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 2025 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 17th till 27th January. The whole area of the Bačkotopolsko lake was observed, as well as the Krivaja creek completely to Đurđin. Also, the Krivaja creek was observed from Bačka Topola to Bajša and on to Lovćenac (which belongs to Municipality of Mali Iđoš) and the whole area of the artificial accumulation lake “Krivaja”.
In our observation area the most important waterbird species were the following: Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 1203, Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca) 135, Common Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) 53, Common Crane (Grus grus) 42, Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) 40, Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) 38, Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 23, Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) 11, Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) 10, Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus) 6, Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) 5, Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) 5, Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) 4, Greylag Goose (Anser anser) 2, Great Egret (Ardea alba) 2, White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) 2, Eurasian Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus) 2, Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) 1 and Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) 1. Totally 1585 birds belonging to 19 species were observed.