Since 2011, The International Waterbird Census (IWC) in Serbia is coordinated by Bird Study and Protection Society of Serbia. The IWC is coordinated by Wetlands International and it is organized every year in most countries of the world. In 2014 the period of observations was between 10th and 30th of January and the results of waterbird counting had to be provided the IWC until 2nd of February.
Ornithologists from Ornithological work group of Arcus Ecological Association participate in national survey since 2012. On 23rd of January 2014 the whole area of the Zobnatica lake was observed, as well as the Krivaja creek completely to Đurđin. Later, on 28th of January, the Krivaja creek was observed from area near Bačka Topola to Bajša.
Zobnatica lake (Photo: Sihelnik József)
In our observation area the most important waterbird species were the following: Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) 239, Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 194, Common Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) 131, Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) 88, Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 33, Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) 12, Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) 9, Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca) 6, Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) 2, Greylag Goose (Anser anser) 2, Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) 2, Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) 1 and Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus) 1. Totally 720 birds belonging to 13 species were observed. As an interesting fact we mention the Common Snipe observed in the sedimentation pool behind the Topola’s slaughterhouse.