. The Canal, where nature management migration peak for waders starts in works have been started recently, mid-April and lasts until the first de- expanded the natural area of the cade in May, in this period numerous meadows of Kliošiai. If you wish to flocks of Ruffs, Wood Sandpipers, walk next to them, from the bridge Common Snipes and other wad- over the Klaipėda Canal you have ers may be watched in the flooded to go by car westwards, along the meadows of Kliošiai. right (eastern) border of the canal. In the distance of 3,2 km from the Other animals. Moose, Roe Deer, bridge, you will pass the canal on European Beavers, Canadian Minks, the right hand side, where you may Eurasian Otters, Red Foxes, Racoon leave your car 3 . Walking next to Dogs, Grey Hares. the canal and around the water body at the settlement of Dercekliai, fol- lowing the route marked as , you will watch rare birds living in the recently restored meadows. Besides the species mentioned in the above birdwatching sites, you will also have an opportunity to hear Eurasian Bit- terns and Water Rails. The distance European (Castor fiber) of this route is 4,9 km, the hiking will © Romualdas Barauskas

78 Useful information

Information centres Information centre Address Contacts Šilutė Tourism Information Lietuvininkų street 4, +370 441 77 785 Centre Šilutė +370 659 60 463 Provides information about: Open: [email protected] sights of interest in the Monday-Friday: www.siluteinfo.lt district, accommodation, 8:00 a.m.-60:00 p.m. catering services, tourism Saturday: services, entertainment, 10:00 a.m.- events, organises excursions, 15:00 p.m. boat rent, etc. Sunday: closed Nemunas Delta Kuršmarių street 13, +370 441 75 050 Regional Park Rusnė, [email protected] Šilutė district www.nemunodelta.lt Ventė Cape Ornithological Marių street 24, +370 638 90 619 Station Ventė, [email protected] Šilutė district www.vros.lt Rusnė Island Ethnoculture Neringos street 7, + 370 441 50 010 and Information Centre Rusnė, [email protected] Šilutė district [email protected] Birdwatching guides and photography Nature guides Languages Contacts Birding Lithuania Tours - LT, EN, RU +370 651 20 363 UAB “Gamtos turai LT” [email protected] www.birdinglithuania.com Povilas Bagdonas LT, EN +370 678 08 018 [email protected] Boris Belchev LT, EN, RU +370 638 01 820 [email protected] Kristina Mudinaitė LT +370 688 70 557

Local production Crafts Producer Address Contacts Goods and services Alfonsas Skirvytėlės street 13, +370 699 53 964 Traditional Edmundas Rusnė, production of Demereckas Šilutė district reed Simas Skirvytėlės street 9, +370 612 31 881 Traditional boat Knapkis Rusnė, building Šilutė district

79 Angelė Balčiai village, +370 650 96 658 Traditional Easter Rauktienė Šilutė district , toys made of bone Vaidotas Šilutė +370 687 80 992 Traditional Bliūdžius wooden roofs, wooden boats, weathervanes Vytautas Balčiai village, +370 650 96 658 Traditional wood Rauktys Šilutė district handicraft Valdas +370 620 53 391 Traditional boat Jurkšaitis elements UAB Vydūno street 5A, +370 671 98 415 Traditional weat­ „3K Grupė“ Kintai, her­vanes of the Šilutė district Curnian Lagoon UAB Kintai, +370 617 02 274 Fishing with „Pamario Šilutė district towed nets žuvis“ Aurelija A. Dėvilaičio street +370 688 39 447 Traditional mould Jakštaitė 16, Šyša village, candles Šilutė district Food Producer Address Contacts Goods and services Jurijus Skalvių street 6, +370 615 47 250 Smoked fish Belokopy- Rusnė, tovas Šilutė district Valentina Neringos street 4-14, +370 674 42 171 Herbalist Baužienė Rusnė, Šilutė district Algimantas Alyvų street 4, +370 685 79 637 Coastal fish soup Dirsė Rusnė, Šilutė district UAB „Danu- Statybininkų +370 687 70 136 Cake Šakotis tės šakotis“ street 31, Šilutė Česlovas Virkytų k. 1, +370 607 85 353 Wine production Ramoška Žagatpurviai village, Šilutė district Indrė Skalvių street 6, +370 655 00 705 Smoked perch Šatkienė Rusnė, Šilutė district UAB +370 698 73 717 Cake Šakotis Žalgirio street 25, „Smaližiaus Šilutė kertelė“ Ramūnas Skirvytėlės street 6A, +370 615 91 614 Smoked fish Asiulevičius Rusnė, Šilutė district

80 Romualdas Pakalnės street 70, +370 685 50 400 Smoked perch Berčys Rusnė, Šilutė district and carp Bronius A. Dėvilaičio street +370 612 42 171 Fish soup Kalvaitis 16, Šyša village, Šilutė district UAB „Kintų Jaunimo street 1-6, +370 644 82 099 Smoked fish rūkytos žuvys“ Kintai, Šilutė district UAB „Smiltalė“ Kuršių street 18, Kintai, +370 698 89 081 Smoked fish 99358 Šilutė district IĮ „Anitos žuvys“ Skalvių street 6, +370 687 36 917 Smoked fish Rusnė „Ingos Skalvių street 6A-4, +370 655 00 705 Smoked fish rūkyklėlė“ Rusnė I. Lioransienės IĮ Neringos street 57C, +370 614 57 436 Smoked fish „Žuvis iš Rusnės“ Rusnė Asta ir Remigijus Plento street 28, +370 653 47 585 Dairy products Marozai Laučiai, Šilutė district

We encourage you to choose the local production. Consumption of the local produc- tion helps to develop the region, nature tourism and supports sustainable attitude to- wards our environment.

Holder of the sign “Nemunas Delta Regional Park product”. The sign enables you to recognise that the service is provided or product was produced by a local person. A holder of the sign is a person who lives or works in the Nemunas Delta Regional Park, also his/her activities do not infringe the protected values of the area, the products produced are characteristic to the ethnographical region and benefit the local community.

Certified products of the national heritage. These are certified non-mass produc- tion wares of craftsmen, handmade from traditional raw materials or by using old, or equiva- lent to them, new technologies, preserving unique quality characteristics and structure.

Important information Šilutė Bus Station shedules: www.silutesautobusai.lt: online bus tickets booking www.au- tobusubilietai.lt Car rent in Šilutė - www.nuoma123.lt Šilutė taxi - www.taksisilute.lt; www.pigustaksisilute.lt Boats to Nida - www.mingeskaimas.lt; www.kintai.lt; www.ventaine.lt; http://kintai.lt/uab-kintai/ Ferry boats - http://siluteinfo.lt/turizmo-paslaugos/keltai/ Petrol stations in Šilutė district: Šilutė, Rusnė, Kintai, Žemaičių Naumiestis, Žemaitkiemis (at the village of Usėnai) Medical services: Šilutė Primary Health Care Services Centre - Rusnės street 1, Šilutė, www. silutespspc.lt (tel. 112) Emergency call - 112 Airports: +370 612 44 442, www.palanga-airport.lt +370 612 44 442, www.kaunas-airport.lt +370 612 44 442, www.vilnius-airport.lt Currency in Lithuania - Euro Country code +370

81 THE OFFICIAL LIST OF BIRD SPECIES RECORDED IN THE NEMUNAS DELTA AREA

Laikotarpis, kuriuo rūšis yra Paukščio rūšis aptinkama Nemuno deltoje Nr. Bird Species Time period when the species is found in Nemunas delta region

ŽĄSINIAI PAUKŠČIAI – 1 Gulbė nebylė (Cygnus olor) Visus metus / Höckerschwan / Лебедь-шипун All year round 2 Mažoji gulbė (Cygnus columbianus) 03-01–05-14, Tundra Swan / Pfeifschwan / Лебедь малый 09-01–11-30 3 Gulbė giesmininkė (Cygnus cygnus) Whooper Swan / Singschwan / Лебедь-кликун 03-01–11-30 4 Želmeninė žąsis (Anser fabalis) 03-01–05-19, / Saatgans / Гуменник 09-11–11-30 5 Trumpasnapė žąsis (Anser brachyrhynchus) Reta visus metus Pink-footed Goose / Kurzschnabelgans / Короткоклювый гуменник Rare all year round 6 Baltakaktė žąsis (Anser albifrons) 02-29–06-01, Greater White-fronted Goose / Blässgans / Гусь белолобый 09-10–12-01 7 Mažoji žąsis (Anser erythropus) Reta visus metus Lesser White-fronted Goose / Zwerggans / Пискулька Rare all year round 8 Pilkoji žąsis (Anser anser) 12-01–02-29 Greylag Goose / Graugans / Гусь серый 9 Kanadinė berniklė (Branta canadensis) Reta visus metus Goose / Kanadagans / Казарка канадская Rare all year round 10 Baltaskruostė berniklė (Branta leucopsis) 02-29–06-01, / Weißwangengans / Казарка белощекая 09-10–12-01 11 Paprastoji berniklė (Branta bernicla) Reta visus metus Brant Goose / Ringelgans / Казарка черная Rare all year round, B. b. hrota – reta visus metus Rare all year round, LOFK 12 Rudakaklė berniklė (Branta ruficollis) Reta visus metus Red-breasted Goose / Rothalsgans / Казарка краснозобая Rare all year round 13 Rudoji urvinė antis (Tadorna ferruginea) Reta visus metus Ruddy Shelduck / Rostgans / Огарь Rare all year round, LOFK 14 Urvinė antis (Tadorna tadorna) 03-10–11-01 Common Shelduck / Brandgans / Пеганка 15 Mandarininė antis (Aix galericulata) Reta visus metus Mandarin Duck / Mandarinente / Мандаринка Rare all year round 16 Eurazinė cyplė (Anas penelope) 02-29–12-01 / Pfeifente / Свиязь 17 Amerikinė cyplė (Anas americana) Reta visus metus American Wigeon / Kanadapfeifente / Rare all year round, LOFK Американская свиязь 18 Pilkoji antis (Anas strepera) 02-29–12-01 Gadwall / Schnatterente / Утка серая 19 Rudagalvė kryklė (Anas crecca) 02-29–12-01 Eurasian Teal / Krickente / Чирок-свистунок 20 Didžioji antis (Anas platyrhynchos) Visus metus / Stockente / Кряква All year round 21 Smailiauodegė antis (Anas acuta) 02-29–12-01 / Spießente / Шилохвость обыкновенная 22 Dryžagalvė kryklė (Anas querquedula) 02-29–12-01 Garganey / Knäkente / Чирок-трескунок

82 23 Šaukštasnapė antis (Anas clypeata) 02-29–12-01 Northern Shoveler / Löffelente / Широконоска 24 Šalminė antis (Netta rufina) Reta visus metus Red-crested Pochard / Kolbenente / Красноносый нырок Rare all year round 25 Rudagalvė antis ( ferina) 02-29–12-01 Common Pochard / Tafelente / Нырок красноголовый 26 Rudė (Aythya nyroca) Reta visus metus / Moorente / Нырок белоглазый Rare all year round 27 Kuoduotoji antis (Aythya fuligula) Visus metus Tufted Duck / Reiherente / Чернеть хохлатая All year round 28 Žiloji antis (Aythya marila) Visus metus / Bergente / All year round Чернеть морская 29 Paprastoji gaga (Somateria mollissima) Reta visus metus Common Eider / Eiderente / Гага обыкновенная Rare all year round 30 Islandinė antis (Histrionicus histrionicus) Reta visus metus Harlequin Duck / Kragenente / Каменушка Rare all year round, LOFK 31 Ledinė antis (Clangula hyemalis) 08-31–06-01 Long-tailed Duck / Eisente / Морянка 32 Juodoji antis (Melanitta nigra) 08-31–06-01 Black Scoter / Trauerente / Синьга 33 Nuodėgulė (Melanitta fusca) 08-31–06-01 Velvet Scoter / Samtente / Турпан 34 Klykuolė (Bucephala clangula) Visus metus / Schellente / Гоголь All year round 35 Mažasis dančiasnapis (Mergellus albellus) 08-31–05-15 / Zwergsäger / Луток 36 Vidutinis dančiasnapis ( serrator) 08-31–05-01 Red-breasted Merganser / Mittelsäger / Крохаль длинноносый 37 Didysis dančiasnapis (Mergus merganser) Visus metus Common Merganser / Gänsesäger / Крохаль большой All year round VIŠTINIAI PAUKŠČIAI – 38 Jerubė (Bonasa bonasia) Visus metus Grouse / Haselhuhn / Рябчик All year round 39 Žvyrė (Lagopus lagopus) Reta visus metus / Moorschneehuhn Rare all year round, LOFK 40 Tetervinas (Tetrao tetrix) Visus metus Black Grouse / Birkhuhn / Тетерев All year round 41 Kurapka (Perdix perdix) Visus metus Grey Partridge / Rebhuhn / Куропатка серая All year round 42 Putpelė (Coturnix coturnix) 04-15–10-01 Common Quail / Wachtel / Перепел 43 Paprastasis fazanas ( colchicus) Reta visus metus Common / Jakdfasan / Фазан Rare all year round NARINIAI PAUKŠČIAI – GAVIIFORMES 44 Rudakaklis naras (Gavia stellata) 08-31–06-01 Red-throated Loon / Sterntaucher / Гагара краснозобая 45 Juodakaklis naras (Gavia arctica) Visus metus Black-throated Loon / Prachttaucher / Гагара чернозобая All year round KRAGINIAI PAUKŠČIAI – PODICIPEDIFORMES 46 Mažasis kragas ( ruficollis) 02-29–12-01 Little Grebe / Zwergtaucher / Поганка малая 47 Ausuotasis kragas (Podiceps cristatus) Visus metus Great Crested Grebe / Haubentaucher / Поганка большая All year round 48 Rudakaklis kragas (Podiceps grisegena) 03-15–12-01 Red-necked Grebe / Rothalstaucher / Поганка серощекая 49 Raguotasis kragas (Podiceps auritus) Reta visus metus / Ohrentaucher / Поганка красношейная Rare all year round 50 Juodakaklis kragas (Podiceps nigricollis) 03-15–11-01 Black-necked Grebe / Schwarzhalstaucher / Поганка черношейная

83 51 Šiaurinis padūkėlis (Morus bassanus) Reta visus metus / Basstölper / Rare all year round, LOFK 52 Didysis kormoranas (Phalacrocorax carbo) Visus metus Great Cormorant / Kormoran / Баклан большой All year round 53 Mažasis kormoranas (Phalacrocorax pygmeus) Reta visus metus Pygmy Cormorant / Zwergscharbe / Баклан малый Rare all year round, LOFK 54 Rožinis pelikanas (Pelecanus onocrotalus) Reta visus metus Great White Pelican / Rosapelikan / Пеликан розовый Rare all year round, LOFK 55 Garbanotasis pelikanas (Pelecanus crispus) Reta visus metus Dalmatian Pelican / Krauskopfpelikan / Пеликан кудрявый Rare all year round, LOFK GANDRINIAI PAUKŠČIAI – CICONIIFORMES 56 Didysis baublys (Botaurus stellaris) 02-29–12-01 Eurasian Bittern / Rohrdommel / Выпь большая 57 Mažasis baublys (Ixobrychus minutus) Reta visus metus Little Bittern / Zwergdommel / Выпь малая Rare all year round 58 Naktikovis (Nycticorax nycticorax) Reta visus metus Black-crowned Night Heron / Nachtreiher / Кваква Rare all year round, LOFK 59 Mažasis baltasis garnys (Egretta garzetta) Reta visus metus Little Egret / Seidenreiher / Цапля малая белая Rare all year round, LOFK 60 Didysis baltasis garnys (Egretta alba) 03-15–11-16 Great Egret / Silberreiher / Цапля большая белая 61 Pilkasis garnys (Ardea cinerea) Visus metus Grey Heron / Graureiher / Цапля серая All year round 62 Juodasis gandras (Ciconia nigra) 03-20–09-15 Black Stork / Schwarzstork / Аист черный 63 Baltasis gandras (Ciconia ciconia) 03-15–09-15 / Weißstork / Аист белый 64 Rudasis ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) Reta visus metus Glossy Ibis / Sichler / Каравайка Rare all year round, LOFK 65 Girnovė (Platalea leucorodia) Reta visus metus / Löffler / Колпица Rare all year round, LOFK FLAMINGINIAI PAUKŠČIAI – PHOENICOPTERIFORMES 66 Flamingas (Phoenicopterus roseus) Reta visus metus Greater Flamingo / Rosaflamingo / Фламинго обыкновенный Rare all year round, LOFK PLĖŠRIEJI PAUKŠČIAI – 67 Vapsvaėdis (Pernis apivorus) 04-15–10-01 European Honey Buzzard / Wespenbussard / Oсоед 68 Juodasis peslys (Milvus migrans) 03-15–10-01 Black Kite / Schwarzmilan / Черный коршун 69 Rudasis peslys (Milvus milvus) Reta visus metus Red Kite / Rotmilan Rare all year round 70 Jūrinis erelis (Haliaeetus albicilla) Visus metus White-tailed Eagle / Seeadler / Орлан-белохвост All year round 71 Gyvatėdis (Circaetus gallicus) Reta visus metus Short-toed Eagle / Schlangenadler / Змееяд Rare all year round 72 Nendrinė lingė (Circus aeruginosus) 03-15–11-01 Western Marsh Harrier / Rohrweihe / Лунь болотный 73 Javinė lingė (Circus cyaneus) 02-29–05-15, Northern Harrier / Kornweihe / Лунь полевой 08-31–12-01 74 Stepinė lingė (Circus macrourus) Reta visus metus Pallid Harrier / Steppenweihe / Лунь степной Rare all year round 75 Pievinė lingė (Circus pygargus) 03-15–10-01 Montagu's Harrier / Wiesenweihe / Лунь луговой 76 Vištvanagis (Accipiter gentilis) Visus metus Northern Goshawk / Habicht / Ястреб-тетеревятник All year round 77 Paukštvanagis (Accipiter nisus) Visus metus Eurasian Sparrowhawk / Sperber / Ястреб-перепелятник All year round 78 Paprastasis suopis (Buteo buteo) Visus metus / Mäusebussard / Канюк обыкновенный All year round

84 79 Stepinis suopis (Buteo rufinus) Reta visus metus Long-legged Buzzard / Adlerbussard / Курганник Rare all year round, LOFK 80 Tūbuotasis suopis (Buteo lagopus) 09-15–05-01 Rough-legged Buzzard / Raufußbussard / Зимняк 81 Mažasis erelis rėksnys (Aquila pomarina) 03-15–10-01 Lesser Spotted Eagle / Schreiadler / Подорлик малый 82 Didysis erelis rėksnys (Aquila clanga) Reta visus metus Greater Spotted Eagle / Schelladler / Подорлик большой Rare all year round, LOFK 83 Nepalinis erelis (Aquila nipalensis) Reta visus metus Eagle / Steppenadler / Орел степной Rare all year round, LOFK 84 Karališkasis erelis (Aquila heliaca) Reta visus metus / Kaiseradler / Могильник Rare all year round, LOFK 85 Kilnusis erelis (Aquila chrysaetos) Reta visus metus / Steinadler / Беркут Rare all year round 86 Nykštukinis erelis (Aquila pennata) Reta visus metus Booted Eagle / Zwergadler / Орел-карлик Rare all year round, LOFK 87 Žuvininkas (Pandion haliaetus) 03-15–10-15 Western Osprey / Fischadler / Скопа 88 Paprastasis pelėsakalis (Falco tinnunculus) 03-15–11-01 / Turmfalke / Пустельга 89 Raudonkojis sakalas (Falco vespertinus) Reta visus metus Red-footed Falcon / Rotfußfalke / Кобчик Rare all year round 90 Startsakalis (Falco columbarius) 03-15–05-01, Merlin / Merlin / Дербник 09-10–12-01 91 Sketsakalis (Falco subbuteo) 04-15–10-01 Eurasian Hobby / Baumfalke / Чеглок 92 Medžioklinis sakalas (Falco rusticolus) Reta visus metus Gyrfalcon / Gerfalke / Кречет Rare all year round, LOFK 93 Sakalas keleivis (Falco peregrinus) 02-29–05-01, / Wanderfalke / Сапсан 08-15–12-01 GERVINIAI PAUKŠČIAI – 94 Ilgasnapė vištelė (Rallus aquaticus) 03-15–12-01 Water Rail / Wasserralle / Пастушок 95 Švygžda (Porzana porzana) 03-31–10-01 Spotted Crake / Tüpfelsumpfhuhn / Погоныш 96 Plovinė vištelė (Porzana parva) 04-25–09-15 Little Crake / Kleines Sumpfhuhn / Погоныш малый 97 Griežlė (Crex crex) 04-15–10-01 Corn Crake / Wachtekönig / Коростель 98 Nendrinė vištelė (Gallinula chloropus) 02-29–12-01 Common Moorhen / Teichhuhn / Камышница 99 Laukys (Fulica atra) Visus metus Eurasian Coot / Blässhuhn / Лысуха All year round 100 Pilkoji gervė (Grus grus) 02-29–12-20 Common Crane / Kranich / Журавль серый SĖJIKINIAI PAUKŠČIAI – 101 Jūršarkė (Haematopus ostralegus) 03-15–11-01 Eurasian Oystercatcher / Austernfischer / Кулик-сорока 102 Kojūkas (Himantopus himantopus) Reta visus metus Black-winged Stilt / Stelzenläufer / Ходулочник Rare all year round, LOFK 103 Avocetė (Recurvirostra avosetta) Reta visus metus Pied Avocet / Säbelschnäblel / Шилоклювка Rare all year round 104 Upinis kirlikas ( dubius) 03-31–10-01 Little Ringed Plover / Flussregenpfeifer / Зуёк малый 105 Jūrinis kirlikas (Charadrius hiaticula) 03-15–11-01 Common Ringed Plover / Sandregenpfeifer / Галстучник 106 Mornelis (Charadrius morinellus) Reta visus metus / Mornelregenpfeifer / Хрустан Rare all year round, LOFK 107 Tundrinis sėjikas (Pluvialis fulva) Reta visus metus / Sibirischer Goldegenpfeifer / Ржанка бурокрылая Rare all year round, LOFK

85 118 Dirvinis sėjikas (Pluvialis apricaria) 02-29–12-01 European Golden Plover / Goldregenpfeifer / Ржанка золотистая 119 Jūrinis sėjikas (Pluvialis squatarola) 04-15–06-01, Grey Plover / Kiebitzregenpfeifer / Тулес 07-10–12-01 110 Baltauodegė pempė (Vanellus leucurus) Reta visus metus White-tailed Lapwing / Weibßschwanzkiebitz / Белохвостая пигалица Rare all year round, LOFK 111 Paprastoji pempė (Vanellus vanellus) 02-29–12-01 / Kiebitz / Чибис 112 Islandinis bėgikas ( canutus) 04-30–11-01 / Knutt / Песочник исландский 113 Smiltinukas (Calidris alba) 07-15–11-01 / Sanderling / Песчанка 114 Mažasis bėgikas (Calidris minuta) 05-10–10-15 / Zwergstrandläufer / Кулик-воробей 115 Teminko bėgikas (Calidris temminckii) 05-01–10-01 Temminck's Stint / Temminckstrandläufer / Песочник белохвостый 116 Raibakrūtis bėgikas (Calidris melanotos) Reta visus metus / Graubrust-Strandläufer / Дутыш Rare all year round, LOFK 117 Riestasnapis bėgikas (Calidris ferruginea) 05-20–09-20 / Sichelstrandläufer / Краснозобик 118 Jūrinis bėgikas (Calidris maritima) Reta visus metus / Meerstrandläufer / Песочник морской Rare all year round, LOFK 119 Juodakrūtis bėgikas (Calidris alpina) / Alpenstrandläufer / Чернозобик 04-15–11-15 120 Plokščiasnapis bėgikas (Limicola falcinellus) Reta visus metus Broad-billed Sandpiper / Sumpfläufer / Грязовик Rare all year round 121 Gaidukas (Philomachus pugnax) 03-31–11-01 Ruff / Kampfläufer / Турухтан 122 Oželis nykštukas (Lymnocryptes minimus) 08-31–12-01, / Zwergschnepfe / Гаршнеп 02-29–05-15 123 Perkūno oželis (Gallinago gallinago) 02-29–12-01 Common Snipe / Bekassine / Бекас 124 Stulgys (Gallinago media) 03-31–09-01 Great Snipe / Doppelschnepfe / Дупель 125 Slanka (Scolopax rusticola) 03-15–12-01 Eurasian Woodcock / Waldschnepfe / Вальдшнеп 126 Paprastasis griciukas (Limosa limosa) 03-20–10-15 Black-tailed Godwit / Uferschnepfe / Большой веретенник 127 Laplandinis griciukas (Limosa lapponica) 04-30–11-01 Bar-tailed Godwit / Pfuhlschnepfe / Малый веретенник 128 Vidutinė kuolinga (Numenius phaeopus) 07-31–09-01, Whimbrel / Regenbrachvogel / Средний кроншнеп 04-15–05-01 129 Didžioji kuolinga (Numenius arquata) 03-20–10-15 Eurasian Curlew / Großer Brachvogel / Большой кроншнеп 130 Terekija (Xenus cinereus) Reta visus metus / Terekwasserläufer / Мородунка Rare all year round, LOFK 131 Krantinis tilvikas ( hypoleucos) 04-15–10-01 Common Sandpiper / Flussuferläufer / Перевозчик 132 Brastinis tilvikas (Tringa ochropus) 03-15–10-01 Green Sandpiper / Waldwasserläufer / Черныш 133 Tamsusis tilvikas (Tringa erythropus) 03-31–11-01 / Dunkler Wasserläufer / Щёголь 134 Žaliakojis tulikas (Tringa nebularia) 03-31–11-01 / Grünschenkel / Большой улит 135 Kūdrinis tilvikas (Tringa stagnatilis) Reta visus metus Marsh Sandpiper / Teichwasserläufer / Поручейник Rare all year round 136 Tikutis (Tringa glareola) 04-20–10-10 Wood Sandpiper / Bruchwasserläufer / Фифи 137 Raudonkojis tulikas (Tringa totanus) 03-15–11-01 Common Redshank / Rotschenkel / Травник

86 138 Akmenė (Arenaria interpres) 04-30–10-15 Ruddy / Steinwälzer / Камнешарка 139 Apvaliasnapis plaukikas (Phalaropus lobatus) Reta visus metus Red-necked / Odinshühnchen / Круглоносый плавунчик Rare all year round 140 Plokščiasnapis plaukikas (Phalaropus fulicarius) Reta visus metus / Thorshühnchen / Плосконосый плавунчик Rare all year round, LOFK 141 Bukauodegis plėšikas (Stercorarius pomarinus) Reta visus metus Pomarine Skua / Spatelraubmöwe / Средний поморник Rare all year round, LOFK 142 Smailiauodegis plėšikas (Stercorarius parasiticus) Reta visus metus Parasitic Jaeger / Schmarotzerraubmöwe / Короткохвостый поморник Rare all year round 143 Kiras kvatoklis (Larus ichthyaetus) Reta visus metus Pallas's Gull / Fischmöwe / Хохотун черноголовый Rare all year round, LOFK 144 Juodagalvis kiras (Larus melanocephalus) Reta visus metus Mediterranean Gull / Schwarzkopfmöwe / Чайка черноголовая Rare all year round 145 Rudagalvis kiras (Larus ridibundus) Visus metus Black-headed Gull / Lachmöwe / Чайка озерная All year round 146 Paprastasis kiras (Larus canus) Visus metus Mew Gull / Sturmmöwe / Чайка сизая All year round 147 Silkinis kiras (Larus fuscus) 03-15–12-01, Lesser Black-backed Gull / Heringsmöwe / Клуша L. f. heuglini, L. f. graellsii – reta visus metus Rare all year round, L. f. intermedia – reta visus metus Rare all year round, LOFK 148 Sidabrinis kiras (Larus argentatus) Visus metus European Herring Gull / Silbermöwe / Чайка серебристая All year round 149 Kaspijinis kiras (Larus cachinnans) Visus metus Caspian Gull / Steppenmöwe / Хохотунья All year round 150 Geltonkojis kiras (Larus michahellis) Visus metus Yellow-legged Gull / Mittelmeermöwe / Средиземноморская чайка All year round 151 Balnuotasis kiras (Larus marinus) Visus metus Great Black-backed Gull / Mantelmöwe / Чайка морская All year round 152 Rožinis kiras (Rhodostethia rosea) Reta visus metus Ross's Gull / Rosenmöwe / Чайка розовая Rare all year round, LOFK 153 Tripirštis kiras (Rissa tridactyla) Black-legged Kittiwake / Dreizehenmöwe / Моевка Reta visus metus Rare all year round 154 Mažasis kiras (Hydrocoloeus minutus) 03-10–11-16 Little Gull / Zwergmöwe / Чайка малая 155 Plėšrioji žuvėdra (Hydroprogne caspia) 07-10–05-20 Caspian Tern / Raubseeschwalbe / Чеграва 156 Margasnapė žuvėdra (Sterna sandvicensis) 04-15–10-01 Sandwich Tern / Brandseeschwalbe / Пестроносая крачка 157 Upinė žuvėdra (Sterna hirundo) 04-05–10-15 Common Tern / Flussseeschwalbe / Речная крачка 158 Poliarinė žuvėdra (Sterna paradisaea) Reta visus metus Tern / Brandseeschwalbe / Полярная крачка Rare all year round 159 Mažoji žuvėdra (Sternula albifrons) 04-20–09-01 Little Tern / Zwergseeschwalbe / Малая крачка 160 Baltaskruostė žuvėdra (Chlidonias hybrida) 04-30–09-01 Whiskered Tern / Wießbart-Seeschwalbe / Белощёкая крачка 161 Juodoji žuvėdra (Chlidonias niger) 04-20–10-01 Black Tern / Trauerseeschwalbe / Чёрная крачка 162 Baltasparnė žuvėdra (Chlidonias leucopterus) 04-30–09-01 White-winged Tern / Weißflügel-Seeschwalbe / Белокрылая крачка 163 Laibasnapis narūnėlis (Uria aalge) Reta visus metus Common Murre / Trottellumme / Тонкоклювая кайра Rare all year round 164 Mažoji alka (Alle alle) Reta visus metus Little Auk / Krabbentaucher / Люрик Rare all year round, LOFK

87 KARVELINIAI PAUKŠČIAI – COLUMBIFORMES 165 Uolinis karvelis (Columba livia f. domestica) Visus metus Common Pigeon / Staßentaube / Голубь сизый All year round 166 Uldukas (Columba oenas) 02-29–12-01 Stock Dove / Hohltaube / Клинтух 167 Keršulis (Columba palumbus) 02-29–12-01 / Ringeltaube / Вяхирь 168 Pietinis purplelis (Streptopelia decaocto) Visus metus Eurasian Collared Dove / Türkentaube / Горлица кольчатая All year round 169 Paprastasis purplelis (Streptopelia turtur) 04-20–09-15 European Turtle Dove / Turteltaube / Горлица обыкновенная GEGUTINIAI PAUKŠČIAI – CUCULIFORMES 170 Paprastoji gegutė (Cuculus canorus) 04-10–10-01 / Kuckkuck / Кукушка обыкновенная PELĖDINIAI PAUKŠČIAI – STRIGIFORMES 171 Liepsnotoji pelėda (Tyto alba) Reta visus metus Western Barn Owl / Schleiereule / Сипуха Rare all year round 172 Didysis apuokas (Bubo bubo) Reta visus metus Eurasian Eagle Owl / Uhu / Филин Rare all year round 173 Baltoji pelėda (Bubo scandiacus) Reta visus metus / Schneeeule / Сова белая Rare all year round, LOFK 174 Raiboji pelėda (Surnia ulula) Reta visus metus Northern Owl / Sperbereule / Ястребиная сова Rare all year round, LOFK 175 Žvirblinė pelėda (Glaucidium passerinum ) Visus metus Eurasian Pygmy Owl / Sperlingskauz / All year round Воробьиный сыч 176 Pelėdikė (Athene noctua) Reta visus metus / Steinkauz / Домовый сыч Rare all year round, LOFK 177 Naminė pelėda (Strix aluco) Visus metus Tawny Owl / Waldkauz / Серая неясыть All year round 178 Mažasis apuokas (Asio otus) Visus metus Long-eared Owl / Waldohreule / Ушастая сова All year round 179 Balinė pelėda (Asio flammeus) Reta visus metus Short-eared Owl / Sumpfohreule / Болотная сова Rare all year round 180 Lututė (Aegolius funereus) Visus metus Boreal Owl / Raufußkauz / Мохноногий сыч All year round LĖLINIAI PAUKŠČIAI – 181 Lėlys (Caprimulgus europaeus) 04-15–10-11 / Ziegenmelker / Козодой обыкновенный ČIURLINIAI PAUKŠČIAI – APODIFORMES 182 Juodasis čiurlys (Apus apus) 04-30–09-16 Common / Mauersegler / Стриж черный ŽALVARNINIAI PAUKŠČIAI – CARACIIFORMES 183 TulžysAlcedo atthis) Visus metus Common Kingfisher / Eisvogel / Зимородок обыкновенный All year round 184 BitininkasMerops apiaster Reta visus metus European -eater / Bienenfresser / Щурка золотистая Rare all year round 185 Žalvarnis (Coracias garrulus) Reta visus metus European Roller / Blauracke / Сизоворонка Rare all year round 186 Kukutis (Upupa epops) 03-31–10-01 Eurasian Hoopoe / Wiedehopf / Удод GENINIAI PAUKŠČIAI – 187 Grąžiagalvė (Jynx torquilla) 04-15–09-15 Eurasian Wryneck / Wendehals / Вертишейка 188 Pilkoji meleta (Picus canus) Visus metus Grey-headed Woodpecker / Grauspecht / Дятел седой All year round 189 Žalioji meleta (Picus viridis) Visus metus European Green Woodpecker / Grünspecht / Дятел зеленый All year round 190 Juodoji meleta (Dryocopus martius) Visus metus Black Woodpecker / Schwarzspecht / Дятел черный All year round

88 191 Didysis margasis genys (Dendrocopos major) Visus metus / Buntspecht / All year round Дятел большой пестрый 192 Vidutinis margasis genys (Dendrocopos medius) Visus metus Middle Spotted Woodpecker / Mittelspecht / All year round Дятел средний пестрый 193 Mažasis margasis genys (Dendrocopos minor) Visus metus Lesser Spotted Woodpecker / Klainspecht / Дятел малый пестрый All year round 194 Baltnugaris genys (Dendrocopos leucotos) Reta visus metus White-backed Woodpecker / Weißrückenspecht / Rare all year round Дятел белокрылый ŽVIRBLINIAI PAUKŠČIAI – PASSERIFORMES 195 Didysis trumpapirštis vieversys (Calandrella brachydactyla) Reta visus metus Greater Short-toed Lark / Kurzzehenlerche / Жаворонок малый Rare all year round, LOFK 196 Kuoduotasis vieversys (Galerida cristata) Reta visus metus Crested Lark / Haubenlerche / Жаворонок хохлатый Rare all year round, LOFK 197 Lygutė (Lullula arborea) 02-29–12-01 Woodlark / Heidelerche / Жаворонок лесной 198 Dirvinis vieversys (Alauda arvensis) 02-29–12-01 Eurasian Skylark / Feldlerche / Жаворонок полевой 199 Raguotasis vieversys (Eremophila alpestris) Reta visus metus Horned Lark / Ohrenlerche / Жаворонок рогатый Rare all year round 200 Urvinė kregždė (Riparia riparia) 04-25–09-15 Sand Martin / Uferschwalbe / Ласточка береговая 201 Šelmeninė kregždė (Hirundo rustica) 04-15–10-21 Barn / Rauchschwalbe / Ласточка деревенская 202 Daūrinė kregždė (Hirundo daurica) Visus metus Red-rumped Swallow / Rötelschwalbe / Ласточка рыжепоясничная All year round 203 Langinė kregždė ( urbicum) 04-20–10-01 / Mehlschwalbe / Ласточка городская 204 Dirvoninis kalviukas (Anthus campestris) 04-15–10-01 Tawny Pipit / Brachpieper / Конек полевой 205 Miškinis kalviukas (Anthus trivialis) 04-15–10-15 Tree Pipit / Baumpieper / Конек лесной 206 Tundrinis kalviukas (Anthus gustavi) Reta visus metus Pechora Pipit / Pechiorapieper / Конек сибирский Rare all year round, LOFK 207 Pievinis kalviukas (Anthus pratensis) 02-29–12-01 Meadow Pipit / Wiesenpieper / Конек луговой 208 Rudagurklis kalviukas (Anthus cervinus) Reta visus metus Red-throated Pipit / Rotkehlpieper / Конек краснозобый Rare all year round, LOFK 209 Vandeninis kalviukas (Anthus spinoletta) Reta visus metus Water Pipit / Bergpieper / Конек горный Rare all year round, LOFK 210 Uolinis kalviukas (Anthus petrosus) Reta visus metus Eurasian Rock Pipit / Strandpieper / Конек скальный Rare all year round 211 Geltonoji kielė (Motacilla flava) 04-15–10-01, Western Yellow Wagtail / Wiesenschafstelze / Трясогузка желтая M. f. thunbergi – reta visus metus Rare all year round, M. f. feldegg – reta visus metus Rare all year round, LOFK 212 Geltongalvė kielė (Motacilla citreola) Reta visus metus Citrine Wagtail / Zitronenstelze / Трясогузка желтоголовая Rare all year round 213 Kalninė kielė (Motacilla cinerea) Reta visus metus Grey Wagtail / Gebirgsstelze / Трясогузка горная Rare all year round, LOFK 214 Baltoji kielė (Motacilla alba) 03-15–11-01, White Wagtail / Bachstelze / Трясогузка белая M. a. yarrelly – reta visus metus Rare all year round, LOFK 215 Svirbelis (Bombycilla garrulus) 09-15–05-15 Bohemian / Seidenschwanz / Свиристель 216 Vandeninis strazdas (Cinclus cinclus) Reta visus metus White-throated Dipper / Wasseramsel / Оляпка Rare all year round

89 217 Karietaitė (Troglodytes troglodytes) Visus metus Winter Wren / Zaunkönig / Крапивник All year round 218 Paprastasis erškėtžvirblis (Prunella modularis) 03-31–11-15 Dunnock / Hackenbraunelle / Лесная завирушка 219 Sibirinis erškėtžvirblis (Prunella montanella) Reta visus metus Siberian Accentor / Bergbraunelle / Сибирская завирушка Rare all year round, LOFK 220 Juodagurklis erškėtžvirblis (Prunella atrogularis) Visus metus Black Throated Accentor / Schwarzkehlbraunelle / Черноголовая завирушка All year round 221 Liepsnelė (Erithacus rubecula) 02-29–12-01 / Rotkehlchen / Зарянка 222 Rytinė lakštingala (Luscinia luscinia) 04-20–09-01 Nightingale / Sprosser / Обыкновенный соловей 223 Vakarinė lakštingala (Luscinia megarhynchos) Reta visus metus / Nachtigall / Южный соловей Rare all year round, LOFK 224 Mėlyngurklė (Luscinia svecica) Reta visus metus Bluethroat / Blaukehlchen / Варакушка Rare all year round 225 Mėlynuodegė (Tarsiger cyanurus) Reta visus metus Red-flanked Bluetail / Blauschwanz / Синехвостка Rare all year round, LOFK 226 Dūminė raudonuodegė ( ochruros) 03-15–11-20 Black / Hausrotschwanz / Горихвостка-чернушка 227 Paprastoji raudonuodegė (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) 04-15–10-15 Common Redstart / Gartenrotschwanz / Обыкновенная горихвостка 228 Paprastoji kiauliukė (Saxicola rubetra) 04-15–10-01 Whinchat / Braunkehlchen / Луговой чекан 229 Europinė juodagalvė kiauliukė (Saxicola rubicola) Reta visus metus European Stonechat / Europäische Schwarzkehlchen / Черноголовый чекан Rare all year round, LOFK 230 Paprastasis kūltupys (Oenanthe oenanthe) 03-01–10-15 Northern Wheatear / Steinschmätzer / Обыкновенная каменка 231 Margasis kūltupys (Oenanthe pleschanka) Reta visus metus Pied Wheatear / Nonnensteinschmätzer / Каменка-плешанка Rare all year round, LOFK 232 Baltagurklis strazdas (Turdus torquatus) Reta visus metus Ring Ouzel / Ringdrossel / Белозобый дрозд Rare all year round 233 Juodasis strazdas (Turdus merula) Visus metus Common Blackbird / Amsel / Чёрный дрозд All year round 234 Smilginis strazdas (Turdus pilaris) Visus metus / Wacholderdrossel / Рябинник All year round 235 Strazdas giesmininkas (Turdus philomelos) 03-15–12-01 Song Thrush / Singdrossel / Певчий дрозд 236 Baltabruvis strazdas (Turdus iliacus) 03-15–12-01 Redwing / Rotdrossel / Белобровик 237 Amalinis strazdas (Turdus viscivorus) 02-29–12-01 / Misteldrossel / Деряба 238 Margasis žiogelis (Locustella naevia) 04-20–09-20 Common Grasshopper Warbler / Feldschwirl / Обыкновенный сверчок 239 Upinis žiogelis (Locustella fluviatilis) 04-20–09-20 River Warbler / Schlagschwirl / Речной сверчок 240 Nendrinis žiogelis (Locustella luscinioides) 04-15–09-20 Savi's Warbler / Rohrschwirl / Соловьиный сверчок 241 Mažoji tošinukė (Iduna caligata) Reta visus metus Booted Warbler / Buschspötter / Северная бормотушка Rare all year round, LOFK 242 Meldinė nendrinukė (Acrocephalus paludicola) 04-30–08-15 Aquatic Warbler / Seggenrohrsänger / Вертлявая камышевка 243 Ežerinė nendrinukė (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) 04-25–10-01 Sedge Warbler / Schilfrohrsänger / Камышевка-барсучок 244 Indinė nendrinukė (Acrocephalus agricola) Reta visus metus Paddyfield Warbler / Feldrohrsänger / Индийская камышевка Rare all year round, LOFK 245 Sodinė nendrinukė (Acrocephalus dumetorum) Reta visus metus Blyth's Reed Warbler / Buschrohrsänger / Садовая камышевка Rare all year round 246 Karklinė nendrinukė (Acrocephalus palustris) 05-10–10-01 Marsh Warbler / Sumpfrohrsänger / Болотная камышевка 247 Mažoji krakšlė (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) 04-25–10-15 / Teichrohrsänger / Тростниковая камышевка 90 248 Didžioji krakšlė (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) 04-25–09-20 / Drosselrohrsänger / Дроздовидная камышевка 249 Paprastoji tošinukė (Hippolais icterina) 04-25–10-15 Icterine Warbler / Gelbspötter / Зелёная пересмешка 250 Alpinė devynbalsė (Sylvia cantillans) Reta visus metus Subalpine Warbler / Weißbart-Grasmücke / Рыжегрудая славка Rare all year round, LOFK 251 Juodagalvė sardininė devynbalsė (Sylvia melanocephala) Reta visus metus Sardinian Warbler / Samtkopf-Grasmücke / Средиземноморская славка Rare all year round, LOFK 252 Raiboji devynbalsė (Sylvia nisoria) Barred Warbler / Sperpergrasmücke / Ястребиная славка 04-30–09-01 253 Pilkoji devynbalsė (Sylvia curruca) 04-15–10-01 Lesser Whitethroat / Klappergrasmücke / Славка-мельничек 254 Rudoji devynbalsė (Sylvia communis) 04-25–10-01 Common Whitethroat / Dorngrasmücke / Серая славка 255 Sodinė devynbalsė (Sylvia borin) 04-30–10-15 Garden Warbler / Gartengrasmücke / Садовая славка 256 Juodagalvė devynbalsė (Sylvia atricapilla) 04-15–11-15 Eurasian Blackcap / Mönchsgrasmücke / Славка-черноголовка 257 Šiaurinė pečialinda (Phylloscopus trochiloides) 05-15–09-01 Greenish Warbler / Grünlaubsänger / Зелёная пеночка 258 Arktinė pečialinda (Phylloscopus borealis) Reta visus metus Arctic Warbler / Wanderlaubsänger / Пеночка-таловка Rare all year round, LOFK 259 Nykštukinė pečialinda (Phylloscopus proregulus) Reta visus metus Pallas's Leaf Warbler / Goldhähnchen-Laubsänger / Корольковая пеночка Rare all year round 260 Geltonbruvė pečialinda (Phylloscopus inornatus) Reta visus metus Yellow-browed Warbler / Gelbbrauen-Laubsänger / Пеночка-зарничка Rare all year round 261 Sajaninė pečialinda (Phylloscopus humei) Reta visus metus Hume's Leaf Warbler / Tienschan-Laubsänger / Тусклая зарничка Rare all year round, LOFK 262 Storasnapė pečialinda (Phylloscopus schwarzi) Reta visus metus Radde's Warbler / Bartlaubsänger / Толстоклювая пеночка Rare all year round, LOFK 263 Rudoji pečialinda (Phylloscopus fuscatus) Reta visus metus Dusky Warbler / Dunkellaubsänger / Бурая пеночка Rare all year round, LOFK 264 Žalioji pečialinda (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) 04-15–09-15 Wood Warbler / Waldlaubsänger / Пеночка-трещотка 265 Pilkoji pečialinda (Phylloscopus collybita) 03-20–11-15, Common Chiffchaff / Zilpzalp / Пеночка-теньковка Ph. c. tristis – reta visus metus Rare all year round 266 Ankstyvoji pečialinda (Phylloscopus trochilus) 04-10–10-15 Willow Warbler / Fitis / Пеночка-весничка 267 Paprastasis nykštukas (Regulus regulus) Visus metus / Wintergoldhähnchen / Желтоголовый королёк All year round 268 Baltabruvis nykštukas (Regulus ignicapilla) Reta visus metus Firecrest / Sommergoldhähnchen / Красноголовый королёк Rare all year round 269 Pilkoji musinukė (Muscicapa striata) 04-20–10-01 Spotted Flycatcher / Grauschnäpper / Серая мухоловка 270 Mažoji musinukė (Ficedula parva) 04-20–10-01 Red-breasted Flycatcher / Zwergschnäpper / Малая мухоловка 271 Baltakaklė musinukė (Ficedula albicollis) Reta visus metus Collared Flycatcher / Halsbandschnäpper / Мухоловка-белошейка Rare all year round, LOFK 272 Margasparnė musinukė (Ficedula hypoleuca) / Trauerschnäpper / Мухоловка-пеструшка 04-15–10-01 273 Ūsuotoji zylė (Panurus biarmicus) 02-29–12-01 Bearded Reedling / Bartmeise / Усатая синица 274 Ilgauodegė zylė (Aegithalos caudatus) A. c. europaeus – reta visus metus Long-tailed Tit / Schwanzmeise / Ополовник синица Rare all year round 275 Paprastoji pilkoji zylė ( palustris) Visus metus Marsh Tit / Sumpfmeise / Черноголовая гаичка All year round 276 Šiaurinė pilkoji zylė (Parus montanus) Visus metus Willow Tit / Weidenmeise / Пухляк гаичка All year round 277 Kuoduotoji zylė (Parus cristatus) Visus metus European Crested Tit / Haubenmeise / Хохлатая синица All year round

91 278 Juodoji zylė (Parus ater) Visus metus / Tannenmeise / Московка All year round 279 Mėlynoji zylė (Parus caeruleus) Visus metus Eurasian Blue Tit / Blaumeise / Oбыкновенная лазоревка All year round 280 Didžioji zylė (Parus major) Visus metus Great Tit / Kohlmeise / Большая синица All year round 281 Bukutis (Sitta europaea) S. e. asiatica – reta visus metus Eurasian / Kleiber / обыкновенный поползень Rare all year round, LOFK 282 Miškinis liputis ( familiaris) Visus metus Eurasian / Waldbaumläufer / Обыкновенная пищуха All year round 283 Sodinis liputis (Certhia brachydactyla) Reta visus metus Short-toed Treecreeper / Gartenbaumläufer / Короткопалая пищуха Rare all year round, LOFK 284 Remeza ( pendulinus) 11-01–03-20 Eurasian Penduline Tit / Beutelmeise / Обыкновенный ремез 285 Volungė (Oriolus oriolus) 04-30–09-15 Eurasian Golden Oriole / Pirol / Иволга 286 Paprastoji medšarkė ( collurio) 04-30–10-01 Red-backed Shrike / Neuntöter / Cорокопут-жулан 287 Plėšrioji medšarkė (Lanius excubitor) Visus metus Great Grey Shrike / Raubwürger / Серый сорокопут All year round 288 Kėkštas (Garrulus glandarius) Visus metus Eurasian / Eichelhäher / Сойка All year round 289 Šarka (Pica pica) Visus metus Eurasian / Elster / Сорока All year round 290 Riešutinė (Nucifraga caryocatactes) Visus metus Spotted Nutcracker / Tanenhäher / Кедровка All year round 291 Kuosa (Corvus monedula) Visus metus Western Jackdaw / Dohle / Галка All year round 292 Kovas (Corvus frugilegus) Visus metus Rook / Saatkrähe / Грач All year round 293 Juodoji varna (Corvus corone) Reta visus metus Carrion Crow / Rabenkrähe / Европейская чёрная ворона Rare all year round, LOFK 294 Pilkoji varna (Corvus cornix) Visus metus / Nebelkrähe / Серая ворона All year round 295 Kranklys (Corvus corax) Visus metus Northern Raven / Kolkrabe / Ворон All year round 296 Paprastasis varnėnas (Sturnus vulgaris) 02-29–12-01 / Star / Обыкновенный скворец 297 Rožinis varnėnas (Sturnus roseus) Reta visus metus Rosy Starling / Rosenstar / Розовый скворец Rare all year round, LOFK 298 Naminis žvirblis (Passer domesticus) Visus metus / Haussperling / Passer domesticus All year round 299 Karklažvirblis (Passer montanus) Visus metus / Feldsperling / Passer montanus All year round 300 Paprastasis kikilis ( coelebs) Visus metus Common Chaffinch / Buchfink / Зяблик All year round 301 Šiaurinis kikilis (Fringilla montifringilla) 02-29–05-01, / Bergfink / Юрок 08-31–12-01 302 Svilikėlis (Serinus serinus) 03-20–11-15 European Serin / Girlitz / Канареечный вьюрок 303 Žaliukė (Carduelis chloris) Visus metus / Grünfink / Oбыкновенная зеленушка All year round 304 Dagilis (Carduelis carduelis) Visus metus European Goldfinch / Stieglitz / Щегол All year round 305 Alksninukas (Carduelis spinus) Visus metus Eurasian Siskin / Erlenzeisig / Чиж All year round 306 Paprastasis čivylis (Carduelis cannabina) 02-29–12-01 Common Linnet / Bluthänfling / Коноплянка 307 Geltonsnapis čivylis (Carduelis flavirostris) Reta visus metus / Berghänfling / Горная чечётка Rare all year round

92 308 Paprastasis čimčiakas (Carduelis flammea) 09-20–05-01 Common Redpoll / Birkenzeisig / Oбыкновенная чечётка 309 Poliarinis čimčiakas (Carduelis hornemanni) Reta visus metus Arctic Redpoll / Polarbirkenzeisig / Пепельная чечётка Rare all year round 310 Margasparnis kryžiasnapis (Loxia leucoptera) Reta visus metus Two-barred Crossbill / Bindenkreuzschnabel / Белокрылый клёст Rare all year round, LOFK 311 Eglinis kryžiasnapis (Loxia curvirostra) Visus metus Red Crossbill / Fichtenkreuzschnabel / Oбыкновенный клёст All year round 312 Pušinis kryžiasnapis (Loxia pytyopsittacus) Reta visus metus Parrot Crossbill / Kiefernkreuzschnabel / Клёст-сосновик Rare all year round, LOFK 313 Raudongalvė sniegena (Carpodacus erythrinus) 04-30–09-15 Common Rosefinch / Karmingimpel / Обыкновенная чечевица 314 Juodagalvė sniegena (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) Visus metus Eurasian Bullfinch / Gimpel / Обыкновенный снегирь All year round 315 Svilikas (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) Visus metus Hawfinch / Kernbeißser / Обыкновенный дубонос All year round 316 Pentinuotoji starta (Calcarius lapponicus) Reta visus metus Lapland Longspur / Spornammer / Лапландский подорожник Rare all year round 317 Sniegstartė (Plectrophenax nivalis) 09-30–05-01 Snow Bunting / Schneeammer / Пуночка 318 Geltonoji starta (Emberiza citrinella) Visus metus Yellowhammer / Goldammer / Обыкновенная овсянка All year round 319 Sodinė starta (Emberiza hortulana) Reta visus metus Ortolan Bunting / Ortolan / Садовая овсянка Rare all year round 320 Mažoji starta (Emberiza pusilla) Reta visus metus Little Bunting / Zwergammer / Овсянка-крошка Rare all year round, LOFK 321 Nendrinė starta (Emberiza schoeniclus) 03-10–12-01 Common Reed Bunting / Rohrammer / Камышовая овсянка 322 Pilkoji starta (Emberiza calandra) Reta visus metus Corn Bunting / Grauammer / Просянка Rare all year round

PRIEDAS / ANNEX D ir E kategorijų rūšys / Species of Categories D and E 323 Juodoji gulbė (Cygnus atratus) Reta visus metus Black Swan / Schwarzschwan / Чёрный лебедь Rare all year round, LOFK 324 Kalninė žąsis (Anser indicus) Reta visus metus Bar-headed Goose / Streifengans / Горный гусь Rare all year round, LOFK 325 Snieginė žąsis (Anser caerulescens) Reta visus metus / Schneegans / Белый гусь Rare all year round, LOFK 326 Šiaurinė kanadinė berniklė (Branta hutchinsii) Reta visus metus Cackling Goose / Zwergkanadagans / Малая канадская казарка Rare all year round, LOFK 327 Miškinė antis (Aix sponsa) Reta visus metus / Brautente / Каролинская утка Rare all year round, LOFK 328 Puikioji cyplė (Anas sibilatrix) Reta visus metus Chiloe Wigeon / Chilepfeifente / Роскошная свиязь Rare all year round, LOFK 329 Žvilgusis mažasis trupialas (Euphagus cyanocephalus) Reta visus metus Brewer's Blackbird / Purpurstärling / Блестящий малый трупиал Rare all year round, LOFK

The authors extend their gratitude to Vytautas Jusys for his contribution in the preparation of the detailed list of bird species for this region.

If you have observed a species not in compliance with the period included in the table, please make your input to this website: www.birdlife.lt The species with LOFK symbol are very rare, so it is necessary to inform the Lithuanian Rarities Com- mittiie via email: [email protected].

93 The map of the described areas

94 95 Information signs

Accommodation Petrol station Medical aid centre

Catering services Information centre

Index

Num- Name Page ber Velnežeris and surrounding meadows 9 Sennemunė and Senrusnė lakes with adjacent meadows 12 Sausgalviai meadows 15 Žalgiriai forest 20 Rupkalviai ornithological reserve and meadows at Šlažai bridge 23 Šyšgiriai meadows 27 Tulkiaragė polder and Krokų Lanka lake 31 Island of Skirvytė 34 Bevardis stream and surrounding meadows 37 Fish ponds of Rusnė 40 Coastal area at Uostadvaris 43 Nemunas Delta from boat 46 Lakeside of Krokų Lanka and old river bed of Minija 49 Aukštumala nature trail 52 Fish ponds of Kintai 55 Meadows of Stankiškiai and Kniaupas bay 58 Ventė Cape Ornithological Station 61 Sakūčiai forest and adjacent flooded meadows 64 Kintai forest 67 Coastal area at Svencelė 70 Fields of Dreverna and observation tower in coastal area 73 Meadows of Kliošai 76

96