Palud near Rovinj: birdwatching in the wetland reserve
Palud is a wetland reserve south of Rovinj with a hide beside the trail. Its birdlife changes with migration, breeding and wintering seasons.
MoreBirdwatching near Bale
At Palud near Rovinj, you can watch birds almost all year. Spring and autumn migration bring different species from those present in the breeding season.
Palud Bird Reserve is a destination for a trip from Bale to observe wetland birds. A hide beside the path lets you watch birds on the water from cover. Around 230 species have been recorded across the reserve over the years. This is a cumulative total, not the number to expect on a single visit.
Choosing when to visit Palud
Spring migration runs from late February to late April, followed by the breeding season from May to mid-July. Young waders begin moving on afterwards. Autumn passage extends from September to the end of December, while January offers the chance to watch wintering birds. For a first visit, choose the morning, when birds are more active, and allow time to stay in one spot.
Binoculars and watching without disturbance
Binoculars help you make out feather and bill details without approaching a bird. Alongside a field guide, short notes on size, behaviour and calls can help with identification. A call often reveals a bird you cannot yet see among the vegetation.
Stay on the path and approach the hide quietly. Keep away from nests and do not make birds take flight for a photograph. Watch from a distance at which they continue feeding or resting. Disturbance during the breeding season can interrupt the feeding of chicks.