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The Gabbianello Oasis is located in the Municipality of Barberino di Mugello, in the Province of Florence.

This humid area, of 62 acres covers the north-east shore of Lake Bilancino and is one of the most endangered natural habitats of Italy and Europe. Quite flat, protected by the mountains of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines and by the relief of Calvana, it has been recognized as A.N.P.I.L. (Natural Protected Area of Local Interest) in the Regional System of Protected Areas of Tuscany.

It includes a 20-acre pond with an average depth of 5 ft, extremely important for migrating birds. The latter are mainly Eurasian bitterns, Black-winged stilts and pied avocets – they can easily find refuge thanks to the thick and abundant reeds. During winter and spring migrations, specimens of pink flamingos and rare ospreys stop here more and more frequently. Other birds of prey include hen harriers (a wintering species), marsh harriers, hobbies, and peregrine falcons. In addition, there are several specimens of ducks, including common pochards, Northern shovelers, Eurasian teals, wigeons, gadflies, red-crested pochards, and common goldeneyes.

Among the flora, typical of marshy environments, there is Ranunculus aquatilis (white water-crowfoot), Iris pseudoacorus (yellow lily), Typha spp. (bulrush), and Phragmites australis (common reed). The surroundings are populated by specimens of Quercus robur (English oak), and Quercus pubescens (downy oak), typical of plain woods.

An easy discovery path has been designed to offer a thorough visit of this oasis also to differently-abled visitors.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)