Thanks to their proximity to Moscow these ponds are among the most heavily watched places around the capital and are easily covered on foot or even by car along the dams.

Species
During the breeding season of most interest are the colonies of Black-headed Gull, Black-necked Grebe and Great Reed Warbler. With some luck Little Bittern may be observed.

When the ponds are drained in autumn the area becomes attractive to ducks and waders as well as gulls, herons and fish-eating raptors.

Access
Public transport — 40 minutes by local train from Kurskyi Vokzal to Kupavna and on by bus no 37 as far as the 'Rybkhoz' stop or alternatively a further 40 minutes on foot north from the station.
By car — 18 km from the Moscow ring road (MKAD) on Gor'kovskoe shosse as far as the Novaya Kupavna turn-off, head south (right) and keep going for 2km at which point turn left at the cross-roads.

Просмотреть увеличенную карту

подготовил Константин Ковалёв
фотографии Константина Ковалёва, Ильи Уколова, Николая Кудрявцева, Сергея Скачкова