There is relatively little development in birdwatching in the Po Delta of Eastern Italy.

The area is not visited by many English and to find your way around challenged by language skills.  We enjoyed excellent hospitality at the agriturismo development 'Villa Belfiore' (www.villabelfiore.com) in Ostallato where early season we took dinner B&B for €70 per night.

The nearby reserve of Ostellato is very extensive and relatively quiet during the week though the facilities are enjoyed by anglers, bird watchers and picknickers.  The restaurant on the site is excellent and the cook, Rite, took great care with special dietery requirements as well as providing a running commentary on the area.

Because of the size of the reserve we rented an electric buggy to get around, stopping off at the various hides.

Several of the sites listed in the guides to the area are closed so it is advisable to check with local tourist offices before making long journeys.

The WWF reserve at San Pietro in Casale has an excellent hide with the best views in the morning. The education centre does not seem to be operating at the moment. Seen during a two hour observation: Grey Herons, Little Egrets, Spoonbills, Crested Grebe, Cormorants, Black Winged Stilt,

Herons in abundance are to be seen everywhere, Grey, Purple, Night are all relatively common.  The Black Winged Still rare in Britain is very common and known as the Cavaliere d'Italia. Often heard and sometimes seen the Reed Warbler.