Življenje s Savo by Vaš kanal/Vaš mesečnik

Življenje s Savo Living with the Sava POPOTOVANJE DOLVODNO OD KRŠKEGA DO BREŽIC

A JOURNEY DOWNRIVER FROM KRŠKO TO BREŽICE

Življenje s Savo Living with the Sava POPOTOVANJE DOLVODNO OD KRŠKEGA DO BREŽIC

A JOURNEY DOWNRIVER FROM KRŠKO TO BREŽICE

Izdajatelj: JAVNO PODJETJE INFRA d. o. o. Uredila: mag. ANA VURNEK, ANTON VETRIH Avtor fotografij in besedil: BRANKO BREČKO Prevod: PLITTA, UROŠ JERAM, s. p. Oblikovanje: FOTOGRAFIKA BOŠTJAN COLARIČ, s. p. Krško, junij 2021

Published by: PUBLIC COMPANY INFRA d. o. o. Edited by: ANA VURNEK, LLM; ANTON VETRIH Photography and copy by: BRANKO BREČKO Translated by: PLITTA, UROŠ JERAM, s. p. Designed by: FOTOGRAFIKA BOŠTJAN COLARIČ, s. p. Krško, June 2021

JAVNO PODJETJE INFRA d.o.o. PUBLIC COMPANY INFRA d.o.o.

PREDSTAVITEV PODJETJA

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Javno podjetje INFRA d. o. o., s sedežem v Krškem je bilo ustanovljeno leta 2004, in sicer z glavno nalogo izvedbe državne, vodne in lokalne infrastrukture ob posamezni hidroelektrarni na verigi spodnje Save in zagotoviti poplavno varnost v Posavju. INFRA je državno javno podjetje, ki izvaja poleg vodenja izvedbe spremljajoče infrastrukture ob HE tudi javno službo urejanja voda na območju sprejetih prostorskih načrtov HE na spodnji Savi – vzdrževanje vodne infrastrukture.

The Krško-based public company INFRA d.o.o., was established in 2004 with the principal mission of implementing national, water and local infrastructure around individual hydroelectric power plants in the HPP chain on the lower course of the river Sava and to ensure flood safety of the Posavje region. INFRA is a state-owned public company which not only manages the implementation of the accompanying infrastructure at the HPPs but also carries out a water resource management public utility service – water infrastructure maintenance – in the areas of adopted spatial plans for the HPPs on the lower course of the Sava.

UVOD / INTRODUCTION

SKRB ZA NARAVO Veriga HE na spodnji Savi je načrtovana večnamensko. Pri četrti HE Brežice, kjer se pretočna akumulacija razteza med Krškim in Brežicami, smo ob izgradnji spremljajoče infrastrukture veliko pozornosti namenili usklajevanju z naravovarstveno stroko, saj smo z našimi obsežnimi ureditvami posegli na mnoge habitate tako živalskih kot rastlinskih vrst. Med izgradnjo smo veliko pozornosti in truda namenili habitatom ter jih nadomestili s šestimi nadomestnimi habitati. Prav tako pa smo izvedli še ostale ureditve za naravo, kot so mokrišča, plitvine, renaturacijo Močnika in Struge, ter s postavitvijo številnih ekocelic zagotovili preživetje hrošča škrlatnega kukuja. Če se odpravite na sprehod ob reki Savi med Krškim in Brežicami, lahko postojite ob enajstih informacijskih tablah, na katerih najdete osnovne podatke o tipu habitata in podatke o rastlinskih in živalskih vrstah na določenem območju oziroma posameznem nadomestnem habitatu. Pri informacijski tabli NH5 - nadomestni habitat 5 za gnezdenje ptic stoji tudi lesena opazovalnica za ptice, kjer lahko skozi line, ki

jih odprete z vratci, opazujete ptice, in sicer na miren način, da jih ne motite pri njihovem brezskrbnem preletavanju. Izvedeni naravovarstveni ukrepi so se pokazali v večini za zelo uspešne, na kar smo zelo ponosni, sicer pa se redno izvaja monitoring narave ter po potrebi v skladu z rezultati še dopolnjujemo, ali popravljamo naravovarstvene ukrepe, da zagotovimo čim boljše pogoje za življenje rastlinskih in živalskih vrst na območju pretočne akumulacije med Krškim in Brežicami. Fotomonografija, ki jo imate pred seboj, je zastavljena tako, kot so postavljene informacijske table nadomestnih habitatov v sami naravi ob pretočni akumulaciji, zato vam je lahko v pomoč kot vodič, če se boste sprehodili ob reki Savi dolvodno od Krškega do Brežic in nazaj po drugi strani. Dobrodošli na popotovanje dolvodno od Krškega do Brežic in nazaj po drugi strani reke Save. Postojte ob informacijskih tablah, ki vas podučijo o posameznih živalih in rastlinah, ter uživajte v opazovanju narave in modri lepotici – reki Savi.

CARING FOR NATURE The HPP chain on the lower course of the Sava follows a multipurpose design. When building the accompanying infrastructure for the fourth hydroelectric power plant in the chain, Brežice HPP, whose run-of-river reservoir stretches between the towns of Krško and Brežice, we placed a strong focus on coordinating with the nature protection professionals since our extensive configurations affected many habitats of animal and plant species alike. During construction, we put great attention and effort into these habitats and established six replacement habitats. We also provided other nature-based configurations such as wetlands and shoals, completed the renaturalization of the Močnik and Struga streams, and enabled the survival of the flat bark beetle Cucujus cinnaberinus by setting up numerous eco-cells. If you take a walk along the Sava between Krško and Brežice, you can take a moment to check out eleven interpretation panels providing basic information on individual habitat types along with information about the plant and animal species found in a particular area or individual replacement habitat. Next to the interpretation panel NH5 – bird nesting replacement habitat 5 also stands a wooden bird-watching blind, where you can

watch birds through flap-covered portholes, quietly so as not to disturb their carefree flight. Most of the implemented nature protection measures have proven to be very successful, which is something we take great pride in. In addition, we carry out regular nature monitoring and – as appropriate and based on results – we also complement or fix the nature protection measures so as to provide as best as possible living conditions for the flora and fauna in the area of the run-of-river reservoir between Krško and Brežice. This photography monograph follows the same design as the interpretation panels found at the replacement habitats in their natural setting along the reservoir, so it can also serve as a guide while taking a walk along the Sava downstream from Krško to Brežice and back along the opposite bank. Welcome to the journey downriver from Krško to Brežice and back along the opposite bank river Sava. You are invited to take a moment to check out the interpretation panels with useful information on individual animals and plants and to enjoy observing nature's sights and the blue river beauty – the Sava.

ZEMLJEVID INFORMACIJSKIH TABEL / MAP OF INTERPRETATION PANELS

1 2

LEGENDA

1. 2. 3. 4.

Nadomestni habitat 1 in 2 Nadomestni habitat 3 Plitvine Nadomestni habitat 6

5. 6. 7. 8.

Otoki Nadomestni habitat 4 - sever Splavi za čigre Zasavje

9. Nadomestni habitat 5 10. Nadomestni habitat 4 - jug 11. Prehod za vodne organizme

VSEBINA / TABLE OF CONTENTS Skrb za naravo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Caring for nature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Nadomestni habitat NH4 – sever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Replacement habitat NH4 – north . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Nadomestni habitat NH4 – jug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Replacement habitat NH4 – south . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Prehod za vodne organizme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Aquatic organism passage facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Nadomestni habitat NH5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Replacement habitat NH5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Splavi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Rafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Umetni otoki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Man-made islets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Plitvine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Shoals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

7 8

Nadomestni habitat NH1 in NH2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Replacement habitats NH1 and NH2 . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Nadomestni habitat NH3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Replacement habitat NH3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Nadomestni habitat NH6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Replacement habitat NH6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

KEY

Zasavje . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Zasavje . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

1. 2. 3. 4.

Replacement habitats 1 & 2 Replacement habitat 3 Shoals Replacement habitat 6

5. 6. 7. 8.

Islets Replacement habitat - north Rafts fot terns Zasavje

9. Replacement habitat 5 10. Replacement habitat 4 - south 11. Aquatic organism passage facility

Življenje s Savo

Nadomestni habitat NH4 – sever

Replacement habitat NH4 – north Living with the Sava

Največje jezero habitata Nh4 sever / The largest pond in the NH4 North habitat 10

Življenje s Savo

V habitatu, ki je lociran v vasi Šentlenart, je pet jezerc, od katerih sta dve večji, ki sta že oživeli v vsej svoji lepoti, ki jo ponuja lokacija v gozdu ob stari strugi reke Save. Zaraščeni sta z vodnim rastlinjem, od koder se oglašajo drobne ptice močvirske trstnice, med stebli pa se v vodi skrivajo številne žabe in pupki. Njihov mir občasno zmoti siva čaplja, ki ob robu čaka na svojo priložnost.

Situated in the village of Šentlenart, this habitat has five ponds, two of which are somewhat larger and have already come to life in all their beauty thanks to their forest locations along the Sava’s former channel. They are overgrown with aquatic vegetation, from where the chirping and tweeting of tiny marsh warblers can be heard – there are also many frogs and newts hiding among the stalks in the water. From time to time, this peacefulness is disturbed by an occasional grey heron lurking at the edge.

Zaraščeno jezerce / Overgrown pond Living with the Sava

Ko se pomlad prebuja, poženejo ob robovih jezerc mali zvončki, v vodi se prikažejo prvi listi vodnih rastlin. Začnejo se potovanja pupkov in žab iz zimskih počivališč v mlake, kjer se bo ponovil vsakoletni proces razmnoževanja dvoživk.

As spring awakens, tiny snowdrops emerge from the ground at the edges of the ponds, and the first leaves of aquatic plants can be seen in the water. Newts and frogs begin their journey from their winter hideouts into puddles, where the amphibians’ reproduction process is repeated every year.

Veliki pupek (Triturus carnifex) / Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex) Za življenje velikega pupka sta potrebna ustrezen vodni in kopenski habitat – travišča, grmišča in mejice z veliko skrivališči. Veliki pupki prezimujejo na kopnem, na mrestišča pa prihajajo konec februarja ali v začetku marca in v vodi ostanejo večinoma do junija. Odrasli so aktivni pretežno ponoči, v vodi pa se pogosteje kot ostale 12

Življenje s Savo

vrste pupkov zadržujejo na dnu mlake in na površino hodijo le po zrak.

In order to survive and thrive, the Italian crested newt needs suitable aquatic and terrestrial habitats – meadows, bushes, shrubs

and hedges with lots of places to hide. Italian crested newts overwinter on land, move to spawning grounds in late February or early March, and typically stay in the water until June. Active mainly at night, adult newts are more likely to keep to the bottom of puddles compared to other newt species, coming to the surface only for air.

Planinski pupek (Triturus alpestris). Kot nalašč zanj je tiho senčno jezerce nadomestnega habitata, kjer skoraj vse leto preživi v vodi, jeseni pa se odpravi na kopno, kjer preživi zimo. Alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris). The replacement habitat’s quiet, shady pond is ideal for this species – it virtually spends the entire year in the water there before moving onto dry land in autumn for the winter.

Living with the Sava

Iz množice jajčec v žabjem mrestu se izvalijo paglavci, ki se v življenjskem ciklusu preobrazijo v žabice. Žabja radovednost – zelena žaba (Pelophylax sp.) tokrat ni nevarnosti. / Tadpoles hatch from the egg-mass in the frogspawn and eventually grow into froglets as part of their life cycle. A frog's curiosity – no danger for the green frog (Pelophylax sp.) this time around.

Living with the Sava

Žabji raj v zeleni mlaki / A frogs' paradise in a green puddle

Zelena rega (Hyla arborea) je najmanjša brezrepa dvoživka pri nas. Je odlična plezalka, spretno in varno plezanje ji omogočajo tanke in vitke noge ter okrogle oprijemalne blazinice na konicah prstov. Mirne zaraščene mlake v gozdu z veliko rastlinja, dreves in zelenega grmovja in druge zelene vegetacije, ki jim ga ponuja novo življenjsko okolje, so najbolj primerne za njihovo življenje in razmnoževanje. 16

Življenje s Savo

The European tree frog (Hyla arborea) is the smallest tailless amphibian in the country. It is an excellent climber – nimble and careful – thanks to its thin, slender legs and round sticky pads on the tips of the toes. The most suitable settings for their lives and reproduction are quiet, overgrown puddles in a forest with lots of vegetation, trees, green shrubs and bushes and other greenery, which is precisely what their new living environment provides.

Med raznimi kačjimi pastirji, ki preletavajo po vodnem rastlinju in sedajo na izpostavljene štrleče bilke in stebla, so najpogostejši drobni modri kresničarji (Ischnura elegans) in travniški škratci (Coenagrion puella), cvetove močvirskih rož pa obiskujejo pisani metulji. Among the various dragonflies swishing over the aquatic vegetation and perching on exposed protruding blades and stalks, tiny blue-tailed damselflies (Ischnura elegans) and azure damselflies (Coenagrion puella) are the most commonly observed, and the heads of wetland flowers are frequented by colourful butterflies. Living with the Sava

Modri bleščavec (Calopteryx virgo) Beautiful demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo)

Življenje s Savo

Zorica je pomladni metulj (Anthocharis cardamines), ki se zadržuje na cvetovih močvirskih rož, ki rastejo ob potokih. The orange tip (Anthocharis cardamines) is a spring butterfly most commonly observed atop wetland flowers found along small streams.

V gozdu blizu mlak so tri EKO CELICE (to so kupi požaganih in v piramido zloženih debel mehkolesnih dreves), na katerih so že močni sledovi črne žolne in velikega detla, ki iščeta hrano v propadajočem lesu. So tudi nadomestni habitati za žuželke, predvsem za hrošča škrlatnega kukuja in hrošča puščavnika, ki so začasno postavljeni, dokler še rastoči les ne dozori.

In the forest near the puddles are three ECOCELLS (piles of sawn and pyramid-stacked softwood logs), which already show clear signs of the black woodpecker and the great spotted woodpecker looking for food in the decaying wood. There are also replacement habitats for insects, particularly the flat bark beetle Cucujus cinnaberinus and the hermit beetle, which are set up temporarily until the still-growing wood matures.

Eko celica od blizu / Eco-cell up close

Sledovi žolne / Signs of woodpecker activity Living with the Sava

Navadni mali zvonček (Galanthus nivali) Common snowdrop (Galanthus nivali)

Življenje s Savo

Vodno rastlinje spomladi Aquatic vegetation in spring

Hrošč rogač (Lucanus cervus) European stag beetle (Lucanus cervus)

Za samico se včasih spoprimejo samci rogača. Stag beetle males are known to engage in fights for females.

Veliki detel (Dendrocopos major) je stalni gost v gozdu, kjer išče hrano pod lubjem propadajočih dreves, postavljene eko celice v habitatu pa so kakor nalašč zanj. The great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) is a common sight in the forest, looking for food under the bark of decaying trees – the eco-cells set up inside the habitat are ideal for this species.

Living with the Sava

Življenje s Savo

Nadomestni habitat NH4 – jug mokrišče za dvoživke in druge organizme povezane z mokrišč

Replacement habitat NH4 – south wetland for amphibians and other wetland organisms

Living with the Sava

Privlačno jezero habitata privlači poglede ljudi, ki nabirajo novih moči s sprehodi po nasipu. The habitat’s eye-catching pond is a welcome sight for people recharging their batteries by walking along the embankment. 24

Življenje s Savo

Večje jezero v spodnjem delu levega brega akumulacijskega jezera je prijetno sonaravno razgibane oblike, ki je obsajen z raznimi mladimi drevesi avtohtone vrste. V osnovi je namenjeno dvoživkam, zato so brežine urejene na način, da so čim bolj položne in razgibane. Mokrišča so za dvoživke ključnega pomena predvsem spomladi, ko v času mrestenja žab v vodo odložijo jajca. Na plitvinah je pogosto videti pobrežnike (ptice), predvsem togotnike in močvirske martince, v bogatem rastlinju pa se skrivata plašni zelenonogi tukalici. Stalna gosta sta laboda grbca, ki večino časa prebijeta na vodi, občasno pa se sončita ter urejata na plitvini.

The larger pond, situated in the lower section of the reservoir’s left bank, has a pleasantly diverse nature-like shape, around which various saplings of native tree species have been planted. It is principally intended for amphibians, so its banks are configured to be as gently sloping and varied as possible. Wetlands are essential for amphibians particularly in spring, when they lay their eggs in the water during the frog spawning season. Waders (birds), especially ruffs and wood sandpipers, are often seen in the shoals, two timid common moorhens are hiding in the lush vegetation. Regular guests include two mute swans, which spend most of the time on the water, occasionally basking in the sun and grooming on the shoal.

Living with the Sava

Vodno rastlinje nudi dobro skrivališče raznim pticam in številnim zelenim žabam (Pelophylax sp.). Aquatic vegetation provides a good hiding place for a variety of birds and numerous green frogs (Pelophylax sp.).

Življenje s Savo

Mala tukalica (Porzana parva) se skrije med trstje, kjer se njena barva zlije z barvo okolja. A little crake (Porzana parva) hiding in the reeds, where its plumage blends in with the colour of the surroundings.

Močvirska trstnica (Acrocephalus palustris) Marsh warbler (Acrocephalus palustris)

Living with the Sava

Na habitat je lep pogled tudi z nasipa. / A lovely view of the habitat can also be enjoyed from the embankment.

Življenje s Savo

Svatovsko razpoložene zelene žabe (Pelophylax sp.) / Green frogs (Pelophylax sp.) in high spirits

Living with the Sava

Zelena žaba (Pelophylax sp.) spomladi Green frog (Pelophylax sp.) in spring

Življenje s Savo

Z balončkoma / With inflated bubbles

Paglavci / Tadpoles

Množica zelenih žab, kjer se samci prerivajo za prevlado in prirejajo prave žabje svatbe, njihovega podmladka – temnih dolgorepih paglavcev pa je polno blatno dno.

A crowd of green frogs, with the males fighting for dominance and staging lavish frog weddings; the muddy bottom is full of their offspring – dark longtailed tadpoles. Dobro skrita v vodnem rastlinju / Well camouflaged in the aquatic vegetation

Living with the Sava

Par labodov grbcev (Cygnus olor) / A pair of mute swans (Cygnus olor) 32

Življenje s Savo

Pomladanska slika: s trstičjem bogato jezero je obdano z novo zasaditvijo dreves. Springtime image: Newly planted trees enclosing a reed-rich pond. Living with the Sava

Življenje s Savo

Prehod za vodne organizme

Aquatic organism passage facility Living with the Sava

Prehod za vodne organizme / Aquatic organism passage facility 36

Življenje s Savo

Vzporedno s stavbo hidroelektrarne poteka PREHOD ZA VODNE ORGANIZME Za ohranjanje selitvenih poti vzdolž vodotoka je na levem bregu pri jezovni zgradbi hidroelektrarne urejen prehod za vodne organizme v obliki sonaravno oblikovane obvodne struge, ki je razgibana z raznolikimi širinami, globinami, nižjimi kaskadami, frakcijami podlage ter ob straneh utrjena s kamnom. Prehod je pomemben zlasti za ribe, ki v času drsti potujejo po toku navzgor.

An AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE FACILITY runs parallel to the hydroelectric power plant building. In order to preserve the migration routes along the watercourse, an aquatic organism passage facility, or fishway, was built on the left bank at the dam structure in the form of a nature-like bypass channel, which is diverse, features a variety of widths, depths, low-rising cascades, bottom aggregates, and is lined with rocks. The passage is particularly important for fish travelling upstream during spawning season.

Naravi prijazen prehod za vodne organizme je s svojo privlačno podobo koristen za živali in tudi za oko opazovalca. The nature-friendly aquatic organism passage facility, with its attractive configuration, is both useful for animals and pleasing to the eye of the beholder.

Living with the Sava

V strugi so številna skrivališča za ribe, tolmunčki, skale, s trstičjem porasli otočki za ptice in druge živali. The channel features many hiding spots for fish, pools, rocks, reed-covered islets for birds and other animals.

Življenje s Savo

Otoček / Islet

Po strugi živahno plavajo različne vrste rac, na skalah v njem in ob njem pa skačejo rumene in sive pastirice. Veliko življenja – raznih živalskih in rastlinskih vrst je še več ob iztočnem delu prehoda za vodne organizme v Savo, kjer se na plitvinah zadržujejo mali deževniki, razne vrste čiger, rečni galebi, kormorani, sive in male čaplje ter vrsta drugih ptic.

Voda žubori čez neštete kamne in skale. Water is burbling over countless stones and rocks.

Different species of ducks swim buoyantly along the channel, and western yellow wagtails and grey wagtails hop on the rocks inside and along the channel. Teeming with activity – various animal and plant species abound even more markedly at the discharge of the aquatic organism passage facility into the Sava, where on the shoals one can observe little ringed plovers, various species of terns, black-headed gulls, cormorants, grey herons and little egrets, and a number of other birds.

Living with the Sava

Male bele čaplje (Egretta garzetta) na plitvini Little egrets (Egretta garzetta) on a shoal

Življenje s Savo

Mala bela čaplja (Egretta garzetta) je izurjena za lov majhnih ribic. The little egret (Egretta garzetta) excels in catching small fish.

Pridružijo se jim tudi veliki kormorani (Phalacrocorax carbo) in sive čaplje (Ardea cinerea). They are also joined by great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) and grey herons (Ardea cinerea). Living with the Sava

Mali deževnik (Charadrius dubius) lovi povsod, tudi strma skala mu ni ovira. The little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius) is always on the lookout for prey, no matter the steep rock face.

Življenje s Savo

Rumenonogi galeb (Larus michahellis) Yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis)

Uspešno delovanje prehoda za vodne organizme je pokazal monitoring. Ugotovljeno je bilo, da je prehod poseljen po celotni dolžini, poselile so ga številne vrste rib - 27 vrst rib, ki so značilne za odsek reke Save med Krškim in državno mejo s Hrvaško. Vrste rib, ki so bile ugotovljene z vzorčenjem, so bile pezdirk, pisanka, mrena, zelenika, navadni in beloplavuti golobček, podust, platnica …

Monitoring has shown that the aquatic organism passage facility is fulfilling its purpose and function. The passage facility has been found to be inhabited along its entire length, by many fish species, specifically 27 species of fish typically found in the stretch of the Sava between Krško and the national border with Croatia. The fish species identified by sampling were the European bitterling, riffle minnow, common barbel, common bleak, common and white-finned pigeon, common nase, cactus roach, and more. Siva čaplja (Ardea cinerea) Grey heron (Ardea cinerea)

Living with the Sava

Življenje s Savo

Nadomestni habitat NH5

Replacement habitat NH5 Living with the Sava

Življenje s Savo

Na desnem bregu akumulacijskega jezera je zgrajen pomemben HABITAT NH5 - nadomestni habitat za gnezdenje ptic

The right bank of the reservoir features an important NH5 HABITAT – a replacement habitat for bird nesting.

Gramoznice ob Savi so bile zaradi odsotnosti stoječih vodnih površin pomembni sekundarni vodni habitati za naravovarstveno pomembne vrste. Nastale so z izkopom globljih gramoznih jam, ki jih je zapolnila podtalnica. Novi habitat je nastal kot del izgubljenih vodnih površin zaradi zalitja nekdanjih vrbinskih gramoznic s poudarkom vzpostavitve gnezdilnih sten za breguljke, čebelarje in vodomca po delu južne brežine gramoznice.

Due to the absence of standing water surfaces, flooded gravel pits along the Sava were important secondary aquatic habitats for important species in nature conservation terms. They formed through the excavation of deeper gravel pits, which got filled up with groundwater. The new habitat was created in response to the lost water surfaces due to the flooding of the former gravel pits in the Vrbina area, with an emphasis on the construction of nesting cliffs for sand martins, European bee-eaters and common kingfishers along part of the gravel pit’s southern bank.

Poleg ptic si je tu našel življenjski prostor tudi bober, ki si je zgradil skrivno bivališče na zahodnem delu habitata.

Alongside birds, the beaver, too, found a suitable space for living here and built itself a secret hideout in the western portion of the habitat.

Living with the Sava

Ob jezeru sta dve opazovalnici z linami, skozi katere lahko opazujemo dogajanje v jezeru, s tem da ne motimo gnezdečih in plavajočih ptic. Mirno območje za uživanje in spoznavanje življenja ptic ter počitek na klopcah ob jezeru je lepa pridobitev za ljubitelje narave in druge obiskovalce, ki lahko tu najdejo svoj mir. Line so nameščene na različnih višinah, da si opazovalec lahko izbere svoji višini primerno. Pogled skoznje pa nudi lep razgled na želeni del jezera. Tudi ptico na bližnji vrbi se da fotografirati z navadnim fotoaparatom ali celo s telefonom.

Življenje s Savo

By the pond there are two observation blinds with portholes, through which one can observe what is going on in the pond without disturbing the birds nesting and swimming there. A quiet spot for enjoying, learning about the life of birds, and resting on benches by the pond is a welcome addition for nature lovers and other visitors looking to unwind. The portholes are located at different heights so that observers can pick the one suitable for their body height. The portholes afford beautiful views of any section of the pond. One can even take a picture of a bird on a nearby willow – using nothing more than a conventional camera or even a mobile phone.

Living with the Sava

Breguljka je majhna lastovka peščeno rjave barve z belim grlom in trebuhom. Je kolonijska gnezdilka peščenih sten in pogosto naseljuje tudi sekundarne habitate, kot so gramoznice in peskokopi. Gnezdo ima izkopano v vodoravnem rovu dolžine povprečno 65 cm, ki ima na koncu kamrico. Hrani se z letečimi žuželkami.

The European sand martin is a small sandy-brown swallow with a white throat and belly. It is a colonial nesting bird found in sand cliffs and often also inhabits secondary habitats such as gravel and sand pits. It digs out its nest as a horizontal tunnel with an average length of 65 cm, with a chamber at the end. It feeds on flying insects.

Breguljke (Riparia riparia) v steni kopljejo rove za svoja podzemna gnezda. Sand martins (Riparia riparia) digging out burrows in the cliff to serve as underground nests.

Življenje s Savo

Od blizu / Up close

Mladi parčki, ki se gnetejo in prerivajo za svoj prostor na strmi steni, se večkrat v jatah dvignejo v zrak in se spet vrnejo. Nekateri sedejo na trstičje na otočku v jezeru, kjer glasno ščebetajo. Young couples, thronging and scrambling for a spot on a steep cliff, rise in flocks into the air before flying back down again – this is repeated several times. Some sit on the reeds on an islet in the pond, chirping and twittering loudly. Living with the Sava

Na vrbi ob jezeru vneto prepeva močvirska trstnica (Acrocephalus palustris) in skače v trstičje, kjer ima gnezdo, in spet nazaj. Varovanje gnezda je odgovorna dolžnost. S svojim vnetim prepevanjem se izpostavlja in varuje gnezdo, skrito globoko med zelenimi stebli trstičja.

On a willow by the pond, a marsh warbler (Acrocephalus palustris) is singing keenly and hopping into the reeds where its nest is and back again. Protecting the nest is a serious responsibility. With its lively singing, it is drawing attention away from its nest, which is hidden deep among the green stalks of the reeds.

Življenje s Savo

V sosednji steni gnezdijo tudi čebelarji (Merops apiaster). European bee-eaters, too, nest in the adjacent cliff (Merops apiaster).

Living with the Sava

Par labodov grbcev (Cygnus olor) si je ob robu ustvaril gnezdo, ki ga vsakodnevno ureja in čaka, da se mladiči izvalijo. Eden izmed staršev vedno plava v bližini gnezda in ga varuje pred vsiljivci. A mute swan couple (Cygnus olor) has built a nest on the water's edge, which they groom daily while eagerly awaiting the hatchlings. One of the parents always swims near the nest to protect it from intruders. 54

Življenje s Savo

Plitvine, ki so na obeh straneh jezera, pogosto obiščejo polojniki. Dolge rdeče noge jim omogočajo brodenje precej daleč po plitvini, kjer lažje pridejo do mrčesa na vodi, ki ga spretno lovijo. Polojnik (Himantopus himantopus) pobira hrano.

The shallows, found on either side of the pond, are often visited by blackwinged stilts. Their red long legs allow them to wade quite far out along the shoal, where it is easier for them to get to the water insects, which they catch with great skill. A blackwinged stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is foraging for food.

Living with the Sava

Na vejah novo zasajenih dreves, na njivah in na površinah okrog jezera je večje število čopastih škrjancev (Galerida cristata), ki neutrudno pojejo in se med glasnim petjem dvigajo v zrak. Rjava barva perja naredi škrjanca skoraj nevidnega. There are a large number of crested larks (Galerida cristata) on the branches of newly planted trees, in the fields and in the areas around the pond, singing tirelessly and loudly while swooshing into the air. The brown color of its plumage makes the lark almost indiscernible.

Življenje s Savo

Ob kanalu se je spustil v dir srnjak (Capreolus capreolus). Življenjsko okolje mu ustreza, saj najde dovolj hrane na bližnjih poljih, vode pa ima na pretek. A roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) breaks into a gallop along the canal. The living environment suits it well, as there is enough food in the nearby fields and plenty of water.

Living with the Sava

Življenje s Savo

Splavi

Rafts Living with the Sava

V objemu belih ivanjščic na obrežju / In the embrace of white ox-eye daisies on the shore 60

Življenje s Savo

Na nasipu nad NH5 je informacijska tabla, ki seznanja obiskovalce O SPLAVIH za gnezdenje čiger na pretočni akumulaciji.

On the embankment above the NH5 habitat is an interpretation panel informing visitors ABOUT THE RAFTS serving as nesting grounds for terns on the run-of-river reservoir. Living with the Sava

Navadna čigra je naša najbolj poznana čigra, gnezdi tako na morskih obalah kakor tudi na golih rečnih prodiščih. Ob izgradnji HE Brežice so bili kot nadomestni habitat izvedeni trije gnezdilni splavi. Gnezdilna površina splava je nasuta z gramozom in opečnim drobirjem, pritrjeni pa so na potopljene sidrne betonske bloke na dnu pretočnega akumulacijskega jezera.

The common tern is our most well-known species of tern, nesting both on sea shores and bare gravel bars of rivers. During the construction of Brežice HPP, three nesting rafts were constructed and launched as replacement habitats. The rafts’ nesting surface is filled with gravel and brick debris, and the rafts are anchored to submerged concrete blocks at the bottom of the run-of-river reservoir.

Življenje s Savo

Navadna čigra (Sterna hirundo) / Common tern (Sterna hirundo)

Splavi so skoraj vedno polni ptic, primat na njemu pa si največkrat vzamejo veliki kormorani, ki si po napornem lovu sušijo krila. Pogled na splave in jezero je odličen tudi z razgledne ploščadi in lesenega pomola ob obali, ki ga obiskovalci uporabijo tudi za prijetno sončenje.

The rafts are almost always full of birds, but supremacy is most often claimed by great cormorants drying their wings after a strenuous pursuit of prey. The view of the rafts and the reservoir is also remarkable from the observation deck and the wooden pier on the shoreline, where visitors can also enjoy soaking up the sun.

Veliki kormorani (Phalacrocorax carbo) na splavih Great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) on rafts

Living with the Sava

Panorama proti Libni in Bohorju / A panoramic view towards Libna and Bohor 64

Življenje s Savo

Pomlad se prebuja. / Spring is waking up.

Living with the Sava

Zaraščene plitvine prehajajo v jezero. / Overgrown shallows extending into the reservoir.

Življenje s Savo

Pogled proti vzhodu / A view to the east

Living with the Sava

»Brežiško morje« / »The Brežice Sea«

Življenje s Savo

Kamnita obala se zarašča. / The rocky shore is getting overgrown with vegetation.

Living with the Sava

Življenje s Savo

Umetni otoki

Man-made islets Living with the Sava

Gorvodno proti NEK naslednja tabla opozarja na čudovit razgled na štiri umetne otoke.

Življenje s Savo

Situated upstream in the direction of Krško Nuclear Power Plant, the next interpretation panel encourages visitors to enjoy the stunning view of the four man-made islets.

V osrednjem delu akumulacijskega bazena, bližje desnemu bregu, so urejeni štirje otoki. Namenjeni so usmerjanju vodnega toka ob visokih vodah proti izbočeni brežini bazena, da se na najširšem delu bazena ne bi ustvarili povratni vodni tokovi. Služijo tudi kot počivališče za vodne ptice in večje sesalce, kot so srnjad in divji prašič v primeru prečenja akumulacije. Brežine otokov so zaščitene pred erozijo s kamnometom. Površina drugega otoka je v celoti obložena s kamnom, ostali otoki so po vrhu nasuti z zemljino, ki omogoča rast vegetacije. Otoki so zaradi miru in oddaljenosti od brežine postali počivališče za vodne ptice (npr. kormoran, siva čaplja, labod) na drugem otoku pa gnezdijo navadne čigre in rečni galebi.

In the middle of the reservoir, closer to the right bank, four islets have been built. They are designed to direct the flow of water during elevated water levels towards the convex bank of the reservoir so as to avoid countercurrents in its widest part. They also serve as a resting place for water birds and larger mammals such as roe deer and wild boar when crossing the reservoir. The shores of the islets are revetted using rip-raps for protection against erosion. The entire surface of the second islet is lined with stone, while the tops of the other islands are covered with soil to allow vegetation to grow. Thanks to their quietness and distance from the shore, the islets have become a resting place for water birds (e.g. cormorants, grey herons, swans); the second islet, however, is being used as nesting ground by common terns and black-headed gulls.

Living with the Sava

Gnezdilni otok za čigre je kamnit, izdelan sonaravno in podoben habitatom v naravi. Na njem je polno večjih skal, na katere sedajo ob parjenju, gnezdijo pa med kamni na površini. The nesting islet for terns is stony, built in a nature-friendly design and similar to habitats in their natural settings. It is strewn with larger rocks for terns to sit on during mating; they nest among the stones on the ground. 74

Življenje s Savo

Jata čiger nad gnezdilnim otokom / A flock of terns above the nesting islet

Otok je vse leto poln raznovrstnih ptic, vendar prevladujejo navadne čigre (Sterna hirundo). Med njimi so tudi beloperute čigre (Chlidonias leucopterus), ki se z njimi glasno prepirajo za najlepše prostore. The islet is full of a wide variety of birds all year round, but common terns (Sterna hirundo) predominate. Among them are white-winged terns (Chlidonias leucopterus), which squabble with them over the best spots.

Living with the Sava

Veliki kormorani (Phalacrocorax carbo) počivajo. Great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) resting.

Življenje s Savo

Rumenonogi galebi (Larus michahellis) plavajo ob gnezdilnem otoku.

Yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) swimming just off the nesting islet.

V zgodnjih pomladnih dneh otok naselijo v velikih jatah tudi rečni galebi ter črnoglavi in rumenonogi morski galebi. Rumenonogi galeb je tipičen predstavnik velikih galebov. V odraslem obdobju ima sivo obarvan hrbet, noge in kljun rumene, konice kril črne z manjšimi in večjimi belimi pikami. Na spodnji strani čeljusti kljuna ima rdečo piko. V akumulacijskem jezeru so redni gostje in se družijo z rečnimi galebi.

In the early days of spring, the islet is also inhabited by large flocks of black-headed gulls as well as Mediterranean and yellow-legged seagulls. The yellow-legged gull is a typical representative of large gulls. Adults have a grey back, yellow legs and bill, and black wing tips with small and large white dots. They also have a red dot on the underside of the bill. There are regular guests at the reservoir and like to mingle with black-headed gulls. Living with the Sava

Včasih po vodi priplava tudi kakšno deblo, ki ga ptice uporabijo za počitek. Trije togotniki (Philomachus pugnax) s »prevozom«. An occasional tree trunk drifts down the water for birds to rest on. Three ruffs (Philomachus pugnax) are catching a »ride«.

Življenje s Savo

Navadni čigri (Sterna hirundo) »v ogledalu« Two common terns (Sterna hirundo) »in the mirror«

Gnezdilna otoka / Nesting islets

Living with the Sava

Jata rečnih galebov (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) pred HE Brežice Rečni galeb (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) sodi po velikosti med male galebe. Odrasli imajo poleti perje na glavi črno, pozimi pa belo. Radi spremljajo traktorje, ko orjejo vrbinske njive, kjer cele jate pobirajo deževnike in žuželke.

Življenje s Savo

A flock of black-headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) immediately upstream from Brežice HPP In terms of size, the black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a member of small gulls. Adults have black feathers on their heads in summer, white in winter. They like to accompany tractors ploughing the fields in the Vrbina area, where whole flocks gather to feast on earthworms and insects.

Pred večerom – gnezdilni otoki / Evening on the horizon – nesting islets

Living with the Sava

Na levem bregu akumulacijskega jezera je na nasipu večji plato, od koder je lep razgled na celotno pretočno akumulacijsko jezero, na desni strani proti Krškem, na levi proti hidroelektrarni Brežice in proti jugu na panoramo jezera. Razgibana brežina nasipa se polagoma spušča v vodo, tako da tvori manjše plitvine zasajene z ločjem in potopljenimi drevesi, ki služijo za zatočišče ribam. Tu se hranijo močvirski martinci, mali deževniki in male bele čaplje, po kamniti oblogi nasipa pa skačejo bele in sive pastirice, poljski vrabci, sive vrane in škorci. 82

Življenje s Savo

On the embankment along the left bank of the reservoir is a spacious observation deck affording beautiful views across the entire run-ofriver reservoir, of the town of Krško to the right, the Brežice Hydro electric Power Plant to the left, and the reservoir skyline to the south. The rugged riverside slope of the embankment gently lowers into the water, forming smaller shallows planted with rushes and featuring submerged trees that provide shelter for fish. Wood sandpipers, little ringed plovers and little egrets feed here, and white and grey wagtails, Eurasian tree sparrows, hooded crows and starlings hop to and fro along the stone lining of the embankment.

Čopasti ponirek (Podiceps cristatus) / Great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

Na gladini jezera plavajo race raznih rodov, ki so kar številčne, bolj poredko pa je videti čopaste ponirke (Podiceps cristatus), ki so navadno v parih. So precej plašni, in ko zagledajo sprehajalca po nasipu, se takoj potopijo in odplavajo nekaj deset metrov vstran, kjer se spet prikažejo. Posebno zanimivi so v času paritve, ko uprizarjajo čudovite prizore dvorjenja na vodi.

Ducks of various breeds swim in the reservoir in pretty large numbers; great crested grebes (Podiceps cristatus), however, which are usually found in pairs, are a rare sight. Being quite timid, when they see someone walking on the embankment, they immediately dive and swim away a few tens of meters before resurfacing. They are particularly interesting to observe during the mating season, when they stage beautiful courting scenes on the water. Living with the Sava

Na suhi strani se nasip zarašča z drevesi, s travo in drugimi rastlinami, na mokri strani pa ponekod s trstiko in redkimi vrbami. Vodomec (Alcedo atthis) si za lovišče izbere izpostavljeno palico, od koder ima dober razgled na vodno površino in dogajanje v vodi. Ko zagleda plen, se bliskovito požene v vodo in v kljunu prinese ribo, ki jo najprej omami z večkratnim udarjanjem ob palico, na kateri sedi. Zanj je značilna čudovita kovinsko modro - oranžna barva, čokat trup, kratek rep, velika glava in še bolj nesorazmerno velik kljun. Čeprav je zelo pisan ptič, ga je v senci rastja ob vodi zelo težko opaziti. Če ga splašimo, se piskajoče oglasi in v nizkem, hitrem letu odleti.

On the dry side, the embankment is being overgrown with trees, grass and other plants, and on the wet side, in some places, with reeds and occasional willows. When hunting, the kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) perches on a protruding post or branch that affords a clear view of the water surface and what ever is happening in the water. With prey in sight, it plunges into the water and brings out in its beak a fish, which it first stuns by repeatedly hitting against the post or branch it is perched on. It is recognizable by a stunning metallic blue-orange colour, sturdy body, short tail, large head, and an even more disproportionately large beak. Despite being a very colorful bird, it is very difficult to spot in the shade of the waterside vegetation. If startled, it makes a high-pitched sound and rapidly flies away in low flight.

Življenje s Savo

Vodomec (Alcedo atthis) na preži A kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) on the prowl

Bela pastirca, pevka, ki se hrani povsod, na travniku, na cesti, na smetišču, v zraku in na tleh je prisotna na vsakem koraku tudi v nadomestnih habitatih. Ob obali jezera skače od kamna na kamen in pobira priložnostno hrano, ki je je na pretek.

A songbird, the white wagtail is always on the lookout for food, in a meadow, on a road, in a landfill; it is also found in the replacement habitats at every turn, whether in the air or on the ground. It hops along the reservoir’s shores from stone to stone, picking up any food – which is abundant – it may find.

Bela pastirica (Motacilla alba) White wagtail (Motacilla alba) Living with the Sava

Življenje s Savo

Plitvine

Shoals Living with the Sava

Življenje s Savo

Gorvodno od otokov se na dobrih treh kilometrih razteza OBŠIRNA PLITVINA, ki je na enem delu očiščena, na drugem pa zaraščena z vrbami, črno jelšo in drugim grmovjem, kar je prilagojeno različnim vrstam ptic. Obrežne plitvine in trstičja so pomembno življenjsko okolje za vodne in obvodne živali. Nudijo jim prostor za prehranjevanje, gnezdenje ter zavetje. Plitvine, zalivi in razširitve z rastlinjem so bili umeščeni z namenom popestritve monotone akumulacije vzdolž desne in mestoma tudi leve brežine, kjer so blagi nakloni to omogočali. Na levi brežini je več zalivov, ki so urejeni kot plitvine ali zalivi z dodanimi strukturami - potopljenimi vejami. Vodne plitvine odlikuje visoka produkcija manjših organizmov, ki so prehranska osnova za ribe in obrežne ptice. Suhi in nezaraščeni deli v zaledju plitvin omogočajo gnezdenje malemu martincu in malemu deževniku.

Upstream of the islets, spanning an area of more than three kilometers, lies an EXTENSIVE SHOAL, one part of which is clear of all vegetation, and the other overgrown with willows, black alder and other shrubs to accommodate for different species of birds. Bankside shallows and reed beds are important habitats for aquatic and waterside animals. They provide them with space for feeding, nesting and sheltering. Shallows, inlets and extensions with vegetation have been configured in order to diversify the unvaried reservoir banks along the right and in some places also the left side, where ever the slopes were gentle enough to do so. The left bank features several inlets configured as shallows or inlets with added structures – submerged tree branches. The shallows are distinguished for their abundant production of smallsized organisms, which are the nutritional basis for fish and riparian birds. Dry and bare sections immediately behind the shallows provide nesting grounds for the common sandpiper and the little ringed plover.

Living with the Sava

Voda nanjo naplavlja številne drobne živali, ki jih pobirajo ptice. Največ jih je v času selitev, ko si odpočijejo in se s hrano okrepijo. Gola plitvina je poraščena samo ob obali in je polna proda razne velikosti, proti vodi pa je blatna površina, kjer se hranijo razni pobrežniki.

Lots of tiny animals are washed ashore for birds to feed on. The largest numbers of birds can be observed during migrations, when they rest and feed here in order to regain strength. The bare shoal only has vegetation along the shoreline and is full of gravel in various sizes; stretching towards the water’s edge are mudflats where various wading birds feed.

Življenje s Savo

Obrežna plitvina / Shoreline shoal

Zaraščena plitvina / Shoal with lush vegetation

Gola plitvina plitvina / Bare shoal

Living with the Sava

Rože našega kraja ob plitvini Local meadow flowers growing along the shoal

Življenje s Savo

Labodi grbci (Cygnus olor) počivajo na plitvini Mute swans (Cygnus olor) resting on the shoal

Race mlakarice (Anas platyrhynchos) na južni plitvini Mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) on the southern shoal

Priba (Vanellus vanellus) Northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

Living with the Sava

Poleg raznih pobrežnikov, od polojnikov, malih deževnikov, raznovrstnih martincev in kljunačev ter drugih, je pogosto videti race mlakarice, čopaste in male ponirke ter vrsto drugih rac, posebno v času ptičjih selitev, ko si tu poiščejo počitek in hrano.

Alongside various waders, from black-winged stilts, little ringed plovers, a variety of sandpipers and snipes, and others, one can often see mallards, great crested grebes and little grebes, as well as a number of other duck breeds, especially during bird migrations, when they find a place to rest and feed here.

Življenje s Savo

Polojniki (Himantopus himantopus) priletijo v manjših jatah. Black-winged stilts (Himantopus himantopus) arrive in small flocks.

Martinci, mali deževniki, togotniki, srpokljuni prodniki in drugi pobrežniki, skrbno preiskujejo obale.

Sandpipers, little ringed plovers, ruffs, curlew sandpipers and other waders meticulously probe the shores for food. Močvirski martinec (Tringa glareola) Wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola)

Togotnik (Philomachus pugnax) Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)

Mali deževnik se zadržuje ob sladkih vodah, predvsem ob rekah in gramoznicah. Zanj je značilen izrazito rumen očesni kolobar. Gnezdi v globelici med prodom, na pesku ali v mivki, ki jo narahlo postelje z ostanki olesenelih rastlin. Jajca so izrazito varovalne barve in zlita z okolico. Mali deževnik (Charadrius dubius)) Little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius))

The little ringed plover is typically found in freshwater areas, near rivers and gravel pits in particular. Its specific feature is a distinctly yellow eye ring. It nests in hollows dug out in gravel or coarse or fine sand and gently lined with the remains of woody plants. Thanks to their distinct protective coloration, its eggs blend in perfectly with the surroundings.

Living with the Sava

Mali martinec je majhna in kratkonoga ptica z močnim kljunom in sključeno držo. Po zgornjem delu telesa je sivo rjav z vzorcem črnih črt, po trebuhu bel. Značilno zanj je, da leti nizko nad vodo z izmenjujočimi se gibi hitrega frfotanja in upočasnjenega jadranja.

The common sandpiper is a small, short-legged bird with a strong bill and a slouchy posture. It has a grey-brown back with a black stripes and a white belly. Its distinctive feature is flying low over the water’s surface, with alternating rapid fluttering and gentle gliding. Mali martinec (Actitis hypoleucos) Common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)

Življenje s Savo

Največ je rac mlakaric (Anas platyrhynchos), ki gnezdijo v vrbinskem rastlinju. The most numerous are mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), nesting in the vegetation of the Vrbina area.

Living with the Sava

Ob spomladanskih selitvah ptic se jim včasih pridružijo tudi sive in beločele gosi, njihovi stalni sosedje na plitvini pa so labodi grbci. Na plitvinah iščejo hrano tudi sive in rumene pastirice ter sive vrane in druge ptice, ki v času migracij najdejo tukaj počivališče.

During the bird migrations in spring, they are sometimes joined by greylag geese and greater white-fronted geese; they also regularly share the shoal with mute swans. Also looking for food on the shoals are grey and western yellow wagtails, hooded crows and other birds which find a resting spot here during migrations.

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Togotnik (Philomachus pugnax) na plitvini A ruff (Philomachus pugnax) on the shoal

Obala pretočnega jezera je okrašena z avtohtonimi rožami tega področja. The shore of the run-of-river reservoir is alive with flowers native to the area. Living with the Sava

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Nadomestni habitat NH1 in NH2

Replacement habitats NH1 and NH2 Living with the Sava

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Za življenje številnih ptic je pomemben nadomestni habitat NH1 IN NH2 - NADOMESTNI GRAMOZNICI, ki je namenjen gnezdenju čebelarjev in breguljk. 102

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The lives of numerous birds depend on the replacement habitats NH1 & NH2 – REPLACEMENT GRAVEL PITS, which is intended for the nesting of bee-eaters and sand martins.

Zaradi potopitve štirih gramoznic v Vrbini so bile na širšem območju HE Brežice urejene nadomestne gramoznice. Do nekaj metrov globoka stoječa voda, s prodnatimi poloji, mestoma strmimi brežinami in pestro zarastjo, je vabljiv sekundarni habitat za številne vodne nevretenčarje, ribe, dvoživke, plazilce, ptice in sesalce.

Zelena žaba (Pelophylax sp.) / Green frog (Pelophylax sp.)

After the submersion of four gravel pits in the Vrbina area, replacement gravel pits were provided across the wider area of Brežice HPP. Standing water, up to a few meters deep, with pebbled tidal flats, occasional steep banks and varied vegetation, is an attractive secondary habitat for many aquatic invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

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Čebelar (Merops apiaster) v preletu nad gnezdilno steno A bee-eater (Merops apiaster) flying over a nesting cliff

Urejene so bile nove gnezdilne stene za ptice breguljke in čebelarje, katerih ključni del so sipki nanosi zemljine nad plastjo gramoza, v katere lahko ptice izkopljejo gnezdilne rove. 104

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New nesting cliffs have been provided for sand martins and bee-eaters, a key feature of which are loose deposits of soil on top of the gravel layer to allow birds to dig burrows for nesting.

Čebelarja na NH 1 in NH2 A pair of bee-eaters in NH 1 & NH2

Za gnezdenje si čebelarji včasih izberejo tudi manjša gnezdišča, le da je to varna brežina. Bee-eaters sometimes pick smaller nesting spots, so long as it is on the bank and safe.

Gnezdišče breguljk v brežini NH1 in NH2 A bankside nesting spot for sand martins in NH1 & NH2

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Rečni galebi (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) na gramozu Black-headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) on a gravel bar

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Rjava čaplja (Ardea purpurea) Purple heron (Ardea purpurea)

Habitat NH 1, NH 2 so naselile številne ptice, bober pa si je zgradil bobrišče na skrajnem severovzhodnem delu jezera. Vsako leto tu gnezdi tudi labod grbec in race mlakarice, plitvino pa obiskujejo razne obrežne ptice.

The NH 1 & NH 2 habitat has been populated by numerous birds, and a beaver has built its lodge in the far northeastern part of the pond. Mute swans and mallards also nest here every year, and the shoal is frequented by various riparian birds.

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Občasno habitat preleti ena naših največjih ptic - orel belorepec in sede na peščeno plitvino na vzhodni strani jezera, kjer čaka na svoj obrok.

Every now and again one of our largest birds, the white-tailed eagle, flies over the habitat and lands on a sandy shoal to the east of the pond, where it waits for its meal to come along. Belorepec (Haliaeetus albicilla) / White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)

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Na sipinah živahno lovijo pobrežniki in pastirice, male bele čaplje pa prežijo na svoj ulov v kotanjah med rastlinjem, ki se razrašča ob severnem delu jezera. Na prodnati sipini gnezdijo mali deževniki, ob rastlinju se skrivajo vodne ptice in žabe.

Obširna sipina habitata / The habitat’s extensive sand bar

Waders and wagtails vigorously probe the sand bars for food, and little egrets prey on their catch in the hollows among the vegetation growing along the northern part of the pond. Little ringed plovers nest on the pebble bar, and water birds and frogs lurk in the vegetation.

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Nadomestni habitat NH3

Replacement habitat NH3 Living with the Sava

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HABITAT NH3 - SUHI TRAVNIKI IN GOZD Botanična posebnost Vrbine so suhi travniki s kukavičevkami, ki pritegnejo zaradi raznolikosti oblik in barv cvetov. Suhe travnike odlikuje velika vrstna pestrost rastlin, ki zagotavljajo ugodne razmere za travniške žuželke, predvsem dnevne metulje, kobilice, stenice, bogomolke in hrošče. Zaradi izgube dela suhih travnikov na desnem bregu Save je bil urejen nadomestni habitat NH3 na površini treh hektarjev, na nekdanji njivi. Izveden je bil z delnim prenosom travne ruše, podzemnih delov posameznih vrst kukavičevk in semen z obstoječih suhih travnikov.

HABITAT NH3 – DRY MEADOWS AND FOREST A distinct botanical feature of the Vrbina area is dry meadows with orchids, which immediately catch one’s eye on account of their diversity of shapes and bloom colours. Dry meadows are notable for their remarkable diversity of plant species that provide favorable conditions for meadow insects, particularly diurnal butterflies, grasshoppers, bugs, mantises and beetles. Due to the loss of a portion of the dry meadows on the right bank of the Sava, replacement habitat NH3 was built across three hectares of what used to be arable land. In doing so, some greensward, underground parts of individual orchid species and seeds were relocated from the existing dry meadows. 112

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Pisan travnik / A colourful meadow Med raznimi vrstami trav rastejo tudi številne druge rastline, ki so značilne za to področje. Veliki šopi navadnega gabeza, ivanjščice, nokote, volovskega jezika, travniške kadulje, travniške kozje brade in celo orhideji trizoba in čeladasta kukavica, ki jih obletavajo številni metulji. Na območju, kjer je na novo zasajen gozd iz avtohtonih drevesnih vrst, se pojavlja tudi divjad: poljski zajec, srne in fazani.

Alongside the various species of grass, there are also many other plants that are characteristic of this area. Large clusters of common comfrey, ox-eye daisies, bird’s-foot trefoils, bugloss, meadow sage, meadow goat’s beard, even three-toothed and military orchids, all of which are appreciated by numerous butterflies. Game such as brown hare, deer and pheasant can also be seen where a new forest of native tree species has been planted. Living with the Sava

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Navadni gabez (Symphytum officinale) Common comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

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Čeladasta kukavica (Orchis militaris) Military orchid (Orchis militaris)

Trizoba kukavica (Orchis tridentata) Three-toothed orchid (Orchis tridentata)

Srednji trpotec (Plantago media) Hoary plantain (Plantago media)

Pojalnik (Orobanche sp.) Broomrape (Orobanche sp.)

Močvirski cekinček (Lycaena dispar) na travniku / A large copper (Lycaena dispar) in a meadow

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Nadomestni habitat NH6

Replacement habitat NH6 Living with the Sava

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NADOMESTNI HABITAT NH6 nadomestni habitat za želvo sklednico in dvoživke je že odlično zaživel v vseh pogledih. Mlake za močvirsko sklednico so bile urejene na mestu opuščenih nelegalnih gramoznic, v katerih so bile želve v preteklosti pogosto opažene. Ob izvedbi je bila na območju počiščena čezmerna vegetacija, kotanje gramoznic pa so poglobili in povezali, s čimer se je povečal obseg vodnih površin.

REPLACEMENT HABITAT NH6 This replacement habitat for the European pond turtle and amphibians has burst into life in all respects. Puddles for the European pond turtle were provided where the now-abandoned illegal gravel pits used to be – there, turtles have often been spotted in the past. During the construction, excessive vegetation in the area was cleared away, and the gravel pits were deepened and interconnected to expand the water surfaces.

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Bober (Castor fiber) / European beaver (Castor fiber)

Poleg velikega števila zelenih žab in močvirskih sklednic se je v jezero naselila tudi družina bobrov. Ta največji evropski glodavec se je naselil na območju današnjega habitata že pred leti, zato so njegovi sledovi v obliki podrtih dreves že od nekdaj prisotni. Številna debela in tanka drevesa podira kot za šalo. Ostri zobje, široka močna glodača rdečkaste barve, s katerimi gloda in podira drevesa, se zarijejo v les, delci vrbovega debla frčijo naokrog, dokler še tako debelo drevo ne klone. Tik ob jezeru je zraslo mogočno bobrišče, ki ga vedno dograjujejo z vejami, koruznico in blatom. Ker je v neposredni bližini jezera tudi potok Močnik, vodi do njega tudi bobrova blatna pot, po kateri dnevno potuje.

Obžrto drevo / A tree with gnaw marks In addition to a large number of green frogs and pond turtles, the pond is also home to a family of beavers. It has been years since Europe’s largest rodent settled in the area of the present-day habitat, so the signs of its presence – in the form of fallen trees – have always been there to observe. To fell a tree is child’s play for the beaver – no matter the size of the trunk. Its sharp teeth, two wide, strong reddish incisors, which are used for gnawing and felling trees, sink into the wood, and chippings fly off the willow trunk until the tree, thick or thin, is done for. Right next to the pond grew a mighty beaver lodge, which is constantly extended with branches, corn stalks, and mud. Since the Močnik stream is located close to the pond, the beavers’ muddy path runs to this stream as well – and the beavers take this path on a daily basis. Living with the Sava

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Bobrišče je zraslo. / A beavers’ lodge in all its grandeur

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Močvirska sklednica (Emys orbicularis) Močvirska sklednica je edina domorodna sladkovodna želva pri nas, ki jo prepoznamo po temnem oklepu in rumenih pikah, včasih žarkasto razporejenih po telesu. Najlažje jo je opaziti med sončenjem na obrežju, a je izredno plaha in se že ob najmanjšem znaku za preplah požene v vodo. Prehranjuje se z vodnimi in obvodnimi nevretenčarji (polži, ličinke žuželk, deževniki), v manjši meri z vodnimi vretenčarji (paglavci, ribe), občasno tudi z rastlinsko hrano. Močvirska sklednica se v nekdanjih zapuščenih gramoznicah, kjer je zdaj zgrajeno novo življenjsko okolje, sonči na podrtih drevesih in na plavajočih deblih.

European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) The European pond turtle, or terrapin, is the only native freshwater turtle in the country and is easily recognizable by its dark carapace and yellow dots, sometimes in a radial arrangement all over the body. It is easiest to spot basking on the shore, but is extremely timid and runs for the water at the slightest hint of danger. It feeds on aquatic and riparian invertebrates (snails, insect larvae, earthworms), to a lesser extent on aquatic vertebrates (tadpoles, fish), and occasionally also on plants. The European pond turtle basks on downed trees and floating tree trunks in the now-abandoned gravel pits, where a new living environment has been established.

Močvirska sklednica (Emys orbicularis) European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) Living with the Sava

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Višnjeva deva (Aeshna affinis) Blue-eyed hawker (Aeshna affinis)

Prodni modrač (Orthetrum cancellatum) Black-tailed skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum)

V habitatu se pojavljajo tudi zelene žabe, ki v času parjenja regljajo svojo pesem pozno v noč. Če se jim približamo, za hip utihnejo, nato pa nadaljujejo svojo pesem. Hrane imajo dovolj, saj je okrog jezera polno ras tlinja, na katerem posedajo razne žuželke.

Green frogs also appear in the habitat, croaking their song late into the night during mating. If approached, they go silent for a brief moment and then carry on singing. With the pond full of plants on which various insects sit, there is ample food for frogs.

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Modri ploščec (Libellula depressa) Broad-bodied chaser (Libellula depressa)

Beli C (Polygonia c-album) Comma (Polygonia c-album)

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Del NH6 / Part of NH6

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Na toplem obrežju On a warm shore

Seveda pa tudi same žabe predstavljajo hrano za ptice, posebno so jim nevarne sive čaplje, ki stojijo ob robu in nepremično strmijo v vodo in samo trenutek neprevidnosti žab je potreben, da se znajdejo v njihovih kljunih. Ob najmanjšem šumu se dvignejo in zakrožijo nad jezerom.

Siva čaplja (Ardea cinerea) v zraku A grey heron (Ardea cinerea) in flight

The frogs are food for birds, of course, particularly for grey herons, which stand perfectly still on the water’s edge and gaze into the water – and if a frog lets its guard down for only a moment, it is game over. At the slightest sound, they take to the air and circle over the pond. Living with the Sava

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Zasavje

Zasavje Living with the Sava

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Ducatus carnioliae tabula chorographica iz leta 1774 Ducatus Carnioliae Tabula Chorographica from 1774

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Pečnica / Glazed tile

Območje, ki je danes registrirano kot enota arheološke dediščine Krška vas – Arheološko najdišče Zasavje (EŠD 10782), je bilo tudi arheološko raziskano. Prve raziskave v obliki ekstenzivnega terenskega pregleda so potekale leta 1998 na predvideni trasi današnje avtoceste, kjer so odkrili odlomke srednjeveške in novoveške keramike, gradbenega materiala ter razorane arhitekturne ostanke (obdelane apnenčaste kamne) opuščenih objektov nekdanje vasi.

The area, which today is registered as a unit of archaeological heritage, Krška vas - the Zasavje Archaeological Site (EŠD 10782), was also the subject of archaeological investigation. The first study in the form of an extensive field survey was performed in 1998 on the planned motorway route, which found fragments of medieval and early modern period ceramics, construction material and various archaeological remains (worked limestone rocks) of abandoned buildings of the former village.

Obširnejše terenske raziskave z ekstenzivnimi in intenzivnimi arheološkimi pregledi na desnem in levem bregu Save od Krškega do Brežic so potekale med leti 2007 in 2009 ter 2014 in 2015 v sklopu gradnje HE Brežice. Odkrite so bile stavbne ostaline, katerih lega je sovpadala z objekti vrisanimi na Franciscejskem katastru, in sočasne drobne arheološke najdbe ter temelja dveh manjših objektov, natančneje vogala temeljev. Preostali del objektov je bil odplavljen.

More comprehensive field studies with extensive and intensive archaeological surveys on the right and left banks of the river Sava from Krško to Brežice were performed between 2007 and 2009 and again between 2014 and 2015 as part of the construction of HPP Brežice. Uncovered were building remains, the layout of which matched the buildings drawn on the cadastral survey map charted under Emperor Franz I, and also small archaeological finds and two foundations of smaller buildings, specifically the corners of the foundations. The remaining parts of the buildings were washed away in floods.

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