Area description
The Ljubljana marsh is one of the most important bird areas in Slovenia, especially for numerous endangered bird species that appear here. The most important bird habitat on the marsh are wet meadows, which represent the nesting ground of the biggest corn crake population in Slovenia. In year 2008 the area was declared as the Ljubljana marsh nature park.

Access
With the intercity bus: We get off the bus at Ig bus station. From here we go on foot towards the meadows, which are the most suitable location for observations. From the station we head on the main road in the direction of the bus arrival, until we reach the petrol station at the beginning of the village. We turn right opposite the petrol station and continue our way onto a macadam road that is in between the houses. After a kilometre we reach the bridge over Iščica.

With a bicycle: From Ljubljana we set off on Ižanska road (Ižanska cesta) straight towards Ig. The road was partly renovated in 2014 and now has additional bicycle tracks on each side in the beginning of the Ižanska road. Nonetheless, be careful about road traffic and wear a helmet. You can also reach the meadows by using macadam roads leading across the marshes, which avoid the main roads. We reach the meadows by going on the same way as on foot, except that by the petrol station we turn left.

Trail description
Although we can begin bird watching shortly after the last house, there is still a distance to be made until we reach the meadows that are the best spot for observing. On the way towards river Iščica we mainly pay attention to the meadows on the east. Many interesting birds may be hiding in the fields as well. When we reach the bridge (which is a bit raised), we take some time to examine the surrounding area – even the river bed can be full of surprises (little bitterns)! By continuing our way we arrive to a playground and crossroads (of five roads) in approximately 100 metres. We can take whichever road we want, though it is highly recommended to take the first one on the left. At the crossroads we go over the bridge and then immediately turn left. To get back to Ig, we return on the same path, no matter whichever road we took. The whole trip takes us five hours.

Birds
Cultural landscape birds are the most interesting bird species that can be found on meadows of Ljubljana marsh. We can see the Eurasian curlew, northern lapwing, whinchat, African stonechat and corn crake here. The yellowhammer, ortolan and common reed bunting, common chiffchaff, red-backed shrike and numerous bird species from the Sylviidae family hide in the shrubs. Flocks consisting thousands of lapwings, European golden plovers, fieldfares or other migrating birds can be admired in the area especially in the time of spring migration. During flood periods, interesting waterfowl (red-crested pochard, Eurasian teal, garganey) and waders (woodcock, sandpiper, common snipe) can be observed on water surfaces.

Other plants and animals
Several species of frogs (European tree frog, common toad and edible frog), roe deer, purple moor grass, sedges and snake’s head are among the animals and plants that can be seen here.

Interesting links
Ljubljana marsh nature park