In 2024, as part of the LIFE TRŠCA project, we at DOPPS conducted the first census of reed birds to determine how they were doing, what the initial situation was, and how they were distributed. The water level in 2024 was not particularly favorable for us. At the beginning, it was too high, and towards the end, a sharp rise of more than one meter made it impossible to follow the census protocols. Nevertheless, we walked more than 20 kilometers across the lake bed twice and collected many interesting observations and findings.
During surveys along routes that covered a variety of habitats, we mainly recorded expected species. Among the 44 recorded species, we counted 27 nesting birds and six more nesting birds in the vicinity of the project area. As expected, the most numerous were mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and sedge warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus), but other species did not disappoint either. Lake Cerknica has once again confirmed the exceptional importance of the area for diverse species associated with reed beds, such as the great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus), water, such as the coot (Fulica atra), or other wetland habitats, such as the common reed bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus). Parts of the survey routes that crossed reed beds recorded almost 100 pairs of six species specialized for reed beds. The quality of the reed beds is clearly reflected in the good condition of the populations. It is therefore not surprising that reed bed species reached their highest densities in the area of the old Žerovniščica riverbed, where the combination of healthy reed beds and water windows provides a particularly favorable environment for these species.
In contrast, we recorded approximately 300 pairs of ten species associated with more open wetland environments, mainly in the Ribjekov and Predblatnice areas. In addition to the sedge wabler, which is the most numerous representative of this group, the yellow wagtail (Motacilla flava) and the reed bunting also contributed significantly, together accounting for almost 100 pairs. The third group comprised aquatic species, i.e., species that can only nest in areas with sufficient water. The most numerous species in this group is the mallard, with the coot and the great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus) also making a significant contribution.
Among the species that further enriched the inventory, we can also include the common merganser (Mergus merganser), the eurasian spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), and the very late common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula).
The contribution was prepared by the Slovenian Society for the Observation and Study of Birds (DOPPS).
The implementation of extensive nature conservation projects exceeds the financial capacity of the local community, therefore Notranjska Park regularly applies for projects with the possibility of co-financing by the European Union.
The implementation of large-scale conservation projects exceeds the financial capabilities of the local community, therefore Notranjska Park regularly applies for projects with the possibility of co-financing from the European Union.
