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

BirdID trip in Bulgaria 2014: day 7, April 30th

We woke up in pouring rain. It was pretty dark and cloudy out there. Luckily, we didn’t have any particular aims for the morning. We had breakfast and off we started our trip to the North. Shortly after that we stopped at some salt pans where Sandwich Terns breed. We added Common Ringed Plover and Greenshank to the species list. Luckily we had a shelter so pretty cozy regardless of the rain.

After a few more additions to the list we continued our journey across a mountain pass to the North of Bourgas. The rain hadn’t stopped so we couldn’t see more but once we descended from the mountains we were back to an oak woodland. Participants in the group wanted to see some more Semi-collared Flycatchers and so we did. Males were singing at several sites. A nice surprise was a Wryneck which called in the forest. It is most probably a migrating bird but still nice to see.

Lunch was in a small family run restaurant not far from this Semi-collared Flycatcher place. We had chicken stew with boiled potatoes. After a refreshing coffee we opened our eyes and the results followed. Just as we were talking about Steppe Buzzard, a migrating bird came and showed its diagnostic tale to all the participants. The bird was fairly dark resembling an ordinary Common Buzzard but the tail was definitely different. Then at least a dozen Honey Buzzard and over 50 White Pelicans came together with two Black Storks and a Sparrowhawk. This was only within 15 minutes. Not too bad, is it.

We continued our trip to the next place where we wanted to see an Eagle Owl. Upon arrival, before we got off the van people already saw the bird in its niche. They proved to be two birds. This is a pretty good addition to the list. That’s especially true for my Bulgarian friends who have been trying to see it for quite some time.

The next target was Stone Curlew. We changed the habitat drastically and already were in the pseudo steppe. There was the Stone Curlew. Two birds came around to see us. Ticked! Off we go.

On the way to our hotel 5 Grey Partridges stayed out in the open fields only about 30 m from the road posing for some shots. While struggling to see them on the first day, here they are showing off nicely. A Roller, Red-footed Falcon and a pale Booted Eagle were the other highlights along the road.

Once we arrived at the hotel, everyone was inpatient to go out. The area of the hotel is superb with its pseudo steppe habitat with birds like Calandra Larks and Tawny Pipits. For an hour walk we managed to see Pied Wheatear (a highlight for most people in the group), male and female Red-breasted Flycatcher, Red-footed Falcon, Spotted Flycatcher, Woodchat Shrike, Black-throated Diver to name but a few. We ended up with 112 species for the day and 213 for the trip so far.

Tomorrow morning before breakfast we expect to see more of them and hope for some Yelkouan Shearwaters. 

Looking forward to tomorrow!

BirdID trip in Bulgaria 2014: day 3, April 24th

The day started with a Scops Owl. Just before breakfast we walked to the park in the town where we spotted the Owl. We went back to the hotel and quietly had breakfast. Then a proposal came to give it a try for Scops Owl in the local park. Some people looked a bit skeptical. It wasn’t long before my colleague Boris spotted the Owl. There it was. Sitting on a branch in a nice daylight view. It isn’t often to have that view. Pretty good start.

Then we headed to our place from last night. We still had to see the Rock Nuthatch. The morning was superb so we slowed down towards the place where we expected to see the Nuthatch. A gorgeous Chukar was proudly sitting on the top of an old building only a couple of meters away from the road and the van. What a view! Never been this close to a Chukar. Later on during the walk we saw at least five more birds. This was quite a place for them.

Rather than shouting out every minutes Stop, Stop, we decided to just walk along the road and enjoy the lovely landscape and birds around. Golden Oriole, Hobby, Rollers, Sombre Tit, Black-eared Wheatears were just a few of the birds we spotted along the road. A Black Stork nest was nicely hidden in the middle of the cliffs. Once we approached the Rock Nuthatch place someone shouted out. There it is! A proudly sitting birds was nicely positioned on the very top of a picturesque rock. It wasn’t a minute when a male Black-eared Wheatear landed next to it. Well this becomes some sort of a trademark of the trip to have two superb species in the frame. Soon we had to go. It was already about 10,30 but we had about 30 species or so. We headed to the North towards Madzarovo where the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of birds had a visitors Centre. We were aiming to lunch there so we had to go.

Woodchat Shrike copyright Iordan Hristov

Along the way we stopped at two more places to log more Rollers, Bee-eaters, pale Booted Eagle and other nice birds. After lunch we went to the oak woodland just next to the centre for the Eastern Bonneli’s Warbler. It took us some time to find it but there it was. Logged. There was still a lot to go so we headed to the cliffs around. Along the way we wanted to see a Barred Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Eastern Orphean Warbler and yes we did. They weren’t really obliging but we did see them. The walk further along produced some of the other highlights for the day: Egyptian Vulture, Rock Bunting, Ortolan Bunting, and Blue Rock Thrush.

Time flied past quickly and we really had to go if we wanted to go back to the hotel before it gets dark. On the way I just couldn’t stop myself. There were these large birds right above the cliff. The birds were pretty big, V-shaped wings with long tail. This must be Golden Eagle. Immediately the group was out of the van again. Although it was miles away, everyone agreed it was the Goldies. Well this has got to be the last bird for the day. We headed back to the hotel.

Our place for the night is situated in the middle of a small valley right at the foot of a cliff complex in the middle of nowhere. That’s what we like! After a nice meal with chicken stew we counted a total of 81 species for the day and about 120 for the trip so far. This was just day 3 so a lot more to come I hope :) 

Birdwatching in Bulgaria: tailored trip 8-15 March, day 6

Today was mainly a travelling day. We did start with some birding around the area of our hotel aiming to find the illusive White-backed Woodpecker. Again our attempts were in vain. We went to checked locations that were known and also tried at some new places but the only woodpeckers we got were Grey-headed, Great-spotted, Lesser spotted and Black. I say the only because our main target was the White-backed. The Grey-headed were really nice. A female stood on a lovely beech tree only about 20 m from us. Really beautiful bird.

After these few attempts we headed to south. It was time for some more weather. We headed to Dadia, Greece where we would aim for the Black Vulture. About 5 hours later we were already watching it. The travel was fairly easy and fast. Upon arrival we were greeted by flocks of White Storks, groups of Common Buzzards and a couple of Black Kites and Black Storks. This is going to be quite a good birding around here in the next day.

We walked around the Dadia village and the Visitor Centre and logged Eastern Imperial Eagle. I gladly found out that my Egyptian Vulture picture was posted on a notice board right in front of the visitors' centre. The day ended with a nice dinner in a local restaurant which served Greek Salad and Octopus.

Egyptian vulture photo on the top by Iordan Hristov

Our intention for tomorrow is to visit the Vulture observatory and spend the morning around the area of the reserve. In the afternoon we shall travel back to Sofia.

Since our focus will be the birds of prey that are active later in the day, we don't need to get up as early so the start tomorrow will be at 7,30 a.m.

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

BirdID training: Eastern Rhodopes

Spring is coming and time for blogging gets shorter and shorter. Will do my best to keep up to date posts.

I just came back from a trip to the Eastern Rhodope mountains where I conducted a training on Bird identification for Bulgarian volunteers participants in the breeding birds survey. It was marvelous. Fantastic weather, lovely birds, stunning scenery. In total about 20 people took part in this training. We spend a couple of days around Madzarovo searching for local birds. The diversity of the landscapes there make it a unique place for everyone willing to learn bird identification or just enjoy birding.

I ended up with quite a few photos but it will take some time to finalise all the material. I managed to get some images of Egyptian and Griffon Vultures, White and Black Stork, Orphean Warbler, Long-legged Buzzard, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear, Corn Bunting, Golden Eagle, Woodlark, Cuckoo, Subalpine Warbler, Black Kite, Red-backed Shrike, Raven, Turtle Dove, etc.

Checklist of all the species seen for the period April 22-26, 2013.

1.Scops Owl (Otus scops).
2.Little Owl (Athene noctua).
3.Sombre Tit (Parus lugubris).
4.Wood Nuthatch (Sitta europaea).
5.Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs).
6.Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos).
7.Blackbird (Turdus merula).
8.Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris).
9.Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus).
10.Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus).
11.Corn Bunting (Miliaria calandra).
12.Black Stork (Ciconia nigra).
13.White Wagtail (Motacilla alba).
14.Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis).
15.Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica).
16.Woodlark (Lullula arborea).
17.Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus).
18.Hooded Crow (Corvus corone cornix).
19.Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris).
20.Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo).
21.Hoopoe (Upupa epops).
22.House Martin (Delichon urbica).
23.Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus).
24.Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis).
25.Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes).
26.Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus).
27.Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris).
28.Jay (Garrulus glandarius).
29.Mistle Thrush (Tyrdus viscivorus).
30.Grey-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus).
31.Eastern Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe melanoleuca).
32.Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus).
33.Eastern Orphean Warbler (Sylvia hortensis).
34.Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana).
35.Alpine Swift (Apus melba).
36.Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio).
37.Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus).
38.Subalpine Warbler (Silvia cantillans).
39.Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita).
40.Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus).
41.Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius).
42.Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea).
43.Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus).
44.Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia).
45.Red-rumped Swallow (Hirundo daurica).
46.Eastern Bonelli's Warbler (Phylloscopus orientalis).
47.Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus).
48.Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos).
49.Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis).
50.Bluetit (Parus caeruleus).
51.Robin (Erithacus rubecula).
52.Middle spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius).
53.Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus).
54.Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca).
55.House Sparrow (Passer domesticus).
56.Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos).
57.Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo).
58.White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla).
59.Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus).
60.Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator).
61.Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis).
62.Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).
63.Semi-collared Flycatcher (Ficedula semitorquata).
64.Black Kite (Milvus migrans).
65.Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus).
66.Black-headed Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava feldegg).
67.White Stork (Ciconia ciconia).
68.Quail (Coturnix coturnix).
69.Black Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus).
70.Turtle Dove (Streptopelia decaocto).
71.Feral Pigeon (Columba livia).
72.Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius).
73.Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea).
74.Rock Nuthatch (Sitta neumayer).

75.Little Egret (Egretta garzetta).
76.Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficillis).
77.Coot (Gallinula chloropus).
78.Lesser spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina).
79.Bee-eater (Merops apiaster).

Here are some of the first images.

copyright: Iordan Hristov, Danbirder.blogspot.com

copyright: Iordan Hristov, Danbirder.blogspot.com

copyright: Iordan Hristov, Danbirder.blogspot.com

copyright: Iordan Hristov, Danbirder.blogspot.com

copyright: Iordan Hristov, Danbirder.blogspot.com

Long-legged Buzzard photography

Griffon Vulture photography, copyright: Iordan Hristov

Red fox photography 

If you have any questions please contact me at biomonitoring.ltd [@] gmail.com