HUTOVO BLATO NATURE RESERVE

Created in 1995, this protected area (Park Prirode Hutovo Blato) covers 74 km2. Located on the main axis of passage of migratory birds between Asia, Africa and Western Europe, this wetland is the largest ornithological reserve in the country. Since 2001, it is listed in the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

Hydrography. The "Hutovo Marsh" is a marshy area, fed by the underground network of the Krupa River. This complex ecosystem also includes Svitavsko Lake (10 km2) in the south and Deransko Lake (3.7 km2) in the center. It is the latter that gives birth to the Krupa. This small tributary of the Neretva (9 km long) has the particularity of flowing in both directions: when the waters of the Neretva are too strong, in winter, they push the Krupa towards the lake. This strange phenomenon, however, is disturbed by the Čapljina hydroelectric power plant created in 1979 on the Neretva and by recently installed dams upstream.

Birds. Hutovo Blato concentrates up to 10,000 birds at one time at certain periods. In addition to the sedentary species, there are more than 240 migratory species that come here to stopover, winter or nest. The pygmy cormorant(Microcarbo pygmaeus) dominates, accompanied by ducks, herons, egrets and grebes. Note in particular the sickle ibis(Plegadis falcinellus), which nests high up near the water, the ruddy sparrow(Netta rufina), a duck not very common in Europe, or the common fighter(Philomachus pugnax), which sometimes invades the sky in large flocks. The Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) is known for its elaborate courtship display. Among the birds of prey, the marsh harrier(Circus aeruginosus) and the short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus) should be noted.

Activities. Access to the reserve closes at 3 pm, but you can stay as long as you want. The place is roughly organized but equipped with educational panels and observation posts (binoculars can be rented at the reception). It is also possible to fish there (10 KM/day), to ride a bike (15 KM/3h) or a kayak (10 KM/3h), but also to sleep there: either in huts without water or electricity (10 KM/person), or in the Motel Park. To observe the birds, several options are available on foot or by boat (60/200 KM). It is better to reserve in order to have an English-speaking guide.