Monday, May 26, 2008 - Birding holiday in Croatia
Our birding holiday The Dalmatian Coast and Plitvice was organised a bit earlier this year with a somewhat altered itinerary. The tour started in Split and after a short sightseeing in the lovely town of Trogir we drove along the coast where the rocky meadows were full of flowers.
We reached our first hotel located close to Plitvice National Park late afternoon. We spent 2 days in and around Plitvice. The park with its waterfalls and cascades was enchanting as always. We had excellent birding in the region with Nutcraker, Common Crossbill, many Wrynecks, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Short-toed Treecreeper, Hoopoe, Wood Warbler and Hawfinch.
Then we crossed the Velebit Mountains and arrived to the Adriatic Coast. Paklenica National Park was rewarding as ever. Fantastic scenery and an exciting Mediterranean flora and fauna.
Migration was in full swing and it was interesting to see migrating Honey Buzzards, Short-toed and Booted Eagles, Bee-eaters flying above the craggy peaks. Spotted Flycatchers and Whinchats were everywhere and Nightingales were singing their hearts out. We had good views of the target species as well including Western Rock Nuthatch, Blue Rock Thrush, Black-eared Wheatear, Eastern Orphean, Sardinian and Subalpine Warblers, Sombre Tit and the shy Rock Partridge.
We visited Lake Vrana for a fine selection of waterbirds including a flock of Glossy Ibis, all three marsh terns, Pygmy Cormorant and Little Bittern, as well as Red-footed Falcon, Montague's Harrier, Woodchat Shrike and Spanish Sparrow. We spent some time in scenic Krka National Park where we enjoyed the song of Great Reed Warblers in the late afternoon sun.
One of the highlights of the tour was the visit to Pag Island. Around the saltpans, lakes and meadows of the island we saw a pair of the rare Great Spotted Cuckoo, a flock of Squacco Herons, White-winged Black Terns, a flock of 8 migrating Short-toed Larks, a nice array of waders including Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint. To much of our surprise we also discovered two mega rarities on the island, a Rufous-tailed Bush-Robin and a male Citrine Wagtail.
We also saw two specimens of Damatian Ringlet, a butterfly on the western edge of its distribution.
Croatia was once again a fabulous destination with fantastic scenery, nice birds, butterflies and flowers.
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Birding trips in Hungary, Eastern Europe and Worldwide
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