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 2026 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 16th till 21st 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) 758, Common Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) 125, Common Crane (Grus grus) 121, White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) 87, Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) 35, Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) 33, Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 19, Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) 16, Smew (Mergellus albellus) 13, Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) 12, Great Egret (Ardea alba) 7, Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) 6, Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus) 5, White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) 3, Caspian Yellow-legged Gull (Larus cachinnans) 3, Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) 2, Eurasian Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus) 2, Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 1, Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) 1, Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) 1 and Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) 1. Totally 1251 birds belonging to 21 species were observed.