Senianske Rybníky (source: Courtesy of Košice Self-Governing Region)
One of the most important ornithological sites in central Europe, the Senianské Rybníky (Senné Ponds), which covers over 1,490 hectares in eastern Slovakia, now offers even better conditions for birdwatching.
The almost €1 million BirdTour project has brought about a combination of nature and tourism, with the aim of reviving and increasing the attractiveness of the border region around the ponds.
“The Senné Ponds have an international character due to their scientific and conservation significance, and so attract nature lovers and ornithologists not only from all over Slovakia, but also from Europe,” said Rastislav Trnka, head of the Košice Self-Governing Region, as quoted in a press release.
Matej Repel of the SOS/BirdLife Slovakia non-governmental organisation, one of the Slovak-Hungarian project’s partner organisations, noted that in the renovated Avescentre in the village of Senné they have created good conditions for the organisation of eco-educational activities. A building there also serves as a field station and accommodation for ornithologists and volunteers who come to monitor the birds, or to take care of the adjacent meadows and wetlands.
Visitors can rent binoculars and explore this bird paradise, walk along the nature trail and try out the modern interactive elements created on it. A bicycle rental service with a charging station has been set up in the Avescentre. In addition, the project publishes Bird Guide, a book covering ornithological sites in eastern Slovakia in three languages – Slovak, Hungarian and English. A new caravan parking area has also been built on the site.
“The BirdTour project goes beyond simple birdwatching,” said Repel. It provides tourists with a real experience, combined with tangible examples of a comprehensive approach to the conservation and responsible use of natural beauty.
Bird paradise
The Senné wetland near the village of Senné has long attracted countless species of birds, some of which nest there, and others which rest during their migratory flights over the Carpathian ranges. The gathering places of migratory flocks are relatively small areas where a huge number of birds are concentrated in a tiny area.
A whopping 295 bird species have been recorded at the site and in its wider surroundings since the beginning of ornithological observations in Slovakia. 134 species have been documented as breeding at the site.
The occurrence of 43 species of mammals has also been identified, and the area is important for plants native to wetlands and wet meadows, as well as the occurrence of flat-winged warblers, butterflies, fish, amphibians and reptiles. Its scientific and preservation significance has made the site an international one, which is why Senné Ponds attracts nature lovers and ornithologists not only from all over Slovakia, but also from Europe.
