The Podhrádský Pond spreads over more than 50 hectares on flat countryside at the foothills of the Džbány-Žebrák Nature Reserve. The history of the pond goes back as far as the mid-17th century, from which time the pond has been used for fish farming. Fisherman can catch carp, common tench, pike and catfish. Apart from these, various small fish live in the lake, such as roach and bleak. The large water surface and high reeds, such as the elephant glass, provide suitable conditions for scores of species of water birds. The grey heron likes fishing in the shallow waters. Its prey are mostly small fish and frogs; however it can catch smaller birds as well. You can identify the bird by its slim body and grey feathers; however it is a very timid animal and it is not easy to get a close look. It is best to watch it, just as any other birds, with strong binoculars from the dam of the pond. Do not try to get closer though, as fragile birds’ nests hide deeply in the reeds and you could easily destroy them. The best time of year for bird watching is the early spring, when the birds are returning from the warm countries, or the autumn when they shoal together for their winter journeys. The Podhrázský Pond was established as a nature reserve more than half a century ago, as it is a significant stop on the journeys of dozens migratory birds. The work of conservationists is rewarded by the sight of the majestic flight of the sea eagle over the pond.