Novaraistis Ornithological Reserve
Novaraisčio v., Šakių d.
9,8 km in the direction of Kaunas
Near the border of Lekėčiai town (8 km), Šakiai and Kaunas districts, the Novaraistis Ornithological Reserve, founded in 1988, is located in an area of more than 800 ha. This place is well known not only to scientists but also to nature lovers. At the beginning of the 1960s, there was a peat bog. In 1979, when the peat production was interrupted and the Novos stream was blocked, this peaceful place was enjoyed by various birds. There are even 33 bird species included in the list of protected animals in the European Union: black-tailed eagles, black grouse, swan singers, and other rare birds. However, most of Novaraistis is famous for its migrating winches and geese. During the autumn draw, about 2 thousand are counted here. crane, which accounts for about 3% of the \ tall western Palearctic crane populations. There is a turret, a parking lot at the edge of the reserve for bird watching. A documentary film has been created about the Novaraistis Ornithological Reserve, which can be seen in the Lekėčiai Forestry Information Center for Nature and Forestry.
