Which birds can be found by the Baltic Sea?

The Polish Baltic Sea coast is an ideal place to relax, as well as a unique space for nature lovers. Wide beaches, extensive dunes, river mouths, and wetlands create a mosaic of habitats that attract hundreds of bird species. Observing them is a fascinating adventure during which we can admire, among others, common gulls as well as rare species of terns and plovers. It is also an excellent opportunity to understand how important it is to protect sensitive breeding and migratory bird areas.

Characteristics of birds on the Polish Baltic coast

The Polish Baltic coast is an area exceptionally rich in seabirds and water birds, meaning species closely associated with marine waters, river mouths, and coastal wetlands. In the Mewia Łacha reserve alone, near the Vistula River mouth, ornithologists have observed over 200 bird species, about 50 of which regularly breed there. It is here that the only colony of crested terns in Poland nests, as well as common and white-fronted terns. The reserve is also famous for huge concentrations of gulls – sometimes up to 40,000 little gulls and 150,000 common gulls occur in this area. This phenomenon is of European significance.

After visiting the Mewia Łacha reserve, it is worth staying at the exceptional hotel in Stegna – Bursztynowe Resort & SPA. This modern property near the beach, with a pool, spa area, and restaurant, offers a comfortable place to rest after a day full of birdwatching.

The Baltic Sea is also a key wintering place for birds. Every winter tens of thousands of individuals gather here, primarily sea ducks such as long-tailed ducks, velvet scoters, and common scoters, which find food and safe shelter on the open waters. The largest concentrations are observed in the Gdańsk Bay, Pomeranian Bay, and on the Słupska Bank, where birds originating from northern and eastern Europe regularly winter.

Unfortunately, there is also the other side of the coin. Some species, like the ringed plover, remain very scarce and require constant protection, which is why special fences and protective baskets are used to increase the survival chances of the young. It is worth mentioning that the entire Polish coast is covered by the Natura 2000 network. This program protects habitats of such rare species and provides them with living conditions.

All this makes the Baltic one of the most important regions in Europe for birdwatching and bird protection – both of breeding, migratory, and wintering species.

Main bird species to observe

The most commonly seen birds on the Baltic coast include the following:

• Herring gull – large, with light plumage and a loud voice, characteristic of beaches, ports, and waterfront promenades. Its body length is about 55-68 cm, and wing span reaches 130-150 cm, making it one of the larger gulls seen on the Baltic.
• Black-headed gull – medium-sized, distinguished by its dark head and light, delicate back. Its body length is about 34-37 cm, legs and beak are dark red, and it nests colonially over inland and coastal waters often in large groups.
• Common tern – slender, with a long red beak, often spectacularly diving in pursuit of fish. Its body length is about 32-35 cm, wingspan up to 98 cm, nesting in colonies over fresh and coastal waters.
• White-fronted tern – smaller than the common tern, rare and protected – nests in small colonies on sand. Adults have a yellow beak with a black tip and orange-yellow legs, flying very fast, often gliding over water.
• Ringed plover – small and inconspicuous, excellently camouflaged on sandy beaches, where it builds its nests. Its breeding population in Poland is about 250-300 pairs.
• Ruff – a migratory bird that appears massively on wetlands and beaches. In Poland in autumn, large flocks form, whereas breeding pairs are extremely few: no more than 10 pairs, mainly on coastal salt meadows and moist coastal areas.
• Mute swan – majestic, snow-white bird that winters in coastal waters. Its wingspan reaches about 200-240 cm, and adults usually weigh from 6 to over 10 kg.
• Long-tailed duck – a distinctive sea duck with contrasting plumage that winters on the open Baltic waters. Males form large flocks of hundreds in winter, especially in the Pomeranian Bay. These birds also show a great variability in plumage depending on the season.

Where and when is the best to observe particular birds?

The best places for birdwatching on the Polish Baltic Sea are nature reserves and river mouths. Of particular importance is the already mentioned Mewia Łacha Reserve at the mouth of the Vistula River. This is the largest concentration in Europe of the little gull and colonies of the white-fronted tern, as well as a wintering site for sea ducks. Equally interesting is the Piaśnica River mouth, where ducks and plovers can be observed during their migrations. An important stopover for migratory birds is also the Vistula Lagoon and the Stegna area. In the winter season, flocks of resting swans and ducks can be seen here.

A year on the Baltic is marked by three main periods in the life of birds – breeding, migration, and wintering. Spring and summer mark the breeding season. It is then that white-fronted, common and crested terns as well as ringed plovers and little gulls nest on the beaches and sandy spits. In autumn and spring the coast becomes a stopover for migratory birds – flocks of ruffs and ducks appear flying routes connecting northern Europe with the south of the continent. In winter the Baltic attracts water and sea species such as long-tailed duck, velvet scoter, and common eider. On calmer waters, swans and gulls can be admired then.

Protection and challenges for seabirds on the Polish Baltic coast

Seabirds on the Polish Baltic coast are sensitive to many factors. The most important threats are:

• Human activity – seabirds are exposed to disturbances caused by tourists and infrastructure development.
• Coastal infrastructure – construction of ports, breakwaters, and investments limits natural breeding areas.
• Fishing – intensive fishing deprives birds of food and increases the risk of accidental entanglement in nets.
• Climate change – rising sea levels and storms destroy habitats and breeding areas.

To prevent these threats, various protective actions are undertaken. The best example is the Natura 2000 program. This is a network of protected areas designated throughout the European Union. It covers both special bird protection areas and their habitats. In Poland, this program covers the entire Baltic coast. This is especially evident in the Mewia Łacha reserve. During breeding season, access to the beaches is restricted, among other measures. Additionally, population monitoring is conducted, nests are protected from predators and tourists, and observations are organized in a way that does not disturb the animals.

Seabird protection is not limited to reserves. National and EU programs are implemented, such as the Marine Water Protection Program stemming from the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. They aim to reduce human pressure by limiting pollution, reducing underwater noise, and better fishing control, which often causes bycatch of birds. Non-governmental organizations and volunteers are also involved in protection, e.g., WWF Blue Patrol, which patrols beaches, helps secure breeding grounds, and educates tourists.

How to best observe birds?

Birdwatching on the Baltic is an activity that requires proper preparation. It is best to bring binoculars, telescopes, or cameras with telephoto lenses, which allow seeing details from a great distance. In any situation it is important to keep distance so as not to disturb breeding – do not enter protected zones or scare animals. The most active times of day are mornings and evenings when birds feed intensively.

Useful in identifying bird species are local information boards in reserves, information from local guides, and mobile apps such as eBird or BirdNET. In many places, there are also special observation points, for example in the Stegna area, from which birds can be safely and comfortably admired in their natural habitat.

FAQ

What are the black birds on the Baltic?

Black birds seen on the Baltic include cormorants and jackdaws, as well as some sea duck species including velvet scoters, which winter in large flocks.

What are the white birds on the Baltic?

The most characteristic white birds on the Baltic include swans, gulls, and terns.

When does the breeding season of water birds on the Polish Baltic start?

The breeding season starts in spring, from April, and lasts until July, although the timing may vary between species.

Which rare bird species can be seen in the Mewia Łacha reserve?

Rare species include the white-fronted tern, crested tern, and little gull, which establish colonies in the Mewia Łacha reserve.

Which bird species can be most often seen on the Baltic?

The most commonly seen birds are herring gulls and black-headed gulls, cormorants, and terns that accompany beach walks.

Summary

The Polish coast, especially the Stegna area and the Mewia Łacha reserve, is a true paradise for bird lovers. Thanks to seasonal migrations, breeding colonies, and wintering sites, exceptional animal specimens can be encountered here throughout the year. However, it is important to remember that birdwatching comes with responsibility – let us take care of nature so future generations of tourists can also enjoy this extraordinary spectacle of nature.