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 2023 the period of observations was between 10th and 30th of January and the results of waterbird counting had to be provided the IWC until 10th of February.
Zobnatica lake (Photo: Sihelnik József)
Ornithologists from Ornithological work group of Arcus Ecological Association participate in national survey since 2012. This year, the activities took part from 14th till 15th January. The whole area of the Zobnatica lake was observed, as well as the Krivaja creek completely to Đurđin. Later the Krivaja creek was observed from area near Bačka Topola to Bajša.
In our observation area the most important waterbird species were the following: Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 547, Common Crane (Grus grus) 394, Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) 205, Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 54, Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) 33, Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca) 29, Common Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) 22, Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) 14, Gadwall (Anas strepera) 13, Greylag Goose (Anser anser) 8, Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) 7, Great Egret (Egretta alba) 7, Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus) 7, Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) 6, Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) 5, Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) 5, Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) 4, Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans) 3, Eurasian Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus) 3, White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) 1, White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) 1, Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) 1 and Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) 1. Totally 1370 birds belonging to 23 species were observed.