Proval
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- Species
- ≈ 88 species Source, Species: Community observations: eBird and GBIF
- Best time
- April–May Source, Best time: Months with the most species, across all years of observations
- ≈ 88 species Source, Species: Community observations: eBird and GBIF
- April–May Source, Best time: Months with the most species, across all years of observations
Birds in October
All birds
October
Within 10 km
About the lake
On the southern slope of Mount Mashuk, mineral water formed an underground cave. Hydrogen sulphide gradually dissolved the limestone until the cave roof collapsed, leaving a sinkhole about 15 metres in diameter and 41 metres high. A grotto and an 11-metre-deep lake remain inside. The water’s turquoise colour is linked to its high sulphur content and the presence of certain bacteria; its temperature ranges from 26 to 42°C.
Read more
Pyotr Simon Pallas first explored Proval in 1793, examining the cave from above, measuring the sinkhole and describing what he saw. At that time, two lakes lay at its bottom, joined by a narrow channel. Local people told of a fire-breathing monster said to live in the water, yet in 1837 a platform was built above the cave for dancing, and tourists were lowered from a bridge in a basket. The first scientific descent took place in 1857, when researchers measured the lake’s depth, temperature and water composition. A 43.7-metre tunnel was soon cut through the rock and opened in 1858, making the cave easier to visit. In 1864, water surged through the tunnel at an extraordinary rate, reaching as much as 2,000 buckets an hour.
Among the birds recorded nearby are the mallard, great tit and rock pigeon.
When there are more birds
October — 20 species
- Winter
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
Getting there
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