Széki nádas, Nature reserve in Cluj County, Romania
Széki nádas is a nature reserve with approximately 220 hectares of reed beds, representing Romania's second largest reed expanse after the Danube Delta. The entire reserve covers roughly 500 hectares and includes marshland, open water, and dense reedbeds supporting diverse wildlife.
In the 15th century, the reserve's current location held an artificial fish pond owned by a local nobleman, Oswardus Italicus. Over time, this water body transformed into the extensive wetland that exists today.
The reed beds provide critical stopover habitat for migratory birds passing through twice yearly, along with nesting sites for year-round residents. Visitors can observe this bird activity from designated viewing platforms.
A built wooden walkway leads through the reed beds, allowing safe observation from platforms without disturbing protected wildlife. Spring and autumn migrations bring the most diverse bird activity, making these seasons ideal for visiting.
The reserve supports ten amphibian species ranging from Yellow-bellied Toads to Marsh Frogs, creating a complete food chain within the wetland ecosystem. This diversity makes the site valuable for studying how European wetlands function and evolve.
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