The nesting site of the bee-eater

One of the most beautifully colored birds—the European bee-eater (Merops apiaster)—has made its home in the quartz sand quarry in Župjek in the Bizeljsko region. Its name derives from its diet, as it feeds on wild bees and other large insects, which it catches in mid-air with incredible skill and speed. In addition to the sandy cliffs in Bizeljsko, it also nests along the Mura River, in the Goriška region, in the Ravno sandpit in the eastern part of the Krakovski Forest, and individual pairs also nest in the sand dunes of gravel pits in Vrbina near Brežice. However, it is worth noting that for many years, this was the only nesting site in Slovenia. To minimize disturbance to these rare birds by observers, a closed observation hut has been set up at a suitable distance from the nesting cliff, with an information board placed right in front of it. Binoculars or a telescope are recommended for observation.

Historical facts:
According to local residents, bee-eaters have been nesting here since 1984, when around 50 pairs were estimated to nest in some years; however, based on observations in recent years, their numbers now hover around 20 pairs.