visit Biebrza marshes

The Biebrza Marshes (Biebrza Valley) are a wetland complex, located on the Biebrza river valley, in Suwałki, Łomża in the northeast of Poland. The area encompasses river channels, lakes, extensive marshes with wooded areas on higher ground and well-preserved peat bogs that occupy around 1,000 km2. The area shows a clear succession of habitats from riverside fen through to raised bogs, grading into wet woodland. Because of this unique succession, the area supports a wide diversity of wildlife with large numbers of birds and mammals. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded including more than 80% of the Polish avifauna. Starting in the early spring mating birds attract birdwatchers from around the world. The marshes in the area are commonly flooded and the resulting alluvial soil supports an array of wetland vegetation. This year we had an exceptionally dry summer and autumn. The water level dropped significantly. Many small streams dried up completely. Biebrza marshes, which have always been waterlogged, now also dried up. Here are some pictures from our trip to the swamp near the village Szuszalewo.