Irzhavets

On the eastern shore of the reservoir the Irzhavets river enters the lake through a small but distinct backwater. The water is slow, the banks are lined with reeds and willows, and quiet channels hide among the shrubs. This is one of the points on the route where you can clearly see the river valley opening into the open water of Supii.

In spring reed warblers sing over the shallows, white wagtails work the water's edge, and ducks and mute swans hold on the open patches. In autumn flocks of gulls and terns move through, and grey herons stand in the shallows. On calm days this is an easy place to watch birds from one spot without walking far from the road.

Practical tips

• Best in spring and autumn, when migrants pause on the exposed shallows.
• Parts of the bank are overgrown. Open stretches near the inlet give the clearest views.
• Move slowly and listen to the scrub. Small birds often reveal themselves by voice first.

Best season: April–May and August–October