At the north-eastern edge of the Pomeranian region lies a place that - in addition to its obvious recreational charm - hides a true natural phenomenon. The Vistula Lagoon was formed several thousand years ago when shallow coastal waters of the Baltic Sea created a sandy barrier that separated the low-lying areas of the Vistula Delta from the open sea. The Lagoon became a place full of life…
Cormorants resting on the Vistula Lagoon, photo: P.K. Mierzeja Wiślana
Today, this sandy barrier is known as the Vistula Spit. The Lagoon, with its unique hydrological conditions and lush vegetation, has become one of the most important bird habitats in northern Europe. Some bird species pass through during migration, while others take advantage of the exceptional conditions to raise their chicks here.
The Bird World of the Lagoon
The Vistula Lagoon is first and foremost one of the largest breeding sites in Europe for the great cormorant – a predatory bird that, just a century ago, was threatened with extinction. Today, large colonies thrive here, and their presence has become a symbol of this region.
Alongside them, you can also spot grey herons, red-crested pochards, greylag geese, shelducks, shovelers, great crested grebes, black-headed gulls, reed warblers, and majestic white-tailed eagles. The list goes on – over 150 bird species nest in the Lagoon and nearby Lake Drużno area.
On the marshy edges of the Lagoon, you might encounter bitterns, little bitterns, white storks, garganeys, and teals. The Lagoon also lies on the migration route of the smew, greater white-fronted goose, bean goose, pintail, tufted duck, pochard, and little gull – making this area a true avian crossroads of continents.
Cormorant over the Vistula Lagoon, photo: PKMW
A Year in the Life of the Birds
Spring – Season of Courtship
Spring is the most intense and colorful time of year for birds. The entire coastal belt of the Lagoon, especially Elbląg Bay and the Pasłęka River estuary, becomes the stage for a spectacular natural performance.
The main attraction are the cormorant colonies in Kąty Rybackie, where the air literally vibrates with the flutter of wings and the chorus of bird calls.
Just watch out for the rain of… guano – bird droppings – it’s part of the experience!
In the western part of the Lagoon, the mating songs of spotted crakes, reed warblers, bitterns, and reed buntings fill the air – a true symphony of nature, unlike anything else.
Summer – Quiet Season of Nurturing
In summer, birdlife slows down. It’s the season of raising chicks, and birds become shy and harder to spot. This is the best time to simply listen to the silence of the reed beds and observe their daily rituals from a respectful distance.
Autumn – The Great Migration
Autumn brings another breathtaking spectacle. Hundreds of thousands of birds set off on their long journey south, and the Vistula Lagoon becomes one of their key stopovers.
The largest concentrations can be seen around the Elbląg Canal, the bay near Kąty Rybackie, and the mouth of the Nogat River.
Excellent viewpoints for watching the massive flights include the hills near Piaski and Krynica Morska on the Vistula Spit.
Winter – Time of Distant Guests
Even in winter, the Lagoon doesn’t lose its magic. During the colder months, you can observe large flocks of waterbirds, including Canada geese – visitors from North America.
The composition of wintering species depends on temperature: in milder winters, many more arrive, creating a fascinating spectacle on the frozen waters.
Great egret over the Vistula Lagoon, photo: W.Woch
Birdwatching in Practice
Birdwatching at the Vistula Lagoon is best combined with outdoor recreation. Local cycling routes run along the edges of bird sanctuaries, allowing you to enjoy nature without disturbing it.
A great option is the Krynica Morska – Kąty Rybackie route (16 km) that runs through the Vistula Spit. To the west of Krynica, between Przebrno and Skowronki, there’s a viewpoint overlooking the Gulf of Gdańsk, and another one near the mouth of the Królewiecka Vistula, offering a panorama of the Lagoon’s western shores.
When heading out birdwatching, remember to dress appropriately – rubber boots, waders, or waterproof trousers will make it easier to move through the wetlands. And above all – bring binoculars, a camera, and patience.
Shelduck - inhabitants of the Vistula Lagoon, photo: I.Florczyk
Why Visit?
The Vistula Lagoon is not only a sanctuary for birds but also a space where humans can truly feel the rhythm of nature. In spring, it enchants with movement and sound; in summer – with calm; in autumn – with the power of migration; and in winter – with its serene silence.
It’s one of those places that help us understand how close the worlds of humans and wings really are.
More About Birdwatching
- Birdwatching in Pomerania – The Most Beautiful Birdwatching Spots
- Vistula Estuary Sanctuary and the Reserves “Ptasi Raj” and “Mewia Łacha” (Birdwatching)
- Puck Bay and the Beka Nature Reserve (Birdwatching)
- Hidden Pomerania – Walking through the Beka Reserve
- Słowiński National Park (Birdwatching)
- Bird Migration on the Vistula Spit – Avian Highways over the Baltic
- Birdwatching Viewpoints
