Lake Burgas is home to nearly 270 bird species, and during migration and wintering more than 100,000 waterbirds gather here. Lying on the Via Pontica migration route, the lake is one of the most important birdwatching sites in Bulgaria. Naturally, bird lovers, photographers and scientists come here.
But birdwatching requires one basic condition: the birds must not be disturbed. That is why in 2018 Ecopark Vaya built several observation points – on land and on the water – positioned to give a good view of the open water, the reed beds and the shores, without observers entering the nesting and feeding areas.
The hides are built of natural materials and blend into the landscape, so that they neither spoil the look of the ecopark nor frighten the birds. Observers can spend hours there in peace while, a few dozen metres away, pelicans, herons, cormorants and ducks carry on with their daily lives.
The hides are used by birdwatchers, photographers, school groups and students. They are also the basis of the ecopark’s educational work – it is hard to explain to a child why wetlands matter, but very easy to show them a pelican through binoculars.
The hides were built with our own funds and labour, without external financing, as part of Ecopark Vaya’s efforts to combine nature conservation with the chance for people to experience nature up close.
Today the hides are among the most visited places in the ecopark. They are a reminder that nature can be shared with people – as long as it is done with respect for its inhabitants.
Project summary
Project: Birdwatching hides
Year: 2018
Location: Ecopark Vaya
Activity: construction of several observation points on land and on the water for watching birds without disturbing nesting and feeding birds
Funding: own funds and volunteer work
Status: completed
Photo: Andrew Hall / Unsplash