Sitting on the verge of the (fresh water) Burgas lake and the (salt water) Black Sea, the reserve (declared in 1989) is the first territory managed by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds with as many as 265 different species of birds having been registered here.
The area not only provides safe nesting sites for many species but is also part of the migratory 'Via Pontica' - the second largest migratory route in Europe. August is therefore the perfect time to visit the centre although there is plenty to see all year round. There are several terraces and decks from where to view the birds as well as a foot trail to follow with informative boards along the way.
The centre is full of useful information including charts with all the birds (and other wildlife) that you might see and their names in 6 different languages, which was particularly helpful to us. There are clean toilet facilities and a small snack shop. Access to Poda is from the E87 coming into Burgas from Sozopol. If you are coming from the city you will need to leave at the exit of E87 and 99 and turn back on yourself.