Dalmatian Pelicans, Spotted Nutcracker, Golden Eagle and Grey Wolves
These are some of the key species that we shall be aiming at during this 8-day photography trip in Bulgaria and Northern Greece.
Dates: February 16-23, 2024
We start from the Eastern Rhodope mountains in Bulgaria where we photograph Golden Eagle and hopefully Grey Wolves from a hide (blind). The birds come on a daily basis to feed in front of our photography hide.
February is the time when Dalmatian Pelicans are in their superb breeding plumage. We photograph these majestic birds at Lake Kerkini in Northern Greece. The birds come very close so you might want to use a wide angle or even fish eye lens for artistic shots. Depending on the water level we may take a boat and approach the feeding Greater Flamingoes and Pygmy Cormorants which are also present and can be photographed.
Day 1, Febr. 16th
Arrival in Sofia, Bulgaria and departure to Eastern Rhodope mountains. Depending on your arrival time we can stop en route to photograph Long-eared Owls, or Pygmy Cormorant roost. If time allows we can also fit in a brief session with Spotted Nutcrackers. If not, we will leave them for the last days of the trip
Day 2 and 3 (Febr 17-18th)
These two days we shall be sitting in hides photographing Golden Eagles at their feeding grounds. Other than them, Griffon Vultures, Golden Jackals and Grey wolf are also a casual visitors to the bait.
Golden Eagle Photography (c) Iordan Hristov
Day 4, Febr. 19th
We shall make an early start and leave the Eagle area to arrive at Lake Kerkini in Greece in the early afternoon for our first session.
Day 5 and 6 (Febr.20-21th)
Dalmatian Pelican photography. We shall spend these two days photographing the Dalmatian Pelican from a boat and from the shore of the lake. Often White Pelicans are also present. You are welcome to spend as much time as you like with the subject and experiment ideas you may have. Beginner photographers will be given guidance. Upon agreement, we can try for other species such as Pygmy Cormorant and Greater Flamingoes which overwinter on the lake.
Dalmatian Pelican © Iordan Hristov
Day 7 (Febr.22nd)
After breakfast we make our way back to Sofia, Bulgaria to spend the afternoon with Spotted Nutcrackers.
Day 8 (Febr. 23rd)
Departure. If time allows we can do another session with the Nutcrackers.
Level of difficulty: almost no walks or easy ones.
Equipment: We recommend both wide-angle and long lenses of more than 300 mm. Warm clothes are essential for the long hours in the hides.
Eagle hide: Distance to the birds is about 20-30m. The hide is very comfortable and heated. Picnic lunch, hot drinks, and snacks are provided during the day. Entry into the hide is early in the morning in the dark hours and leave is late in the afternoon at dark hours. The best focal length is 400 mm on a full frame but any lens from 300 to 600 is suitable.
Dalmatian Pelicans: best focal length is 70-200 mm but also wide-angle lenses are advised (16-35 mm). Long lenses are also usable from the shore.
Spotted Nutcracker: best focal length is 70-200. for flight action.
Group size: 5 people max,
Price:
- 2100 EUR pp
Single room supplement – 180 EUR
What is included:
- Ground transport;
- Guiding;
- Full board accommodation with breakfast, occasional picnic lunch and dinner;
- 2 boat trips;
- use of Golden Eagle hide for 2 days.
What is not included:
- Flights;
- Insurance;
- Alcohol;
- Items of personal nature.
If interested, please fill up the contacts form or write directly to biomonitoring [.] ltd [@] gmail . com
Gallery:
Here is a video made by a close friend and great photographer Luka Esenko:
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This tour is organised by Esenko Workshops.
Esenko Workshops is a trusted brand of Židana Marela d.o.o.
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