This is a photography tour focusing on two main bird species – the Dalmatian Pelican and the Eurasian Griffon Vulture.

To take photos of Dalmatian Pelican we visit either the Bourgas wetlands in the South-eastern Bulgaria or Lake Kerkini in Northern Greece, depending on the winter conditions and your preferences, and for Eurasian Griffon Vultures we visit the Eastern Rhodope Mountains in Southern Bulgaria, where we manage several fixed hides.

The wetlands around the city of Bourgas form one of Europe’s richest bird areas, with hundreds of Dalmatian Pelicans and thousands of Pygmy Cormorants in winter. As these birds are foraging and resting close to the shore, they are extremely tame and easy to approach. There we can also expect to photograph Bearded Reedling, Black-necked Grebe and many other wintering water birds.

Alternatively, we visit Lake Kerkini in Northern Greece, just across the Bulgarian border. It lies in a wonderful natural area along the Struma river. Except the Dalmatian Pelicans the lake offers good opportunities to take photos of the Great White Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant and Greater Flamingo.

Our second target species, the Eurasian Griffon Vulture, we find in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains – an area of exceptional biodiversity in all seasons. Here we support the local vulture populations by regularly bringing carcass to feeding tables. To take photos of the action of feeding we use the adjacent hides. Apart from the Eurasian Griffon Vulture we have good opportunities to photograph Black Vulture, Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle and other birds of prey. It sometimes happens a Red Fox, Wild Cat, Golden Jackal or a Wolf to turn up in front of the hides too.

During times when there is less activity at the hides, we can go off to explore the region looking for other wildlife. We will be sure to visit a nearby reserve where a reintroduced population of European Bison roam in the wild  – a setting that makes for good photography.

If you wish to join one of our scheduled Winter Photography Tour, please check the availability.