Srebarna Nature Reserve

The natural reserve of Srebrna includes a large freshwater lake and its surroundings. Srebrna Lake is the place of residence and nesting of more than 100 species of birds, some of which are rare and endangered. The migration path of many birds flying from Europe to Africa and back passes through the lake.

General information

Srebyrna Lake has an area of 2 km², its maximum depth is 2-2.5 meters. During its existence, it has been threatened with extinction several times. In 1911, a dam was installed on the Danube flowing nearby, since that time the depth of the lake has changed significantly from the initial 6 m. The shores of the lake are mostly swamped or densely crushed by a cable, 5-7 meters high.

On the surface of Lake Srebrna there are reed islets or "cats", they are of completely natural origin, do not drown in the lake and serve as places for bird nests.

• In 1942, the lake became a bird's reserve;
• In 1948, received the status of a bird sanctuary;
• Since 1965, it has been included in the list of European wet zones of special importance;
• Since 1975 it has been a wetland;

The lake is also included in the list of the most important biosphere zones and in the list of important ornithological places in Europe.

Lake Legends

The lake has a rather interesting name - Srebrna, its simplest interpretation is associated with the color of the water surface. Silver water surface - Srebrna. Another version suggests that the name of the lake is associated with the name of the khan. He died on the lake during an unequal battle with the liver. There is also a legend about a boat full of silver, it once swam off the shores of the lake, perhaps it sank in it.

Bird world

And the Austro-Hungarian traveler and scientist Felix Kanits, traveling through these places, called the lake "Eldorado bird", of course, for the diversity of birds living here. Srebrna Lake - the habitat of rare species of birds:

• Curly pelican - popularly bears the name "baba". It differs from pink pelican in its grayish-white color. Kudryavov named because of a kind of plumage on his head, similar to curls or mane. In length reaches a growth of 1.8m, the wingspan to 3 ‐ x meters, feeds on fish, it is noteworthy that he does not dive after it, but catches it by immersing in water partially with his head and beak. Included in the Red Book as « vulnerable » view.
• Karavaika is a small bird of the pelican-shaped squad, has an interesting dark brown color with bronze and dark green cold tide. He lives in packs of up to 100 individuals. Included in the Red King of Russia and Kazakhstan.
• The cap - at birth, the chick has a soft and thick beak, after 5-6 weeks it becomes characteristic of rounded caps. They live feathered in small flocks, adjacent to other species. They feed on larvae, frogs, small fish and crustaceans. The cap is listed in the Red King of Russia and Kazakhstan.
• The clinginging is different species, among which: large white, red and black.

There is a museum on the territory of the Srebrna reserve. Among it is the exhibit — numerous stuffed species of birds living on the lake. On the basis of the museum, various scientific and research works are being conducted.