Friday, May 16, 2008 - Birding in Bulgaria

Our birding tour to Bulgaria was once again very succesful with 184 species of birds seen at the end of April.

Migration was well underway along the Black Sea Coast with Steppe Buzzards and the first Honey Buzzards passing through. White Storks, White Pelicans and Glossy Ibises were also migrating.



Durankulak and Shabla Lakes in the North and the lakes close to Burgas were all very productive with Ruddy Shelduck, Dalmatian Pelican, Little Crake, Marsh Sandpiper, Gull-billed and White-winged Tern. Stone Curlew, Calandra and Short-toed Lark, Tawny Pipit, Pied and Isabelline Wheatear were easy to find.


In the forests of Kamchia and Ropotamo Semi-collared Flycatchers and Sombre Tits were busy singing, and Woodchat Shrikes were occupying their breeding sites. The Strandja and Sakar Hills were a good place to see raptors including Booted, Lesser-spotted and Short-toed Eagle, Black Kite and Long-legged Buzzard.


The Eastern Rhodope Mountains were full of nice birds. Griffon and Egyptian Vulture, Black Stork, Golden Eagle was soaring above while we were admiring Western Rock Nuthatch, Blue Rock Thrush and Eastern Bonelli's Warbler to name just a few.