Swamp Palud (Palu) is special ornithological reserve located 10 km southeast of the town of Rovinj. The total area of the reserve is 20 hectares. The basic phenomenon of the swamp Palud is the variety and richness of ornithophans, especially the swampfish at the time of nesting, wintering and migratory movements. This swamp was created by the ice melting from smaller streams.
In the early 20 century the Austro Hungarian army digged a canal to connect the swamp with the sea because they belived they would stop the malaria desease. Doing this they changed the swamps fauna, so today there can be found also some sea species.
In the rainy periods the swamp size is 20 hectares and during the dry periods 2 hectars, but it never dries out because of it’s conection to the sea.
The swamp is surrounded by a thick vegatation of oaks and a willow forest on the northern part. The water is rich on plankton and its a habitat for eels, turtles and many others animals.
The Palud swamp is the only ornithological reservation in whole Istria and it’s a natural habitat for around 200 bird species such as pheasants, partridge, ducks, coots, grebes, quail, snipe, warbler, golden orioles, woodpeckers, pipits, shrike …
The territory is espetially ineressting for the bird apassionates. The track from Bale to Palud is well marked, indicated and leads to the swamps observatory wood house. The swamp can be visited by foot or by bicycle on the 3, 5 km long track.
You can observe the birds inside the wooden obsevatory house using binocular and photographic equipment. For all the lovers of birdwatching – this is the ideal place. At the infocenter there is a permanent exposition of photoghraphs of all the birds and animals that live in the swamp. A path starting from the Palud swamp leads to the beach Palud.
It is very intersting that inside the reserve there are the remainings of the St. Damian church which was buildt in the 11. century. Also, there has been a rumors that the Pope Alexander the 3th visited this chucrch and conduct a mass.
Visiting the special ornithological reserve Palud – Palù is possible throughout the whole year and the entrance is free. Bird watching (birdwatching / birding) with expert guidance for groups up to eight people (per group) for two hours is agreed upon prior announcement.
ADULTS 50,00 kn / person
CHILDREN up to 15 years 40,00 kn / child
Bird watching equipment is included in the price.
The Palud Ornithological Reserve is closed for motor vehicles and its strictly prohibited to delay any kind of waste inside the reserve. While being in the reserve, please do not be loud because the noise can scare the birds.
