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Gaggio

Habitat

Environment : Although the reserve is an artificial construction it looks completely natural and there is good diversification. Deep water, as well as shallow pools, reedbeds along the banks alternating with small copses of willow, hedges and uncultivated meadows, together they make a mosaic of micro habitats.

Birds

In spring Little Bitterns and Moorhens find shelter and protection from predators in the reedbeds. Round holes in the trunks of old poplars indicate the presence of Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Lively and colourful Penduline Tits, on the other hand, prefer the branches of willow trees where they construct their characteristic bottle shaped nests.

Penduline Tit

Other wildlife

Under the trees, close to swampy areas, we find marsh turtles – skilful hunters of frogs, and small fish.

The area is owned by the Commune of Marcon and managed by LIPU as a nature reserve for the protection of the wildlife of the Region of Veneto. Although Gaggio Reserve is itself a result of clay extraction, it also serves as a reminder of the ancient marshes which used to be widespread in this area. The reserve, due to its position close to the Venetian lagoon, acts as an important rest and feeding area for birds, and many species observed there are evidence of interchange between the two habitats.