News

Currently, 360 species of wild fowl have been recorded in Latvia. 187 bird species have nested in the nature park of Lake Engure, whereas during the migration period, almost all species of migrating birds recorded in Latvia can be observed here, as certain bird groups have chosen this area for molting, resting from migration, feeding or as wintering site.

Meanwhile, more than 250 bird species have been recorded in the Ķemeri National Park; it is the home of such rare bird species as black storks, sea eagles, eagles and small torques.

Are you going to observe nature and birds? Binoculars are required on this journey ...

The Big Ķemeri Bog Trail and Observation Tower

The footbridge of the Large Ķemeri M oorland will take you into a world of moss, bog pines, pools in the marsh, dark lakelets accompanied with the scent of marsh teas. Attentive visitors will be able to find the insectivorous plant – sundew, various birds – marsh sandpiper, white wagtail, tree pipit and, with some luck, hear crane in the distance. The "big circle" route has an observation tower. Address: "Tīreļi", Slampe parish, Tukums region. Phone: 67730078, 26424972, www.kemerunacionalaisparks.lv

Dunduri (Gadfly) Meadows

In the meadows of Dunduri is possible to view Polski Konik breed horses and auroch cows. The most heart-warming the herds of these large animals are during the summer time, when the newly born foals and calves join the pack. For the convenience of visitors, a parking lot has been built next to the meadows of Dunduri. A 5-metre-tall watchtowers has also been erected, and information stands have been set up with information about wild birds and animals in that part of Kemeri national park. Address: Slampe parish, Tukums region. Phone: 67730078, 26424972, www.kemerunacionalaisparks.lv

Bird Observation Tower of Lake Kaņieris

The bird watch tower at Lake Kaņieris, which was erected with the support from CEMEX, is located on the Rieksti peninsula on Lake Kaņieris and allows examining a large part of Lake Kaņieris. When you are at the top of the watchtower, pay attention to the cormorant colony – they are settled in a group of white trees to the south-west of the tower, whereas on the west side you can see the forests of the national park nature reserve, where you can perhaps see a soaring sea eagle. If you are not keen of watching birds, it is worth visiting the watchtower to enjoy the lake scenery, swans and elegancy of the great egret. Address: Lapmežciems parish, Engure region. Phone: 67730078, 26424972, www.kemerunacionalaisparks.lv

Castle Mound and Nature Trail of Lake Kaņieris

The trail (1.5 km) takes you through a forest and a marsh to the Kaņieris castle mound. On the way, it crosses a stone bulwark that, possibly, was a part of the castle mound. The historians still cannot agree on how old the Kaņieris castle mound is and who its residents were. Some believe that it is ancient tribal settlement, while others think that it was used by pirates to attack ships. The trail ends with an observation tower, from which you can see the lake and watch the birds. Address: Lapmežciems parish, Engure region. Phone: 67730078, 26424972, www.kemerunacionalaisparks.lv

Kupskalni Nature Trail

The Kupskalni nature trail takes you to the sea in Bigauņciems. The wooden footpath running along the banks of the Siliņupe River and tree-covered dunes takes you to the wide sandy beach next to the old breakwater. The trail is 0.4 km long. W ater birds like mallards, coots, grey heron among others can very often be seen in Siliņupe. The footpath and its final section on the beach is especially breath-taking during the sunrise – in this part of the Riga Bay, the sun is rising "from the sea". Address: Lapmežciems parish, Engure region. Phone: 67730078, 26424972, www.kemerunacionalaisparks.lv

Centre of Ornithological Researches of Engure

For more than 40 years, the Field Base of the Ornithological Laboratory of the Biology Institute has been operating at Lake Engure. Ornithologists are engaged in research and ringing the birds nesting in Lake Engure. This lake is one of the places, where the Latvian Ornithological Society organizes the bird-watching days. For convenience of the travellers and others, bird watching towers have been set up. Address: Engure Lake Nature Park Foundation, Bērzciems, Engure parish, Engure region. Phone: 29474420, www.eedp.lv