Pāvilosta
A total of 197 bird species have been observed in the territory of Pāvilosta. The presence of the sea, the Saka River, and the green urban environment make Pāvilosta one of the best birdwatching locations on Latvia’s western coast. In winter, various waterfowl species can be seen in the Saka River and the harbor. By late April, the spring bird migration reaches its peak, bringing rare or accidental visitors among the usual bird species.
Getting there:
The route is located in the territory of Pāvilosta, on the left side of the Liepāja-Ventspils highway (P111). Distance from Liepāja: 54 km, from Ventspils: 70 km.
Parking:
Cars can be conveniently parked at the Pāvilosta Local History Museum parking lot, Kalna Street campsite, Upesmuiža Park, or other suitable locations.
Distance and duration:
- Route length: 8 km
- Hiking duration: 4 hours
- Cycling duration: approximately 2 hours
Special instructions: None
Signs and facilities:
Available at the parking areas near Pāvilosta Local History Museum, Kalna Street campsite, and Upesmuiža Park.
Public transport: https://www.1188.lv/satiksme
Nearby routes:
- "Akmensrags"
- "Rīva River Nature Trail"
- "Jūrkalne"
Season:
Waterfowl can be observed along the coast and in the harbor year-round. The best time for watching migrating and nesting birds is spring (March to June) and autumn (September to October).
Mode of travel:
Walking is the best way to explore the route. If needed, it can be divided into shorter sections.
Points of Interest:
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Pāvilosta Harbor – An excellent spot for observing waterfowl and seabirds. During migration, sparrow-like birds use dunes, shrubs, and private gardens as resting and feeding places. The pier and harbor are great locations for watching gulls.
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The Grey Dune – A vast, dry heathland. Breeding birds here include the woodlark, tawny pipit, and hoopoe. During spring migration, birds of prey such as the Eurasian hobby, red-footed falcon, Montagu’s harrier, osprey, and merlin can be observed.
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Upesmuiža Park – Home to various forest bird species. The common kingfisher is regularly seen in the Saka River.
More information: [email protected]
Bird List of Dienvidkurzeme_for print
Great Cormorant
A goose-sized bird with a long neck and tail and a slender bill that is hooked at the end; their legs are webbed. Adult birds have black plumage with metallic iridescence. A white area on the cheeks and throat. Lekking period colours are characterised by a white oval area on the sides of the body.
Habitat – lakes and ponds rich in fish, as well as the sea. While swimming, it is very deeply submerged and is a superb diver. They also squat in trees or stand on driftwood, rocks or other elevations in the water when resting. They often keep their wings spread for long periods. They feed on fish.
They breed in colonies, often together with grey herons. The nest is usually made of dry twigs in trees or bushes that grow in water or on islands. They can also breed on the ground. For several years, nesting on a shipwreck on the seaside near Pape has been recorded. A migratory bird that winters in Western Europe, but wintering in Latvia in small numbers also occurs.
(Latvijas ūdeņu putni. Rīga: LOB, 1999. (Birds of Latvian waters. Riga: Latvian Ornithological Society, 1999))
Little Ringed Plover
A small bird, about the size of a sparrow, with comparatively long, slender reddish legs and a black bill. The plumage on the back and wings is greyish-brown, the belly is white, and the breast is white with one black band or collar. There is a narrow yellow ring around the eyes. Fast and agile. The flight is fast, straight and low to the ground.
Habitat – sandbanks, sandy shores of water bodies and quarries. Mainly forages in shallow waters, mud and plains with low grass. The birds feed on a variety of invertebrates such as insects and their larvae, spiders, molluscs, worms, and small crustaceans. Nest – a hole dug in the ground without a lining, sometimes lined with dry plants or stones. A relatively common breeder and migrant in Latvia.
Dunlin
A small wading bird with a medium-long bill and legs, a mottled greyish-brown back and a black spot on the belly during breeding. Autumn and winter plumage is simple and more greyish. Habitat – wetlands, swamps, coastal sandbanks, and muddy bays. In Latvia, it can mainly be observed while migrating.
There are tactile receptors at the tip of the bill that help the birds find food by constantly running and searching the wet soil. The birds feed on small aquatic invertebrates, insects and their larvae, which they find in the shallows or sand. Breeds in grassy areas. A nest – a simple hole in the ground, lined with dry grass and leaves, hidden in the vegetation. Migratory bird.
European Rock Pipit
A small, greyish songbird with dark legs and a dark, long bill and mottled plumage that helps the bird camouflage itself on the rocks. Relatively long tail and slender bill. A light ring around dark brown eyes. Voice – a sharp, explosive, drawn-out “whistle”, usually single or repeated.
Habitat – coastline with rocky shores, cliffs and steep banks. This bird often walks on rocks or sand in search of food: insects, small arthropods and marine invertebrates. It breeds in northern Europe by building a nest on the ground, hidden among rocks or vegetation, and lining it with grass and fine plants.
In Latvia, it is known as a relatively rare but regular spring and autumn migratory bird, as well as a rare wintering bird.