Lake Csaj of Tömörkény is located next to Szeri-plains, about 50 km from the city of Szeged. The entire fishpond-system together with the fishponds of Síróhegy covers almost 1200 hectares. Its story shows huge similarity to the history of Lake Fehér of Szeged: the ancient sodic lake has been transformed into fishponds in 1964. Nowadays it consists of smaller and bigger ponds with reedbeds and bulrush shores and sometimes large reed-islands.
Most heron species of the country breeds on Lake Csaj, and besides the black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus) the seagull-island of the 4th lake unit gives home to one of the biggest colony of Mediterranean gulls (Larus melanocephalus) in Hungary. A full-panoramic watchtower has been installed next to the seagull colony creating opportunity for visitors to study the clamorous life of the colony in a close distance.
Reedbeds on the shore of Lake Csaj provide good quality breeding habitat for ducks, red-crested pochard (Netta rufina) is also regularly nesting beside the more common species. The lake has an increased depth compared to Lake Fehér therefore it is particularly popular in winter among species breeding up north such as common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula), greater scaup (Aythya marila), smew (Mergellus albellus), common merganser (Mergus merganser) or black-throated loon (Gavia arctica).
When sodic lakes of Pusztaszer freeze in harsh winters goose groups can’t choose but visit the neighbouring Lake Csaj to drink. These occasions are great opportunities to observe individuals of red-breasted geese (Branta ruficollis) and lesser white-fronted geese (Anser erythropus).
White-tailed eagles (Haliaetus albicilla) breeding in the close floodplain of the Tisza regularly show up at the lakes while looking for prey. Including wandering individuals their number can reach even a dozen on the treelines bordering the lakes.
WARNING! Lake Csaj of Tömörkény is private property, entry is allowed only with a permitted guide!