Overview
We have been running trips to this south-east corner of Europe for many years now and are pleased to offer this excellent winter combination once again as it combines two of the regions undoubted winter highlights. Bulgaria’s mountain ranges in winter offer a harsh but dramatic beauty, and this is best personified by the raptors to be found here. We will have the opportunity to work from a purpose hide in the Rhodope Mountains in the south of the country which will give us the opportunity for some dramatic photographic encounters with the powerful and majestic Golden Eagle along with other raptors including Griffon Vulture, Black Vulture and White-tailed Eagle.
The Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini in northern Greece receive plenty of dramatic photographic coverage, and with good reason too as they are a stunning species offering bags of variety in terms of portfolio building. At this time of the year, they are at their most colourful with the males in full beak and throat colour – add in some snow on the surrounding hills and that lovely winter light and the chance to immerse yourself in all things Pelican. You will need the full array of lenses for opportunities on the shore, in flight across the water as well as from the boat with the local fishermen who will take us out each day for a full two days of photography that completes a photographically jam-packed week and truly diverse trip.
Itinerary Open +Close -
Day 1: Travel to Thessaloniki airport after which we will transfer to our base near to the shores of Lake Kerkini. If time and light allows, we will try to have a first look at the Pelicans as we arrive and will then settle down for dinner and discuss the plans for the following days.
Days 2 – 3: The format for these 2 days will be similar, with flexibility to ensure we maximise our coverage of the main target, the beautiful Dalmatian pelicans. They will be at their vibrant best as the breeding season approaches, and this is the best time of year to photograph this stunning bird. Lake Kerkini has an established resident population and offers a stunning setting as well. We will have the chance for close-up portraits, wide-angle group shots, swimming, flying, and the chance to take to the water with one of the local fishermen to ensure a wide portfolio of images in a jam-packed couple of days. There’s plenty to work on each day before returning to our hotel for a well-deserved evening meal and the chance to look at the day’s images.
Day 4: After a final morning with the Pelicans and with some possible photographic stops as we go, we will today cross the border into Bulgaria and head to the small town of Majorovo in the heart of the Eastern Rhodope mountains, which will be our new base for the rest of the trip.
Days 5 – 8: The hide we will spend our time in here will accommodate all of us and is focused on the magnificent Golden Eagle, photographable in a rocky mountainous habitat that completely compliments its nature. Although the Golden Eagle is our prime focus the location is regularly visited by the local population of Griffon Vultures and Black Vultures often cross over the border from Macedonia to visit and feed here. We have also had White-tailed Eagle, Golden Jackal and Red Fox as visitors on recent trips so there is almost always something going on and lots of variety too. Add in the potential for snow, beautiful winter light and a truly dramatic setting, and this is a great place to photograph these stunning raptors.
Day 9: After breakfast we will return to Sofia Airport to catch our return flights back home with precise timings finalised around the airlines schedules.
What our customers say
“Far far beyond what I’d expect: it was better than perfect”
“An amazing array of opportunities”
“The guides were excellent – interested in photography and knowledgeable on the wildlife”
“Really wanted to see these Pelicans and this trip exceeded my expectations of them”
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