Velký Tisý Field Station

Velký Tisý Field Station sits within a national nature reserve of the same name in the Czech Republic, an area built around a chain of fishponds and wetlands.

About Velký Tisý Field Station

Founded in 1952, the station is primarily an ornithological research facility rather than an astronomical observatory. It supports fieldwork across the Velký a Malý Tisý nature reserve, which comprises 11 ponds — the largest, Velký Tisý itself, covering 317 hectares — along with wet meadows, forests, and fields. More than 150 bird species have been recorded in the area, making it one of the more significant pond complexes for ornithological study in the Czech Republic.

History

The station has operated continuously since 1952, giving it more than seven decades as a base for monitoring bird populations across the reserve's wetlands.

Location & getting there

The reserve sits amid a landscape of ponds and open countryside, offering low light pollution and wide, unobstructed views of the night sky alongside its daytime birdlife.

Visiting Velký Tisý Field Station

As a research station within a protected nature reserve, access may be limited outside of designated trails and viewing areas. Check with the reserve administration or local tourism resources before planning a visit.

See your named star from here

The reserve's rural, low-light setting that makes it good for birdwatching also lends itself to clear night skies. With your named star's coordinates in hand, its position can be traced from anywhere with a dark, open view like this one. Name a star or browse the catalogue to get started.