THE BIRD PARADISE OF THE DANUBE DELTA

Island K, also known as Musura Island or Island of Happiness

Island K

Island K, also referred to as Musura Island or the Island of Happiness, is the bird haven of the Danube Delta, located at the end of the Sulina Branch. Formed in the early 20th century, Island K is a new territory and a recent tourist attraction. It is the newest land within the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, formed in the Black Sea’s Musura Bay through the accumulation of alluvium brought by the Chilia Branch and the Black Sea’s circular currents. Island K plays a major role in bird ecology and holds significant importance for ornithological researchers. The name was inspired by the island’s initial shape, which resembles the letter ‘K’.

visiting island k

Visiting Island K

The specific Danube landscape on Island K, with the spectacle of birds in their natural habitat, can only be observed from a distance—on the water, using binoculars, a camera lens, or the naked eye. Landing on Island K is prohibited; boats anchor a few dozen meters from the shore, at least 100 meters away during the breeding season, to avoid disturbing the birds.

On Island K, human access is forbidden to maintain optimal habitat conditions for the nesting birds (migratory or sedentary), as well as for the birds passing through Romania during migration. On this sandy island, green areas are scarce, and during the winter, they host populations of various gull species.

The ARBDD—Administration of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve recommends protecting the bird fauna of Island K by keeping visitors at least 200 meters away. The conservation of Island K, Romania’s newest land in the Danube Delta, is crucial as a nesting, resting, and feeding site for dozens of bird species.

Location

Located between the Musura and Sulina branches, Island K formed about 30 years ago, 8 km from the city of Sulina. As a tourist, you can embark from the Sulina port, and it is essential to know that you can only visit the island accompanied by a local guide. In your travel itinerary in the Danube Delta, do not miss the newest islands formed—Island K and Sacalin Island. Besides the paradisiacal charm of sheltering thousands of birds, Island K is fascinating because it is continually growing year by year.

k island location
k island birds island

Unique Bird Habitat of the Danube Delta

Island K stretches as a narrow sand strip, 7 km long and 80 m wide. The area of Island K is the unique nesting ground in Romania for two bird species of major conservation interest: the Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis) and the Caspian Gull (Larus ichthyaetus). Located north of the mouth of the Sulina Branch, Island K holds exceptional ornithological significance. It is also known as the Island of Happiness—a dreamlike natural habitat for all the bird colonies residing here. Observing this bird paradise provides a unique visual experience.

turgut s wreck
The Turgut Wreck

Near Island K, you will also encounter the mysterious wreck of the Turgut S, a Georgian ship that ran aground in 2009 due to a storm. The wreck measures approximately 90 meters in length and adds a unique charm to your visit to Island K.

Bird Paradise

  • The Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
  • The Heron (Ardeidae family)
  • The Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)
  • The Black Sea Gull (Larus cachinnans)
  • The Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
  • The Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
  • The Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
  • The Cormorant (Phalacrocoracidae family)
  • The Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
  • The Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
  • The Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
  • The Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
  • The Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)
  • The Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)
  • The Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
  • The Little Tern (Sternula albifrons)
  • The Swan (Cygnus olor).
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