The Herons are back to Kardzhali!

Early April, the first herons returned to the Heron colony on the Arda island in Kardzhali and began to prepare for the breeding season.

In Kardzhali Heron colony nest Little Egret, Little Bittern, Night Heron and Pigmy Cormorant. In May 2012 Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) started nesting as well in this colony. So far, the Squacco Heron - listed as an endangered species in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria - was registered only as migratory species in the Eastern Rhodopes.

The mixed heron colony in Kardzhali is the only Bulgarian colony located inside a city. As an island of biodiversity in the city center it is extremely attractive to the local people, eco-tourists and nature lovers.

Read here about the birds in the Eastern Rhodopes