Isola della Cona – Hike in Isonzo Nature Park on peninsula
- Written by Portal Editor
Isola della Cona – Evening atmosphere on the "Isola della Cona" peninsula. The geese had already settled in for the night; only the wild ducks remained on the stretches of water and the small islands within them. It was a wonderful day in the nature reserve, despite having wet feet.
The final stop during our stay in Staranzano was to be a hike through the "Foce dell'Isonzo" Nature Park on "Isola della Cona" a peninsula in the middle of the Isonzo river delta that attracts bird enthusiasts from all over the world.
We reached the peninsula via the protective dike and a road that was still partially submerged; the water level of the Isonzo was very high, making the actual riverbank visible only through the rows of trees. A short while later, we arrived at the guesthouse on the peninsula.
In addition to extensive information about the nature reserve, the bird species that winter there, and the semi-wild horses in the area, the site also operates a horse farm offering trail rides into the reserve. On the left of the image is a restaurant that...
...offers an initial view of the nature reserve. Large areas here were also underwater, though the horses seemed to enjoy it. But more on that later.
However, we quickly reached the limits of what was possible; the path to the tip of the peninsula a full 7 kilometres away was impassable due to the high-water level, even though we were equipped with rubber boots.
We did manage to walk a section of the trail, though, which gave us this magnificent shot of a tree reflected on the water's surface.
Then the brushwood cleared, revealing the horses once again; some were standing in the water, grazing. In the background, the restaurant with its balcony viewing platform.
The Alps visible in the background despite being nearly 80 kilometres away offered a magnificent panorama overlooking the horses. Recent rains had largely cleared the air, making this view possible.
On the opposite side of the path, the terrain opened up into wetlands used as a wintering ground by countless geese and ducks.
It was no surprise, then, that nearly all the observation hides were occupied by birdwatchers taking advantage of the glorious weather. These were clearly professionals, evident from their equipment and patience.
We continued our circuit through the wetlands. Clearly visible in the background were the mountain ranges of the Istrian Peninsula, which lie within Slovenian territory.
Wooden bridges spanned the deeper water zones of the nature park.
Another observation hide though this time, there were no birds on the water. The day was drawing to a close, and the birds' roosting sites lay deeper within the nature reserve.
Quiet was settling in here, too; only a single muskrat was moving through the water.
The wild horses were making the most of the last daylight; we were eager to experience the evening atmosphere.
No words needed...
Evening atmosphere on the "Isola della Cona" peninsula. The geese had already moved to their roosting spots, leaving only the wild ducks on the open water and the small islands within it. It had been a wonderful day in the nature reserve wet feet and all.
Read the following articles or blog posts:
Cycling tour to the idyllic fishing port of Caneo