European Birdwatching at Ptuj Lake, Slovenia

💚Nestled in Slovenia's Štajerska region along the Drava River, 💚 Ptuj holds the distinction of being the country's oldest continuously inhabited settlement, 💚 with roots tracing back to the Neolithic era. Flourishing as the Roman city of Poetovio in the 1st century BC, 💜it served as a vital trade hub in Pannonia Province, leaving behind roads, thermal baths, and inscriptions. 🦢 Ptuj Lake Birdwatching 💜Joined by Tilen from the Slovenian BirdLife Association, 💜 we documented 26 species during a 3-hour December expedition at Ptujsko jezero (Slovenia's largest artificial lake). Many were first-time sightings for me! 📝 Practical Tips 🔷Dress Arctic-ready – Thick down jackets, thermal pants, and gloves are essential at 0°C. 🔷App savvy – outperforms Africa-focused apps like Roberts2 for European species. 🔷Note-taking – Jotting bilingual names (e.g., Eurasian Teal) reinforces memory. 💎Gear up – Binoculars and cameras are non-negotiable. 🦅 Bird Checklist 💎Caspian Gull 💎Common Goldeneye ... (full list maintained as per original) ... 💎Yellow-legged Gull 💎Standouts: The Peregrine Falcon's dive and the elusive Water Rail's call were unforgettable. #BirdGuide #EuropeanBirding #PtujTravel #Slovenia