The Poda Nature Preserve

Poda protected Area is one of the richest ornithological areas in Europe, providing a habitat for 290 bird species. The Via Pontica, Europe’s second largest flyway for migratory birds, passes directly over the Poda Preserve, and every year brings populations of White Storks (Ciconia ciconia), Great White Pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus), and thousands of other birds – predators, swimmers, and waders. The Poda Preservation Center undertakes year-round research on migratory birds, but the best time to observe them is during the months of March, April, August, and September. The Poda Nature Center is also open year-round, and houses permanent displays dedicated to the preserve’s and the region’s biodiversity. The center has special viewing equipment, such as high-quality binoculars and spyglasses (hand-held telescopes), and professional ornithologists are available to lecture on various topics related to the work of the preserve. Lectures are in Bulgarian, English, German, and Russian. There is a two-story terrace to view the preserve’s many bird species, free informative brochures in six languages, and open-air interactive displays. There is also an eco-trail in the Poda Preserve with bird-watching shelters, a well-stocked ornithological library, and an exhibition hall that mounts temporary displays on topics related to the center’s activities. Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds / BirdLife Bulgaria (BSPB) has assigned with management of the Nature Conservation Centre (NCC) Poda. For more information: http://bspb.org/poda/en/index.html