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BIRDWATCHING IN BULGARIA
RAPTORS OF THE RHODOPE (RODOPI) MOUNTAINS

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1: Leaving Sofia, we head south-west, passing through the Sredna Gora Mountains before emerging onto the Thracian Plain. As we approach Plovdiv, the motorway skirt the 'Tsalapitsa Rice Fields' Important Bird Area where we can keep our eyes open for Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola) for which this is one of the most important sites in Bulgaria. We then turn south towards the Rhodope (Rodopi) Mountains where we will spend the night at the foot of the 'Dobrostan' Important Bird Area. The 'Dobrostan' Important Bird Area is a complex labyrinth of ridges and gorges. Much of the region is occupied by broadleaved, coniferous and mixed forests, but there are also many open areas of meadows and pastures. However, perhaps the most striking features of the region are its cliffs and rock outcrops, including Belintash which is the site of a fascinating ancient sanctuary to the god Sabazius and which is thought to have been carved out of the rocks some 7000 years ago. The 'Dobrostan' IBA itself supports 149 species of bird, and is one of the most important sites in the country for species such as: Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus), Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus), Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus), Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Hazel Grouse (Bonasa bonasia), Capercallie (Tetrao urogallus), Scops Owl (Otus scops), Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo), European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus), White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos), Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius), Syrian Woodpecker (Dendrocopos syriacus), Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius), Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus), Woodlark (Lullula arborea), Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) and Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus). Other interesting species include: Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala), Rock Nuthatch (Sitta neumayer), Rock Partridge (Alectoris graeca), Eastern Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica) and Subalpine Warbler (Sylvia cantillans).

Day 2: After breakfast we continue our explorations of the varied habitats within the 'Dobrostan' Important Bird Area, before later in the day moving on into the Eastern Rodopi where we will explore several key birdwatching sites in the 'Studen Kladenets' Important Bird Area. The 'Studen Kladenets' Important Bird Area surrounds the 'Studen Kladenets' reservoir, which lies directly east of Kurdzhali along the valley of the river Arda. The reservoir is flanked in most places by cliffs, screes and rock outcrops, but the surrounding mountains have mixed deciduous woods and Mediterranean scrubs, as well as open areas occupied by cultivations and rough pastures. The 'Studen Kladenets' Important Bird Area supports 219 bird species, and is of global importance for Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) and Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), the latter having here its second breeding colony in Bulgaria. It is also one of the most important areas in the country for Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus), Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo), Olive-tree Warbler (Hippolais olivetorum), Subalpine Warbler (Sylvia cantillans), Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala), Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus), Eastern Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica), Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius), Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus) and Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala). Other interesting birds we will look out for here are: Chukar (Alectoris chukar), Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Little Owl (Athene noctua), Roller (Coracias garrulus) and Syrian Woodpecker (Dendrocopos syriacus). We then finally finish up our day at a hotel located in the 'Arda Bridge' Important Bird Area. The region has a nice mix of habitats including the river itself with a sandy-stony bed and banks covered with riverine vegetation. In some places, there are cliffs and rocks and in others, open agricultural areas. There are also mixed oakwoods, grasslands and Mediterranean scrubs. The 'Arda Bridge' Important Bird Area holds 142 bird species, and is of global importance as a feeding and resting site for Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) which regularly occur here in significant numbers. It is also holds breeding Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), and is one of the most important sites in the country for Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus), Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), Scops Owl (Otus scops) and Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius). Other important breeding species here are Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus), Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus), Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus), Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), Eastern Bonelli's Warbler (Phylloscopus orientalis), Olive-tree Warbler (Hippolais olivetorum), Subalpine Warbler (Sylvia cantillans), Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala), Barred Warbler (Sylvia nisoria), Eastern Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica), Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus), Rock Nuthatch (Sitta neumayer), Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio), Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator), Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor), Woodlark (Lullula arborea), European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus), Wryneck (Jynx torquila), Hawfinch (Coccothraustes Coccothraustes), Corn Bunting (Miliaria calandra), Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana), Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus), and Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala). Other interesting birds we will look out for in this region include: Eleonora's Falcon (Falco eleonorae), a species which is often seen hunting in this region during early summer, and Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus), European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster), Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulina), Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) and Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus).

Day 3: We begin our birdwatching this morning in the 'Madzharovo' Important Bird Area, including a visit to the Vulture Centre and a special vulture feeding place near the town of Madzharovo. We also explore a variety of key habitats in the region including rock outcrops, oakwoods and along the banks of the river Arda. The key habitats around Madzharovo are the rugged rock outcrops, screes and cliffs, some of which rise up to 150m high above the valley of the river Arda. However, there are also mixed oakwoods and Mediterranean scrubs, as well as some agricultural areas, and of course the river itself, which has a sandy-stony bed and riverine vegetation along its banks. The 'Madzharovo' Important Bird Area supports 174 species of bird, and is of global significance for Eastern Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica), Olive-tree Warbler (Hippolais olivetorum), Subalpine Warbler (Sylvia cantillans), Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala), Rock Nuthatch (Sitta neumayer) and Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala). However, its real claim to fame is one of the two breeding colonies of Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) in Bulgaria. It is also one of the most important breeding areas in the country for Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus), Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus), Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), Rock Thrush (Monticola saxatilis), Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola saxatilis) and Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana). Other typical birds that can see be seen on and around the cliffs are Peregrine (Falco peregrinus), Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris), Red-rumped Swallow (Hirundo daurica) and Alpine Swift (Tachymarptis melba). During the afternoon, we will then make a visit to the 'Ivaylovgrad' Important Bird Area. This site covers almost the entire water body of the 'Ivaylovgrad' reservoir and the surrounding mountain slopes. Part of the region is covered by oakwoods, whilst the remainder has scrub and rough pastures, interspersed with patches of cultivation. There are also some cliffs and rock outcrops. The 'Ivailovgrad Reservoir' Important Bird Area supports 163 bird species, and is one of the most important places in the country for White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) and Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus). It also holds significant breeding populations of Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) and Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus). Other important breeding birds include Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus) and Olive-tree Warbler (Hippolais olivetorum).

Day 4: After beginning the day with a visit to another vulture feeding site, we make our way into the 'Krumovitsa' Important Bird Area where we focus our attention on the valley of the river Krumovitsa. In this region, the valley is wide and the river often very shallow exposing its sandy-stony bed. In some places the riverbanks are steep and rocky, but in other places they are lined with typical riverine trees and shrubs. The region is also studded with some small patches of cultivations. The 'Krumovitsa' Important Bird Area supports 136 species of bird, and is one of the most important sites in the country for Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) and Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus). Other interesting birds we will be looking out for here include: Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus), Hobby (Falco subbuteo), Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), Rock Nuthatch (Sitta neumayer), Eastern Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica), Olivaceous Warbler (Hippolais pallida), Olive-tree Warbler (Hippolais olivetorum), Subalpine Warbler (Sylvia cantillans), Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala), Eastern Orphean Warbler (Sylvia hortensis), Barred Warbler (Sylvia nisoria), Sombre Tit (Parus lugubris), Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis), Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala), Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor), Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) and if we are lucky Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus), Great Spotted Cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) and Stone Curlew (Burchinus oedicnemus). The 'Krumovitsa' Important Bird Area is also a prime feeding and resting area for Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus).

Day 5: A long drive west takes us into the Western Rodopi, where the landscape and vegetation changes dramatically. Here we will start our explorations of the 'Trigrad-Mursalitsa' Important Bird Area exploring on foot the meadows and forests on the northern flank of the highest peaks in the Rhodope (Rodopi) Mountains. Some 141 species of bird are known to breed in the 'Trigrad-Mursalitsa' Important, including globally threatened species such as Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug), Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) and Corncrake (Crex crex), the latter being heard calling along with Quail (Coturnix coturnix) in the meadows around our hotel. Other secretive birds inhabiting the surrounding coniferous forests include: Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus), Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius), Hazel Grouse (Bonasa bonasia) and Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), as well as Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum) and Tengmalm's Owl (Aegolius funereus).

Day 6: Today we continue our exploration of the 'Trigrad-Mursalitsa' Important Bird Area, but this time changing habitats to focus on the spectacular rocky crags and gorges of the 'Trigrad Karst region. This is the realm of the elusive Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria), for which the 'Trigrad-Mursalitsa' Important Bird Area provides one of the most accessible and reliable places to view the species. The 'Trigrad Karst' region is also excellent for birds of prey including: Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus), Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus), Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus), Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Hobby (Falco subbuteo) and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus).

Day 7: We start the day exploring the ancient coniferous forests, peat bogs and reservoirs of the 'Western Rodopi' Important Bird Area. The 'Western Rodopi' Important Bird Area is home to 130 species of birds including the largest and most important breeding population of the Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) in Bulgaria. The region also holds significant numbers of other secretive forest species such as Hazel Grouse (Bonasa bonasia), Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum), Tengmalm's Owl (Aegolius funereus), European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus), Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius), Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus), White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos), Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) and Woodlark (Lullula arborea). Then leaving the Rhodope (Rodopi) Mountains, we pass through the 'Besaparski Hills' Important Bird Area. Despite their bleak and unprepossessing appearance, these bare limestone hills support 86 species of breeding birds including Stone Curlew (Burchinus oedicnemus), Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris), Calandra Lark (Melanocorypha calandra) and Greater Short-toed Lark (Calandrella brachydatyla). The region also supports a varied population of raptors including: Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus), Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus), Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina), Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) and Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). The extensive rough open grasslands are also a favoured feeding place for Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca).

Day 8: After breakfast, we will spend several hours searching for birds in the 'Sredna Gora' Important Bird Area. This is a low mountainous region, the flanks covered with wonderful forests and the ridges with expansive open pastures. The 'Sredna Gora' Important Bird Area holds 144 species of bird, including Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) and Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus), as well as Semi-collared Fylcatcher (Ficedula semitorquata), Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva), Woodlark (Lullula arborea), Greater Short-toed Lark (Calandrella brachydactyla), Wryneck (Jynx torquilla), White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos), Syrian Woodpecker (Dendrocopos syriacus), Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius), European Roller (Coracias garrulus) and Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana). Finally, the time comes to say goodbye to the mountains, and we return to the Bulgarian capital Sofia where the tour ends.

Balkan Trek is at the forefront of responsible tourism in Bulgaria, and recognised as one of Bulgaria's leading mountain adventure and eco-tourism operators. We are specialists in small group walking holidays, trekking holidays, snowshoeing treks, cultural tours, monastery tours, village holidays, wildlife holidays, natural history trips, birdwatching holidays, butterfly holidays, botanic tours and photography holidays. We operate trips in Bulgaria's Rhodope (Rodopi) Mountains, Rila Mountains, Pirin Mountains, Stara Planina (Balkan Mountains), Strandzha Mountains, Sredna Gora Mountains, Vitosha Mountains, as well as at the Black Sea.