LIPU-UK -> Working in Britain for Birds in Italy - Agognate reserve

	LIPU Reserve: 2. Agognate (NO) Tel. 0321 628740
	Habitat Situated just outside the city of Novara, Agognate LIPU Reserve consists of about 20 hectares of woodland stretching along the left bank of the River Agogna. In an otherwise predominately agricultural area, the reserve is a strip of woodland which has retained the essential features of the lowland forest which at one time covered the entire Lombardy Plain. Although the locust tree is the dominant species in this woodland, there are also several native species, such as oaks, field maples and elms, and nearer the river are alders, willows and black poplars. Alongside the footpaths within the reserve the many different kinds of shrubs are particularly attractive when they blossom in spring, and under the trees there are carpets of tiny blue, white and violet flowers.

	Birds The variety of habitats within Agognate Reserve means that it is possible to observe, at various times of year, over 60 woodland and wetland species of birds. It is not difficult to see Wrens, Long-tailed Tits, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, lively Robins, elusive Golden Orioles, and several tits, of which Great Tits, Blue Tits, Marsh Tits and Coal Tits are the easiest to find. Mature trees attract woodpeckers, both Greater Spotted, whose drumming resounds throughout the woods from early spring, and Green Woodpeckers with their characteristic laughing call. There are also Nuthatches, which make their nests in old holes in the trees. Of the corvids the most striking is the Jay, which here can find acorns, its favourite food. By the water you can see Kingfishers flashing by, and in the clearings slowly circling Common Buzzards, or fast flying Sparrowhawks, superb hunters of woodland birds. On the river there are Mallard, Coot, Moorhens, some species of herons and, in winter, Little Grebe, while along stony and muddy edges Little Ringed Plovers and Yellow Wagtails search for insects and larvae. As well as good variety of bird species, there are also other interesting animals to be found within the reserve as Agognate is a safe refuge for several species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles.

	Agognate reserve has been established thanks to collaboration between the owners of the property, the East Sesia Irrigation Association and LIPU. The Province of Novara has contributed to the development of educational and explanatory features.

	Visits The Reserve is open all year, but may be closed in winter during periods of bad weather.