Monday, June 16, 2008 - Birding holiday in Bulgaria in June

Our June holiday to Bulgaria was a great success producing 22 species of raptors and many other exciting birds, mammals, reptiles and butterflies.

Durankulak and Shabla Lakes were again very productive with many breeding specialities including singing Paddyfiled Warbler, Red-footed Falcon, Roller and Lesser Grey Shrike. Pied Wheatears were singing on the cliffs around Cape Kaliakra while we watched Harbour Porpoises in the sea. Thousands of Rose-coloured Starlings flew in for night roost and two majestic Eagle Owls patrolled the gorge late afternoon.

The lakes around Burgas harboured nice flocks of both White and Dalmatian Pelicans and waders were still on passage including Marsh Sandpiper. A Golden Jackal walking into a roosting pelican flock was a pleasant surprise at Atanasovsko Lake.

The Sakar Hills produced Imperial Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Masked Shrike, Olive-tree Warbler and Ortolan Bunting among others.

The Eastern Rhodope Mountains were among the highlights with fantastic scenery and great birds including 6 Black Vultures,  4 specimens of Eleonora's Falcon, a perched male Levant Sparrowhawk, Chukar, Eastern Orphean and Eastern Bonelli's Warbler.

The group also enjoyed beautiful butterflies includding Eastern Festoon, Grecian and Balkan Copper, as well as Spur-thighed Tortoise and Large Whip Snake.