Flamingos, elegant birds with slender necks and striking colors, are nesting in Narta Lagoon.

The National Agency of Protected Areas says Albania provides a safe and welcoming habitat for many species that live, nest, or feed in protected zones and beyond. Flamingos now appear to have started nesting in Albania, specifically in Narta Lagoon.

The agency adds that large numbers of flamingos live peacefully in these protected wetlands. This remarkable species can live up to 30 years on average.

The Association for the Preservation and Protection of the Natural Environment in Albania reports that during recent monitoring, observers recorded 281 nests with eggs. These eggs are expected to hatch soon.

Flamingos always live in groups, from small flocks to hundreds of thousands. They take off and fly together, covering hundreds of kilometers during migration.

Narta Lagoon ranks as Albania’s second most important wetland for water-birds. About 20,000 wintering birds from roughly 40 species gather there. The lagoon also serves as a rich habitat and feeding ground for pelicans and a regular stop for flamingos.

Located 14 km northwest of Vlora, Narta Lagoon covers around 42 square kilometers. A narrow strip of sandy land, made of dunes and small beaches with sparse vegetation, separates it from the Adriatic Sea.

/a.p./