Montenegro: A Bird-Watcher's Paradise on the Africa-Europe Migration Route
Montenegro is bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts’ paradise, offering over 352 bird species and a breathtaking display of nature. Montenegro is located on one of the four most important migratory corridors in Europe - the Adriatic Corridor, through which millions of birds fly every year, from Africa to Europe and vice versa.
As a stopover on the Africa-Europe migration route Montenegro is home to two-thirds of the 530 bird species registered in Europe. Here you can see flamingos, permanent residents in Montenegro. Photo credit:CZIP
Located in the Balkans and along the Africa-Europe bird migration route, this small country is home to some of the most spectacular bird-watching locations in the world. With a diverse range of habitats, from salt flats, lakes, forests, and wetlands, Montenegro provides an ideal environment for a wide range of birds, making it a top destination for bird-watching tours.
Whether you are a seasoned bird-watcher or just an avid nature lover, Montenegro is the perfect destination for an unforgettable experience.
Bird watching is one of the activities many travellers come to experience.
Three of the most famous bird watching sites in Montenegro are:
Ulcinj Salina
Skadar Lake
Tivat Solila
These three locations offer a unique and spectacular bird-watching experience and are a must-visit for anyone interested in birds and nature. With its rich birdlife and diverse range of habitats, Montenegro is a true bird-watcher's paradise and a highlight of the Africa-Europe bird migration route.
There are 352 bird species in Montenegro, as well as a breathtaking display of nature everywhere you look.
Discovering the Treasure of Ulcinj Salina: A 15 km2 Wetland Wonderland in Southern Montenegro
Step into a world of stunning biodiversity at Ulcinj Salina, a precious 15 km2 wetland located in the heart of the Ada Bojana Delta, located within 5 km from the urban center of Ulcinj. Once a thriving salt-harvesting site between 1935 and 2013, the salt pans were later transformed into a rich habitat for birds and other animals.
Ulcinj Salina is a nature lover's paradise with abundant bird life with more than half of Europe's recorded bird species. With its warm temperatures, abundant food, and limited human interference Ulcinj Solana is the perfect habitat for a diverse range of bird species.
A Haven for Flamingos and Over 250 Bird Species
The area is home to more than 250 species of birds, including the greater flamingo, which gathers in large flocks in the salt pans and lagoons within the area. It is estimated by CZIP (Established in 2000, the Center for Protection and Research of Birds) that there are close to 2 500 flamingos permanently residing here.
Visitors to Ulcinj Solana can expect to see large flocks of flamingos, but depending on the time of the year, we can never know how many birds we will encounter. Photo credits: Darya Maras
Apart from Greater Flamingo, the most interesting birds we can see are Dalmatian Pelican, Eurasian Spoonbill and Black-winged Stilt.
What is the best time to visit Ulcinj SAlina?
The best times to go bird watching are during migration, which takes place from March to June and from late August to November. Especially in spring and autumn during bird migration, and in the morning and evening hours due to the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Each visit to the Salina offers a new and exciting experience, as new species can be seen even after multiple visits.
The whole tour of 16.5 kilometers takes 4-5 hours by foot and 2-3 hours by bike. There is also a possibility for coming for a shorter period of time. There are bicycles that can be rented at the entrance.
Ulcinj is bird watching paradise with varius birds to be found on every corner.
How did Ulcinj Salina become such an important bird habitat?
Salina was built in the region with the highest number of sunny days, the highest insolation on the Adriatic - 2567 sunny hours and the highest number of tropical days in the former Yugoslavia. Therefore, it is an ideal place for a salt works that base salt production exclusively on evaporation.
In 1920’s, the area now known as Ulcinj Salina was once referred to as Zogajsko blato, meaning "bird swamp" in Albanian. It was a low-salinity saltwater swamp formed by the mixing of seawater with freshwater from rain or streams.
In 1934 Salina was constructed and in one year time, there was the first salt harvest. In 1959 Salina grew bigger, it had about 400 workers which harvested 60,000 tones of salt. A very interesting fact is that the Saline supplied 60 % of former Yugoslavia with salt.
In 2003 the cooperation wih EuroNatur & CZIP for the conservation of this unique biotope started. 2013 there was a stop of salt production. In 2015 the application for the formal protection of Ulcinj Salina started, and it is ongoing.
What used to be a salt production site, today is a haven for more then 350 species of birds.
Biodiversity is of outmost importance to the birds residing in and migrating through Ulcinj Salina. A rich and diverse array of plant and animal life helps to create a thriving ecosystem that provides essential resources, such as food and shelter, for the birds. In addition, a healthy and diverse bird population is key to maintaining the overall ecological balance of the salt lake.
Sunset in Ulcinj Salina. Photo credits: Darya Maras
Feathers and Flocks: Discovering the Bird Paradise - Skadar Lake
Another must-visit location for bird-watchers in Montenegro is Skadar Lake, the largest lake in the Balkans, covering an area of approximately 500 square kilometers.
Skadar Lake is one of the largest bird reserves in Europe and is an important wintering site for many migratory birds, including pelicans, cormorants, and herons. The wildlife here is abundant, with over 270 species of birds, including the magnificent Dalmatian pelican, and more than 40 species of fish, including saltwater species, making it a true paradise for nature lovers. The most famous resident of Skadar Lake is Dalmatian Pelican, an endangered species.
Discover the Unforgettable Beauty of the Balkans' Largest Lake - Lake /skadar.
This unique destination is a must-visit for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers, boasting an incredible array of feathered friends, including the rare Dalmatian Pelican and the world's second largest colony of pygmy cormorants.
At any time of the year, you'll have the opportunity to witness wetland life in all its glory. From the glossy ibis and squacco herons to the elusive bitterns, charming grebes, and majestic egrets, terns and more,
Skadar Lake is a natural wonder, with over 270 species of birds, including the magnificent Dalmatian pelican
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans and a true natural wonder. Since 1983, this stunning location has been designated as a National Park, celebrated for its wild and untamed beauty.
In recognition of its exceptional significance, Lake Skadar was added to the World's List of Wetlands of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention in 1996 and is currently nominated for UNESCO heritage status. This breathtaking lake is surrounded by dramatic karst mountains and spans across both Montenegro and Albania.
With its rich birdlife and diverse range of habitats, Skadar Lake is a top destination for bird-watching and is home to second largest cormorant colony in the world.
Explore traditional fishing villages, tranquil islet monasteries, and pristine beaches, all surrounded by the beauty of the lake.
Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, Lake Skadar National Park should not be missed. Book your visit now and discover the magic of this exceptional destination.
Skadar Lake birdwatching and exploring will leave you in awe.
When to visit?
And, the excitement doesn't end there. :) The Lake Skadar and Bojana Delta truly comes alive during the spring and early summer, showcasing the flamboyant mating rituals of breeding season. Observe the dance of the birds as they court their mates, creating a colorful and vibrant display of nature's beauty.
Bird-watching is an activity everyone enjoys, especially the young ones.
And, as the seasons change, you'll be treated to another magnificent event - the wonder of migration. During autumn, the skies above the Lake Skadar and Bojana Delta come alive with the flight of thousands of birds, making their way to their winter homes. It's a breathtaking sight to behold and a truly unforgettable experience.
So, whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or simply looking for a unique and memorable adventure, the Lake Skadar and Bojana Delta should be at the top of your list. Book your visit now and get ready to be amazed!
Stunning landscape everywhere you turn :)
Tivatska Solila: A Thriving Wetland Reserve in Boka Bay
Tivatska Solila, located in the picturesque Boka Bay (Boko-Kotorski Bay) near the airport, is a prime example of successful nature conservation efforts. This wetland reserve, which was once used as a salt source, now provides a habitat for over 180 species of migratory birds.
Visitors to Tivatska Solila can explore the diverse birdlife along the well-maintained pedestrian and bicycle paths, built along the historic Austro-Hungarian road. As you stroll along, you will be greeted by a diverse array of winged wonders. From majestic egrets and little cormorants to elegant spoonbills, white herons, and cranes, Tivatska Solila is a birdwatcher's paradise! And let's not forget about the flamingos, adding a pop of vibrant color to this already stunning landscape.
Tivat has a bird watching site too - Special Nature reserve - Tivatska solila. Photo credits: TO Tivat
It is worth noting and equally hard to imagine that this thriving ecosystem was once an illegal landfill, where waste was recklessly dumped for years. But since 2008, Tivatska Solila has been protected by the state and transformed into a beacon of sustainable tourism and a model of green practices. This nature reserve serves as a testament to the power of conservation and the positive impact it can have on both the environment and local communities.
In addition to Ulcinj Salinas, Skadar Lake, and Tivatska Solila, Montenegro is also home to many other bird-watching sites, including the other 4 National Parks and many Nature parks. These protected areas provide a safe haven for birds and other wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of nature in this special place.
In conclusion, Montenegro is a great destination for nature enthusiasts and bird-watchers, offering a spectacular bird-watching experience.