Samara Forest: Cherkaske

The forest formed in the Samara region is a unique ecosystem. In addition to the fact that it is home to rare representatives of the animal world of Ukraine, the Samara forest can also surprise you with its diversity of vegetation – oaks and maples are replaced by pine masses in an instant.

Spending a few days in this forest on the banks of Samara is a great pleasure, inhaling its smell, you feel that you have entered a real forest, which no artificial green space can compare with. A real corner of paradise in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

Now I will move on to the trip itself. The destination is the village of Cherkaske, Novomoskovsk district, Dnipropetrovsk region. Departure from Dnipropetrovsk from the bus station by direct minibus number 102 to Cherkaske, which goes through Novomoskovsk and Orlivshchyna. The fare on July 23, 2011 was 11 hryven 50 kopiiok. Travel time – 1 hour 40 minutes.

There is a barrier at the exit from Orlivshchyna, which is manned by soldiers. Our minibus passes, and in five minutes we get off near the landmark, Lake Koloduvate. Now we are heading along the forest road to the “Lisovyi” pension.

The next day we go to Cherkaske to replenish supplies. On the outskirts we see a box hanging on a tree. After examining it, we understand that it is a bird feeder.

A nesting box on a nearby oak tree, which bow along with the tree.

It is not known who cares so much about birds, but it is possible that it is the owner of this huge pile of boards.

The pedestrian crossing mirrors the military history of the village.

On the way back in the forest, we notice a pillar, which means some kind of border.

Grasshopper-jumper.

Next day went to the lake to catch fish. Down the road there is a spring, the quality of the water in it remains a mystery. Water flows from it into the lake.

And here is the lake.

Trees growing on its steep bank sometimes fall under prolonged exposure to moisture.

A huge oak fell into the lake.

The lake is actively blooming.

Since the bridges across Samara can be counted on the fingers of one hand, crossing to the other shore is possible only with the help of a boat.

Row to other shore.

And there is a field.

And flowers.

Sailed on.

Ducks are located on a half-flooded log near the island. They sat comfortably under the sun and were in no hurry to leave their place. Only when we sailed back, they decided to swim to a safer place.

Sailing back.

Another walk through the forest. Recently, the wind was blowing in the forest. A broken branch blocked the road.

A stump overgrown with moss, on which a mushroom grew.

Ladybug.

Again a fishing trip to the lake. This bird attracted attention with its bright blue feathers. It looks like a hummingbird, but unfortunately I don’t know the species of this bird.

Another tree leans towards the surface of the lake.

Managed to photograph a water rat swimming to the other side of the lake.

The reddest dragonfly.

The biggest smallest fish caught from the lake.

That bird appeared again. He hunted for fish, dipping sharply into the water several times in a row. Sitting on a log, he must be looking for a prey.

Bugs rummage in a rotten log.

The squirrel also got into the shot.

This is the view from a fishing spot on the shore of Samara.

Samara looks very beautiful in the evening.

Birds on wires warm in the rays of the sun.

Samara forest in the evening.

And finally, the panorama of Samara.

And the evening panorama of the river and the forest.

The end of the journey – on Airborne Forces Day in Hvardiiske.