Lake Garda’s Winter Bird Migration and Impact on Shoreline Tourism

As is well known, winter in the lake waters is much milder than elsewhere. This encourages the migration of many birds to a quiet area that is much more “livable” than the icy waters of the Adige or the watercourses of lower Verona and Mantua.

But it is also worth remembering that from Peschiera to Bardolino the waters of Garda are a protected wildlife zone and therefore a true reserve for birds. These days, it is wonderful to walk along the lake shores in the mentioned locations and enjoy the spectacle of the real “multitude” of waterfowl present on the water’s surface.

Bird species and winter behaviors

The ducks are dominant, followed by beautiful mallards, coots, and the pure white swans. The latter have truly reproduced in high numbers and, in some ways, uncontrollably.

Only in the waters of Lazise, from Villa Pergolana to the area near the mouth of the rio Marra and also at the camping zones, Bottona and Fossalta, there is a continual appearance of stunning, pure white specimens with long yellow beaks. They delight children and amaze tourists.

Swan behaviors and issues on the lake shores

During this period, especially when the lake waters are still “high”, some more daring specimens of these snowy birds venture onto the quay and even into the streets of the historic center. Tourists are amazed, but local shopkeepers are angry—somewhat more—because the attractive swans do not respect the streets and squares.

They are used to doing everything “in water”, their natural habitat. Wandering along the street, they pay little attention to others and leave “gifts” everywhere. They are not reckless, just careless. And they indulge themselves…

The consequences of swan behavior and the requests of tourism operators

“The droppings left behind are neither pleasant nor attractive to look at,” says an irritated restaurateur, “and it’s up to us to clean up afterward.” Wildlife sanctuaries and “natural” zones, the multitude of birds are warmly welcomed, but operators seem to say they should at least “learn” to live in the water.