Bulgaria, the eastern balkans

Overview

Bulgaria, the Slavic nation in the Southeastern corner of the Balkans, has become one of the prime birding destinations in the European continent. The country offers a vast variety of landscapes going from the high alpine mountains, deep gorges with fast flowing rivers, hills covered with dense scrub lands, wide farming valleys and dark, untouched spruce and oak forests beside a remant of the coastal steppe land along with marshes, lakes and sandy beaches in the Black Sea coast. Despite the communism is only in the memory of the older, the traditional maners are still well alive in the country, and most of farming is still done in the old ways, producing a notable density of birds all around.

Our tour will explore the breathtaking landscapes of the mountains North and East of Sofia in search of the many specialties living there. Here, in the solid spruce extensions that cover the slopes, we may have good views on secretive species including Hazel Grouse, White-backed Woodpecker and Semicollared Flycatcher before explore the alpine meadows and rocky outcrops where we expect to find Rock Bunting, Sombre Tit and the often elusive Rock Partridge before transfering to the coast to look for the many goodies living there.

Once in the coastal plains, we will look for some very localised specialities in Europe including Pied Wheatear and Paddyfield Warbler while enjoying the good variety of Warblers around that may include Olive-tree, Eastern Bonelli’s and Barred. The list of Woodpeckers and birds of prey will not be less impressive, with White-backed, Syrian and Grey-headed as most sought-after species in the firsts, and Levant Sparrowhawk & Long-legged Buzzard shining by its own in the lasts. It is migration, and large flocks of birds of prey move along the Black Sea coast in their way to the Mediterranean. Lower in altitude, we shall enjoy other goodies such as Dalmatian Pelican, Spotted Crake, Calandra Lark, Isabelline Wheatear, Thrush Nightingale, Masked Shrike and many more!

Pláning

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Day 1.

Coordinated arrival to Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, during the early afternoon. We will move towards the South of the city to explore some meadows and grasslands with large thickets. Here it is possible to see some very interesting species including Lesser Spotted Eagle, Syrian & Grey-headed Woodpeckers around the city. In the grasslands is possible to see Barred & Icterine Warblers and Common Rosefinch.

Days 2 & 3. SARBENITSA PEAK,

The impressive conifer forests, mountain bushlands, grasslands and rocky outcrops at Rila National Park host a large variety of birdlife. Here we hope to contact with Spotted Nutcracker, Grey & Willow Tits, the elusive Three-toed Woodpecker, Lesser Whitethroat, Rock Partridge, Eurasian Griffon, Ortolan Bunting and, if lucky, the very shy Hazel Grouse or the tiny Eurasian Pygmy Owl. The are is also noted for Barred Warbler, Masked Shrike and Semi-collared Flycatcher.

From the conifer forests in the South we will transfer East to explore the large beechwoods at Central Balkan National Park. Here we will look for the most sought-afte inhabitant of the this habitat, the White-backed Woodpecker while enjoying Semi-collared Flycatcher, Thrush Nightingale, Icterine Warbler and Marsh Warbler.

Days 4, 5 & 6. VARNA & CAPE KALIAKRA,

During these days we will explore the most complete birding area in Bulgaria. Here we will enjoy a large variety of habitats, including the very scenic Bulgarian coastal steppes. During these three days we will visit one of the few sites for Paddyfield Warbler in Europe, and we will search for Levant Sparrowhawk, Pied & Eastern Black-eared Wheatears, Rose-coloured Starling, Olive-tree Warbler, Ferruginous Duck, Syrian Woodpecker, Greater Short-toed Lark, European Bee-eater, Dalmatian Pelican, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Black-headed Buting, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Long-legged Buzzard and some migratory species that can surprise us at any moment.

All the area is great for migration, and we may enjoy flocks of European Honey Buzzards but also Levant Sparrowhawks, Great White Pelicans, Montagu’s Harriers and White Storks to name a few.

In the afternoon on day 7 transfer to Burgas and birding around the area.

Day 7. BURGAS and final transfer to SOFIA,

Morning of birding around Burgas trying to find Spotted Crake, Dalmatian Pelican, Middle Spotted Woodpecker and Levant Sparrowhawk while enjoying the good variety of migrating shorebirds including Broad-billed Sandpiper, Temminck Sandpiper and Terek Sandpiper. At midday final transfer to Sofia for an afternoon flight to Barcelona.

Información adicional

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VAT included in all prices.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

6 nights of accommodation in twin/double room, breakfasts, lunches and evening meals, birding guides, ground transport, reserve entrances fees.

NOT INCLUDED

Transport to/from Barcelona, alcoholic drinks, any other item not listed as “INCLUDED”

ACCOMMODATION

4 accommodations in our itinerary. We will spend most of them in local owned, small accommodations in the privilegied locations and wonderful birding immediately around. All dinners are in our accommodations.

WEATHER

You can expect 20ºC to 25ºC with mostly sunny but some cloudy or even light rains appearing. It is very important to bring strong insect repellent for this tour, long t-shirts and pants.

PASSPORT, VISA & HEALTH

Bulgarian authorities depend all Passports to have an expiration date of at least 90 beyond your date of arrival into Bulgaria. Visa is not required to British, US nor Canadian Passport holders. Currently there is no health issues nor restrictions when accessing Bulgaria.