Great cormorant guano is highly acidic and can kill mature pine trees, leading to the gradual thinning of the forest canopy in nesting zones.
The colony serves as a critical site for ornithological research, with scientists monitoring population fluctuations since the 1980s.
Despite the damage to the trees, the site is legally protected to ensure natural processes of ecological succession continue undisturbed.
Grey herons often arrive earlier in the spring to select nesting sites compared to the great cormorants.
The interaction between these two species has been studied for decades to understand how they coexist in the confined space of the Curonian Spit.
The Juodkrantė Colony of Grey Herons and Great Cormorants is one of the largest mixed breeding colonies of these two bird species in the Baltic region. Located within the Curonian Spit National Park, the colony is situated in an old-growth forest near the town of Juodkrantė. The site is characterized by high levels of avian activity, with hundreds of nests visible in the canopy. Great cormorants have occupied this forest patch since the late 1970s, often causing significant changes to the local vegetation due to the high acidity of their guano. Grey herons nest in the same area, creating a unique biological interaction between the two species. Visitors observe the birds from a designated wooden observation platform located at the edge of the nesting site. The forest floor displays clear evidence of the colony's impact, as many trees have died and lost their foliage. This site provides a rare opportunity to study bird colony dynamics and forest succession in a protected ecosystem.
The raised wooden observation platform, which provides a clear sightline into the canopy and the surrounding affected forest.
Bring high-quality binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens to observe the nests clearly without disturbing the birds.
Wear insect repellent, as the damp forest environment near the lagoon often hosts high populations of mosquitoes and ticks.
Stay strictly on the designated boardwalks to protect the sensitive soil and avoid slipping on guano-covered areas.
Do not attempt to walk off the wooden platform or enter the cordoned-off forest area, as the ground is unstable and the birds can be aggressive when nesting.
The area is fully accessible year-round, though activity is significantly reduced outside of the breeding season.
Maintain silence to avoid stressing the birds; keep a respectful distance from the nests.
