Best Time: June

This tour will take us to one of the less known parts of Bulgaria: Southern Dobroudzha. We will visit the last natural wetlands that have survived along the Danube riverside and the Black Sea coast as well as the picturesque valley of river Roussenski Lom. Our goal will be to watch more than 40 species of Dragonflies, some of which you can see only here. The tour also offers the observation of more than 100 species of birds breeding here, many of these are extremely beautiful. There are also rare and protected European species. Those interested can also observe many species of butterflies typical for Southeast Europe. For your facility’s sake we have designed the tour to be spent entirely around two places for accommodation thus avoiding long travelling and frequent change of hotels.

DAY 1
The tour starts at the village Vetren, municipality of Silistra where the tourists will be accommodated for 5 nights in the Pelican Birding Lodge. The village is located very close to the majestic river Danube and the world-renowned managed nature reserve Lake Srebarna. The reserve is under the aegis of UNESCO as a Monument of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. The Lodge proper is situated near a small wood crossed by a similarly small brook. Almost throughout the year the courtyard of Pelican Birding Lodge echoes with the songs of birds and is visited by various species of butterflies, dragonflies, reptiles and mammals. During this first day of your stay there we will visit the lake Malak Preslavets, the Garvan Marsh and several small dams. We will be looking for Norfolk Hawker (Aeshna isoceles), Emperor Dragonfly (Anax imperator), Blue-eyed Hawker (Aeshna affinis), Darters (Sympetrum) and Skimmers (Orthetrum), Small Redeye (Erytromma viridulum), Blue-eye (Erithromma lindenii). Although less likely we may be lucky enough to watch also the Eastern Willow Spreadwing (Lestes parvidens) and Winter Damselfly (Sympecma fusca), which start flying in the open later in the summer. We will be looking again for Blue-eyed Goldenring (Cordulegaster insignis), River Clubtail (Gomphus flavipes) и Common Clubtail (Gomphus vulgatissimus). Packed lunch for the day. Dinner and night at Pelican Birding Lodge.

DAY 2
Today a longer trip lies ahead of us but we shall stop at many places for observing wildlife so let’s hope we shall not feel annoyed by the trip. We will visit Varbishki Mountain Pass situated at the foot of the majestic Balkan Range (Stara Planina Mountains). We will cross the valleys of small mountain rivulets in the search of the Balkan Goldenring (Cordulegaster heros), Odalisque (Epallage fatime) in the northernmost European locality of the species, the Eastern Specter (Caliaeshna microstigma) and Balkan Emerald (Somatochlora meridionalis) as well as many others.

DAY 3
Today we will ride in the van for only about 10 to 15 km. We will visit the surroundings of the reserve Lake Srebarna. Here, more than 40 species of dragonflies have been discovered and we will try to find the greater part of these species. We will also watch interesting bird species like the Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Levant Sparrowhawk and many others as well as interesting species of butterflies.

DAY 4
Today again a bit longer trip lies ahead of us but we will be rewarded by seeing beautiful natural landmarks. We will visit the nature Park ‘Roussenski Lom’ – a deep river valley cut through massive limestone rocks. Our main goal for the day will be riverine species of dragonflies: Common Clubtail (Gomphus vulgatissimus), Snaketail (Ophiogomphus cecilia), Small Pincertail (Onychogomphus forcipatus), Ornate Blue (Coenagrion ornatum), Small Bluetail (Ischnura pumilio) and some others. Also, we can see some rare bird species in the park like the Black Stork, the Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus), Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes) as well as the globally threatened Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus). One can observe many species of butterflies and interesting species of plants.

DAY 5
Today, after a short trip, we are going to visit the protected site named ‘Kalimok-Brashlen’ and the vicinity of the town of Toutrakan. Almost all sites of our today’s programme are marshes and reed beds as well as small groves around them. Hopefully, we may see species like Darters (Sympetrum) and Skimmers (Orthetrum), Lesser Emperor (Anax parthenope), Robust Spreadwing (Lestes dryas), Migrant Spreadwing (Lestes barbarus), Small Spreadwing (Lestes sponsa) and other species. In the early afternoon we will visit a couple of small brooks in search of the Blue-eyed Goldenring (Cordulegaster insignis): this area is one of the most important habitats for this species in Europe. We will visit also the Danube riverside looking for the River Clubtail (Gomphus flavipes). We can also watch a lot of bird species like Golden Oriole, (Oriolus oriolus) , Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus), Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmeus), Marsh Terns, etc.

DAY 6
Today, we will travel to the east, to the Black Sea coast. We will cross the vicinities of the town of Devnya and visit the saline parts of Varna lake, the mouth of Devnya river and the protected site ‘Yatata’. We will be looking for the Dark Spreadwing (Lestes macrostigma), Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii), Southern Skimmer (Orthetrum brunneum) as well as other species. To the north of the city of Varna we will visit the valley of river Batova where we will be looking for Turkish Goldenring (Cordulegaster picta), Eastern Specter (Caliaeshna microstigma) and the Balkan Emerald (Somatochlora meridionalis). Packed lunch for the day. Accommodation in hotel ‘Nash Dom’ (Our home) in the town of Kavarna for 2 nights.

DAY 7
We will visit the lakes Shabla and Dourankoulak. Both these lakes are immediately by the seashore-actually they are separated only by a strip of beach. We will be looking for the Dark Spreadwing (Lestes macrostigma), Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii), Yellow-winged Darter (Sympetrum flaveolum), White-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum albistylum) and other species. Here we can watch the rare European species Paddifield warbler

DAY 8
Today, after the last observations in the area of the steppe reserve ‘Kaliakra’ and the rocky valley of Bolata our tour will come to its end (depending on the time of departure). The reserve ‘Kaliakra’ is a stony steppe bordering with the sea to which cliffs towering 100 m and more fall away. ‘Bolata’ is a rocky valley on the bottom of which there is a small pond overgrown with reed. The vertical cliffs are perforated by a number of natural caves in which the local pair of Eagle Owls hide. Along with different species of dragonflies like … one can watch several rare European species of birds like Pied and Isabeline Wheatears, Black-headed Bunting, Rosy Starling, etc.

LAND ONLY PRICE
€760.00
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
€100.00
DEPOSIT
€150.00
INDIVIDUALS
€840.00

ADDITIONAL PRICE INFO
Payment may be made in all convertible currencies at the Euro exchange rate for the day of payment. The prices include : All the ground transport, FB – full board with packed lunches, where is necessary, accommodation in hotels and guest houses. English speaking guide, All the taxes for reserves. The prices don’t include : Insurance, drinks, and all the items of personal nature

Booking: Please use the Prices and Booking section of our website to send your requests.

Best time: June-July

 Bulgaria is located in the central and eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula and covers a surface area of about 111000 sq. km. The present butterfly fauna has formed itself as a consequence of diverse climatic conditions, relief, texture and vegetation as well as the presence of refuges where, during the ice age, relic species have been preserved or endemic species have formed. This fauna of Bulgaria is the richest one among all European countries outside the Mediterranean zone-currently 215 species have been reliably registered for our country. On this tour we will explore one of the less known places for butterflies around the northern Black-sea coast and the Danube river area, close to the Pelican Birding Lodge.

DAY 1
Arriving at Varna Airport and transfer to the seaside town of Kavarna. Accommodation at a local hotel for 3 nights.

DAY 2
Today, we will visit the surroundings of the town of Kavarna and the town of Balchik. This region is of exceptional interest to nature lovers: limestone rocks, white and very soft. More than 100 species of butterflies are known from this part of the country as well as so many species of moths. We will also watch many species of dragonflies. The better known species, which we expect to see, are: Lulworth Skipper (Thymelicus acteon), Sandy Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus cinarae), Large Copper (Lycaena dispar), Baton Blue (Scolitantides vicrama), Green-Underside Blue (Glaucopsyche alexis), Large Blue (Phengaris arion), Zephyr Blue (Plebeius sephirus).

DAY 3
A visit to lakes Shabla and Dourankoulak, the steppes and the seaside cliffs near the village of Tulenovo. A limestone land again. Cliffs of more than a 100-m height sink directly into the sea below. The species we expect to see are Lesser Spotted Fritillary (Melitaea trivia), Nickerl’s Fritillary (Melitaea aurelia), Lesser Purple Emperor (Apatura ilia), Tree Grayling (Hipparchia statilinus), Woodland Grayling (Hipparchia fagi), Gatekeeper (Maniola tithonus), Plebeius thersites, Iolas Blue (Iolana iolas).

DAY 4
Today, we will leave the Black Sea coast and will head for the west crossing Dobroudzha on the way. At some moment of our trip we will reach a canyon cut into the limestone rock and called “Souhata Reka”. We will concentrate our efforts in finding of the Fritillary (Euphydryas maturna), Clouded Apollo (Parnassius mnemosyne), Large Copper (Lycaena dispar), Lesser Spotted Fritillary (Melitaea trivia), Argynnis hecate, Yellow-banded Skipper (Pyrgus sidae), Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus), Pearly Heath (Coenonympha arcania), Chestnut Heath (Coenonympha glycerion) and other species. Accommodation for 6 nights at Pelican Birding lodge, Vetren village, located in the immediate vicinity to the Danube and the world-renowned Managed Reserve of the Biosphere “Lake Srebarna”

DAY 5
Today, we will visit the forest named Karakouz, and the Dry Valleys of Kana Gyol. We will be looking for more than 50 species of butterflies, among them the Southern White Admiral (Limenitis reducta), Scarce Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis xanthomelas), Red-band Fritillary (Melitaea didyma), Grayling (Hipparchia semele), Lesser Spotted Fritillary (Melitaea trivia). This countryside is rich of medieval rock churches (dated mostly the 10th century AD) as well as Thracian sanctuaries from the 6th century BC.

DAY 6
Our today’s goal is a visit to the wetlands along the Danube riverside: the lakes Srebarna, Garvan, Malak Preslavets with their adjacent wetlands and the dry hills with bushes and riverside forests. We expect to see Lesser Purple Emperor (Apatura ilia), Mallow Skipper (Carcharodus alceae), Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus), the Bath White (Pieris daplidice), Lesser Fiery Copper (Lycaena thersamon), Chestnut Heath (Coenonympha glycerion), Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus), the Dryad (Hipparchia dryas), Knapweed Fritillary (Melitaea phoebe), the Map (Araschnia levana), Common Glider (Neptis sappho)

DAY 7
These two days will be dedicated to the forested land called “Loudogorie”. More than 120 species of butterflies have been discovered in this region. This land is known as the cradle of the ancient Thracian civilization, which is the oldest European civilization. We expect to see Tufted Marbled Skipper (Carcharodus flocciferus), Southern Festoon (Zerynthia polyxena), Clouded Apollo (Parnassius mnemosyne), Pale Clouded Yellow (Colias hyale), Purple-Shot Copper (Lycaena alciphron), Balkan Copper (Lycaena candens), Common Zebra Blue (Leptotes pirithous), Eastern Short-tailed Blue (Cupido decoloratus), Dutch Alcon Blue (Phengaris alcon), Northern Wall Brown (Pararge petropolitana), Russian Heath (Coenonympha leander), Freyer’s Purple Emperor (Apatura metis), Freyer’s Fritillary (Melitaea arduinna), False-heath Fritillary (Melitaea diamina).

DAY 8
See day 7.

DAY 9
Today, we will visit the Nature Park “Roussenski Lom”. The local river meanders along the bottom of the canyon. We expect to see Eastern Festoon (Zerynthia cerisy), Swallowtail (Papilio machaon), Orange Tip (Euchloe cardamines), Eastern Dappled White (Euchloe ausonia), White-letter Hairstreak (Satyrium w-album), Baton Blue (Scolitantides vicrama), Great Banded Grayling (Hipparchia circe), False Grayling (Hipparchia arethusa), Nickerl’s Fritillary (Melitaea aurelia), High Brown Fritillary (Argynnis adippe), Weaver’s Fritillary (Boloria dia) and some other species.

DAY 10
After breakfast, a transfer to Varna Airport follows, where our tour comes to an end.

LAND ONLY PRICE
€760.00
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
€120.00
DEPOSIT
€150.00
INDIVIDUALS
€840.00

ADDITIONAL PRICE INFO
Payment may be made in all convertible currencies at the Euro exchange rate for the day of payment. The prices include : All the ground transport, FB – full board with packed lunches, where is necessary, accommodation in hotels and guest houses. English speaking guide, All the taxes for reserves. The prices don’t include : Insurance, drinks, and all the items of personal nature

Booking: Please use the Prices and Booking section of our website to send your requests.

Best Time: April-September

Golden Jackal (Canis aureus) © Pandion Wild Tours

Of approximately 180 species of mammal found that populate Europe: in Bulgaria you will find over 100 of these, including numerous rare European examples. During this tour our main focus will be on the Golden Jackal and threatened: European Ground Squirrel. Both of these species survive in sustainable numbers within the borders of the country. Notably: Bulgaria maintains the largest Jackal population in Europe. Among these target species we will also have the opportunity to observe, or photograph, other mammals common to the area such as; Roe Deer, Brown Hare, Wild Boar, Pine Marten, Stone Marten and Badger – and if we are lucky even the very rare Marbled Polecat. During the tour we will be situated in a small but fruitful reserve surrounded by wild nature near to the village of Vetren (North-Eastern Bulgaria). Vetren is located just a couple of hundred meters away from the mighty Danube River, and just a few kilometers from the highly important reserve of Lake Srebarna. Srebarna itself now granted the protection of UNESCO as a unique ornithological world cultural and natural heritage site. This gives us another perfect opportunity, during the tour, to observe or take photos of some globally threatened species like the significant; Dalmatian Pelican, Ferruginous Duck and Pygmy Cormorant – and a number of other rare and of course, more common birds.

DAY 1
Landing at Bucharest airport (Romania) or Varna airport (Bulgaria) will be followed by transfer journey of 150 km approx. to the village of Vetren. Depending on the arrival time afforded to us we will take our first opportunity for observation and photography of the Golden Jackal. For observation of the Golden Jackal, we will use specially built permanent wooden hides. The hides are situated in front of known feeding sites also frequented by Roe Deer and Wild Boar. Observations from the Golden Jackal hides will take place twice daily: at the break of dawn at sunrise and thereafter: late afternoon.

DAY 2
We will have an early morning start to the day and head out towards the Jackal hides. We will spend around 3 hours there before coming back to base for breakfast. A short transfer journey then follows breakfast: a few kilometers only to the internationally important Lake Srebarna. Here we will search for such rarities as the; Dalmatian Pelican, Ferruginous Duck, Pygmy Cormorant – and a number of other common and rarer birds such as: Red-necked and Black-necked Grebes, Purple, Squacco, Night Herons, Marsh Harrier, Penduline Tit , Lesser Spotted Eagle, Levant Sparrow-Hawk, Goshawk and also Ruddy Shell-duck. The latter species breeds on the banks of the small dry inlets found around the lake. A late lunch follows and after a short break we will head out towards the Jackal hides for late afternoon observations.

DAY 3
see day 2

DAY 4
Over the next two days our efforts will focus mainly on the Golden Jackal and threatened European Ground Squirrel. Following the early morning photography session afforded to us at the Jackal hide, we will have a quick breakfast before then – heading to the nearby colony of European Ground Squirrel. Here we will use portable hides, or if circumstances are favorable, take photographs up close from outside the hides: sometimes these animals allow us to be as close as 2 meters away. During early afternoon we will head back to base for a late lunch and short break: returning to the Jackal hides again during late afternoon.

DAY 5
see day 4

DAY 6
Our day will start with morning Jackal photography before then visiting a couple of the most important ornithological sites in the area. First we will stop at Maluk Preslavets Marsh – which is just 20 kms away. Maluk Preslavets is an interesting place, not only for its rich bird diversity, but also for plant foliage as well. The protected Marsh Malak Preslavets has the largest density of White Water Lily found in Bulgaria. Depending on the time of year we can observe: Squacco heron, Small and Great Egret, Gray Heron and Mute Swan – and even the Whiskered Tern can be seen here. Throughout the year: Met Cormorant, Western Marsh-harrier, Buteo, Montagu’s Harrier, Common Blackbird, Falcon, Eurasian Coot, Ferruginous Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Garganey and Eurasian Bittern are common. We will take a packed lunch for the day before continuing to a second important ornithological site with the name of: “Stenata” (The Wall). Here we find the biggest colony of European Bee-eater – usually more than 100 pairs. We can also use the opportunity for a late afternoon visit to see a European Souslik colony – before our last overnight stay of the tour.

DAY 7
Depending on your flight departure time/s we are more than happy to facilitate another early morning session at the Jackal hides – before your leave.

LAND ONLY PRICE
€820.00
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT
€60.00
DEPOSIT
€150.00
INDIVIDUALS
€1,070.00

ADDITIONAL PRICE INFO
THE PRICE INCLUDES: Ground transport, full board, accommodation, guide. THE PRICE DOESN’T INCLUDE: insurance, photo equipment, flight, alcohol.

Booking: Please use the Prices and Booking section of our website to send your requests.

Best time: 15 April – 5 October.

Day 1
After breakfast we set off for Srebarna Reserve where we are going to spend the whole day in watching rare and interesting species of birds like:  The Black, the Red-necked,  the Little and the Great Crested  Grebes, the Dalmatian and the White Pelicans, the Pygmy Cormorant, the Little Bittern, the Squacco Heron, the Little and the Great Egrets, the Night Heron, the Purple Heron, the Glossy Ibis, the Spoonbill etc. Night at PBL.

Day 2
After a short driving (about 3 km in one direction) we are approaching the Garvan and Malak Preslavets marshes. Both these marshes are surrounded by small clumps of trees and bushes. Such a landscape contributes to the extraordinary diversity of bird species. We will be expecting to see the following species of birds: the Ruddy Shelduck, the Garganey, the Ferruginous Duck, the Whiskered tern, the Kingfisher, the Golden Oriole, the Wood lark,  the Black-headed Yellow Wagtail,  the Levant Sparrow Hawk, the Goshawk,  the Honey Buzzard and many others. Night at PBL.

Day 3
This day what waits for us ahead is a somewhat longer trip (about 100 km in one direction), our goal being the visit of the rocky valley of river Roussenski Lom. This entire area abounds of very beautiful sights with its deep river valleys and surrounding cliffs growing right out of the river water. Along with its nature beauties this valley has been well-known with the ancient settlements of the first Christians in these lands who had lived in caves located in the cliffs along the river banks. Those Christians had also hewn their monasteries and churches into the rocks in which even today one can see ancient wall paintings. In this parts we expect to see the following species of birds: The Egyptian Vulture, The White and the Black Storks, the Lesser Spotted Eagle, The Hobby , the Roller, the Bee-eaters, the Hoopoe, and many others. Late in the afternoon we’ll be on our way back to PBL.

Day 4 
After the longer transfer the previous day today we will have only a promenade around the PBL area. We will visit the countryside area called ‘Baltata’. This is a wetland located between the Danube and Srebarna Reserve. In early spring this area is flooded by the swollen waters of the majestic river. The vegetation there consists of poplar trees, willows, various bushes and reeds. This type of vegetation gives chances to such interesting species of birds like Penduline Tit, the Bearded Tit, almost all of the European species of woodpeckers, the Hawfinch, the Nightingale, many species of warblers, the Golden Oriole and many others to find the habitat that suits them most. Night at PBL.

Day 5
Now, a transfer of 180 km waits for us: we have to go to the region of the town of Kavarna situated on the Northern Black Sea Coast. We will be arriving there about noon and will right away get down to watching birds. We will also visit the seaside nature reserve of Kaliakra
Kaliakra is the southernmost area of real East-European steppe and as far as the eye can see there is only steppe interspersed here and there with shrubs and small stunted trees. Unfortunately there are also many agriculture fields, but this is the  main Bulgarian cereal producing region.   The rocky coastline here falls away into the Black Sea and Cape Kaliakra itself is an ideal vantage point for scanning for raptors as well as enjoying the stunning scenery. In front of us are the remains of the ancient Kaliakra fortress, which is shrouded in legends. Depending on the season here one can watch the following more interesting species of birds: the Kalandra lark, the Short-toed Lark, the Tawny pipit, the Pied and the Isabeline wheatears,  the Red-backed shrike, the Lesser Grey shrike, the Woodchat shrike, the Alpine swift , the local subspecies of the m European Shag and many others. Late in the afternoon we will return to the local hotel where we will spend the night.

Day 6
Today we will be visiting Lake Durankulak, a mainly brackish lake that lies six kilometres from the border with Rumania. Glossy Ibis, Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, herons,   White Pelicans, the  White  and the  Black Stork, the Marsh harrier  (also the Montagu’s, the Hen-, and the Pallid harriers during migration),  the Long-legged Buzzard, the Red-footed Falcon, the Paddifield warbler..  After lunch we will visit Shabla marshland and Shabla Lake, where hopefully we will see a lot of the Black Headed Bunting (May, June, 15 July), many species of shore birds, and many others of the waterfowl.
After that we will visit the rocky coast and rocky steppes, which  form the Yailata (archaeological) reserve – the kingdom of larks and other steppe birds.  Night at Kavarna hotel.
End of the tour.

Day 7
Transfer to Varna airport or traveling back to PBL.

The number of observed birds, depending on the season, may vary from about 100 to about 180.
Tourists may run this program in two ways:

1. Independently (i.e. using their own transportation means), by the tourists themselves and if this will be the case the PBL employees will only supply the necessary additional information. The tourists then will pay  the price for the night’s lodging according to the programme and the pricelist in Section ‘Prices’. Tourists will also have to pay the travel and accommodation costs to the region of the Northern Black Sea Coastal area.
2. By renting a vehicle and an expert-guide from PBL.  In that case guests will pay the following prices in Euro.

Prices

Booking: Please use the Prices and Booking section of our website to send your requests.

Reaching and visiting the hide

A guide of ours will take you from the Lodge and bring you to the hide. He will explain all the main rules for using the hide, and bring you back to the lodge after you finish your photographic or observation session.

The hide is easily reachable from Pelican Birding lodge and it is just 5 minutes by car or 15 minutes on foot. As the Jackals are more active at dawn and dusk entering the hide should be early in the morning before sunrise or late afternoon, a couple of hours before sunset. Usually we stay in the hides between 2-4 hours. Of course as long as we stay we increase our chances to see the animals.

Rules

Jackals are very common in the area, Bulgaria actually has the largest jackal population in Europe, and the biggest density of the animals is exactly in North-Eastern Bulgaria, but it should be noted that they are extremely wary animals.

On our way to the hides and once inside we should try to be as silent as we can as they are even frightened by sounds that can not locate. Any noise could ruin the chance to see or photograph them. Entering the hide should be in complete silence.

Do not forget to turn off your phone.

Do not use any devices which emit light as this can be easily noted by the animals

Talking should be only in a very low voice

Smoking is strictly forbidden

If the photographers are using the embrasures they should try to move their lenses very quietly and slowly while taking pictures. For a good success rate you must allow first any animals or birds to come closer to the bait and feel confident.

Food :

It is better to organize your food the day before or in the morning, at your accommodation place.  Use only soft plastic boxes or packages which are not noisy.

Toilet :

A toilet is not provided in the area of the hides, please do not forget to use the toilet in your room before you leave for the hide.

Best Period:  April – September, winter photography is also possible on request.

Weather:  Spring time in Bulgaria is with daily temperatures between 10-20C and sometimes lower at night or early in the morning. Rainfalls are also possible. Summer is usually hot with temperatures around and above 30C. Early autumn is with generally warm, sunny and steady Weather.

Photo Equipment recommendations:

Lenses:  400 to 600 mm lenses on full frame cameras.

Best cameras:  Full frame cameras with fast “frame per second” rate are preferable

Teleconverters:  1.4x , 1.7x, 2x teleconverters could be very useful

Do not forget:  Tripods

Important:

Usually we have warm weather during spring time and hot during summer, but it is useful to take with you – Waterproof shoes, jacket in case of rain. Repellents against mosquitoes.

As all the animals and birds around us are WILD, there isn’t any 100% guarantee that you will be able to make good photos or observations if you stay just for day or two. The Golden Jackal is one of the most common animals in the area but their behavior is unpredictable. As long as you stay you increase your chances.

Price: 25 Euro  per person / per day 

THE PRICE INCLUDES: hide, chairs
THE PRICE DOESN’T INCLUDE: accommodation, photo equipment.

Bookings:  You can send your request using our booking form in the contacts & location section of the site or write us at pelicanbirding@abv.bg , pandiond@einet.bg

Bee-eater © Bogdan Andonov

We have two Bee-eater & Roller photography wooden hides, available for rent. The hides are comfortable for 5 people. They are erected in close vicinity to a colony of European Bee-eater and next to a breeding pair of European roller. The colony proper is located in a little valley covered with grassy vegetation and with scattered shrubs and little grooves. Since couple of years we have breeding pair of Hoopoe at the same place and good photos of the species are possible. The hides are positioned in such a way as to enable us take shots in the morning and in the afternoon. At a distance of about 200 m from the colony there is a village fountain where in the past (but nowadays, too) local villagers used to water the cattle. This fountain is a real crowd-puller for the thirsty birds from the valley, and they are not so few species: all species of woodpeckers with the exception of the Three-toed Woodpecker, the Black-headed, Ortolan and Corn Buntings, the Lesser Gray Woodchat and the Red-backed Shrike, the Golden Oriole, Roller, Hoopoe, Turtle Dove, Common Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat, Barred Warbler, Hawfinch, etc

Reaching and visiting the hide

A guide of ours will take you from the Lodge and bring you to the hide. He will explain all the main rules for using the hide, and bring you back to the lodge after you finish with your photographic session.

The hides are easily reachable from Pelican Birding lodge and are just 5 minutes by car or 15 minutes on foot.

Rules:

On our way to the hides and once inside we should try to be as silent as we can.

Entering the hides must be very early in the morning, at dawn and before sunrise. It’s a very strict rule. If the birds see people they may not land on the perch in front of the hide. After all our main goal is to do everything without disturbing the nature around us.

Staying in the hide is by your wish, but for better chances it’s good to spend the day in the hide and leave at dusk.

If you decide to leave the hide during the day it must be done in a way in order not to disturb the birds.  Without slamming the doors and as silent as you can be.

Do not forget to turn off your phone.
Do not use any devices which emit light as this can easily disturb the birds
Talking should be only in a very low voice
Smoking is strictly forbidden

For a good success rate you must allow  birds first to land and feel confident on the perch, then try to move your lenses very quietly and slowly while taking pictures.

Food :

It is better to organize your food the day before or in the morning, at your accommodation place.  Use only soft plastic boxes or packages which are not noisy.

Toilet :

Toilet is not provided in the area of the hide, please do not forget to use the toilet in your room before you leave for the hide.

Available: Late April – July

Weather: During this time of the year daily temperatures are almost always around and above 20C. Rainfalls possible, but as a whole it is a fair, sunny and steady weather. Depressions occur very rarely and then temperatures fall down to 15C.

Price: 25 Euro per person / per day

THE PRICE INCLUDES: hide, chairs.
THE PRICE DOESN’T INCLUDE: accommodation, photo equipment.

Photo Equipment recommendations:

Lenses:

300 to 400 mm lenses on full frame cameras.

Best cameras:

Full frame cameras with fast “frame per second” rate are preferable

Teleconverters:

1.4x , 1.7x, 2x teleconverters could be very useful

Do not forget:

Tripods

Important:

Usually we have warm weather during spring time and hot during summer, but it is useful to take with you – Waterproof shoes, jacket in case of rain. Repellents against mosquitoes.

Photographing from a hide is not so easy as it seems at first glance. Nevertheless that it is possible to make good photos just for 1 day stay in the hide, this is wild nature and nothing is guaranteed. It needs patients and it takes time.

Bookings: You can send your request using our booking form in the contacts & location section of the site or send us an e-mail at pelicanbirding@abv.bg , pandiond@einet.bg

© Богдан Андонов

Bee-eaters and Rollers Photography Tour

Best time: Mid April-July

The tour will be carried out in close proximity of the majestic river Danube and the Nature Reserve Srebarna, which is under UNESCO’s aegis being a Monument of the World Nature Heritage.
During the entire sojourn we will be accommodated at the Pelican Birding Lodge.
The chief attraction will be the taking of photos from two hides positioned in such a way as to enable us take shots in the morning and in the afternoon. Hides are erected in close vicinity to a colony of European Bee-eater. The colony proper is located in a little valley covered with grassy vegetation and with scattered shrubs and little grooves. At a distance of about 200 m from the colony there is a village fountain where in the past (but nowadays, too) local villagers used to water the cattle. This fountain is a real crowd-puller for the thirsty birds from the valley, and they are not so few species: all species of woodpeckers with the exception of the Three-toed Woodpecker, the Black-headed, Ortolan and Corn Buntings, the Lesser Gray Woodchat and the Red-backed Shrike, the Golden Oriole, Roller, Hoopoe, Turtle Dove, Common Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat, Barred Warbler, Hawfinch, etc.
Only at several minutes drive by a car from the Lodge is the Srebarna Reserve where we will have the chance to photograph the Dalmatian and the White Pelicans (mainly in flight), Penduline Tit, Great Reed Warbler and many other species.
The rich biodiversity in the area will also offer opportunities for macro photography – mainly butterflies, and dragonflies, but there will be plenty of other insects, too. There are very good opportunities to take shots of the Golden Jackal and, if we are lucky, also of some other lesser predators and steppe rodents.
We will have early morning starts and late evening sessions, as well as afternoon siestas, to avoid the strong sunlight in the middle of the day. The weather in May is not so hot in Bulgaria, we expect daily temperatures around 25 Celsius, mornings will be cooler.

Program

• First Day. Landing at Bucharest or Varna Airport and transfer to the village of Vetren, municipality of Silistra, where we will be accommodated at the Pelican Birding Lodge for 7 nights.
• Day Two to Six. Six days wildlife photographing in the area.
• Day Eight. Depending on the flight schedules – last photographing in the area and transfer to the respective airports.

Land only price:

Group size: 2-3 + leader 1250 EUR
Group size: 4-6 + leader 1100 EUR

Single room supplement 80 EUR
Deposit 150 EUR

THE PRICE INCLUDES: Ground transport, Full board (packed lunch), accommodation, guide, hide, chairs.

THE PRICE DOESN’T INCLUDE: insurance, photo equipment, flight, alcohol.

Booking: Please use the Prices and Booking section of our website to send your requests.

Checklist

1. Calopteryx virgo
2. Calopteryx splendens
3. Lestes parvidens
4. Lestes barbarus
5. Lestes virens
6. Lestes sponsa
7. Lestes dryas
8. Sympecma fusca
9. Platycnemis pennipes
10. Erythromma lindenii
11. Erythromma najas
12. Erythromma viridulum
13. Coenagrion ornatum
14. Coenagrion puella
15. Coenagrion pulchellum
16. Enallagma cyathigerum
17. Ischnura pumilio
18. Ischnura elegans
19. Aeshna mixta
20. Aeshna affinis
21. Aeshna isoceles
22. Anax imperator
23. Anax parthenope
24. Anax ephippiger
25. Brachytron pretense
26. Gomphus flavipes
27. Gomphus vulgatissimus
28. Cordulia aenea
29. Cordulegaster insignis
30. Libellula depressa
31. Libellula quadrimaculata
32. Orthetrum cancellatum
33. Orthetrum albistylum
34. Orthetrum brunneum
35. Orthetrum coerulescens
36. Crocothemis erythraea
37. Sympetrum striolatum
38. Sympetrum vulgatum
39. Sympetrum meridionale
40. Sympetrum fonscolombii
41. Sympetrum flaveolum
42. Sympetrum sanguineum
43. Sympetrum depressiusculum
44. Sympetrum pedemontanum

There are some of the them :

Butterflies

1. Carcharodus alceae
2. Erynnis tages
3. Ochlodes venata
4. Pyrgus malvae
5. Anthocharis cardamines
6. Colias alfacariensis
7. Colias croceus
8. Colias erate
9. Gonepteryx rhamni
10. Leptidea sinapis
11. Pieris brassicae
12. Pieris napi
13. Pieris rapae
14. Pontia daplidice
15. Celastrina argiolus
16. Cupido argiades
17. Lycaena dispar rutila
18. Lycaena thersamon
19. Plebejus argus
20. Polyommatus icarus
21. Issoria lathonia
22. Aglais urticae
23. Arashnia levana
24. Inachis io
25. Melitaea cinxia
26. Melitaea phoebe
27. Poligonia c-album
28. Vanessa atalanta
29. Aphantopus hyperantus
30. Coenonympha glycerion
31. Coenonympha pamphilus
32. Maniola jurtina
33. Minois dryas
34. Parnassius mnemosyne
35. Pseudophilotes vicrama
36. Glaucopsyche alexis
37. Maculinea alcon
38. Maculinea arion
39. Lopinga achine
40. Euphydryas maturna
41. Euphydryas aurinia
42. Melitaea Aurelia
43. Melitaea trivia
44. Brenthis hecate.
45. Zerynthia polyxena
46. Polyommatus eroides
47. Apatura metis
48. Apatura ilia
49. Neptis sappho
50. Nymphalis xanthomelas
51. Scolitantides orion
52. Arashnia levana

Moths

1. Epichnopterix kovacsi
2. Cossus cossus
3. Phragmataecia castaneae
4. Gastropacha populifolia
5. Odonestis pruni
6. Agrius convolvuli
7. Deilephila elpenor
8. Deilephila porcellus
9. Hyles livornica
10. Laothoe populi
11. Macroglossum stellatarum
12. Habrosyne pyritoides
13. Archiearis notha
14. Agriopis leucophaearia
15. Agriopis marginaria
16. Apocheima pilosaria
17. Ascotis selenaria
18. Chiasmia chlatrata
19. Ectropis crepuscularia
20. Ematurga atomaria
21. Heliomata glarearia
22. Macaria alternata
23. Peribatodes rhomboidaria
24. Pseudopanthera macularia
25. Tephrina arenacearia
26. Tephrina murinaria
27. Antonechloros smaragdaria
28. Scopula tessellaria
29. Asthena albulata
30. Epirrhoe alternata
31. Horisme tersata
32. Lythria purpuraria
33. Melanthia procellata
34. Philereme vetulata
35. Clostera pygra
36. Gluphisia crenata
37. Notodonta ziczag
38. Ptilodon cullucina
39. Acronicta tridens
40. Aedia leucomelas
41. Catocala elocata
42. Euclidia glyphica
43. Tyta luctuosa
44. Abrostola triplasia
45. Autographa gamma
46. Acontia urania
47. Emmelia trabealis
48. Cucullia chamomillae
49. Cucullia tanaceti
50. Heliothis maritima bulgarica
51. Conistra rubiginosa
52. Discestra trifolii
53. Eupsilia transversa
54. Gortyna flavago
55. Lacanobia oleracea
56. Mythimna ferrago
57. Mythimna obsoleta
58. Mythimna turca
59. Orthosia populeti
60. Trachea atriplicis
61. Xylena exsoleta
62. Agrotis exclamationis
63. Agrotis segetum
64. Xestia c-nigrum
65. Arctornis l-nigrum
66. Euproctis similis
67. Earias clorana
68. Chelis maculosa
69. Diacrisia sannio
70. Eilema morosina
71. Hyphantria cunea
72. Phragmatobia fuliginosa
73. Spilosoma lubricipeda
74. Idaea muricata
75. Cyclophora annulata
76. Cilix asiatica
77. Polypogon plumigeralis
78. Diachrysia stenochrysis
79. Diachrysia nadeja
80. Aedia leucomelas
81. Cryphia amasina
82. Chilodes maritima
83. Heliothis maritima bulgarica
84. Cucullia scopariae
85. Euxoa cos
86. Noctua tirrenica
87. Pelosia obtusa
88. Euplagia quadripunctaria

89. Proserpinus proserpina
90. Kentrochrysalis elegans
91. Scopula immutaria
92. Gluphisia crenata
93. Hadula stigmosa
94. Eucarta virgo
95. Cucullia fraterna
96. Apamea unanimis
97. Heliothis nubigera
98. Athetis furvula
99. Chortodes fluxa
100. Lacanobia blenna
101. Hecatera cappa
102. Mythimna pudorina
103. Periphanes delphinii
104. Phyllophila obliterata
105. Plusia festucae
106. Hydraecia ultima
107. Simyra albovenosa
108. Earias vernana
109. Chelis maculosa
110. Ocnogyna parasita parasita
111. Hemaris croatica
112. Dolbina elegans
113. Schrankia taenialis
114. Autophila asiatica
115. Euchalcia modestoides
116. Lamprotes c-aureum
117. Epimecia ustula
118. Enterpia laudeti
119. Polypogon tentacularia
120. Cucullia lactucae
121. Epimecia ustula
122. Oria musculosa
123. Spaelotis ravida
124. Asovia maeoticaria
125. Scopula immistaria beshkovi
126. Macrochilo tentacularia
127. Deltote bankiana
128. Hadena syriaca podolica
129. Mythimna alopecuri
130. Paradrymonia vittata
131. Apamea epomidion
132. Acontia titania