Turnstone photography

Another photography session proved successful. This time the objects were a couple of Turnstones which was calmly sitting and feeding in Poda reserve in Bulgaria regardless of the group of 5 photographers that I guided.

Turnstone photography, copyright Iordan Hristov

Turnstone photography, copyright Iordan Hristov

Turnstone photography, copyright Iordan Hristov

Turnstone photography, copyright Iordan Hristov

Turnstone photography, copyright Iordan Hristov

Turnstone photography, copyright Iordan Hristov

Birdwatching and photography trip around Bulgaria and Greece: 24.05-2.06, day 5

It was mainly a travelling day. From the wetlands we were moving to the high mountains. Our main target bird there would be the Wallcreeper. A well wanted bird.

We started at about 7,30 and in hour we stopped to try again for the Orphean Warbler at well known site with good experience from a couple of weeks ago. We stayed in the area for an hour or so but the birds were not there. We had a Marsh Warbler, the first for the trip Sand Martins, quite a few Black-headed Buntings, more Olivaceous Warblers, and plenty of Corn Buntings. 

 

After a nice ice cream we headed to our next stop. There we got our first Olive-tree Warbler which was a well wanted bird. It didn’t come close for a descent photo but at least we saw it. Then we headed to a place right next to a vast vineyard where we wanted to see Greater Short-toed Lark. Yes we did. Two birds were siting right by the road. Along the road we ticked another Short-toed Eagle, Bee-eaters and a few Crested Larks. It was time to hit the road.

documentary shot of distant Olive tree Warbler

In an hour or so we stopped for another coffee and ice cream to ‘recharge our batteries’ and off we headed again to a gorgeous mountainous place. We wanted to try for a Pygmy Owl. We knew we don’t have great chances because of the wrong time of year. Moreover, it was the wrong time of the day – it was about 15.00 but we still wanted to try. While waiting we had lunch at a fabulous place in the middle of a lush meadow with lots of flowers and butterflies. 

lunch break

Unfortunately there was no owl but we did see and took a few photos of a Crested Tit. Crossbills and Marsh Tits also turned up. Along the way we saw a Ring Ouzel that was feeding its three chicks. We blocked the road for a while but you can’t help it with keen birders and photographers ;)

juv. Ring Ouzel copyright Iordan Hristov

Crested Tit copyright Iordan Hristov

We left the area with the hope for another try for the Pygmy Owl. Next days were going to be in the right habitat so we shall keep trying.

Just before we arrive in our next hotel we stopped for a couple of minutes to enjoy the breeding Dippers and Grey Wagtails. The birds were fairly distant to photograph but still managed to take some photos.

Dipper photography Bulgaria copyright Iordan_Hristov

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea photography Bulgaria Iordan Hristov

We arrived in a nice guest house sitting on the top of a hill with a lovely view. After cleaning the van I enjoyed a lovely drink at the balcony of our guest house with a few Black Redstarts, Serins and Red-rumped Swallows. I think we can call it a day.

It seems that tomorrow will be an exciting day. We shall be sitting in a hide and wait for a Brown Bear. See what happens...

Birdwatching in Bulgaria: tailored trip 8-15 March, day 5

Day 5 or should I say day and night 5 with an extension into the night. Today we started at 3,30. Our main aim for the day was Capercaillie. We wanted to be at the lekking site at 5 a.m. so we needed to plan accordingly. We grabbed a coffee along the way and got onto a superb 4X4 Lada Niva. This was the car that was going to take us to the lekking site or at least near it. There was still some snow up in the mountains so we needed a 4WD car. The car was coping with the snow and ice with no problems whatsoever. This costed about 12 l  of petrol / 100 km.

At 4.30 am we were at our starting point to the lek. We paced in full silence. The snowflakes were reflecting the light from our head torches and we walked in nice confidence. A "falling star" witnessed our way to the lek. Soon we were there. We switched off the torches It was only us, the tall pine trees and the stars. It was 5 a.m. and still totally dark. We were going to wait for the first calling birds as people usually do at the prime time for lekking. It is now 5,20; 5,30; 5,40; 5,50; 6.00 the time never passes. We started moving around and our local guide was like a statue. This is what the dynamic contemporary life does to people. We can't even stand still for an hour. We can't enjoy Nature. We are not comfortable even with our own thoughts. And that is just for an hour with no computers, internet, facebook, or mobile phones. This was quite a test that can make you think about the way people live in cities and small towns. Not a single call from the birds. Occasional screech of the trees blown from the wind made us hop and think about the Capercaillie call. Could have been?! Soon we started walking aiming to at least flush a bird. No. Not this time. We tried around the lek. Visited a second lek. We walked in the snow with lots of tracks from wild animals. Walked along the tracks where our guide has seen them before but no luck. It was still early in the season. We were aware that the lekking time is about a month later than now but we were still willing to try. This was the only time we had. After a couple of hours walking we decided to give up. We had already spent 7 hours on the field and was just 11.00 a.m. What a morning!

The snow is too much for a Capercaillie. Beautiful morning though

On the way down from the mountains we stopped for a while to enjoy the view of at least 4 Balkan chamois.

Having missed the Three-toed and the White-backed Woodpeckers we wanted to make another attempt for the first species. our guide assured us that the site is not accessible but we still wanted to try. Well, we asked for it. The track was quite snowy, stony, slippery and everything but accessible. We quickly gave up and got off from the car. A big silhouette showed from round the corner. It was the Lord of the Sky: a Golden Eagle. It was really close.

Golden Eagle by Iordan Hristov

After this unsuccessful attempt we decided to try for the White-backed Woodpecker. We walked for about half an hour along a track by a river until we reached a suitable beech forest. Stayed there for a while and...No. Not this time. It was really an unsuccessful day. Every our attempt was doomed.

On the way to the car we saw two Balkan Chamois that were calmly grazing by the river.

After lunch we decided to leave the area. It enough of snow, mountain roads and cold weather. It was time for a little bit of warmth. Soon we were the lowlands where the life was different: Sun.

Along the way we logged a Long-legged Buzzard, Calandra Lark, Syrian Woodpecker, Little Owl, Stonechat and the first for the year Crag Martins.

We arrived in our hotel in the late afternoon to enjoy a deserved rest.

Tomorrow we are trying again for the White-backed Woodpecker and then we travel to Greece where we hope to see Black Vultures and other birds of prey.

Tomorrow's start is 7 a.m. We shall sleep more :)

Birdwatching in Bulgaria: tailored trip 8-15 March, day 3

What a day!!! Early start. Long walks, Long driving, Late arrival and ... Early dinner :) The result: 79 bird species, lots of snow, rain and wind. Well this was just today withing about 300 km. You would probably say this is not possible. Well it is.

The alarm rang at about 5.40 a.m. Quickly packed and got on the car for an early start. Our main target for the morning was the White-backed Woodpecker.We stopped for a while to grab a coffee and off we went up to the mountains. At 6,40 people were already jogging along the roads. We arrived at our final destination at about 7.00. It was soo lively. Birds were actively singing. There were Wood Nuthatches, Robins, Wrens and Song Thrushes everywhere. A Middle spotted Woodpecker welcomed us at the car park. We entered a superb forest with huge quantity of deadwood. That's the main reason for the diversity of woodpecker we managed to get.

Dead wood as a habitat for White backed Woodpecker

We walked for a while and had the first Great spotted Woodpecker. Of course every woodpecker was checked. Further on a Grey-headed called. In full alertness we kept walking listening to every single bird call. Short-toed Treecreeper, Black Woodpecker but not our target bird. We spend some time in an area where I have photographed the bird before (see the story here). Soon it started snowing. We kept going towards a beautiful waterfall about 15 m high. Two Dippers were a pleasant surprise by the waterfall.

Waterfall by Iordan Hristov

In a while it wasn't possible to see anything. The snow increased and we decided to go to our next destination. On our way down from the mountains we heard a great activity of some birds and decided to stop hoping for more opportunities for our White-backed Woodpecker. We checked every single drumming bird. The forest was superb. At one single spot we had a Great-spotted, Middle and Lesser spotted and a Grey-headed Woodpecker. While waiting for the birds in the forest a curious Red Fox peaked into our bins to check us.

It was time to go.

In an hour we were at our next destination where we were after Dalmatian Pelicans and hoping for a Saker Falcon. The first were not difficult. A group of about 30 birds fed in the shallow waters of a lake and we quickly ticked them off. It was much more surprising to see the nice diversity of birds and the early arriving summer migrants. We had fantastic views of male Garganeys, Ferruginous Duck, and the first for the year White Stork. A big flock of 100+ House martins flied over while we had our picnic lunch on the bank of the lake. It was even more surprising to see my first Sardinian Warbler. Lovely male was only a couple of meters away from us. The first Spanish Sparrows were also around.

Spanish Sparrow by Iordan Hristov

The local highlights were the Greater spotted Eagles which overwinter here. We counted about 6 birds. Pretty much at the end of our visit to the lake bits of excitement suggested a Saker Falcon. It turned out to be a young Peregrine which sat quite close for us to enjoy. We checked every single Buzzard hoping for a Saker, but... no. We even had to witness two Buzzards mating :)

Greater-spotted Eagle by Iordan Hristov

Well this site is really superb. In addition to the birds of prey we had almost all ducks including a nice Red-crested Pochard. A very pleasant surprise was a small group of Bewick's Swans joined by some Whoopers and Flamingos. What can I say. Superb diversity of birds.

We still had a long way to go so we must travel. We had another 200 km to go and it was already 14.00. The weather forecast wasn't promising so we better leave some more time. Just as suggested. On the first mountain pass there was fairly little snow but enough to slow us down and drive with about 30 km / h. On the next pass was even worse. This time we had to be really careful. I was driving even slower to make sure we arrive. Along the way, four Roe Deer were calmly feeding by the road. They were really beautiful.

Roe Deer by Iordan Hristov

Our intention to search for Pygmy Owl failed and we went straight to our hotel where a warm dinner and a beer were waiting for us.

Well, long day, but superb birding. Next days the weather should get better so hopefully we shall fill up the missing birds.

Stay tuned...

Rock Partridge trip in Bulgaria

This time I got him. Regardless of the miserable weather at the start of the day with rain and low temperatures I managed to see the Rock Partridge today. As a part of the preparation for my coming visitor I decided to explore the area around the mountain where Rock Partridges occur. I spoke to several people and everyone was saying that the birds do not appear in bad weather whatsoever. Moreover, it is still quite early in the season for the bird's display. Well, I wanted to see the site and get some more experience with it so I decided to give it a try.

I started fairly late in the morning regardless of any recommendation for Rock Partridge observation for early start. The trip wasn't long and shortly before I arrived at the area the rain stopped. "That's a good sign", I said to myself. Bright sky showed over the mountain tops. "I might be lucky".

Soon I was on the trail to the spot where I knew the birds should be. Big bird turned up in the distance. No it wasn't the Rock Partridge. A Golden Eagle was circling right over the spot where the Partridges should be. He must be searching for a meal. The big bird disappeared for a while but then it just turned up round the hill. It was sooo close. I quickly leaned down to hide myself. The bird didn't seem to have seen me and calmly continued gliding. What a bird! And of course I had left the big lens at home. Why would I need it in this miserable weather. Well the light wasn't good but the bird was so close that it would probably not fit in my frame. It was at eye level which additionally brought the respect which this bird deserves. Beautiful adult! It circled a couple of times and off it went. I didn't really feel any pressure to go further but wanted to have a look at the Rock Partridge spot.

Rock Partridge habitat by Iordan Hristov

In about 10 minutes I was there. Superb view from the top of a hillside revealed a 360 degrees view. Cliffs all around with meadows and scrub. That's what they like. I sat down for a while to enjoy the view. It wasn't a minute when a Rock Partridge called. Yes I know it is still early for them to breed but there it is calling from the bushes. I waited for a bit more but the bird didn't come out. Then I went round the corner to change my location. There it was. Ohh my.. The bird took off noisily only about 30 m away from me and gently glided down the hillside. Well, I got him this time.

Rock Partridge Habitat by Iordan Hristov

With a smile on my face, I happily went down the track towards the car. Several Sombre Tits made the pleasure even bigger.

Well I think this would be the spot. If we are this lucky, the trip will start really well with rather relaxed schedule and travel. Looking forward to its start.

Common Buzzard photography in Bulgaria

In the middle of the week I decided to take some time off and use the snow. It's been fairly dry winter which did not offer many opportunities for bird photography. However, the snow is already here and birds are now regularly coming to the feeding sites.

Since the forecast for today suggested snow, I decided to give it a try and go to a hide for Buzzards. At this spot there are also Ravens, Magpies, Red Fox, Golden Jackal and occasionally Golden Eagle. What I wanted most was a Long-legged Buzzard but ...you never know what will turn up. Birds are wild so, let's give it a try.

I set the alarm for 5,30 a.m. The road to the place was about 1,5 hours so I wanted to be there as early as possible. So I did. Everything was according to the forecast. Snow! Well this sounds optimistic. I drove the distance in the dark and arrived just when a fox was hunting in the fields not far from the hide. This could be a good sign. I left the car by the main road and walked for about 20 min along a snowy road to reach the hide.

A Common Buzzard took off from the tree right behind the hide. Hmm, this looks really optimistic. I set up the feeding site and entered into the hide. It wasn't even 10 minutes when a Raven landed about 20m in front of me. Then a second bird arrived. Magpies started coming. One, two, three... At certain point there were ten Eurasian Magpies Pica pica. And finally there goes the Buzzard.

A Common Buzzard landed on the perch specifically set for it. Right where I wanted it. What a beauty. It wasn't a minute before it started feeding on the bait. The birds looked pretty calm. Later on a second Buzzard arrived. At certain point i had 2 Ravens, one Common Buzzard and 10 Magpies at the same time. Well, here are some shots: 

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo photography by Iordan Hristov

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo photography by Iordan Hristov

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo photography by Iordan Hristov

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo photography by Iordan Hristov

Magpie Pica pica photography by Iordan Hristov

Magpie Pica pica photography by Iordan Hristov

Magpie Pica pica photography by Iordan Hristov

Raven Corvus corax photography by Iordan Hristov

Raven Corvus corax photography by Iordan Hristov

New paper in Nature advices policy makers

A recent paper published in Nature magazine gives useful advice to policy makers on interpreting conclusions of scientists. It is well known that policy makers and scientists don't quite understand each other. This paper published by Bill Sutherland, a prominent professor by Cambridge university, and colleagues, gives some insight to the topic. The authors have given 20 concepts to policy makers and non-scientists about interpretation of scientific conclusions.

The paper is expected to facilitate the dialogue between the mentioned parties.

You can view and download the paper as a pdf from here.

Birdwatching in my local patch

I had some doubts whether to wake up early this morning and go out for some bird photography. After a hard week I decided to spend a few more hours in the bed and then go out :) Priority was clear. Well, I walk up at about 9 am and off I went to my local patch about 20 km W of Sofia. A lovely oak woodland with open patches of grassland and scrub. It is still early for the meadow birds so I decided to focus on the woodland.

Initially it was pretty quiet. Nothing was calling. In a couple of minutes I have apparently approached the territory of this lovely Wood Nuthatch. The birds from the pair were nicely displaying. Really nice birds when you see them this close.

Nuthatch photography by Iordan Hristov

My initial idea was to find some more Sombre Tit so I continued walking around to explore the area and hopefully see some more birds. There are some old orchards nearby that I have been willing to explore for a long time. Just as I expected a pair of Sombre Tit responded soon after I arrived on the spot. It was full with birds. Not just the local Starlings and Hawfinches were there but also a group of 6 Robins. This high number raises the question of their migration. I did a quick Google Scholar and it produced a few quite interesting papers discussing the birds survival (Adriaensen, F & Dhondt A.) and their means of orientation (Sandberg et al.)  and drivers for migration with a focus on rain and wind (Schaub, M.et al) :

Robin photography

Other migrants were also present. On a small patch with scrub there were a few Black Redstarts, my first for the year Willow Warbler and a lovely Firecrest. Rather untypical which is the first for my local patch which is now over 80 species with some of the highlights being Golden Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Honey Buzzards, Scops Owl, Syrian Woodpecker, Ortolan Bunting, Wryneck, Thrush Nightingale and many others.

Just as I was thinking about this untypical Firecrest, I remembered a pretty old observation of a Ring Ouzel which I observed in the woods in the area many years ago. In that very moment the call of a Ring Ouzel totally thrilled me. :) Well what can I say. Lovely bird. My first for the year and another observation for my local patch.

Blue Tit photography by Iordan Hristov

I carried on walking in the area but it was already 3 p.m. and just like in summer birds just disapeared. Well it was time for lunch or whatever you call it in the middle of the afternoon :)

Garden birds photography

Great Tit photography by Iordan Hristov

Great tit photography by Iordan Hristov

Great tit photography by Iordan Hristov

Blue Tit photography by Iordan Hristov

Saturday photography

A Saturday walk in the nearest park in Sofia, Bulgaria produced these images:

Buzzard photography by Iordan Hristov

Mallard photography by Iordan Hristov

Mallard photography by Iordan Hristov

Moorhen photography by Iordan Hristov

Green Woodpecker photography by Iordan Hristov

Mallard photography by Iordan Hristov