Spring
Migration Migration
08 -
18 June 2007
Itinerary in PDF Format
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FREE BG CHECKLIST 2002
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THIS TRIP HAS BEEN
COMPLETELY BOOKED - Please look at our 2008 Hungary-Bulgaria
Trip Itinerary!
Led by
Gerard Gorman and Yoav Chudnoff
Originally from the UK,
Gerard Gorman has
lived in Hungary since the mid-1980s. He arrived in Budapest
on an exchange scholarship and never left. A birdwatcher
since childhood he quickly realised that
Hungary was exceptional for birds, and so he set about
extensively exploring his adopted country. Soon after he
started to make regular visits to neighbouring
Romania, Czechoslovakia (later to be split into the
Czech Republic and
Slovakia), and then to
Poland and
Bulgaria - always with birds as the focus. He started to guide birders from Western Europe.
And, as they say, the rest is history. When not guiding
visitors Gerard's main ornithological interest is in
woodpeckers, in particular Syrian Woodpecker which he has
spent several years studying. Subsequently he has published
numerous
articles on the European Picidae, and indeed on other
birds & birding, in international journals and magazines. He
is author of four books including
A Guide
to Birdwatching in Hungary (Corvina),
Where To
Watch Birds in Eastern Europe (Hamlyn) and
The
Birds of Hungary (Helm). In 1995 he was awarded the Eric
Hoskings Trust Writing Bursary for a project entitled "Birds
and Political Change in Eastern Europe". He is also an
experienced lecturer having given illustrated talks on birds
and birding at the British Birdwatching Fair, the WWT
North-West Bird Fair, the Great Western Bird Fair and
various RSPB Members' Groups. Gerard is a full-time birding
guide, lecturer and author. His latest book is
WOODPECKERS OF EUROPE (Bruce Coleman Books).*
* Reprinted with permission
Yoav Chudnoff is an avid Birder, with strong
fascination (maybe a madness) with the Picidae. Yoav is
involved in promoting Birding and Avifauna conservation in
Bulgaria. He has been working as a volunteer representative
of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB)
in the United States for the past 5 years as well as leading
birding trips to Bulgaria. The BSPB is BirdLife
International’s Bulgarian partner. His interest in Avifauna
conservation stems from his ‘side’ interest in running a
small family hotel, albeit stateside, in the Bulgarian Black
Sea Coast town of Sinemoretz. The hotel participates in
nature tourism and conservation and, in particular, birding.
The area around Sinemoretz is rich in avifauna (140+
Species) as well as being home to 8 of the 10 picidaes that
can be found in Europe (all but Three-toed, Wryneck).
Because of his work with Bulgarian conservation
organizations, in particular, the BSPB, the tours he offers
are the only ones in the U.S. that are fully endorsed by
the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds.
He has collaborated with Gerard Gorman on many occasions in
the past concerning efforts in promoting Birding tourism in
Bulgaria.
ABOUT THIS
TRIP:
It is no wonder that Gerard Gorman is considered one of the
most knowledgeable and sought-after birdwatchers in Eastern
Europe. His expertise in European Avifauna will provide any
member of this trip one of the best insights and educational
experiences on South-east European Birding.
This trip will focus on Spring Migration and Breeding Birds
in Bulgaria. We will be visiting several key areas in
Bulgaria during Spring Migration, thus allowing for abundant
Raptor, Stork (Black and White), Heron, Egret and others.
For those that have an interest, all of the habitats we will
be visiting should be perfect for nocturnal birding.
In Gerard’s own words: "Bulgaria has one of the richest and
most diverse avifaunas in Europe and is worth a visit at
almost any time of year."
GRADING &
FITNESS
The
walks are multi-graded as easy to moderate.
Itinerary
08
JUNE 2007:
Arrival at Sofia Airport where we begin our journey to
Trigrad Gorge in the Western Rhodopes (3-4 hours) with stops
for roadside birding. Depending on the flight arrival
(~13:30) One night near Trigrad.
09
JUNE 2007:
We will be visiting Trigrad Gorge - the realm of the
Wallcreeper. The vertical limestone cliffs resound with the
noise of numerous Alpine Swifts and Crag Martins and echoes
with the shrill calls of the Peregrine Falcon. Every now and
then Dippers, Grey and White Wagtails dart over the
translucent river. Transfer to Madjarovo in Eastern
Rhodope for two nights.
10
June 2007:
The eastern Rhodope is a mountain of jagged peaks, towering
cliffs and sparsely vegetated, boulder-strewn slopes. The
most spectacular residents are the Griffon Vultures,
inhabiting the crater of an ancient volcano. Cinereous and
Egyptian Vultures, White-tailed and Imperial Eagles are also
frequent visitors of the feeding tables. You will see many
Black Storks nesting on the cliffs. Chukars often stand
sentinel on rocky hillsides. The shrill whistles of Rock
Nuthatches and the song of the Ortolan Bunting are heard
everywhere around. Other typically Balkan birds, like the
Pallid Swift, the Red-rumped Swallow, the Blue Rock Thrush,
the Black-eared Wheatear, The Orphean, Subalpine and
Olivaceous Warblers, the Sombre Tit, the Black-headed
Bunting are common too. On the first morning, we will visit
the Krumovgrad region. The afternoon is dedicated to
Madjarovo, including a visit to the BSPB`s Nature
Conservation & Information Center "Eastern Rhodopes.”
11
- 12 JUNE 2007:
Drive to the southern Black Sea coast, with stops in the
Sakar & Strandja Mountains, where we will be looking for
Imperial Eagle, Levant Sparrowhawk, Masked Shrike,
Olive-tree Warbler, Orphean Warbler. The Sakar and Strandja
Mountains are located in the south-east of Bulgaria,
bordering on Turkey. The Sakar is an area of rounded hills
and open valleys, where most of the lowland is a step-like
grassland with scattered trees, and agricultural plots. The
Sakar is Bulgaria's Imperial Eagles stronghold. We will have
lunch with traditional food in a and then Dippers, Grey and
White Wagtails small village in the Sakar Mountain to
support the Imperial Eagle conservation by raising the local
awareness of its importance. The Strandja, an endless chain
of mild crests and folding wood-covered tops, provide
shelter to the Booted Eagle, the Masked Shrike, the
Olive-tree Warbler, the Semi-collared Flycatcher, etc. The
roadsides dazzle with Rollers, Bee-eaters, Hoopoes and
Black-headed Buntings. Arrive in Sinemoretz located
at the eastern edge of the Strandja range, for two nights
13
JUNE 2007:
Transfer to Nessebar (one night), with birding stops
at the Black Sea coast estuaries. We will explore the
wetlands boulder-strewn slopes. The most spectacular around
Bourgas: Bourgas Lake, Mandra Lake biggest attraction of the
Bourgas wetlands are Nuthatches and the song of the Ortolan
Bunting are heard everywhere around. Other typically Balkan
birds, like the Pallid Swift, the saline lagoons with
traditional saltpans still preserved. They are of major
importance for huge numbers of birds, including Avocet,
Black-winged Stilt, Broad-billed and Curlew Sandpipers,
Marsh Sandpiper, Kentish Plover, Slender-billed and
Mediterranean Gulls, Gullbilled Tern and many other
waterfowl and wader species. The lush vegetation embracing
the freshwater lakes of Mandra and Vaya and the surrounding
reedbeds swarm with life - the air resounds with the song of
Savi's, Marsh, Great Reed and Cetti's Warblers, whilst
Golden Orioles flash trough waterside poplars and Penduline
Tits attend their fantastic hanging nests. Watching the life
in the lakes inevitably creates the impression that they are
created for the birds - Ruddy Shelduck, Glossy Ibis,
Spoonbill, Pygmy Cormorant, Squacco, Night and Purple
Herons, White-winged Black Terns and many, many others.
14-15
JUNE:
Today we drive to Coastal Dobrudja on the northern
Bulgarian coast via Cape Emine, Goritza Oak forests and the
Kamchia riverine forests. Traveling north along the coast we
will pass through the Balkan Mountain's easternmost point -
cape Emine, a landscape of coastal cliffs and open
grasslands with scattered trees, and the unique Kamchia
riverine forest. Enroute we can expect to find Black Stork,
Lesser Spotted Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Grey-headed
Woodpecker, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Barred Warbler,
Semi-collared Flycatcher, Tawny Pipit, Woodchat Shrike,
Sombre Tit, etc. Our hotel for the next two nights is
located in the seafront zone of the town of Kavarna.
Cape Kaliakra and Yatata steppes and cliffs: Not far from
Kavarna the arable agricultural plots give way to colorful
wild steppe, spreading up to the sea edge of cape Kaliakra,
where dramatic cliffs dominate the emerald sea waters.
Cape Kaliakra is one of the few places in Europe hosting
the Rose-colored Starling, the Pied Wheatear and all five
species of larks, typical for the Balkan peninsular -
Calandra Lark, Short-toed Lark, Skylark, Crested Lark and
Woodlark. The Stone Curlew, the Lesser Grey Shrike and the
Isabelline Wheatear find refuge in the steppe vegetation,
while the coastal cliffs are animated by European Shag,
Eagle Owl, and Long-legged Buzzard. In spring, Mediterranean
Shearwaters often fish in the sea close to the cape,
attacked by Arctic Skuas. There we may hope to have a
glimpse of Eleonora`s Falcon and Levant Sparrowhawk.
16
JUNE 2007:
Today we drive to Central Balkan Mountain (one
night)/CBM/ with some stops on the way for birding and
lunch. The mountain's core, the Central Balkan National
Park, protects the largest European massif of beach forest
over 250 years old. We will arrive in the area in the
afternoon, visit some old beech forests for Red-breasted
Flycatcher and White-backed Woodpecker.
17
JUNE 2007:
In the morning we will search the high-mountain zone for
Water Pipit and Alpine Accentor, as well as some more areas
for Red-breasted Flycatcher, White-backed Woodpecker, Black
Woodpecker, Semi-collared Flycatcher. We will transfer to
Sofia in the afternoon where we will explore the conifer and
alpine zone of the Vitosha Nature Park for high
mountain species; Nutcracker, Crossbill, Ring Ouzel,
Firecrest and Goldcrest, Willow Tit, Water Pipit, Shore Lark
(ss. Balcanica).
In the evening, you are invited to a thank you dinner*
sponsored by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of
Birds
18
JUNE 2007:
departure from Sofia Airport
* A “Thank-You” dinner sponsored by Villa Philadelphia and
the BSPB, will introduce you to key members of the BSPB
giving you ample opportunity to learn more about the Society
and their work in Bulgaria.
Practical
Information
Seasonal
Climate - Bulgaria's climate is continental, and warm sunny
days can be expected (with daytime temperatures rising to
around 25° C). It will be cooler in the mountains, sometimes
even quite cold on the peaks - where rain or showers are
always a possibility.
PACKING
FOR THE TRIP
Luggage: One
main piece of baggage and a rucksack for caring items during
the day walks.
Clothing: Pack
essential late summer and autumn clothing, although medium weights are
needed for autumn; 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:
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, Farewell Dinner and membership in BSPB are included in the
price of the trip.
WHAT'S
NOT INCLUDED
Alcoholic beverages, airport
taxes (if needed), items of a personal nature, tips,
souvenirs and etc.
WHY
YOU SHOULD JOIN THIS TOUR
Above and beyond receiving a
great education and insight by one of Europe's leasing
birdwatchers, this tour will help fund the following
projects: 1) Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture & Imperial
Eagle conservation in Eastern Rhodope Mountains; 2) National
Youth Birding Olympics 2007; 4)
BSPB Administrative costs to be used in protecting vital
wetlands along Black Sea Coast .
PRICING:
CALL US AT +1.215.517.7639 (Toll Free in US 866.204.6183)
email:
ychud@villaphiladelphia.com.
