Storks
On the rooftops.
FrAnneser — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Zok62 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Fraxinus — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Zok62 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · FrAnneser — CC BY-SA 4.0
Lonjsko Polje is the largest protected wetland in Croatia and in the whole Danube basin, stretching along the Sava river east of the city of Sisak. The village of Čigoč at its western end lies about 67 km southeast of Zagreb in a straight line. The park covers about 506 square kilometres and was declared a nature park in 1998, with its base in the village of Krapje. The Sava floods the plains every winter and spring, so the land works as a natural flood reservoir. Under EU rules it is an Important Bird Area, and Čigoč is known as a stork village for the many nests on its rooftops. Flooded meadows, wet forests and still channels stretch to the horizon, where local Posavina horses and Turopolje pigs graze freely. Traditional oak houses with wooden balconies and tall roofs line the roads, many with white storks nesting on top. Visitors wander the villages, call in at the park centre in Krapje and follow boardwalks between the ponds to watch birds. The best time is April to August, when the storks are on their nests.
On the rooftops.
Built of oak.
Grazing freely.
Along the Sava east of Sisak, Croatia
April to August.
Yes, by car from Zagreb.