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.

© 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.

Birding around Pelican Birding Lodge Area(Bulgaria)

Best Time: 15 April – 5 October

So far, in the area around the Pelican Birding Lodge have been observed over 200 breeding and migrating species of birds and this alone is a prerequisite for a very good birding there. This is indeed one of the best birding places in Europe: The Majestic Danube, the Lakes Srebarna and Malak Preslavets, the steppes with the rocky riverbeds that cut through as well as the surrounding forests have furthered the rise of various habitats and this, on its part, has been the decisive factor for the rise of such a great diversity of the local avifauna. Here, one can watch such rare and beautiful members of the European avifauna like the Black and the Red-necked Grebes, the Levant Sparrow Hawk, the Goshawk, the Long-legged Buzzard, the Honey Buzzard, the White-tailed, the Lesser spotted, the Short-toed and the Booted Eagles, the Marsh harrier, the Hobby, the Red-footed Falcon, the Dalmatian and the White Pelicans, the Pygmy Cormorant, the Bittern and the Little Bittern, the Squacco Heron, the Little and the Great Egrets, the Night Heron, the Purple Heron, the Glossy Ibis, the Spoonbill,  the Black and the White storks, the Ruddy Shelduck, the Garganey, the Ferruginous Duck, the Crakes, the Whiskered tern, the White-winged (during migration), and the Black terns, the Kingfisher, the Roller, the Bee-eaters, the Hoopoe, the Golden Oriole, also all of the European species of woodpeckers with the exception of the Three-toed one, the Black-headed and the Yellow Wagtails, the Nightingale, many species of warblers, the Bearded and the Penduline Tits, the Red-backed, the Lesser Grey and the Woodchat Shrikes, the Hawfinch, the Black Headed and the Ortolan Buntings and many others. During a one- or two-day tour we could also add to our checklist such European rarities as the Pied and the Isabelline wheatears, the Paddifield Warbler, the Egyptian Vulture, the European Eagle Owl, the Rosy Starling, etc.

Birding tour in the area of Pelican Birding Lodge (PBL)

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 
Today we are going to visit and make some watching in the arid rocky steppe areas. Where, among the grassy vegetation and scattered clumps of low shrubs on plateaus and rocky dry riverbeds we will hopefully see the Kalandra lark, the Tawny pipit, the Red-backed shrike, the Lesser Grey shrike, the Woodchat shrike, the Alpine swift , the Black-headed and the Ortolan Buntings, the  Long-legged buzzard, the Short-toed Eagle, the Booted Eagle and many other species. Night at PBL.

Day 3 
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 4
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 5
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 6
Today we are going to visit once again Srebarna Reserve in an attempt to fill up our checklist with some species of birds we have missed to watch during our previous visit and of course to see once again such rare species like the Dalmatian and the White Pelicans, the White-tailed Eagle, the Marsh Harrier, the Red-footed Falcon and so on. After the lunch we will take a stand at an observation point just above the river simply to enjoy the sight of the beautiful nature around us and to watch the flocks of birds flying all the time downstream and upstream. Night at PBL.

The number of observed species of birds may vary, depending on the season, from about 100 to about 150.

                    Tourists can run this program in the following three ways:

1. Independently (that means with their own transportation/vehicle). The PBL employees will supply them with the necessary additional information. In such a case the guests will pay only the cost of night’s lodging according to the price-list in Section ‘Prices’

2. Independently, but renting transportation and driver from PBL. In such a case guests will pay, beside the cost of night’s lodging also the price for rented vehicle & driver – 294 Euro in total.

3. By renting transportation 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.