Due to the crossroad location of Bulgaria on the Balkan Peninsula its wildlife composition is well renown as one of the richest ones in Europe.

No wonder that only its avifauna comprises over 420 species, 22 among them – globally threatened! This is one of the reasons why during the last decade Bulgaria has become a top destination for birdwatchers from all over the world.

A rare combination of high mountain ranges, flat plains and a picturesque sea coast, still housing unspoiled and wild nature, can be observed on such a small territory. The various and wild habitats give shelter and safe home for numerous endangered species, while millions of birds use the “Via Pontica” – of the two major flyways in Europe, passing within the boundaries of Bulgaria.

Breath-taking views of tens of thousands Red-breasted Geese, thousands Pygmy Cormorants, many Dalmatian Pelicans, Ferruginous Ducks and not the least specialties like Black Vultures, Imperial Eagles and Slender-billed Curlews are just some of the assets, attracting birders from many different points of Earth.

Our village is situated next to Trakiets Dam and is in easy driving distance to  Studen Kadenets, Trigrad Gorge and Madzharovo  making our little farm an ideal starting point for your birding holiday.

Recent birdwatchers staying with us kindly gave the list below of interesting  actual sighting during their holiday with us...........Thanks John!!

The more interesting birds seen around Studen Kladanets and Madzharovo .

Black Stork
Black-eared Wheatear
Griffon Vulture
Rock Thrush
Black Vulture
Blue Rock Thrush
Egyptian Vulture
Eastern Orphean Warbler
Golden Eagle
Eastern Bonelli's Warbler
Imperial Eagle
Subalpine Warbler
Lesser Spotted Eagle
Sombre Tit
Short-toed Eagle
Rock Nuthatch
Booted Eagle
Red-backed Shrike
Long-legged Buzzard
Woodchat Shrike
Levant Sparrowhawk
Masked Shrike
Lesser Kestrel
Ortolan Bunting
Goshawk Cirl Bunting
Chukar Rock Bunting
Pallid Swift Black-headed Bunting
Middle-spotted Woodpecker
Crested Lark
Isabelline Wheatear
Wood Lark
 
The more interesting birds at Trigrad

Black Stork 
Black Woodpecker
Golden Eagle
Black Redstart
Short-toed Eagle
Ring Ouzel
Eagle Owl
Firecrest
Alpine Swift
Wallcreeper
Nutcracker
Rock Bunting
 
Lake Thracia

A selection of Waders
A selection of Terns
A selection of Ducks
Cetti's Warbler
River Warbler
Savi's Warbler
Great Reed Warbler
Beecatcher
Skops owl



Spring
No doubt that the best season for birdwatching in Bulgaria is spring. For special occasions (watching migration or birds of prey displays), April could be quite sufficient, but true classic is the period May – June.
 
This is the time when species lists are really long – at least 200 species.

 
Summer
Early summer (July – mid August) is also a nice season for birding, although many species are still busy with nesting or feeding youngsters thus remaining hardly visible! Their vocal activity is quite low which causes additional difficulties for finding the shier among them! The weather in the southern parts of the country is rather hot around noon, making the time for real birding really best combined with a break for a cold drink and a spot of Lunch.
 

Autumn
Autumn (mid August – September) is the time for keen lovers of numerous flocks of soaring migrants along the “Via Pontica” flyway – storks, pelicans and thousands of birds of prey among them.
Bird ringing could be also performed as an additional delight during days without good migration. Autumn is a nice season as regards to satisfying the interests of the whole family members.

October is the “rarities” month, offering not quantity, but quality and possible meetings with very rare species.


Winter
Winter birdwatching is very much dependent on the weather conditions in the country. During severe winters it could be successful even during December but January and February are better. Some target areas ( large lakes) are situated along the Black Sea Coast and Kardjali region. 
Tens of thousands of geese and other waterfowl are the primal aim for birdwatchers (especially the spectacular taking off of numerous flocks of Red-breasted Geese in the morning!).

                                                                    




                                                              Studen Kadenets Dam/Trakiets
                                                                              (click here for stats)
 
Cliffs along the deep main valley of Arda River and shrubby slopes around determine the vicinity as an important area for many species of European and global importance.
The site has three species of vultures - Griffon, Egyptian and Black Vulture.
 For many others birds of prey like Eastern Imperial, Golden, Lesser Spotted, Booted and Short-toed Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Honey and Long-legged Buzzards the territory near by is a traditional breeding place. 

The abundance of southern species of passerines is also remarkable, including such specialities as Blue Rock Trush, Black-eared Wheatear, Rock Nuthatch, Sombre Tit, Eastern Bonelli’s, Olive-tree, Olivaceous, Orphean and Barred Warblers, Masked Shrike and Black-headed Bunting.


                                                                      Krumovitsa River

The river flows along a valley surrounded by high volcanic rocky cliffs, shrubby open terrain and agricultural fields.
 
The area is close to Studen Kladenets dam and as a result most of the birds of prey species could be met here also.
 Wandering and searching for food vultures (Griffon, Egyptian and Black) use to pass over the territory of the Krumovitsa River along with smaller raptors like Long-legged and Honey Buzzards, Short-toed and Booted Eagles, Peregrine Falcons etc.
But what is most interesting in the valley is the presence during the nesting season of some species from the southern complex of passerines: Olive-tree, Olivaceous, Barred, Subalpine, Orphean and Sardinian Warblers, Red-backed, Woodchat and Masked Shrikes, Rock Nuthatch, Crag Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Cirl and Rock Buntings etc.
It is possible to see also the Great Spotted Cuckoo – one of the most exciting and scanty Mediterranean bird species, breeding in Bulgaria.



                 For further information on birds in Bulgaria , Click Here for the BSPB site.