The wetlands lie hidden amidst intensively farmed land. When traveling in western Sicily and suddenly finding yourself before a still expanse of water framed by reeds and dense undergrowth, everything seems almost unrealistically peaceful for a moment. Only the rhythmic calls of the Hoopoe (Upupa epops) provide a background sound. This is exactly what a visit to the Lago Preola e Gorghi Tondi Nature Reserve feels like. No noise, no hustle and bustle, just the rustling of the wind and a call from somewhere in the thicket. Anyone who stands there quickly realizes: This is no ordinary place, but a refuge for an astonishing variety of bird species.
The Lago Preola e Gorghi Tondi Nature Reserve is located in western Sicily and is characterized by a unique combination of wetlands and Mediterranean vegetation. The waters are dominated by extensive reedbeds and Mediterranean scrubland, which stretches across calcareous slopes. Within the area are five key bodies of water: Lago Preola, Pantano (or Lago) Murana, and the three karst depressions of Gorghi Alto, Medio, and Basso. This geomorphological diversity creates differentiated microhabitats that provide suitable living conditions for numerous animal species.
The habitat is characterized in particular by its transitional structure between open water, marshy areas, and drier scrubland. This mosaic-like landscape fosters high biodiversity. Aquatic plants, reed beds, and dense shrublands provide breeding grounds, cover, and food. The combination of permanent and seasonal water bodies also ensures a continuous availability of resources.
The area’s avifauna is remarkably diverse. Among the waterfowl, various species of ducks (Anatidae), herons (Ardeidae), and waders are regularly encountered. Notable birds include the European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur), Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio), Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), and Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis). Hoopoes and European Bee-eaters (Merops apiaster) also frequently visit. There is a shelter above a lake, the Gorghi Alto karst depression, which would offer a very nice view. Unfortunately, it was heavily overgrown in the spring of 2026. Furthermore, the distances involved are considerable. Otherwise, it is practically impossible to get close enough to the karst depressions for good observation. A real shame. One has to be content with observations far from the shoreline. Therefore, the blog photo wasn’t taken at the karst depressions, but actually comes from another country.
The reserve frequently serves as a roosting site for birds of prey. These include the Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus), the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), occasionally a Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus), and sometimes a Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus).
The seasonal occurrence of bird species is strongly influenced by migration patterns. While some species remain in the area year-round, not this reserve but the nearby wetland of Pantano Leone primarily functions as an important stopover during migration. Numerous migratory birds can be observed in Pantano Leone in spring, particularly in April and May. These include various waders such as Black-winged Stilts (Himantopus himantopus), Wood Sandpipers (Tringa glareola), Common Greenshanks (Tringa nebularia), Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula), Little Ringed Plover (Thinornis dubius), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos), Ruff (Calidris pugnax), Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea), Temminck’s Stint (Calidris temminckii) and even a Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola).
In summer, breeding birds dominate the scene, while in autumn, migratory movements resume. Finally, in winter, the area is primarily home to overwintering waterfowl and several species of birds of prey, highlighting the reserve’s year-round suitability for birdwatching.
In order to meet the growing demand for top images of the rarer species of Palaearctic Bird-lens.com has specifically made trips not only to remote places. Additionally every chance is used, if a rare bird is around the homeground. This to do everything to ensure excellent photos of the Birds of the Western Palearctic. The yield of pictures also of rare Western Palaearctic birds is very good. There are other nice images of birds, that you will find behind the tab “Picture Shop“. Just give a notice if you need a picture of a bird which is not online.