Guide to Korgalzhynsky reserve.

“Whoever sees angels in the sky does not see birds in the sky”

  Fazil Iskander.

Trip from Almaty to Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve.

Preliminary Checklist of Birds in Korgalzhyn Reserve.

Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus),
Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia),
Flamingo (phoenicopterus roseus),
Ruddy Schelduck (Tadorna ferruginea),
Red-crested (Netta ruffina),
Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca),
Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus),
White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephana),
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor),
White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons),
Common Crane (Gtus grus),
Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo),
Been Goose (Anser fabalis),
Little Bustand (Tetrax tetrax),
Red-breasted Goose (Rufibrenta ruficollis),
Great Bustard (Otis tarda),
Caspian Plover (Charadrius asiaticus),
Common Schelduck (Tadorna tadorna),
Sociable Lapwing (Chettusia gregaria),
Great Black-headed Gull (Larus ichthya tus),
Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus),
Slender-billed Gull (Larus genei),
Saker Falcon (Falco chrrug),
Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta,
Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni),
Marsh sandpiper (Tringa stagnalitis),
White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaettus albicilla),
Black – winged Pratincole ( Glareola nordmanni),
Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia),
Griffon Vulture (Gyps Fulvus),
Black Lark (Melanocorypha yeltoniensis),
Black  Vulture (Aegypius monachus),
Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis),
White-winged Lark (Melanocopypha leocoptera),
Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus),
Short-toed Lark (Calandrella cinerea),
Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus),
Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla Lutea),
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus),
Citrine Wagnail (Motacilla citreola),
Pied Wheataer (Oenanthe pleschanka),
Hoopoe (Upupa epops),
Turkestan Red-tailed Shrike (Lanius phoeniuroides),
Collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto),
Red-Headed Bunting (Embariza bruniceps),
Booted warbler (Hippolais caligata),
Paddyfield warbler (Acrocephalus agricola)
Grey-necked Bunting (Emberiza buchanani),
Twite (Acantis flavirostris),
Azure Tit (Parus cyanus),
Rose-coloured Starling (Sturnus roseus).

Flamingos of Kazkhstan (Phoenicopterus ruber).

During the summer in northern Kazakhstan, flamingo fever hits the Korgalzhyn nature reserve only a few hours drive from the new capital Astana. Up to 30,000 Greater flamingos stop to lay their eggs in one of Kazakhstan's most important breeding grounds for migratory birds.
They can be found near Tengiz Lake which contains a higher salt concentration than the ocean. However, the adjacent Korgalzhyn fresh water lakes are supplied by the Nura River allowing reeds to grow and fish to flourish.
The lakes are surrounded by endless steppe and roaming herds of semi-wild horses create a pristine and unique experience for those fortunate enough to visit this well kept secret. The reserve also attracts the endangered Dalmatian pelican, the sociable plover, steppe wolf and saiga antelope that are only a few of the hundreds of different species that have been recorded.
Up to two million birds have been counted in one year in the 2,600 km2 of protected area, making it a prime location for bird watchers and nature lovers. The conservation site has also been nominated to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
Along with natural habitats, Korgalzhyn offers home stays organized by Rodnik, a local environmental NGO. They can introduce visitors to local food, customs and culture. Tour guides may be available to give educational tours of the reserve conservation area and allow you the experience of getting lost in the unspoiled steppe.
In addition, a museum in the reserve administration building displays the species that may be found while visiting the nature reserve. 

Authority:
"Reserves of Central Asia and Kazakhstan." Publishing house "Mysl". 1990 Edited by V.E. Sokolova, E.E. Syroechkovsky.
"Korgalzhyn State Nature Reserve". Sidorova T.
http://www.discovery-central-asia.com

Photos by:
Alexander Petrov.