Ulcinj Salina

Ulcinj Salina is a large saltpan and wetland complex on the outskirts of Ulcinj, southern Montenegro. It is one of the Adriatic’s key bird sites with diverse shallow-water habitats.

• About 250 bird species recorded – roughly 70% of Montenegro’s list and around half of Europe’s breeding species.
• Nineteen globally threatened species documented – a crucial node on the Adriatic–Balkan flyway.
• Recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International – international conservation importance.
• Regular sightings of Greater Flamingo, Dalmatian Pelican and Eurasian Spoonbill – flagship, easily observed species.
• Black-winged Stilt breeds only here in Montenegro – pairs declined from ~100 in the late 1980s to ~50 in 2017.

• Evaporation ponds, dikes and channels with extensive shallows.
• Birdwatching towers and platforms at key vantage points.
• Seasonal flocks of waders and herons, plus groups of flamingos and pelicans.

Developed as an industrial saltworks in the 20th century, the Salina shaped hydrology and created a mosaic of ponds ideal for birds. By the late 1980s, some breeding populations (e.g., Black-winged Stilt) numbered in the hundreds of pairs.

In subsequent decades, management changes and visitor pressure led to declines; by 2017 c. 50 pairs of Black-winged Stilt were documented. International conservation bodies designated the site an Important Bird Area, underscoring the need for careful stewardship.

Location: eastern Ulcinj, Solanski Put area, by the old saltworks building.
Getting there: in Ulcinj, follow Solanski Put to the security gate near the former admin building; entry arranged on site.
Access: security may ask for an ID card/passport; cycling is the best way to cover the site – ask guards about bikes.
Visiting hours: from 7:00; birding possible year-round.
Visit duration: 2–4 hours for the main loop; a full day if cycling the dikes.
Best time: spring and autumn migrations; generally best in spring/autumn.
Notes: fully exposed terrain with no shade; bring water, sun protection and binoculars/scope; no shelters, toilets or shops inside; keep quiet near breeding areas.