Bolon Nature Reserve, Wetland reserve in Khabarovsk Krai, Russia
Bolon Nature Reserve is a vast wetland complex in the Middle Amur lowlands where swampland dominates the landscape alongside interconnected lakes and waterways. The reserve encompasses a sprawling network of reed beds, shallow water bodies, and muddy terrain that defines its ecology.
The reserve was established in 1997 as one of the first major protected areas in Russia's Far East. Its designation as a Ramsar site later acknowledged its global importance for wetland conservation.
The Nanai people living in nearby settlements maintain fishing and hunting practices that have shaped how they relate to these wetlands for centuries. Their presence in the region reflects a deep connection between indigenous communities and this natural environment.
The best times to visit are during spring and autumn migration seasons when bird watching is most rewarding. Visitors follow marked walking routes that navigate the wetland safely without straying into fragile areas.
The wetland becomes a junction point for millions of migrating birds each year, including rare species like Far Eastern cranes and sea eagles that only appear seasonally. This seasonal spectacle of bird movement defines the reserve's natural rhythm.
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