Itinerary:

Migrants and Mountain Specialities

(Tour code: MMS)

Leader: Petar Iankov

This short tour should provide most of the Bulgarian bird highlights including Wallcreeper, Peregrine, Imperial Eagle, vultures at a feeding station, Long-legged Buzzard, Olive-tree Warbler and Masked Shrike.

The tour leader, Petar Iankov, is well known to British birders, his knowledge, brilliant powers of observation and sense of humour commend him to our clients, many of whom book regularly on his tours.

Bulgaria's beautiful scenery, friendly people and excellent wine and food are additional highlights. The BBFS offers you the benefits of its over twenty-five years' experience of organising tours to Bulgaria, well-known leaders and excellent value. For your financial protection our tour operators, Balkania Travel Ltd. are ATOL bonded. The hotels are comfortable (and well situated for birdwatching!) but not luxurious. The holiday is on a Half-Board basis. Final details and bird lists will be sent to participants with their tickets. Our tour price includes a donation to the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds or other Bulgarian conservation organisation.

Projected Itinerary

(which may be subject to adjustment)

Saturday 16 May

Scheduled service flight from Gatwick to Sofia. Drive to a hotel in the area of Besaparski Hills for a one night stay, calling at Vetren Dol wetlands and pastures and Zvanichevo fishponds. Good chance of Isabelline Wheatear, Bee-eater, Little Ringed Plover, Whiskered Tern, and perhaps Purple Heron and Short-toed Eagle.

Sunday 17 May

Drive to Trigrad for a one night stay, calling at Besaparski Hills and the beautiful valley of the River Vacha. Looking for Stone Curlew, Roller, Long-legged Buzzard, Calandra Lark, Barred Warbler, possibly Imperial Eagle.

Monday 18 May

After morning observation of Wallcreeper, Peregrine, Dipper, Alpine Swift, Serin and other birds, drive via Kurdzhali to Madzharovo for a two night stay. Possibility of Black Stork and Honey Buzzard on the way, and Little Bittern, Night Heron and Little Egret at the wetlands in the river bed of the Arda River in Kurdzhali.

Tuesday 19 May

Excursion to the BSPB vulture feeding station and to Studen Kladenets, looking for Black, Egyptian and Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, Rock Nuthatch, Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting, Bonelli’s Warbler, Subalpine and Orphean Warblers and others. Little and Scops Owl at Madzharovo.

Wednesday 20 May

Travel to Sarafovo near Burgas for three overnights, calling at Golyamo Krushevo for Masked Shrike, at Bolyarovo for Montagu’s Harrier and at Mandra Lake to look for White-tailed Eagle and Ruddy Shelduck.

Thursday 21 May

Excursion to Atanasovo, Vaya and Mandra Lakes, and the BSPB Poda Reserve, looking for Black-winged Pratincole, pelicans, Penduline and Bearded Tit, Gull-billed and Little Tern, Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, waterfowl and waders..

Friday 22 May

Visit Cape Emine and Irakli Bay, looking for Olive-tree Warbler, Sombre Tit, Black-eared Wheatear, Tawny Pipit, Woodchat Shrike and seabirds.

Saturday 23 May

Travel to Sofia, birdwatching along the road (possible Grey-headed Woodpecker, Imperial Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Red-rumped Swallow).

Sunday 24 May    

Early morning return flight to UK.

OUR PRICES INCLUDE:

·      Return scheduled flights from Gatwick to Sofia. *(Connecting flights from other airports and/or overnight accommodation near airports can also be arranged for you at a supplement).

·      Half Board.

·      Good tourist hotels (3* and 4*) with en suite facilities on a twin bedded shared occupancy basis.

·      Airport Taxes.

·      Coach for transfers and excursions.

·      Specialist Bulgarian leader.

·      Donation to Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds or other Bulgarian conservation organisation.

·      All reserve entrance fees.

NOT INCLUDED:

·      Lunches (about £4 or less).

·      Travel Insurance (compulsory). This is available from Balkania Travel.

·      Drinks and personal expenses such as gratuities.