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Poda
The protected nature area “Poda” is a preferred visiting place for many Bulgarian and foreign tourists, who enjoy the unique Bulgarian nature and its riches. The name of the area comes from the word for wooden raft – “pod”, drawn by rope, which was used to cross the outlet of Mandra Lake until the beginning of 20th century. It’s in the list of 100 national tourist sites. The visitor’s centre has a permanent exhibition, showing the unique biological diversity of the protected area. The bird variety can be observed with specialised optical equipment; the two large terraces and the newly built 7-metre tower allow you to observe the bird undisturbed. The area is a unique nature territory, hosting a huge biological diversity – hundreds of plant, bird, fish, amphibian, reptile and mammal species. All that in only 1 sq. km.
For anyone who’s decided to explore the nature miracles of Bulgaria, the protected area “Poda” is the place you have to visit.
The birds
The most important sight in this incredible nature area is the 265 bird species, turning “Poda” in one of the richest areas in Europe in terms of ornithological significance. Here you can observe the only mixed colony of Eurasian spoonbills and great cormorants along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast; this is the only place they nest in Europe. During the winter, you can observe some world-wide endangered species, such as the pygmy cormorant, the Dalmatian pelican, the white-headed duck and many others. The second largest European migration route, Via Pontica, goes over “Poda”; there are over 250 000 birds flying over it every year. The whole population of the pink pelican, which consists of over 40 000 specimens, as well as thousands of birds of prey, waterfowl and songbirds fly through here.
The animals
Besides birds, the area also houses other extremely rare specimens of Bulgarian nature. This is one of the largest habitats of the eastern four-lined snake – the largest snake in the country, the Etruscan shrew – the smallest mammal in Europe, the exotic coypu and the world-wide endangered otter.
Where is it?
“Poda” is located south of Burgas city centre, along the international road to Sozopol, before the junction to Kraymorie – one of Burgas’ neighbourhoods.
