Even a reservoir as the Great Northern Wetland of Ciego de Ávila is not immune to drought in this province and the rest of the country. These photos, however, were taken months ago when still water, but still water seemed to mirror and one cannot but be swayed by her charms.
With about 40 kilometers, the Great Wetland has dominion on the shores of Morón, Chambas, Bolivia and Primero de Enero municipalities, and includes the adjacent keys. It includes three protected areas: ecological reserve Centro-Oeste Cayo Coco and wildlife refuges and El Venero Loma San Judas of Cunagua; and two natural lagoons, La Redonda and La Leche, the latter, coastal lagoon unique in the country.
A few like the old Manuel, know how to slide still water on the small boat. He knows by heart the intricacies of bagá and everything there is to know in this area. He makes his living by taking tourists in his small boat to watch birds or the curious, as we are.
Since 2002, the Great Wetland was declared a Ramsar Site by the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat.
According to experts, the main types of vegetation in the Great Wetland are forests and grasslands and mangrove swamps. Often waterfowl populations, including flamingos and cormorants are sighted in addition to other more common species such as Marbella and yaguasa of black beak.
