Birdwatching in Vrana National Park

While in Sveti Filip we biked to the Vrana National Park. This is Croatia’s largest natural lake. After many days of cycling the kids had opted for a day off at the beach and we cycled by ourselves. Instructions at the start of our tour were a bit fuzzy so we lost some time navigating through Biograd but after that it was fine. There were 2 alternative routes and we opted for an off road section. This turned out to be very bumpy so half way we decided to follow the remainder of the on road alternative which turned out to be on a very road with no bike lane at all. But we made it in one piece to the national park. We stopped at the ornitology reserve where you can walk along a part of the lake with some view points and explanations about the birds that can be seen. It was hot and the park being a lake there was no shade at all. Luckily the signed route is not too long as I was wearing bike shoes and had to carry the bike bag as well. This did not contain our binoculars which we forgot at our hotel. To make the most out of a visit to the park you should bring a pair of binoculars or even a telescope. Many birds can be seen depending on the season. We saw a couple of little egrets, a purple heron and cormorants. Other birds we could not identify with the naked eye. Worth a stop if you are in the neighbourhood and if you like birds and have your gear with you you will be rewarded with many sightings. There is also a viewpoint at the other side of the lake on a hill which is recommended but we didn’t feel up to the task anymore to attempt the steep climb by bike after many hours in the hot sun.