Dear hikers,
On November 23 we will embark on a new exploration of the protected areas in Sibiu County. This time, we will discover the secrets of a protected area dedicated to the conservation of water birds, called the Natural Reserve – Mândra Ponds.
We will meet in the morning at 9:30 in the Kaufland Veteranilor parking lot (across from Hornbach Sibiu). After a short presentation of the day’s program, we will head by car to the village of Mândra. At the exit of the village, near the lakes, we will park and start our birdwatching hike, observing the wintering waterfowl in this area.
We will walk along the road that follows the embankment of the fish ponds near Mândra. Our first bird observation session will be done with the naked eye, with binoculars, and with a spotting scope provided by the guide. We will also talk about the protected areas nearby: the Mândra Ponds Natural Reserve and the Natura 2000 Site “Podișul Secașelor”.
The wetlands at Mândra have been an important hub for collecting rare aquatic bird species since the 19th century. From 1990 until today, a total of 161 bird species have been identified in this area, 89 of which are nesting species. The guide will share interesting facts about these birds – both the ones that stay in Romania over the winter and those that migrate back starting in April to nest here.
Among the rare species that winter on these lakes, we can mention the common merganser, the red-breasted merganser, the common shelduck, the ruddy shelduck, the little grebe, and the red-breasted goose.
WHERE AND WHEN DO WE MEET?
We will meet in the morning at 9:30 in the Kaufland Veteranilor parking lot (across from Hornbach Sibiu).
ROUTE INFORMATION
Please read the following details carefully:
• Tourists who wish to participate but do not have their own transport to Mândra can contact the tour guide (Mihai Proca – 0720003332) to arrange carpooling.
• The hike is very easy, suitable for all ages and for children aged 6 and above.
Trail details:
Distance: 4 – 6 km
Elevation gain: none
Difficulty: very easy
Duration: approximately 4–5 hours
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
– Water/tea bottle, at least 1 liter
– Snack for a mid-hike break
– Binoculars of any size are welcome
COSTS
80 lei/adult participant. Children between 4 and 14 years old pay a 20 lei participation fee.
GUIDE
Proca Mihai – local and national tourism guide
Contact: 0720-003.332
Note:
– The route configuration and length will be adjusted according to weather conditions and the homogeneity/heterogeneity of the group.
– The organizer (guide) reserves the right to refuse participants who are not appropriately equipped or who have inadequate physical condition.
– Tours are conducted under safe conditions and with a minimum number of participants. The organizer reserves the right to reschedule or cancel tours without prior notice if these conditions are not met.
– Ticket refunds are only provided in case the organizer (guide) cancels the hike.
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By participating in this event, I consent to being photographed. I acknowledge that the photos may be used for promotional purposes, both online and in printed materials, within the “Anii Drumeției” Program to promote it. I declare under my own responsibility that, to the best of my knowledge, I am physically capable of sustained physical effort during hiking events without jeopardizing my health in any way. My participation in this event is entirely voluntary, understanding the associated risks to which I expose myself.
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The “Anii Drumeției” Program is initiated and funded by the Sibiu County Council in collaboration with the Sibiu County Tourism Association. Its main purpose is to improve hiking infrastructure in the county and promote activities specific to ecotourism.
