Branta
Ruficollis' Winter Migration:
13th to
23rd February
√
FREE BG CHECKLIST 2002
√
Local
BirdLife Guide: Dr. Bozhidar Ivanov
Dr. Bozhidar
Ivanov is the head of the "Laboratory of Zoocenology" at the
Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Institute of Zoology. He is
also the current head of Bulgaria's BirdLife "Bulgarian
Society for the Protection of Birds: (BSPB).
PERSONAL NOTE:
The
winter migration of the Red Breasted Goose has been a
personal favorite of Villa Philadelphia.
walks are graded as easy, with some moderate sections, and
are well within the reach of anyone who enjoys an active,
outdoor life. However, to get the most out of the walking
opportunities available, the tourists should be in shape
before the arrival. The walking element is optional. Some
walks involve rocky tracks so well broken in walking boots
with good ankle support are advisable. There are some
non-walking activities for those who prefer more relaxation.
GRADING &
FITNESS
The
walks are graded as easy, with some moderate sections, and
are well within the reach of anyone who enjoys an active,
outdoor life. However, to get the most out of the walking
opportunities available, the tourists should be in shape
before the arrival. The walking element is optional. Some
walks involve rocky tracks so well broken in walking boots
with good ankle support are advisable. There are some
non-walking activities for those who prefer more relaxation.
Itinerary
February 14 -
Arrive in Sofia, overnight at Royal Hotel, welcome dinner
and walking tour of Sofia
-
February 15 -
Transfer to the coastal city of Burgas
February 16 -
Morning - Yatata marsh area (Pygmy
Cormorant, Great White Egret, Smew, etc.) Afternoon
- Kamchia flooded forests reserve
-
White-tailed
Eagle,
Merlin,
Black Woodpecker, Middle-spotted Woodpecker, Short-toed Tree-creeper,
waterfowl in the sea,
etc.
February 17
-
Mandra Lake (incl. Poda lagoon). Visit BSPB Poda Information
Centre in the morning.
February 18
-
Morning - Bourgas Lake Afternoon - Atanasovsko Lake +
Pomorie Lake Drive to Varna. Key species in Bourgas area:
Dalmatian Pelican, White Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant,
White-headed Duck, Smew, White-tailed Eagle, Bearded Tit,
Slender-billed Gull, Mediterranean Gull
and other wintering water birds
February 19 -
Morning – Varna area - Sombre Tit,
Long-legged Buzzard, Golden Eagle,
Eagle Owl, etc.
Afternoon - Kaliakra steppes (Calandra Lark, Merlin,
etc.) and the near sea cliffs (Shag –
the Black Sea-Medditeranean
subspecies, Eagle Owl) & waterfowl in the sea.
Before darkness - Shabla coastal lake with arriving geese
for roosting. Accommodation in Kavarna (two nights).
February 20 -
Early morning geese watching at Shabla Lake. Rest of the day
- Shabla Tuzla lagoon, other parts of Shabla Lake and the
geese feeding grounds around
February 21 -
Durankulak Lake + geese feeding grounds around. Drive to
Varna, accommodation for one night. Key species at
Durankulak and Shabla lakes: Red-breasted Goose
(25-60 thousands), White-fronted Goose (~ 150
000), Lesser White-fronted Goose, Pygmy Cormorant,
Bittern, Great White Egret, White-headed Duck,
Great-black-headed Gull, Tundra
Swan,
Red-crested Pochard, Greater Spotted eagle,
etc.
February 22 - Transfer to
Sofia - Overnight at Royal Hotel
February 23 - Depending on flight schedule: a early morning visit to Mount
Vitosha National Park ending our tour with: Nutcracker,
Crossbill, Coal tit, and if we have luck with Alpine
accentor. Transfer to the Sofia airport and departure for
JFK.
Practical
Information
Seasonal
Climate - Bulgaria's climate is continental, and warm
clothing is recommended.
PACKING
FOR THE TRIP
Luggage: One
main piece of baggage and a rucksack for caring items during
the day walks.
Clothing: Pack
essential winter clothing; warm fleece or sweater throughout the
season as temperatures are lower in the mountains-
particularly at night. Rainwear may also be needed.
Footwear:
Comfortable walking boots and trainers or sandals.
Equipment:
Bring a water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen and sun
hat. Binoculars are a must.
WHAT'S
INCLUDED
All meals,
packed picnic lunches, transportation and accommodation in
2*/3* accommodations, membership in BSPB and "Where to Watch
Birds in Bulgaria" (guide and checklist) are included in the
price of the trip.
WHAT'S
NOT INCLUDED
Soft-drinks and
alcoholic beverages, airport taxes (if needed), items of a
personal nature, tips, souvenirs
and etc.
Double
Occupancy
PP:
$715.00
Single
Person Supplement: $55.00
Individual non-group price: $820.00
Maximum
of 6 people
