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Kazashko Protected Site and the Birds of Lake Varna
A few minutes from Varna's industrial zone there are reed beds, nesting birds and peaceful sunsets. The Kazashko Protected Site is one of the most valuable places for birds on the Black Sea coast.
Explore it interactively: the Nature of Kazashko page has a living cross-section of the site and an atlas of 50 species of birds, plants and fish, by season.
What the site protects
The Kazashko Protected Site was designated in 1995. It covers a total of 125.1 hectares: 25.86 hectares of reed beds in the north-eastern part of Lake Varna and 99.27 hectares of lake water, a 100-metre strip of water along the shore. Its purpose is to protect the places where birds nest, feed and rest. The site is part of the larger Natura 2000 protected zone “Lake Varna and Lake Beloslav” (BG0000191).
Lake, reeds and salt water
The “Lake Varna and Lake Beloslav” zone covers about 4,682 hectares and takes in the two connected lakes. Open water, common reed (Phragmites australis), lesser bulrush (Typha angustifolia) and coastal salt-marsh vegetation predominate. Around Kazashko there are also deposits of healing mud.
The birds
According to “Birds in Bulgaria” (BSPB, the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds), 202 bird species have been recorded in the zone. 59 of them are listed in the Red Data Book, and 64 in Annex I of the Birds Directive. In winter, around 20,000 waterbirds of 64 species gather here. Among the most interesting species are:
- Pied avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta): this is the fourth-largest breeding site in Bulgaria;
- Black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus), which nests here;
- Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus), which stops here during migration;
- White stork (Ciconia ciconia): the Via Pontica migration corridor passes over the lake.
Threats
The lake is surrounded by industry, ports and roads. Pollution, eutrophication, poaching and plans to build on the shores are a constant threat. Environmental organisations have repeatedly raised the alarm about development projects near the site.
How to watch birds responsibly
- The best seasons are the spring and autumn migrations, and winter for waterbirds.
- Bring binoculars and keep your distance from the reed beds during the breeding season (April–July).
- Don't leave litter. The shores already suffer from illegal dumping.
Video
Frequently asked questions
When was the Kazashko Protected Site designated?
In 1995. It covers about 125 hectares: 26 hectares of reed beds and 99 hectares of water in the north-eastern part of Lake Varna.
How many bird species are there on Lake Varna?
202 bird species have been recorded in the “Lake Varna and Lake Beloslav” protected zone.
Published: 27 September 2026