LIPU Reserve
Montepulciano (SI)
Tel. 0578 767518
Habitat
Montepulciano Nature Reserve is, naturalistically, undoubtedly the most interesting part of Lake Montepulciano, situated on the borders of Tuscany and Umbria and is a real jewel, set within the splendid Sienese landscape. It consists of a shallow lake about one square kilometre in area and surrounded by 350 hectares of magnificent wetland, covered in dense marshland vegetation and supporting hundreds of animal and plant species. The Reserve is a splendid example of wetland where the quality of the natural environment has been kept almost intact: stretches of open water, shallow water with thick submerged vegetation, dense reedbeds alternating with interesting areas of rushes and other typical wetland species, water meadows and waterside stands of willow. A large area is covered in reeds; out of the total of 400 hectares, 100 hectares are open water and the rest is reedbed. Further out, much of the deeper water is covered in water lilies and there is also a carnivorous species of plant which catches minute crustaceans. On the edges of the reedbeds, from April to July, are pretty golden marsh lilies while the shallow water, well lit and warmed by the sun, is covered in a beautiful emerald green carpet of tiny leaves. In damp areas overlooking the lake, orchids and other uncommon plants can be found.Birds
However the real wealth of Montepulciano Reserve is its birdlife, plentiful in all seasons. The whole lake is a Regional Nature Reserve where birds can breed, rest during their migration or spend the winter before returning to Northern Europe, undisturbed by human activity. There are plenty of fish and the lake supports almost all the heron species. Along its shores, at various times of year, it is possible to observe Grey Herons, Little Egrets, Squacco Herons and Great White Herons. In the dense reedbeds there are breeding Purple Herons, rare booming Bitterns and the tiny Little Bittern. Over the lake, Sand Martins, Swallows and House Martins, Little Gulls, Black Terns, Whiskered Terns and White-winged Black Terns skim in search of insects or tiny fish, while the lakeside vegetation shelters Reed Warblers, Savi's Warblers and Great Reed Warblers. In peaceful stretches of open water there are breeding pairs of Ferruginous Ducks, a species which is threatened with extinction at global level. Other species use Lake Montepulciano to spend the winter. At that season many ducks come from Northern Europe: Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pochard and Tufted Duck. Among indigenous species, and those which pass through at all seasons, are Great Crested Grebes, of which the lake has the most breeding pairs in Tuscany, Water Rails, Coot, Moorhens, Bearded Tits, Penduline Tits, Cetti's Warblers, Fan-tailed Warblers and Moustached Warblers. Montepulciano Reserve is in fact one of the smallest sites in Italy where the elusive Moustached Warbler breeds regularly, attracting many keen birdwatchers from all over Italy and from abroad. Raptors include Long-eared Owls, which overwinter in groups in the local poplar woods, and Short-eared Owls, while during the day there are regular sightings of Marsh Harriers and during migration, Ospreys.Other wildlife
While birds are easily observed at any time of year there are also many other species of animals present within the reserve, including hedgehogs, porcupines, weasels, badgers, polecats and some interesting species of bats and shrews. There are also many amphibians in the lake. The Reserve has been established by LIPU in collaboration with the Commune of Montepulciano, the Province of Siena and the Region of Tuscany, to know and respect the environment of the lake.Visits
The reserve is open all year, from Wednesday to Sunday. Opening hours are 9 - 13 and 15 - 19. Schools and larger groups need to book in advance, telephone 0578 76.75.18 The reserve may close in winter in bad weather.
