Western Shore of Lake Liepāja
Access: The route is located on the western shore of Lake Liepāja. Leaving Liepāja city, at the city border, turn left from the A11 highway Liepāja-Klaipėda and drive 2 km to the village of Grīnvalti. It is recommended to continue the rest of the route by bicycle or on foot to avoid disturbing the birds and other wildlife in the area.
Parking: Cars can be conveniently parked in the parking lot at the southern city boundary of Liepāja or in suitable places along the roadside, following traffic rules.
Distance and Time: The route length is 17 km. Hiking on foot will take the whole day, so the route can be divided into shorter sections or done by bicycle. By bicycle, approximately 4 hours.
Special Notes: None.
Signs and Facilities: None.
Public Transport: None.
Nearby Routes: "Ezerkrasts," "Liepājas dienvidu mols," "Jūrmalciems."
The western shore of Lake Liepāja is a good place to watch waterfowl and farmland birds. The landscape is very diverse, and from the dam, the lake is well visible in several places. During migration, Lake Liepāja is an important resting and feeding site for waterfowl, especially for the corncrake, mute swan, tufted duck, garganey, and great bittern. A total of 187 bird species have been observed along the route.
-
Maiļrags. To the north of Maiļrags is a large colony of common terns. The gull species attract other bird species, and near the colony, corncrakes, garganeys, tufted ducks, and shovelers also nest. During spring migration, it is possible to observe the great crested grebe, little tern, great reed warbler, black-headed gull, black tern, and common gull.
-
Dam near Ezerlīči. It is possible to observe the marsh tit, white-cheeked tit, citrine wagtail, meadow pipit, reed bunting, and reed warbler. On one side of the dam are meadows, and on the other side are reed beds and aquatic vegetation swamps, where ducks and tits nest.
-
Fields north of Reiņu forest. During migration, rough-legged buzzards, woodcocks, golden plovers, cranes, and quails stay here. During the nesting period – brown hawk-owl, little bittern, wood goose, kestrel, and red-backed shrike.
Season:
Bird species can be observed throughout the year during daylight hours. The best time for night hikes is from April to July, for observing woodcocks, reed birds, and cuckoos.
Mode of Movement:
The route can be explored on foot throughout the year. When walking, it is advisable to divide the route into shorter sections. In spring, summer, and autumn, cycling is also possible. Some parts of the route are not passable by bicycle.
Bird List of Dienvidkurzeme_for print