Fields of Nīca

Nīca Fields – Latvia’s Spring Migration Gateway

Nīca's fields are the front door of Latvia for spring migration. This is where the first flocks of migratory birds land. The area is a crucial resting and feeding site for early-migrating species. What makes Nīca unique is the sheer number of certain species gathering here. Many of these birds can also be found throughout the rest of the country—such as the mallard—but it's only in Nīca that you can observe up to 10,000 mallards in one place.

Typical Habitats:
Agricultural land, meadows, shallow ponds, and lakes.

Weather Conditions:
Since the Nīca area is the first to welcome migratory birds, a good indicator is the first thaw in western Latvia. During harsh winters, the thaw here begins a few weeks earlier than elsewhere in the country. In mild winters, the first migrants can be seen as early as February. However, the grand “nature spectacle” takes place in March.

Getting There:
From Liepāja, take the A11 highway in the direction of Rucava until you reach Nīca.

Route:
Birdwatching in Nīca's fields can follow this loop: Jaunciems – Jūrmalciems – Sīklesciems.
You can also explore the southern polder dike system of Lake Liepāja and the surrounding roads. For the return trip, it’s recommended to use gravel roads along the eastern shore of Lake Liepāja in Otaņķi Parish, passing the Vītiņi meadows.

Coordinates:

• X 316425; Y 6252259 or 56.379434, 21.026699 – Nīca fields near Bernāti

• X 317105; Y 6244726 or 56.311929, 21.042973 – Nīca fields near Jūrmalciems

Common Spring Bird Species:
Whooper swan, Bewick’s swan, bean goose, greylag goose, shoveler, mallard, teal, ruff, black-tailed godwit, lapwing, dunlin, yellow wagtail, curlew, stock dove, wood pigeon, rough-legged buzzard, common buzzard, kestrel, hen harrier, great grey shrike, brambling, snow bunting.

Signage and Facilities:
In Nīca’s center, there’s a sign marking the Nature and History Exploration Cycling Route, showing bird species found near Lake Liepāja. Parts of the route are accessible by car. Toilets ("Toi Toi") are available by the decorative “Nīca” sign, and during business hours, the Nīca Tourism Information Center (TIC) is also open ("Pienotava", Nīca, Nīca Parish).

Public Transport:
https://www.1188.lv/satiksme

Nearby Routes:
Liepāja, Zirgu Sala Dam

Season:
The best time to observe migratory and nesting birds is in spring (March–June) and autumn (September–October).

Mode of Travel:
Once you've reached the vast fields of Nīca, birdwatching is best done from a car, stepping out at certain spots. It’s important to note that birds are generally less disturbed by cars than by approaching people on foot. Do not drive too close to the birds to avoid scaring them away