Exciting Birdwatching Spots

Four Birdwatching Spots Near Major Cities

Birdwatching locations are frequently located along nature trails in areas rich with ponds. While many are situated in secluded regions, you can also discover them in close proximity to large cities. One notable example is the birdwatching site located beside Litovický Pond, which is just outside of Prague. Litovický rybník, along with Břevský Pond and Kaly Pond, forms part of the Hostivice Ponds Natural Monument. This area serves as a regular nesting site for various species, including ducks, swans, grebes, and even foxes and hens. During the spring and autumn migrations, you can also spot cormorants, herons, hives, species, gulls, and kingfishers in the skies above.
Another excellent spot for birdwatching can be found along the shores of Heřmanický Pond, nestled within the expansive floodplain of the Odra River near Ostrava. A winding 3 km nature trail runs along its banks, complete with informative signs, resting areas, and a bird observation point that boasts an unobstructed view of the pond and its surrounding area. Additionally, local fishermen have thoughtfully constructed wooden seats within the reeds, connected to the stable banks by long footbridges. There are around 70 of these seats, creating a unique atmosphere reminiscent of distant Asian countries. Moreover, the nearby heap from the former Heřmanice mine, which stopped operations in 1993, presents an unusual yet intriguing sight, although it is currently undergoing gradual decontamination and monitoring.
The third birdwatching haven located just outside the city is the Vrbenské rybníky Nature Reserve, situated on the north-western outskirts of České Budějovice. This area features four large ponds—Černiš, Domín, Starý, and Nový Vrbenský rybník—alongside extensive wetlands and meadows that host a diverse and unique array of flora and fauna. An Educational Trail Along the Dykes of Vrbensko Ponds runs between the ponds, providing visitors the chance to observe numerous bird species. Many birds utilize the reserve as a crucial stop during their migrations between breeding and wintering territories. Also noteworthy is Chomoutov Lake, located near Olomouc, which features a bird observatory perched on its western shore.

Other Birdwatching Locations in Bohemia

A key ornithological site in North Bohemia and the broader Czech Republic is Novozámecký Pond, situated near the village of Gardens within the Českolipsko region. Experts have been monitoring this pond for over a century, documenting more than two hundred twenty bird species, of which around one hundred are known to reside and nest here year-round. There is also a bird observatory available, which was deliberately placed along a convenient path by the pond’s shore for easy access.
Another notable location is the Bohdaneč Pond located on the outskirts of Pardubice, specifically in the Spa town of Bohdaneč. Along with the nearby Mother Pond, it is a remnant of a medieval pond system that dates back to the 16th century, which is fed by the artificially constructed Opatovice Canal. The ornithological observatory on Polák Island has been a well-known landmark, often visited during local events like the Welcome of Birdsong, Insect Festival, Bird Festival, and Earth Day celebrations. The old observatory has since been decommissioned and replaced by a new, eight-metre high structure made from oak and larch, featuring a reed roof. This new venue not only serves birdwatchers but also welcomes spa guests and visitors looking to observe rare species such as waders, great buzzards, blue warblers, lapwings, ducks, swans, and cranes.
In Františkovy Lázně, the parks connect with a forest park beside Amerika Pond, which hosts a bioreserve filled with various bird species. A bird observatory is located on the northern bank of the pond. The islet in the center of the water serves as both a nesting site and a stopover for a multitude of water birds, including the common gull, black guillemot, grebes, common spoonbill, common teal, common moorhen, common coot, meadow pipit, Central European blue warbler, as well as diverse ducks, swans, and cormorants. Nearby, the Josefské meadows close to Jaroměř feature a unique system over a hundred years old that manages groundwater levels. This system allows the meadows to retain wetlands vital for restoring wetland birds to regions previously inundated in the Metuje floodplain. The park includes ornithological observatories and informative signs. Since 2018, the meadows have also been home to wild horses, which help to preserve the necessary environment for wetland birds in grassland settings.

…and in Moravia

Another excellent location for both experts and enthusiasts is the Bird Observatory at Troubecký Lake, accessible by taking a turn off the road connecting Tovačov and Troubkami. This pond serves as a critical migratory stop and winter refuge for waterfowl, with the most fascinating viewing occurring during the transition between autumn and winter, as rare visitors like waders, turnstones, or hoopoes arrive. In the spring and summer seasons, you can see terns nesting on floating concrete islands. Another ornithological observatory can be discovered in the nearby town of Chropyně at the shore of the Chateau Pond, where you can observe protected species including Black-necked Grebes or the elusive Black-headed Gull. Additionally, the northern song swan, known as Zpěvanka to ornithologists, is frequently spotted here.
A lovely bird observatory has been established at an artificially created wetland biotope in Kozmice, situated in the Opava region. The Kozmice meadows suffered damage from unsustainable farming practices in the past, and current conservation efforts aim to restore them to their original conditions. Progress is being made, and after many years, rare protected bird species such as the white egret, white-tailed eagle, black stork, and meadow pipit have begun to flourish again. Visitors can watch these remarkable birds from a seven-metre high observation tower, which is accessed via a discreet path lined with reeds and canals.
For those interested in observing birds, beavers, and otters, there is also a viewpoint located at the Choryňská stráž nature trail in Wallachia. This trail meanders through orchards, flowering meadows, and oak forests, with a portion of it following the banks of the Bečva River. You can easily combine your visit with a trip to the nearby castle and park located in Lešné, which is situated less than five kilometers from Choryně.

Explore Birdwatching in the Czech Republic

1. Why Birdwatching?

Birdwatching is a beloved outdoor activity that invites you to connect with nature by observing birds in their native environment.

2. Key Birdwatching Sites

• Litovický rybník

  • Habitat: Freshwater pond

  • Species: Ducks, swans, pochards, grebes, coots, cormorants, herons, egrets, lapwings, gulls, kingfishers

• Heřmanický Pond

  • Features: Elevated wooden perches nestled in reeds (evocative of Asian landscapes)

  • Trails: Scenic nature path surrounding the observatory

• Vrbenské rybníky

  • Landscape: Extensive wetlands and meadows

  • Biodiversity: Rich variety of birdlife and plant species, crucial habitat for migratory and resident birds

3. What to Expect

• Facilities: Designated observatories and viewing platforms

• Amenities: Informational signage, walking trails, and benches

• Best Times: Dawn and dusk—when birds are most active

Pack your binoculars, bring a field guide, and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Czech avifauna!