BULGARIA:
Black Sea Coast
AUTUMN MIGRATION 11th – 18th SEPTEMBER 2009
Lanius Bird Tours
Leaders: Dave Read & Andy Shooter
Local Guide: Pavel Simeonov (Branta-Tours)
Participants:
Doreen Marsh
Gordon & Alison Caw
John & Sheila Richardson
Chris & Christine Watkinson
Howard Broughton
Chris Hughes
Day 1; Friday 11th September
Our trip began at 19:00 with a direct flight Birmingham to Bourgas, arriving 3.5 hours later at just a little after midnight local time. Once all our cases had been collected, we met with Pavel Simeonov, head of Branta Tours, the Bulgarian based ground agents who helped us organise much of the tour. We then met with our driver Roman and were soon out of the airport, arriving at the Sunny Bay Hotel in Pomorie, our base for three nights just 15 minutes later.
After checking in, we had a small snack that the hotel had made for us and a cold local beer before retiring straight to bed.
Day 2; Saturday 12th September
After breakfast we began by checking the sea in front of the hotel, this produced both Black & Rednecked Grebes, but little else so we continued a short distance to Pomorie Lake. Here several species of waders, gulls and terns were noted, along with Little Egret and 4 distant Spoonbill.
Next we moved to Lake Atanasovsko stopping first at the migration watchpoint, though sadly due to the high winds there was no sign of any migration taking place other than three Black Storks which circled over before departing to the south. Moving a short distance we checked an area of mud by the side of the road that held several waders, the highlights of which were a single Marsh Sandpiper and at least one Temminck’s Stint. Moving further around the lake another stop was made, here once again were several Little Gulls, but the highlight was without doubt 11 Dalmatian Pelicans roosting on one of the embankments.
Next we visited Lake Bourgas, a huge lake skirted by tall reeds and a very busy road, with only a handful of laybys made by fisherman to observe the lake from. This made no difference however as our sharp-eyed guide Pavel spotted our targets and guided the driver into the next layby. Sure enough in the distance was a flock of c150 White Pelican on the lake. We didn’t stop long however, as Pavel knew another stop where closer views of the birds could be obtained. Once there we all enjoyed fantastic views of these mammoth birds, even finding 7 Dalmatians in with the flock so a comparison of the two species could be made. Up to 5 Squacco Herons were also observed, along with 3 Night Herons in flight and a brief Little Bittern. Several Whiskered Terns were also noted.
Moving south again we headed for the Ropotamo River Reserve for lunch, however by now the weather was deteriorating and little of note was recorded. With the worsening weather we decided not to continue south (into bad weather) as planned, but to return to Lake Atanasovsko instead. This was a good move as the return journey found us a very obliging Lesser Spotted Eagle roosting by the roadside and 3 Ferruginous Ducks on a roadside pool, with another 5 in flight overhead. Once north of Bourgas it stopped raining, allowing us a nice walk along a track close to the western shore of the lake. Though tall reeds made viewing the lake impossible several birds of note were recorded including a male Pallid Harrier, an immature Goshawk and three migrating flocks of White Pelican consisting of a total of c600 birds.
After an excellent bird filled day, we then headed back to Pomorie for our evening meal and log call.
Day 3; Sunday 13th September
After breakfast we again started with the nearby Pomorie Lake, but not before Andy spotted a distant pale phase Arctic Skua at sea in front off the hotel. On the lake, the gulls were still present in good numbers, and were showing much better in the calmer conditions, providing us with a good opportunity to be able to compare the many Little, Black-headed, Slender-billed and Mediterranean which were present in various ages and plumages. Also present were Yellow-legged and Caspian Gulls, again in a variety of plumages. Other birds of note included single Whimbrel and Grey Plover, a flock of 5 Hoopoe and several Yellow Wagtails. Moving further around the lake to various viewpoints provided several waders including Ruff, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper and Black-winged Stilt amongst others. Up to 50 Blacknecked Grebe and a Penduline Tit were also noted. Returning to the van we had begun to move away from Pomorie when two eagles were seen, one a Booted, the other Short-toed. Stopping the van to gain better views also rewarded us with a flock of 4 Levant’s Sparrowhawk overhead, which gave reasonable views despite being a bit of a neck-breaker.
Our next stop was at the Khans Tent restaurant, situated on a panoramic viewpoint above the resort of Sunny Beach, here Chris & Chris treated us all to a much-appreciated cold beer to help celebrate their wedding anniversary, which we drank while watching for raptors. Although a few birds were noted including two Black Kites, most were Steppe Buzzard and most were very high, with only a single Lesser Spotted Eagle showing well. However our attention was soon shifted to the surrounding scrubby hillside and pines as it became apparent that there had been a fall of passerines, with several flycatchers, warblers, chats and shrikes involved. Amongst the commoner species were a Wood Warbler and at least 2 Red-breasted Flycatchers, however the surprise find was a late Semi-collared Flycatcher. Alpine Swift and Sombre Tit were also recorded here along with Marsh, Coal and Long-tailed Tits.
Next we moved to an area of Oak woodland where a pair of Middle Spotted Woodpecker, which gave good views was amongst the highlights. Meanwhile through the gaps in the trees, more raptors could be seen moving over, including a single Booted Eagle, Short-toed and Lesser Spotted Eagles and a flock of c50 Steppe Buzzards.
Our next stop was Poroy Reservoir, however upon arrival unusually low water levels resulted in the best areas at the far end being dry, with only 3 Tawny Pipits, several Crested Larks and a few Redrumped Swallow of note. Moving to the dam there was plenty of water, but also plenty of fishermen and still not much in the way of birds, although Hawfinch, Song Thrush and Grey Wagtail were added to the list.
We then returned to Pomorie with just enough time to revisit the Lake, which was covered in Shelduck. New arrivals since our morning visit included a single immature White Pelican and up to 4 Black Terns.
Day 4; Monday 14th September
Today we moved north leaving Pomorie behind and heading to the small town of Durankulak, just 3 miles from the Romanian border and our base for the next four nights. Not however before a quick stop at Pomorie Lake, which held all the usual birds with only two Shag new to add to the list.
A stop to refuel near the resort of Sunny Beach resulted in four species of raptors from the petrol station forecourt: Short-toed Eagle, Steppe Buzzard, Marsh Harrier and a very obliging male Goshawk, which gave prolonged good views. Moving on an unscheduled stop was made at the viewpoint above Sunny Beach when one of the group (you know who you are) realised they had left their passport in the hotel back in Pomorie. However it wasn’t a problem as Roman our very agreeable driver returned to collect it as we birded this site. Though the numbers of migrants were clearly down on the previous day, there was still much to see with a few Red-breasted Flycatchers, and even the Semi-collared Flycatcher still present. Perhaps the highlight for most was this very cooperative Grey-headed Woodpecker, which showed out in the open for several minutes as it sunbathed at the top of a Pine. Meanwhile Howard and Chris had wondered off, missing the woodpecker, they did however return with a photo of a bunting they were unsure of. Unfortunately the bird never came fully into view and hence the photo only shows part of its head, but 1st winter Pine Bunting seems most likely, though from the photo alone, it is perhaps impossible to be sure. Our next stop was just a few miles further, at another viewpoint, though it became obvious there was little raptor movement here, other than a few very high Red-footed Falcons and Sparrowhawks, (both Eurasian and Levant’s). There was however a significant movement of bee-eaters with several flocks moving through totalling at least 300 birds. A pair of Sombre Tit were also noted here as were a pair of Red-rumped Swallow.
Next we visited the Goritza Forrest, where both Middle and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker were noted along with a Short-toed Treecreeper and several Nuthatches, though sadly no sign of our target Black Woodpecker. Time however was now pushing on and we still had several miles to go on our journey, so no further stops were made until reaching Topala, where Great Spotted Woodpecker and Woodlark were added.
Continuing, we eventually arrived at the Branta Birding Lodge, which sits overlooking Lake Durankulak, and is home to not only Pavel and his family, but also almost the entire world´s wintering population of Red-breasted Goose. Here Tatyana (Pavel´s wife) welcomed us, making us all feel very much at home. Later after a short rest and a refreshing beer we enjoyed a delicious home cooked meal accompanied by a shot of Rakia, a traditional drink served to guests in the Bulgarian home.
Day 5; Tuesday 15th September.
With Lake Durankulak on the doorstep and a little tired from the previous long day on the road, today was to be a steady day concentrating on the lake. We started at the northeastern corner, parking in the beach car park where immediately a Syrian Woodpecker was located. Nearby on the beach a few Sanderling and a Curlew Sandpiper were busy feeding. Walking south we spent some time looking in the reeds for the elusive Moustached Warbler, with a slim chance of a late Paddyfield, however several Reed Warblers later and we had neither of our targets. We did however watch an Osprey carry a large fish in off the sea, and up to 6 Pygmy Cormorants were noted in flight. Two Caspian Terns were also recorded moving north.
Next we headed inland briefly to look for Long-legged Buzzard, and although two possible birds were found they were very distant, Steppe Buzzard however showed much better, with 5 together with a Short-toed Eagle. We also stopped to look at a roadside Syrian Woodpecker, finding a Black Redstart and a few Yellow Wagtails, including a nice male of the race dombrowskii (Romanian Wagtail).
Lunch was taken back at the lodge, with some of the group deciding afterwards to stay there and have an easy afternoon birding from the garden, from where Marsh & Montagu’s Harrier, Hobby, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Northern Wheatear, Red-backed Shrike, Spanish Sparrow and Corn Bunting could all be seen, along with an incredible number of swallows.
The rest however headed back out, travelling a short distance before walked along a small track surrounded by pine at first, thinning to thorn scrub and eventually a small reed fringed pool. This was alive with migrants, Red-backed Shrike and Lesser Whitethroat the most abundant species, followed closely by both Spotted and Red-breasted Flycatchers, with at least 15 of the latter, including a stunning male still in breeding plumage. Others warblers included Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Willow, Wood, Garden and a single Barred. Other highlights included a large flock of c200 Bee-eaters, another Syrian Woodpecker and a Golden Oriole. On the pool were Little Grebe, Purple Heron, Teal and at least 3 Kingfisher. A Muskrat was also noted here.
Next we moved to the southeastern corner, where several thousand hirundines were feeding and numerous flocks of Yellow Wagtails of mixed races were present, presumably all gathering to roost in the large reedbeds. Another large gathering was c400 Gulls, mostly Mediterranean, which streamed in off the sea to bathe in the lake before dispersing. Two Red-throated Pipits flew over calling and dropped into a field containing several wagtails but unfortunately could not be relocated. Further on, an area of tall reeds held Great Reed Warbler, Savi’s Warbler and Bearded Tit, though sadly the latter was heard calling only. Further still in an area of scrub a male Bluethroat was a fitting way to finish what had been a superb evening.
Meanwhile back at the Lodge, Tatyana had prepared a special meal for us, starting with Calamari Rings, next was delicious Crayfish, caught from Durankulak Lake, followed by a perfectly cooked Zander (also fresh from the Lake) for main course.
Day 6; Wednesday 16th September.
Today we headed north across the border and into Romania. Our first stop, apart from border control was made at Lake Tekirgyol where 200+ Black-necked Grebes were gathered on the lake, and a few Ruff were found along the shoreline.
Our next stop was made on the approach to Vadu, where a few distant raptors turned out to be Redfooted Falcon, however a small flock of White Pelicans showed much better, flying directly towards us before turning over our heads and returning to the north. Once at Vadu both Roller and Lesser Grey Shrike were immediately found, though sadly the latter soon disappeared. Leaving the minibus behind, and walking along the track towards the lagoons gave us good views of c25 Redfooted Falcons, with adults and immatures of both sexes feeding low over the marshes. Meanwhile a distant flock of c100 Collared Pratincole flew high over to the north, however sadly most of the group missed these. A flock of 9 Spoonbill moved south and Bearded Tit was heard and eventually seen, as was a Reed Bunting. Once at the lagoons there were several waders, mostly Little Stint, but also Curlew and Marsh Sandpipers and Spotted Redshank. Luckily another flock of c50 Collared Pratincole flew over, and although still fairly high the whole group saw them, while several small flocks of Lapwing was another addition to the already long trip list. One of the highlights here was a European Souslik, or European Ground Squirrel as it is also known, which gave good views on the lagoon embankment.
Next we moved to Istria, where a Long-legged Buzzard was perched on a Pylon and gave exceptional views both perched and in flight, with a total of three birds observed in the area. A Lesser Spotted Eagle was also noted flying over. A large body of water here held good wildfowl numbers, mostly Shoveler, however sadly the marshes were completely dry, and as a result virtually birdless, though a European Pond Terrapin and another European Souslik was noted.
Moving to Sinoie our final destination for the day, it was immediately clear the birdlife here was much more numerous. Once again large numbers of wildfowl were present, largely Shoveler with smaller numbers of Mallard, Gadwall, Pochard, Teal and Pintail. Waders were also present in good numbers with c40 Golden Plover and 3 Common Snipe new for the trip. Others included Curlew, Ruff, Wood Sandpiper and another Marsh Sandpiper, though surely the highlight was c10 Collared Pratincole, which gave reasonable views. In the fields bordering the marshes c300 Caspian Gulls were roosting with at least 5 Caspian Terns amongst them, one of which ventured down to the lake to drink, where views were much better. A Great White Egret also showed well here, though sadly two Spoonbills remained distant. Other noteworthy birds here included 3 White Pelicans that circled overhead, a single Dalmatian Pelican and several Purple Herons. Meanwhile an immature Gull-billed Tern begging an adult for food was unusual behaviour so late in the season. A small flock of 6 Bearded Tit was noted and Marsh Harriers were almost constantly visible.
With time pushing on and the long journey ahead of us back to the Lodge, this sadly had to conclude our Romanian excursion, but with many good birds encountered it certainly whet our appetite for what this country has to offer.
Day 7; Thursday 17th September
Today we stayed fairly local, starting the day with another optional pre breakfast walk at the lake looking for Moustached Warbler. Again many Reed and Great Reed Warblers were seen though another bird showing a strong supercilium kept giving tantalising glimpses deep in the reeds, eventually the bird came into view, and was as suspected our target Moustached Warbler, with probably 3 birds seen before returning for breakfast. The early morning walk also produced 2 Pygmy Cormorants, Osprey, Grey-headed Woodpecker and a brief Great Bittern in flight.
After breakfast we headed out to the nearby Lake Sabla, which itself proved fairly unrewarding, with only a Kingfisher of any note, the approach road however provided excellent views of both Hoopoe and Bee-eater. Just a short drive further and we were at our next destination, Sabla Tuzla, a shallow brackish lake famous for its curative Black Sea Mud, and where there´s mud, there´s waders. This site was certainly no exception with Ringed, Little Ringed & Kentish Plover, Ruff, Little Stint, Dunlin and both Curlew and Wood Sandpipers all feeding in the shallows. Amongst these Howard picked out a single Broad-billed Sandpiper (our only record) and Dave found a Red-necked Phalarope. A little further out in deeper water 6 Marsh Sandpiper were busy feeding.
Next we moved to Yalata finding a single Isabelline Wheatear on the way. Once at Yalata, a beautiful cliff top area of steppe grassland, two Calandra Larks were soon spotted in flight, and later scoped on the deck. A juvenile harrier flew quickly through and was almost certainly a juvenile Pallid, however its rapid departure unfortunately left identification less than 100%. Two Tawny Pipits also showed well and while watching these, a flock of 27 Calandra Larks flew close by.
Continuing to Kaliakra we disturbed a flock of c250 Calandra Larks, which proved quite a sight, while in the distance a swirling mass of up to 5000 Starlings put on quite a show. We could have easily spent longer watching their antics had we more time, but it was already getting late and we still had much to see. Upon parking at the Cape, Andy at once spotted a 1st winter Pied Wheatear which showed reasonably well. On the sea were several Shag, and above us 20 or so Alpine Swift showed off their aerial expertise. Further along an adult male Pied Wheatear was seen briefly by some, before disappearing. Luckily what was probably the same bird was relocated in a small garden, where it showed well. In the same small garden were Black Redstart, Red-backed Shrike and at least two Red-breasted Flycatchers. This was surely the Black Sea equivalent of Flamborough.
We then moved a short distance to a rocky gorge for our final target of the day, Eagle Owl. However the first sighting of any note came when a few of the group spotted a European Polecat climbing up the cliff face. Amazingly while watching this two Badgers were discovered when the polecat ran in front of them. At that stage the Polecat was lost to view, however the Badgers remained on show until it was too dark to view them. Meanwhile amongst all the excitement, our driver had spotted the Eagle Owl in flight, (it´s a good job someone remembered what we were there for). Moments later it reappeared just over the ridge and briefly perched on top allowing reasonable views in the fading light. It did this on a number of occasions; a second bird was also heard calling from nearby, as was a Long-eared Owl.
Day 8; Friday 18th September
Our final day, though due to our late flight we still had a full day ahead of us, so after breakfast we said our farewells to Tatyana and made a start on our journey to Bourgas. Our first stop was made at Kamchiya where we parked and entered the woods looking for Black Woodpecker, though sadly none could be found (woodpeckers are always difficult at this time of year). However we hadn´t given up yet and another attempt was made whilst having lunch at Goritza. Here we soon found Lesser Spotted, two Middle Spotted and a Great Spotted, but still no Black. Willow Tit was however another addition to the list and through the gaps in the trees Lesser Spotted Eagle and a few Booted Eagles were noted. Back at the Café, a constant eye on the sky while having drinks yielded Levant Sparrowhawk, Steppe Buzzard and a few Red-footed Falcons, but all very high.
Continuing south we descended from the hills and were soon back at Pomorie, where we headed straight to our favourite area. However on arrival it was clear that many of the birds had moved on, (what a difference a few days can make). Careful searching still produced some good birds though, with the discovery of 4 Red-necked Phalaropes the highlight.
Continuing to Lake Atanasovsko we pulled up at a small pool that held a variety of waders, including 15 Black-tailed Godwits, another new species for the trip. Moving a short distance to another viewpoint 3 Dalmatian Pelicans were resting on an embankment. Next we visited Lake Bourgas, where an impressive flock of some 250 White Pelicans were roosting, and in the late evening light their pink washed plumage was obvious, especially when a very clean white Mute Swan (which they dwarfed) swam by. Further out five Dalmatian Pelicans were roosting on an old concrete pylon base, the pylon itself long since eroded by years of Cormorant droppings. A few Squacco Herons were also noted along with a handful of Whiskered Terns.
This just about finished the day, with light fading fast we returned to Bourgas for our evening meal at a good quality bar restaurant. With plenty of time to spare, no rush was made with our meal and a few drinks were enjoyed afterwards.
Once at the airport we checked in and moved through to departures with no hassle, though our birding wasn’t over yet as Dave and Andy whilst climbing the stairs to the plane spotted a Barn Owl fly across the runway and land briefly on top of a nearby plane.
This brought the total to an outstanding 187 species recorded during the tour, with almost too many highlights to mention, however I think most of the group would agree the good views of both Pelicans, the Lesser Spotted Eagle perched in the tree, Broad-billed Sandpiper, huge flocks of Collared Pratincoles, comparing the many gulls in various plumages, Eagle Owl, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Pied Wheatear, Moustached Warbler and the many Red-breasted Flycatchers, including the stunning breeding plumage bird were certainly all contenders for the top ten. We would like to thank everyone involved with this tour, for making it such a successful and very rewarding trip.
SELECTED SPECIES LIST
This list provides details of a selection of birds of interest from this trip.
BLACK-NECKED GREBE
Seen daily, and often in good numbers. The highest counts were on the 13th with c50 at Pomorie Lake and 16th with 200+ at Lake Tekirgyol (Romania).
RED-NECKED GREBE
Two birds were noted at sea off Pomorie on the 12th & 14th.
PYGMY CORMORANT
Two were noted on the 12th in flight over Lake Bourgas. On the 15th a number of sightings were made of birds moving over Lake Durankulak, with probably up to 10 birds involved, with a further sighting of 2 birds here on the 17th.
WHITE PELICAN
A total of c150 birds were seen at Lake Bourgas on the 12th with several birds showing very well, later that evening while at Lake Atanasovsko c600 birds, made up of three migrating flocks were watched moving over to the south, probably to roost at Lake Bourgas. On the 18th, again at Lake Bourgas 250+ birds were enjoyed preening in the evening. Away from this site singles were noted at Pomorie Lake on the 13th and the viewpoint above Sunny Beach on the 14th. A total of 11 were noted while in Romania on the 16th.
DALMATIAN PELICAN
On the 12th a total of c50 birds were noted while in the Bourgas area, these were made up of 11 roosting at Lake Atanasovsko, 7 which provided our best views on Lake Bourgas amongst the White Pelicans, with at least two other in flight overhead, and the remainder at Lake Mandra. Similarly on the 18th, 3 were roosting on the embankment at Lake Atanasovsko and 5 were on Lake Bourgas. Elsewhere an immature bird was noted at Sinoie, Romania on the 16th.
LITTLE BITTERN
An adult male was seen briefly in flight at Lake Bourgas on the 12th.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON
On the 12th three flew overhead while at Lake Bourgas, with five in flight over Pomorie next day.
SQUACCO HERON
Several sighting of this species moving around at Lake Bourgas were made on the 12th, and probably involved 5 or more birds, with some giving good views. Elsewhere singles were noted at Lake Durankulak on three dates, while back at Lake Bourgas on the 18th several birds were again noted.
LITTLE EGRET
Fairly common, with sightings at many of the wetlands including 15 together on a roadside pool near Pomorie.
GREAT WHITE EGRET
Two were at Lake Mandra on the 12th, while singles were recorded on the 14th & 15th at Lake Durankulak. On the 16th up to 6 were noted while in Romania, with a total of 12 birds recorded at various sites in the Bourgas area on the 18th.
PURPLE HERON
Lake Durankulak proved the most reliable site for this species with 6+ there on the 15th and 3 on the 17th. Away from Durankulak good numbers were also recorded in Romania, especially at Sinoie, a single was also noted from Bourgas on the 12th.
BLACK STORK
Three over the raptor migration viewpoint at Lake Atanasovsko on the 12th was our only record.
WHITE STORK
One in flight low over Lake Durankulak on the 15th was our only sighting.
SPOONBILL
On the 12th four were seen distantly at Pomorie Lake, while on the 16th in Romania a flock of 9 moved over Vadu, with another two later that day at Sinoie.
FERRUGINOUS DUCK
On the 12th three birds were found with Coot and Pochard on the Poda Lagoons, with a further 5 seen in flight overhead while watching these.
HONEY BUZZARD
A single moved south past the Branta Birding Lodge on the morning of the 16th.
BLACK KITE
Two were noted moving south from the viewpoint above Sunny Beach on the 13th.
SHORT-TOED EAGLE
A total of 3 birds were noted on the 13th, with the first over Pomorie Salt Pans, the other two were both near Poroy, one over the oak wood and one near the dam. Singles were also noted near Sunny Beach (petrol station forecourt) on the 14th, inland from Durankulak on the 15th and Goritza on the 18th.
PALLID HARRIER
A male was seen distantly and rather briefly over fields to the west of Lake Atanasovsko on the 12th.
GOSHAWK
An immature bird was noted in flight while walking along the track that runs parallel to the western edge of Lake Atanasovsko on the 12th, and was likely responsible for the remains of a Long-eared Owl found plucked and eaten close by. On the 14th a male gave prolonged good flight views from a petrol station near the resort of Sunny Beach.
LEVANT SPARROWHAWK
Our first and best sighting came on the 13th when a flock of 4 migrating birds moved fairly low south over the Pomorie Saltpans. Next day a total of 5 were recorded from various sites but all were very high, as was a single over Yailata and two over Goritza on the 17th & 18th respectively.
STEPPE BUZZARD
This is the eastern race of Common Buzzard, breeding in Russia and migrating south for the winter along the Black Sea coast in large numbers. It was seen daily, often in reasonable numbers with the maximum count of 100+ birds on the 13th, including c50 together moving over the Poroy Oak Woods.
LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD
On the 16th three birds were noted while in Romania, with one showing very well on the electric pylons near Istria, where it gave good views both perched and in flight. Next day two were noted near Kaliakra.
LESSER SPOTTED EAGLE
On the 12th one was seen in flight distantly from the Ropotamo River Reserve, though views were poor and not all the group saw it, luckily however while returning to Bourgas from there, Pavel glimpsed a bird perched in a tree by the roadside which at the time he thought was an Osprey. However upon returning for a better look it turned out to be this species, rather uncharacteristically sat low down in a small bare tree, no doubt forced down by the bad weather. The entire group had good views of this bird before it took flight for a short distance, before again dropping by the roadside. Next day several birds were noted, with one in flight over the viewpoint at Sunny Beach showing well. On the 16th one was recorded near Istria (Romania) with two noted on the 18th, one just south of the Branta Birding Lodge, the other over the Goritza Forrest.
BOOTED EAGLE
Four were noted on the 13th with birds near Pomorie, Sunny Beach and Poroy. Next day one was at Goritza, with two there on the 18th.
RED-FOOTED FALCON
Small numbers were recorded most days, but mostly refer to birds moving over high, however on the 16th while in Romania c30 birds were noted with many of these at Vadu where they showed very well.
BLACK-WINGED STILT
This species was only recorded in the south, where it was seen at Lake Atanasovsko on the 12th & 18th, and at Pomorie Lake / Saltpans on the 12th, 13th & 18th.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE
This species was only seen in Romania on the 16th, when a large flock of c100 moved north over Vadu, and was soon followed by another flock of c50 heading in the same direction. Later that day while at Sinoie up to 10 birds were seen amongst a Golden Plover flock, with one bird showing well as it hawked for insects close to the minibus.
BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER
One found amongst the many other waders at Sabla Tuzla on the 17th was surprisingly our only record.
MARSH SANDPIPER
A reasonably common wader, with Sabla Tuzla proving the best site with 6 there on the 17th, while Pomorie Lake held 3 the following day. Elsewhere birds were noted at Lake Atanasovsko and the Romanian wetlands of Vadu and Sinoie.
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE
One was seen reasonably well at Sabla Tuzla on the 17th, with four together on Pomorie Lake the next day, all records involved juvenile birds.
MEDITERRANEAN GULL
Seen daily in good numbers, with our best views obtained at Pomorie Lake on the 12th & 13th. On the 15th around 400 birds were watched flying on to Lake Durankulak to bathe and drink before flying back out to sea, while a flock containing similar numbers was roosting in a field near Istria, Romania on the 16th.
LITTLE GULL
Although a relatively familiar species in the UK, the large numbers, exceptional views and variety of plumages and ages made these delightful gulls one of the highlights of the trip for many. Birds were seen at a number of wetlands, but by far the best site was Pomorie Lake.
SLENDER-BILLED GULL
Up to 40 birds were noted at Pomorie Lake and Saltpans on the 12th, 13th & 14th, where they provided good views, many were immature´s but a few adults were also noted.
CASPIAN GULL
Currently regarded as the eastern race of Yellow-legged Gull, though many treat it as a full species in its own right. This bird was first recorded on the 12th at Pomorie Lake, where it was also seen in small numbers on the 14th & 15th. In Romania however this bird appeared to dominate with all large gulls assigned to this race, including a roost of c300 birds at Sinoie.
GULL-BILLED TERN
Two birds were seen near Lake Atanasovsko on the 12th with another two, an adult and an immature, noted at Sinoie on the 16th.
CASPIAN TERN
On the morning of the 15th two flew north over Durankulak beach, while up to 5 were recorded next day at the Romanian wetland of Sinoie.
WHISKERED TERN
Small numbers were recorded on the 12th & 18th at Lake Bourgas, including some still in breeding plumage.
EAGLE OWL
On the 17th a very rewarding day was ended by a visit to the ravine at Cape Kaliakra, where after a short wait a single (probably the male) was seen on a number of occasions in flight over the cliff, perching in full view on one instance. As darkness fell the bird began calling and was answered by a second individual.
DAVE READ
Lanius Bird ToursEmail daveread@laniusbirdtours.co.uk