BIRDWATCHING HOLIDAY - 8 DAY GUIDED TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 5 - Hutovo Blato Marshlands
Hutovo Blato Marshlands is a karstic wetland ecosystem located in the lower Neretva River basin of south-eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina. The marshlands cover approximately 7,400 hectares and represent one of the most significant remaining Mediterranean wetland complexes in the Balkans. Hydrologically, the system is primarily fed by subterranean karst springs. Seasonal fluctuations in water level create a dynamic mosaic of habitats, including permanent and intermittent lakes, reedbeds, wet meadows and riparian forest.
Hutovo Blato Marshlands
From an ornithological perspective, Hutovo Blato Marshlands is a key node on the Adriatic Flyway, serving both as a migratory stopover and a wintering site. The area is designated as both an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a Ramsar site, reflecting its international conservation value.
Hutovo Blato Marshlands
Biodiversity extends beyond avifauna: the marshlands contain diverse assemblages of fish (including endemic Neretva species), amphibians, reptiles, and wetland-dependent invertebrates. The vegetation structure displays typical Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean wetland characteristics, while the underlying karst hydrology creates unusually clear waters and sharp ecological gradients over short spatial scales.
Hutovo Blato Marshlands
This raised bank leads us through the marshlands, perfectly placed between two rich habitats. On the left, a slow-flowing river bordered by willow trees; on the right, a wide lake edged with reedbeds. It’s one of the best places here to watch a variety of marshland birds.
Hutovo Blato Marshlands
Great Crested Grebe
Podiceps cristatus
Hutovo Blato Marshlands
Comprising swamps, lakes, wet meadows, and riverine forest, it provides favourable conditions for many wetland species.
White-tailed Eagle
Haliaetus albicilla
Hutovo Blato Marshlands
Flooded Meadows in Spring.Mediterranean Gull
Ichthyaetus melanocephalus
Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellus
Hutovo Blato Marshlands
Whiskered Tern
Chlydonias hybrida
Hutovo Blato Marshlands
Hutovo Blato Marshlands
Flooded Meadows in Spring.
Marsh Harrier ♂
Circus aeruginosus
Hutovo Blato Marshlands
Pygmy Cormorants and Squacco Herons often feed in channels between the reeds.
Ferruginous Duck ♂ & ♀
Aythya nyroca
Hutovo Blato Marshlands
Flooded Meadows in Spring.
Pygmy Cormorant
Microcarbo pygmeus
Red-crested Pochard ♂
Netta rufina
Red-crested Pochard ♀
Netta rufina
Hutovo Blato Marshlands
Great Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus arundinaceus
Scarce Chaser ♂
Libellula fulva
Scarce Chaser ♀
Libellula fulva
Teal ♂
Anas crecca
Purple Heron
Ardea purpurea
Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibis
Hutovo Blato Marshlands
A group of birdwatchers scans the marshlands for birds. Raised ground gives them wide views over the reedbeds and open water.
Black-crowned Night Heron
Nycticorax nycticorax
Penduline Tit
Remiz pendulinus
Lapwing
Vanellus vanellus
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellis
Great White Egret
Ardea alba
Garganey
Spatula querquedula
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucos
Mallard ♀
Anas platyrhynchos
Neretva river
Neretva River by Hutovo Blato marshlands.Common Nightingale
Luscinia megarhynchos
Spoonbill
Platalea leucorodia
Avocet
Recurvirostra avosettaFlooded meadows in the Hutovo Blato marshlands create ideal feeding and resting grounds for migrating birds such as Avocets.
