Saraiķi
Getting there:
The route is located between Liepāja and Ziemupe. The most convenient way to get there from Liepāja is via Karosta and Šķēde. Distance from Pāvilosta: 32 km; from Liepāja: 20 km.
Parking:
Cars can be parked in the center of Saraiķi or in suitable roadside spots, in accordance with traffic regulations.
Distance and Duration:
The route is 12 km long. If walking, the route can be split into shorter segments as needed. By bicycle: 3–4 hours.
Special Notes:
None.
Signage and Facilities:
None.
Public Transport:
https://www.1188.lv/satiksme
Nearby Routes:
"Dzintara taka" ("Amber Trail"), "Ziemupe", "Kapsēde".
Mode of Travel:
The most suitable modes of travel are by bicycle or car. If walking, it is advisable to break the route into shorter segments. In spring and autumn, cycling can be challenging due to road conditions.
Season:
Bird species can be observed year-round during daylight hours. For night expeditions, the best time is May and June, when one can listen for corncrakes, quails, marsh and garden warblers, and the calls of young long-eared owls.
A total of 167 bird species have been observed along the route.
Saraiķi Manor:
Not open to visitors. In the surrounding area, red-backed shrike, northern wheatear, icterine warbler, and goldfinch breed. In the second half of summer, large flocks of house martins, swallows, and starlings gather on the wires—occasionally accompanied by Eurasian collared doves.-
Intensively Managed Farmland:
During migration, geese and swans stop to rest and feed. This is one of the best places in Latvia to observe red-footed falcons. In strong irruption years, up to 10 birds may be seen together. -
Saraiķi Center:
A classic Soviet-era kolkhoz with abandoned buildings and gardens, where various warbler species, both species of redstarts, white wagtails, spotted flycatchers, and collared doves nest. -
Meadows and Cultural Landscape Around Šķēde Military Training Ground:
A good birdwatching spot in winter. Short-eared owls, rough-legged buzzards, snow buntings, bramblings, and grey partridges are just some of the species that overwinter here due to suitable feeding conditions.