LIPU Reserve: 16
Volta Scirocco - Valli di Comacchio (RA)
Tel. 0521 273043 (e-mail: lipusede@tin.it)
Habitat
The Volta Scirroco Reserve is an area of wetland of some 30 hectares situated in the southern part of the Valli di Comacchio, the largest saltwater lagoon in Italy, and within the Regional Park of the Po Delta. It owes its name, Volta Scirocco, to its shape, curved in the direction in which the scirocco wind rotates, almost as if it has been thrust towards the Valli lagoon by the force of the south-east wind which blows so frequently in this area. The area has been formed within a bend of the River Reno, after it was artificially straightened. It is characterised by a mosaic of wetland habitats, formed by a mixture of freshwater, coming from the Reno, and saltwater, filtering from the Valli di Comacchio lagoon. The alternating pools, reedbeds, water meadows and copses contain a rich plant life, including a number of rare and interesting species.Birds
The site is very important for birds due to its location on a flyway between the Punte Alberete - Valle Mandriole - Pialassa della Baiona complex and the Valli di Comacchio, a wetland of international importance for water birds. In the reedbeds of Volta Scirocco are Little Grebes, the rare and elusive Bittern, Purple Herons and Water Rails, as well as Great Reed Warblers and Reed Warblers. On pools of open water there are Coot and various species of ducks, many of which breed within the Reserve: Shelduck, Mallard, Gadwall, Garganey, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard. Throughout the year, but especially during migration and winter, many waders frequent the mudflats; among the easiest to observe are Snipe, Little Ringed Plovers, Common Sandpipers, Spotted Redshanks, Common Redshanks, Avocets and Black-winged Stilts. At Volta Scirocco it is also possible to observe many species of gulls and terns which come from nearby breeding colonies in the Valli di Comacchio: Black-headed Gulls, Mediterranean Gulls, Little Terns, Common Terns and Gull-billed Terns. Several species of herons feed at the reserve, mostly using the flooded areas and banks to catch frogs and fish; Grey Herons, Great White Herons, Night Herons and Squacco Herons are all seen regularly. In the grassy meadows are nesting Pheasants, Skylarks, Yellow Wagtails, Stonechats and Fan-tailed Warblers. Raptor species include those which are typical of wetland and meadows, Hen Harriers (in winter), Montagu's Harriers, Marsh Harriers and Kestrels.Other wildlife
The most abundant mammal in the reserve is Savi's Water Vole, a species which prefers water meadows and whose burrows can be seen everywhere. Other mammals include hedgehogs, moles, coypu, foxes and weasels. There are several interesting species of reptiles, amphibians, and fish. There are some rare butterflies.Visits
The reserve is open all year. It may be closed in winter during bad weather.