Senoji Rusnė ir Nemuno senvagė

• Main Author: Raudonikis, Liutauras
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: Lithuanian; English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: Whooper Swan
• Online Access: http://lmavb.lvb.lt/LMAVB:ELABAPDB5841328&prefLang=en_US

The site was designated as IBA in 2000 and as the Ornithological Reserve in 2004. Since 2004 the site also has SPA status for the protection of the spring staging areas of Whooper Swan and White-fronted Goose as well as breeding populations of Corncrake and Black Tern. The flooded meadows are important as a staging area of the wa-terbirds and breeding site of Corncrake while the lakes are important for breeding terns. Since 2004 Black Tern (>100 pairs), Whiskered Tern (15-25 pairs) and White-winged Tern (> 10 pairs) breeding regularly. In spring 2009, numerous congregations of the Pintail have been recognized as well as important bottleneck-site for migratory geese and gulls (migrating to the important staging sites in the Nemunas delta). Besides, an important staging area of both non-breeding (mostly imm) and breeding raptors has been identified in summer 2009. During non-regular birdwatching trips in June-August, 13 raptors species observed, including Pallid and Hen Harriers, Red Kite, Red-footed Falcon, etc. The number of the Lesser Spotted Eagle during certain trip exceeds 50 observed birds. Numerous breeding population of the Montagus Harrier has been identified there too.