2011 Nature holidays and wildlife photo tours Welcome to our brochure for 2011 showing a selection of tours we will be running. Again, not all our tours are included here, so for the full list please visit www.spatiawildlife.com. Our web-site indeed is now completely renewed and we believe it is much more user friendly, providing very quick access to all the tours and the related info. It will also soon have the option for payments of deposit and balance with credit cards, something that many of our clients have asked for in the last years. Another successful season is behind us and we are looking forward to the next one. We will offer more trips to countries adjacent to our home country Bulgaria. New one will the birdwatching trip to Azerbaijan – virtually unknown destination to the European birdwatchers and yet providing great birding including few very attractive species, such as Caucasian Snowcock, Caucasian Black Grouse, Great Rosefinch, Red-fronted Serin and of course the beautiful Guldenstad’s Redstart. Back to the tours in Bulgaria, a new one we have is the Hazel Grouse short break that provides excellent opportunity to see one of the most elusive bird species on the continent. We have also moved our Birds and bears tour from April to May, and this will result in more birds recorded within the tour, while the chances of seeing a bear are still the same and very high. The period of the tour will also allow us to see some of the most beautiful and early European butterflies, such as the Eastern and the Western festoons and the Southern White Admiral. One the photography side, additionally to the bird photography tours we run, for the next year we also have a macro tour featuring some of the most photogenic butterflies but also other insects, as well as flowers. Once again thank you very much for reading our brochure and we are looking forward to welcome you on one of our tours in 2011.

Best regards, Dobromir Domuschiev

Spatia Wildlife Ltd. Pozitano street, bl. 76, entr. 2, ap. 44 Razsadnika, Sofia 1309, Bulgaria Phone/fax: +359 2 8223850 e-mail: [email protected] www.spatiawildlife.com

2 Tour calendar Contents

February Thursday 3rd – Sunday 6th February Red-breasted geese weekend Sunday 13th – Sunday 20th February Bulgaria in winter...... 2

MARCH Thursday 10th – Sunday 13th March Hazel Grouse short break...... 3

April Sunday 27th March – Thursday 7th April Early spring tour Monday 18th – Friday 22nd April Brown bears in the Balkan...... 13

May Sunday 1st – Tuesday 10th May Bulgaria and Greece Saturday 30th April – Monday 9th May Birding Turkey...... 4 Wednesday 4th – Sunday 15th May Reptiles and amphibians...... 14 Friday 6th – Tuesday 17th May Bulgaria in spring...... 6 Saturday 7th – Monday 16th May Bats and caves Wednesday 18th – Friday 27th May Birds, butterflies and bears...... 8 Wednesday 18th – Sunday 29th May Natural history tour Sunday 15th – Saturday 28th May Late spring botany Tuesday 31st May - Saturday 11th June Birds of Azerbaijan...... 10

June Sunday 12th – Sunday 19th June Rollers and Bee-eaters photo tour...... 20 Sunday 12th – Sunday 19th June Summer macro photography ...... 21 Thursday 23rd June – Sunday 3rd July Butterflies and moths...... 16 Sunday 26th June – Friday 8th July Dragonflies of Bulgaria

July Sunday 3rd – Sunday 17th July Butterflies of the Balkans – Bulgaria, Macedonia and Greece...... 18

September Sunday 18th – Sunday 25th September Via Pontica – autumn migration...... 12

November Monday 7th – Friday 11th November Brown bears in the Balkan...... 13 Sunday 23rd – Saturday 29th January Golden eagle and winter birds...... 22

Photo credits: Mike Lane – Hazel Grouse; Valerie Walker – High Brown Fritillary, Nightingale, Bee-eater pages 9 and 18, Large Tortoiseshell and Short-tiled Blues; Mike Walker – Great Reed Warbler, Red-backed Shrike, Poplar Admiral and Apollo – page 18; Michele Mendi – Golden Eagle and Black Woodpecker; Chris Knight – Red-breasted Geese; John Shepperd – Hawfinch, Sombre Tit and Raven; Neil Bowman/FLPA – Great Rosefinch and Red-fronted Serin; Mario Langourov – all reptiles and amphibians photos; Soner Bekir – Caspian Snowcock, White-throated Robin. Front cover: See-see Partridge by Soner Bekir. Back cover: Rose-colored Starling by Dobromir Domuschiev Rest of the photos are courtesy of Dobromir Domuschiev/Spatia Wildlife.

Published by Spatia Wildlife Ltd. © 2010; All rights reserved. Printed in BULGARIA. For FREE DISTRIBUTION This brochure is printed on recycled paper, for which no bleaching chemicals were used. It is certificated and can be recycled again 100%. Also no plastic coating or varnishes are used. Bulgaria in winter Sunday 13th – Sunday 20th February 2011

Because of its mild winter, the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is a haunt for many birds, which winter here in their thousands. For several species Bulgaria is the best place to see them, especially during the this time of the year. Foremost among them is the spectacular Red-breasted Goose. In January and February almost the whole world’s population is concentrated here. Other attractive species wintering in big numbers are the Pygmy Cormorant, the White-headed Duck and the Dalmatian Pelican. Additionally we have a good chance for real rarities, such as Lesser White-fronted Goose and Spotted Eagle. Even the Great Black-headed Gull is possible as usually we observe several birds every February around the Burgas wetlands. We expect well over 100 bird species in our checklist. This holiday will be on a relaxing pace, with only two hotels to be used. Itinerary rankulak and Shabla lakes, as well as the sur- Calandra and Crested larks, Yellowhammer, Corn rounding wheat fields where the geese feed. Bunting, Hawfinch and many more. Day 1 Arrival at Burgas airport and short Beside our main goal – the Red-breasted Goose We will also visit some rocky areas in order to transfer to our hotel in Sarafovo, where we stay flocks, we will carefull check the White-fronted find the majestic Eagle Owl. the next three nights. geese flocks as it may reward us with Lesser White-fronted Goose. Other birds will be Bean DAY 8 Three and a half hours transfer brings DAYS 2 and 3 We spend both days visiting Bur- and Greylag geese, Black-necked and Red- us to Burgas airport for your flight back home. gas wetlands which are important Ramsar sites necked grebes, Black-throated and Red-throated En-route, we shall have few more birding stops. and IBAs. We will also visit some wetlands further divers, Syrian Woodpecker, Rough-legged and Departure. south. Meanwhile we enjoy viewing species like Long-legged buzzards, Hen Harrier, White-tailed Pygmy Cormorant, Dalmatian Pelican, , White- Eagle, Goshawk, Merlin, Peregrine and the Note: This tour is also possible to start/end at headed Duck, Smew, Red-crested Pochard, powerful Saker Falcon. We also stand a good Varna Airport! Pintail, Spoonbill, White-tailed Eagle, Bittern etc. chance for the Spotted Eagle. Passerines will Great Black-headed Gull is also possible. Some include Beerded Reedling, Moustached Warbler, early waders such as Sanderling, Black-tailed COST: 680 EUR Godwit, Spotted Redshank and Curlew will be Group size: 4-12 + leader already arrived. The deciduousforests around the lakes can provide several species of woodpeck- Single supplement: 105 EUR ers – Grey-headed, Middle and Lesser Spotted Deposit: 200 EUR and other birds, such as Sombre Tit, Hawfinch, Individuals: 2-3 + leader Cirl Bunting etc. The wetlands support a healthy COST: 795 EUR population of Common Otters and the winter is the best time to see them out in the open. The price includes: ground transport, full board DAY 4 After breakfast we head north, with + coffees and refreshments, several stops and lunch on the way. Goritsa accommodation, guide, entrance hills will provide opportunity for woodpeckers, fees for all nature reserves. including White-backed and Black, and other woodland birds. Late in the afternoon we reach No hidden extras. Duralnkulak village where we will stay the next The price does not include: four nights. We will accommodate in a family run airfare, travel insurance, hotel, next to the lake. hard drinks and all items of DAYS 5 to 7 These days we will explore Du- Grey-headed Woodpecker purely personal nature.

Red-breasted geese

2 Hazel Grouse short break Thursday 10th – Sunday 13th March 2011

Bulgaria boasts a healthy population of one of the most elusive species to the European birdwatchers – the Hazel Grouse! Here they inhabit the mountains mainly above 800 meters. Out tour will take us to the Rhodope mountain which sustain considerable part of the Bulgarian population. The Hazel Grouse is very secretive bird and the best time to find it is the beginning of the breeding season, more precisely end of February till first half of April. The birds are very active in that time and their gentle, whistling calls can be heard more regularly. Our strategy will be to walk quietly in the area, trying to locate the birds by their calls, and then we will approach them to get closer views. In order to increase our chances for good observations, the tour participants are restricted to six plus leader. We have two full days to reach our goal and that is enough time. The area is very good for Rock Partridge too, so we will also pay attention to that species. Other species we expect are Black Woodpecker, Sombre Tit, Rock Bunting, Alpine Swift, Black Redstart, Black Stork, Long-legged Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Peregrine etc. Mammals we can see include Red Squirrel, Suslick, Beech Marten, Chamois, Red and Roe Deer. We may even see some footprints of Brown bears. This will be a relaxing holiday, with only one base.

Itinerary modation and short walk in the surroundings. first half of the day trying to locate our target Dinner. bird then come back for a lunch. Afterwards Day 1 Arrival at Sofia airport and two and we explore the hotel surroundings where we half hours transfer will bring us to our hotel in Days 2 and 3 The main area we will explore can add more species to our list. Rhodope mountain, where we will stay dur- and look for the Hazel Grouse is about half an ing the next three days. It is a small family hour drive from our base and after the break- Day 4 Breakfast followed by transfer to So- run hotel situated in a beautiful area. Accom- fast we head straight to it. We will spend the fia airport. Departure.

COST: 370 EUR Group size: 2-6 + leader Single supplement: 45 EUR Deposit: 200 EUR

The price includes: ground transport, full board + coffees and refreshments, accommodation, guide, entrance fees for all nature reserves. No hidden extras. The price does not include: airfare, travel insurance, hard drinks and all items of purely personal nature.

Rock Partridge Hazel Grouse www.spatiawildlife.com 3 Birding Turkey Saturday 30th April – Monday 9th May 2011

Turkey is a huge country, situated on two continents, on the eastern edge of the Western Palearctic, and thus offering a great and spectacular birdwatching. A huge country means a big distances, but our itinerary has excellent logistic we believe and the total driving is about 2 000 km. Within the tour we will be focused on central, eastern Mediterra- nean and south-eastern regions. We will start and end our tour in the southern town of Adana, with a flight change in Istanbul. We are going to visit deltas, coastal lagoons and high mountains (up to 2 600 m.a.s.l) in order to get the local specialties. And what birds they are! – White-throated Robin, Red-fronted Serin, Dead-sea Sparrow, Iraq Babler, Cas- pian Snowcock, See-see Partridge, Cinereous Bunting, Desert Finch, Trumpeter Finch, Pale-rock Sparrow, Red-tailed Wheatear, Rufous Bush Robin, Black Francolin and many more. Good number of other wildlife and plants will be also recorded as we will visit variable habitats.

Itinerary over 335 species that have been recorded here, DAY 4 After an early breakfast and morning it is the most famous place for birdwatching in birding in marshy area of Goksu Delta, where we Day 1 Arrival at Adana airport and drive to Ta- Turkey. Here we will explore the wetland for can catch up any species we may have missed, sucu (about 2 hours), where we accommodate our primary species here – Marbled Teal, Grey- we shall head to the north Aladaglar region by in the sea view hotel. Depending on arrival time, headed Purple Gallinule, Black Francolin and crossing the Taurus Mountains. The transfer itself there is a chance to explore the nearest parts of Mustached Warbler. Additionally we should be is about 3 hours and upon arrival we accommo- the delta, a few kilometers from our hotel. Stay able to find many migrating waders, as well as date in Safak pension for two nights. In the after- overnight for three nights. Audouin’s Gull, Collared Pratincole, Spur-winged noon we will start to explore the nearby spectacu- Plover, Pigmy Cormorant, Ruddy Shellduck, Red- lar gorge and our walk shall produce Red-fronted DAY 2 Early morning start to Goksu Delta, crested Pochard, Bearded Tit, Graceful Prinia, Serin, White-throated Robin, Rock Sparrow, Chu- which is a prime habitat for wetland birds. With Spectacled (Yellow-vented) Bulbul, pelicans and kar, Tawny Pipit, Short-toed Lark as well as the many different passerines along our route. Keep- ing our eyes on the sky for Eleonora’s Falcon, Long-legged Buzzard and other raptors we’ll con- tinue to explore the Goksu Delta the whole day.

DAY 3 After early breakfast we will drive to Uzuncaburc – an area covered by dry maquis scrub and ancient Roman ruins. Here we shall look for for eastern Mediterranean species .. and our main targets will be Rиppell’s Warbler and Cretzschmar’s Bunting, but also – Olive- tree, Olivacious and Orphean warbler, Masked Shrike, Rock Nuthatch, Sombre Tit, Chuckar and many more. We will have a picnic in the local pine woods and in the meantime shall enjoy .. Krиper’s Nuthatch, Black-eared Wheater, Spot- ted Flycatcher, Hoopoe etc. Time permiting we will continue to explore Goksu Delta in the after- Ruffous Bush Robin noon. Last stay overnight in Tasucu. Desert Finch

Demirkazik

4 ent species of which 85 breed here. Back to Safak Pension for our second night here.

DAY 6 In case we had unfavorable weather the previous morning, we shall go back to the same site and try again for Caspian Snowcock and the other alpine species, or alternatively visit another valley for missing species a day before. If we have seen everything from the area we shall continue to drive south, heading to Osmaniye, Kirmitli Bird Paradise. Yet another spectacular place over Seyhan River which is famous for its kingfishers, heronry and egret colonies. Here we have excellent chance of see- ing all three species of kingfishers in the region – namely White-throated Kingfisher, Pied King- Striated Scopps Owl fisher and Kingfisher – almost at the same spot. White-throated Robin In the afternoon we will have a walk in rocky beautiful local race of the Shore Lark – penicil- valey and scrubby area around north-west of See-see Partridge, Bonelli’s Eagle and many lata. We shall enjoy our dinner, home made food, Gaziantep where we will look for White-throated more. Back to the hotel for lunch and siesta. Af- with ightseeing of Demirkazik Peak, and prepare Robin, Cinereous Bunting, Rock Nuthatch, East- ternoon visit to the famous tea garden, where we ourselves for early start next morning. ern Rock Nuthatch, Pallid Swift etc. Overnight in search for Striated Scops Owl. Latter on we will Gaziantep, in a city hotel, for one night. continue to explore the various habitats along DAY 5 We will have an exceptional birding the river, which is a great place for birds. Here trip today (optional), with an early start at 04:00 DAY 7 After early breakfast we will check the we expect to find Dead-sea Sparrow, Desert am, and ascend with a tractor or by 4WD to nearby hills for a collection of specialties which Finch, Menetries’s and Upcher’s warblers, Lit- about 2 400 m. a.s.l. depending on seasonal can be seen all in one place, such as Red- tle Swift, Ferruginous Duck, Little Bittern, Pigmy snow level. Getting to our observation point tailed (Kurdish) Wheatear, Finsch’s Wheatear, Cormorant, terns and gulls. by the first light of the day will allow us to hear Bimaculated Lark, Hill Sparrow (or Pale Rock and see the elusive Caspian Snowcock calling Sparrow), Cinereous Bunting, possibly the DAY 9 Our last full day within the trip we will from the rocky tops above us – a beautiful bird Trumpeter Finch and many other species. This devote to a spectacular semi-desert reserve and challenge for every birder. Here we will en- site requires about two miles walk, but we have where a colony of Cream-colored Courser is joy our breakfast while watching many other plenty of time. When ready here, we will head regularly seen. See-see Partridge, Pin-tailed alpine species, including Radde’s Accentor, east to the small town of Birecik, situated on Sandgrouse, Desert Finch, Pale Rock Sparrow, Alpine Accentor, Crimson-winged Finch, Snow- the Euphrates river and representing the real Lesser Short-toed Lark, Finsch’s Wheatear and finch and Alpine Chough. Raptors may include Orient. Accomodation for the last three nights. Desert Lark all occur in the same place. In the Lammergeier, Golden Eagle, Long-legged Buz- After lunch and siesta we shall look around the afternoon option to call at mixed colony of Blue- zard and Peregrine. When ready in the area, pistachio orchards just outside the town for Yel- cheeked and European Bee-eaters. Farewell we start back with option for several stops on low-throated Sparrow, Rufous Bush Robin, Dead dinner and last overnight in Birecik. the way down which can produce Ring Ouzel, Sea Sparrow and Desert Finch. At the edge of Red-fronted Serin, Rock Sparrow, Rock Bunting the town we will see the local semi-wild Bald Ibis DAY 10 Three hours of driving bring us to and possibly the Rose-coloured Starling. After a colony and Little Swifts. Adana airport, for our connection flight to Istan- lunch, depending on the time available we can bul from where we fly back home. explore the village surroundings or pay a visit to DAY 8 Pre-breakfast birding along the river Sultansazligi Nature Reserve, one of the most just opposite of the hotel where we will search Pace and walking: important breeding areas in the country. A rare for the Iraq Bablers, Rufous Bush Chat, Pied Most days will require pre-birding activities so ecosystem where salt and fresh waters co-exist, Kingfisher, Roller etc. Return for a breakfast and we will need early morning starts. However, we and the only place in Turkey where cranes, fla- afterwards one hour of driving will bring us to will also have siestas nearly every day. Fairly mingos, herons and pelicans breed together. another area that is excellent Eastern Rock Nut- easy day walks, except day 7 which needs about The reserve is a home to more than 300 differ- hatch, Upcher’s Warbler, Black-headed Bunting, four miles walking in total.

COST: 1 400 EUR Group size: 6-12 + leader

Single supplement: 175 EUR Deposit: 300 EUR The price includes: accommodation, full board + coffees and refreshments, all ground and water transfers, guides, entry fees for nature reserves. No hidden extras. The price does not include: airfare, travel insurance, visa (can be obtained at Istanbul airport for € 15), hard drinks and all items of Caspian Snowcock purely personal nature. www.spatiawildlife.com 5 Bulgaria in spring Friday 6th – Tuesday 17th May 2011

This tour is specially prepared to show you the best of the Bulgarian birdlife under an optimal time schedule. You will arrive at Varna airport and thus our tour will start from the north Black sea coast where we will catch some of the last northern migrants. After it we will drive down to the south sea coast to explore the wetlands here for more migrant and breeding birds. The sec- ond half of our tour will be spend into the mountains of south Bulgaria where the late breeders have already arrived. Our tour will end up at Vitosha Mountain, and your departure flight will be from Sofia airport. We are going to see more than 200 species, including some of the rarest European and Bulgarian specialties – Olive-tree and Paddyfield warblers, Semi-collared Flycatcher, Isabelline and Pied wheatears, Wallcreeper, Black-headed Bunting, Long-legged Buzzard and the Levant Sparrowhawk. There will be plenty of opportunities to see butterflies, plants and magnificent scenery.

Itinerary Buzzard and Shag. Here we can enjoy the last migrating Red-footed falcons, flying just around Day 1 Arrival at Varna airport and transfer to us. Despite a bit early in the season Rose-col- Durankulak lake. Next three nights we will ac- oured starlings are also possible. At the end we commodate in birding lodge next to the lake, an will visit the nearby river valley where we have excellent location to explore the area next two good chance for Eagle owls family. Back to Du- days. If time permits birding around the lodge. rankulak for our last overnight here.

DAY 2 Today we will explore both Duranku- DAY 4 After breakfast we head south. We lak and Shabla lakes at our leusure. Here we will have several stops on the way mainly in can see Paddyfield, Savi’s, Great Reed, Marsh, forest habitat where we can see several spe- Reed, Cetti’s and other warblers, Caspian, Black, cies of woodpeckers as well as Semi-collared White-winged Black, Whiskered and Little terns, Flycatcher, Wood and Boneli’s warblers, Boot- Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis, Ferruginous Duck, ed and Lesser Spotted eagles, Short-toed Squacco Heron, Lesser Grey Shrike, Beerded Treecreeper, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Reedling, waders, Black-necked Grebe, Gar- Hawfinch and many more. Overnight in Sara- ganey and many more. Forests around the lakes fovo for the next 4 nights. will provide Lesser Spotted and Syrian wood- peckers, Spotted and Red-breasted Flycatchers, DAYS 5 and 6 Both days we will explore the Hawfinch and Golden Oriole. Burgas wetlands – Ramsar and IBA sites. Here we can observe Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Dal- DAY 3 We devote the day to the area around matian and White pelicans, Gull-billed, Black, cape Kaliakra – the last remaining steppe habi- White-winged and Whiskered terns, Mediter- tat in Bulgaria. It is a place for Pied Wheatear, ranean and Slender-billed gulls, Broad-billed, Roller, Short-toed and Calandra larks, Black- Wood, Marsh, Curlew and Green sandpipers, headed Bunting, Stone Curlew, Long-legged Little and Temminck’s stints, Turnstone, Rud- Southern Festoon

Cuckoo

6 dy Shelduck, Little Bittern, Penduline Tit and Short-toed larks. Lesser Spotted Eagle, Egyptian Bearded Reedling, Olivaceous Warbler, White Vulture and Black Stork are also here. Late in the and Black storks and many more. evening we arrive in our hotel in the town of Kru- movgrad, where we stay the next two nights.

DAY 9 We will explore the nearby Krumo- vitsa river valley and here we will enjoy Rock Nuthatch, Orphean, Sardinian and Olive-tree warblers, Nightingale, Black Stork, Levant Spar- rowhawk, Black-eared Wheatear (both western and eastern races), Wryneck, Roller, Rock and Blue Rock thrushes, Chukar and many others. Great Spotted Cuckoo is also possible. Late in the evening, after dinner we look for the tiny Scops Owl in the poplar trees around our hotel.

DAY 10 After a breakfast we head west and after about four hours transfer we reach Trigrad gorge – a magnificent area, the best place for watching the Wallcreeper. We will have sev- eral stops on the way and once in the gorge we will look for the Wallcreeper, regardless of the fact that the best time is in the morning. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Late afternoon walk can provide Rock Bunting, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Bulfinch, Serin and Black Redstart. Overnight in family hotel in the village of Trigrad. COST: 985 EUR Group size: 4-12 + leader DAY 11 We will spend the morning looking for Single supplement: 165 EUR Great Reed Warbler the Wallcreepers in the gorge and other birds will be Alpine Swift, Grey Wagtail, Crag Martin, Deposit: 200 EUR Dipper, Rock Bunting, Black Redstart, Honey Individuals: 2-3 + leader DAY 7 We drive south to Strandja Moun- Buzzard and Peregrine. Afterwards we drive COST: 1 155 EUR tain looking for woodpeckers – White-backed, north and reach hilly area next to the Rodopi Grey-headed, Middle and Lesser Spotted, as Mountain where we can see Imperial Eagle, The price includes: well as other woodland birds – treecreepers, Short-toed Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Stone ground transport, full board Cirl Bunting, Hawfinch. Nightjar is also very Curlew, Isabelline Weather, Woodchat Shrike, + coffees and refreshments, possible. On our way we will visit coastal wet- Bee-eaters and many others. Late in the after- accommodation, guide, entrance land for more waders, herons, terns, gulls, noon we drive to Vitosha mountain, right next fees for all nature reserves. Pygmy Cormorant, White-tailed Eagle, Hobby, to Sofia city, where we accommodate in a hotel Garganey, Little Grebe and many others. situated on the mountain slopes. No hidden extras. The price does not include: DAY 8 Today we have long transfer to East- DAY 12 In the morning we will look around airfare, travel insurance, ern Rodopi mountain. We will have one main stop for Nutcracker, Ring Ouzel, Water Pipit, Pallid hard drinks and all items of on the way – the site is optimal for Olive-tree War- Swift and other birds and latter on we drive to bler, Masked Shrike, Cirl Bunting, Calandra and Sofia Airport for your back flight. Departure. purely personal nature.

Red-backed Shrike Nightingale www.spatiawildlife.com 7 Birds, butterflies and bears – a natural history tour in the mountains of Bulgaria Wednesday 18th – Friday 27th May 2011

This tour is focused on birds, butterflies and bears. Our route passes through different wildlife habitats – mountain forests, steep gorges, wetlands, river valleys and even some pieces of steppe-like areas and provides opportunities to observe more than 90 bird species including rarities as the Wallcreeper, Hazel Hen, Imperial Eagle, White-backed Woodpecker, Nutcracker and Isabelline Wheatear. The period we have chosen for that tour is excellent time for spring birdwatching as well as it is the peak activity for bears with their cubs. Despite a bit early for getting the most species of butterflies, it will give us a chance to find some of the early ones which we normally miss out on the classical butter- fly tours in June and July. These are some of the most beautiful European butterflies, such as Eastern and Southern festoons, Southern White Admiral, possibly Apollo, Yellow-banded Skipper etc. It will be a relaxing tour, with plenty of time to observe the wildlife, as well as some interesting cultural sites we will visit.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to the town of Koprivshtitsa. Accommodation, short evening walk and dinner.

DAY 2 In the morning we will explore the meadows south of the town where we can see Imperial Eagle, Goshawk, Isabelline Wheatear, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Rock Thrush and Suslicks. Our next stop is near the Central Balkan National Park where we can see Long- legged Buzzard, Peregrine, Golden Eagle, Rock Bunting etc. and possible Scarce and Balkan coppers. We continue east and early in the afternoon will arrive in our base for the next two days – a family run hotel in the vil- lage of Gabarevo, right in the middle of the famous Valey of Roses. After accommodation we will go into the hides for our first evening of Brown Bear observation. There are two op- tions here – spent the evening in the hide and about 22.00 o’clock drive back to the hotel, or spend the whole night in the hide, as the early morning is also suitable time as the bears are active in their searches for food. Eastern Festoon

Black-headed Bunting

8 DAY 3 Today we explore wonderful meadow only a few miles from the hotel where we can find Wryneck, Syrian Woodpecker, Red-rumped Swallow, Sombre Tit, Red-backed and Woodchat shrikes, Golden Oriole, Black-headed Bunting, Isabelline Wheatear, Black Stork, Rock Thrush, Goshawk, Short-toed and Golden eagles, Per- egrine Falcon and many more. Butterfllies will include Large Copper, Southern and Eastern Festoon, Yellow-banded Skipper, Cardinal, Mar- bled Fritillary and Common Glider etc. After a lunch we will visit another site looking for Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Grey Shrike, Tawny Pipit, Ortolan and Black-headed Bunting. Early in the evening we go for our second evening in the hide waiting for the bears.

DAY 4 In the morning we drive south and in about two hours we will reach the Dobrostan ridge, in the Rhodope mountain. Here we will look for Rock Thrush, Rock and Ortolan Bun- tings, Sombre Tit, Black Woodpecker, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Alpine Swift and many more. Hazel Hen and Rock Partridge are also possible. Butterlies expected are the Apollo, Twin-spot and Niobe fritillaries etc. Overnight in a beautifully situated family run hotel. Southern White Admiral

DAY 5 Transfer to Trigrad gorge, one of the DAY 7 After a second call in the gorge for nous Duck, Purple Heron, Great White Egret, best places in Europe to watch the Wallcreeper. the Wallcreeper we head north and two hours Squacco Heron, Black Stork, Great Reed, We will have few stops on the way, along the of driving bring us to a hilly area where we might Cetti’s, Marsh and Savi’s warblers, Bearded river Chaia looking for both festoons, Apollo, see Imperial, Short-toed and Lesser Spotted Reedling, Wood Sandpiper, Little Ringed Camberwell Beauty, Large Tortoiseshell etc, eagles, Long-legged Buzzard, Stone Curlew, Plover, possibly a Red-necked Greebe and and the birds we will see include Blue Rock Calandra, Short-toed and Wood larks, all the many other wetland birds. The wetland sur- Thrush, Rock Bunting, Alpine Swift, Goshawk four species of shrikes – Red-backed, Wood- roundings will provide some raptors – Long- and many more. We will reach the Trigrad chat, Lesser Grey and Masked; Cirl, Ortolan and legged Buzzard, Peregrine, Hobby, Marsh and gorge in the late afternoon and accommodate Black-headed buntings. The area is very good Montague’s harriers, Booted Eagle, as well as in a local hotel for two nights. for butterflies, including Little Tiger Blue, both many other birds – Quail, Corncrake, Rock Swallowtails, many fritillaries etc. Thrush, buntings, shrikes etc. On the way Syr- DAY 6 We will spend the morning looking Late in the afternoon we drive to Sofia and our ian and Middle Spotted woodpeckers, Bea- for the Wallcreeper in the gorge and other birds hotel is situated on the slopes of Vitosha Moun- eaters and Hawfinch can be seen. Back to the will be Alpine Swift, Grey Wagtail, Crag Martin, tain. at 1 700 m. a.s.l. If time permits we will ex- hotel for our last overnight for the tour. Farewel Dipper, Rock Bunting, Black Redstart, Honey plore the area around the hotel for Nutcracker, dinner. Buzzard and Peregrine. Afterwards we will have Ring Ouzel, Water Pipit, Crossbill, Firecrest, Grey a short walk around the village where we can Wagtail, Black Redstart, Pallid Swift etc. Day 9 Early breakfast followed by a short walk see Black Woodpecker, Serin, Bulfinch, Rock in the area for a species we might have missed Bunting, Cirl Bunting etc. The nearest gorges DAY 8 One and a half hours of driving the previous evening. Afterwards we come back are very good for butterflies and we will also pay bring us to the wetlands west of Sofia. Here to the hotel to pack the cases and one hour driv- a visit there. we will look for Bittern, Little Bittern, Ferrugi- ing will bring us at Sofia airport. Departure.

COST: 960 EUR Group size: 3-6 + leader

Single supplement: 120 EUR Deposit: 200 EUR The price includes: accommodation, full board + coffees and refreshments, all ground and water transfers, guides, entry fees for nature reserves. No hidden extras. The price does not include: airfare, travel insurance, hard drinks and all items of purely personal nature.

Bee-eater www.spatiawildlife.com 9 Birds of Azerbaijan Tuesday 31st May – Saturday 11th June 2011

Azerbaijan is a very much unknown destination to birdwatchers and yet it offers a great birding including a fair number of very attractive and difficult to find anywhere in the Western Palearctic species. Our tours is focused on the most sought after species in the area, namely Caucasian Snowcock, Caucasian Black Grouse, Guldenstadt’s Redstart, Shikra, Great Rosefinch and the Red-fronted Serin. Other highlights are Green Warbler, Caucasian Chiffchaff, Mongolian, Trumpeter, Crimson-winged and Common Rose finches, White-throated Robin, Radde’s Accentor, Bimaculated Lark, White-tailed Plover, Great Sand Plover, Semi-collared Flycatcher and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater. During the tour we will pass through a big variety of different habitats and beautiful scenery. We will go through steppes and semi-deserts, wetlands, exten- sive oak and beech forests, deserts, being as low as – 28 meters below the sea level to over 2 500 above it. The fantas- tic high Caucasus Mountains are must for every naturalist and we will pay special attention here, in order to find some of the specialties of the area. No doubt, we will also record a good number of plants, butterflies and other insects, as well as mammals. We will also experience the local culture and the hospitality of the Azeri people, and get a glimpse into the lifestyle of the rural communities which are in big contrast with the Western civilization, and even compared with the capital city of Baku. Accommodation we will use during the tour will be from modern hotels to guest houses. This tour requires a moderate level of walking but some of the mountain species will require fair walks of few hours until we find our target species.

Itinerary Day 2 Today we will drive south and visit Day 3 Today we will explore the Talysh Shirvan National Park – a semi-desert area, Mountains and Hirkan Forest we will look for Day 1 Arrival at Baku airport late in the home to a considerable population of the Goi- the Shikra in the lowlands, being the only evening and transfer to a hotel for our first tered Gazelles. We will also visit a wetland where breeding site of the species in the Western night. Accomodation and short evening walk we expect Great Sand Plover, Grey-headed Palearctic. Other woodland species will be if time permits. Dinner followed by early night Gallinule, Black Francolin, Ruffous Bush-Robin, Semi-collared Flycatcher, Black Stork, Lesser allowing us to recharge ourselves for our first Menetrie’s and Olivaceous warblers, Isabelline Spotted Eagle and many more. Accommo- full day of the holiday. Wheatear, Stone Curlew, many herons, terns dation in hotel near Lerik for the next three and more. One night stop in Masalli. nights.

Great Rosefinch

10 Snowfinch Ruddy Shellduck

Days 4 and 5 Both days we will explore the East Caucasian Tur. Accommodation for three Day 12 Transfer to Baku for our flight back area looking for Trumpeter Finch, Grey-necked nights in the beautiful Suvar Resort at 1800 m home with stops on the depending on the time. Bunting, Pale Rock Sparrow, Caspian Snow- a.s.l. near Laza. Departure. cock, Radde’s Accentor, Crimson-winged Finch, Bimaculated Lark, Upcher’s Warbler and White- throated Robin. Many other species will be also recorded.

Day 6 Trip back to the north with few birding COST: 1 580 EUR stops at wetlands along the way in search of fla- Group size: 6-10 + leader mingos, waders and terns. Overnight near Baku. Single supplement: 175 EUR Days 7 and 8 Both days we will explore the Deposit: 300 EUR northern slopes of Greater Caucasus around Khinalik where we will be looking for Caucasian The price includes: .. .. Snowcock, Gиldenstad’s Redstart, Great Rose- ground transport, full board finch, Red-fronted Serin, White-winged Snow- + coffees and refreshments, finch, Alpine Accentor, Bearded Vulture, Alpine accommodation, guide, entrance Chough and many more. Two nights in a moun- fees for all nature reserves. tain resort. No hidden extras.

Days 9, 10 and 11 All the three days we will The price does not include: explore the high mountains, sup-alpine to alpine airfare, travel insurance, visa, zone, where we be in search looking for Cauca- hard drinks and all items of .. .. sian Black Grouse, Gиldenstad’s Redstart, Great purely personal nature. Rosefinch, Red-fronted Serin, White-winged Snowfinch, Alpine Accentor, Lammergeier and Red-fronted Serin many other species. Here we can also find the

Blue-ckeeked Bee-eaters

11 Via Pontica - autumn migration

Sunday 18th – Sunday 25th September 2011 Sunday 21st – Sunday 28th August 2011

This tour gives you the opportunity to see more than 140 bird species and to witness the spectacular autumn migration on the Black Sea coast. Along it is the second biggest migration route in Europe – Via Pontica. Every autumn more than 90 000 raptors, 30 000 pelicans, 240 000 storks as well as thousands of waders and passerines fly over this way to their wintering grounds. The Bulgarian Black Sea coast and especially its southern part is a “bottle-neck” for the migrating birds from all Eastern Europe, also Scandinavia and Rus- sia. That’s why it is likely to see more than 10 000 storks, 3 000 pelicans or 2 000 Lesser Spotted eagles just in a single day. Our main observation points will be several wetlands along the Black Sea coast – designated as Ramsar sites and IBAs. The itineraries for both dates are similar. The differences between them are that the first period is more suitable for waders and storks, while the second period is characterized with more intensive raptor and passerine migration.

Itinerary lifted at more than 100 m above the sea, and DAYS 5 and 6 Both days we spend around the vertical cliffs create not only picturesque Burgas wetlands. Here we will enjoy numerous Day 1 Arrival at Varna airport followed by view, but also very favourable conditions for migrating Lesser Spotted and Short-toed ea- one and a half hour transfer to Durankulak the soaring migrants – storks and pelicans, gles, Red-footed falcons, Levant sparrowhawks, lake. We will be based at a birding lodge, next as well as raptors – Red-footed Falcon, Levant harri-ers, Hobbies, as well as White-tailed eagle to the lake, for the next three nights. Accom- Sparrowhawk, Hobby, Lesser Spotted Eagle, and Osprey. The gulls include – Mediterranean, modation and if the time permits, short walk in Honey Buzzard and possibly all the harriers. Slen-der-billed, Little and Yellow-legged, several the surroundings where we can see warblers, Additionally, gulls and terns, as well as thou- spe-cies of terns and ducks will be also seen. shrikes and buntings. sands of passerines follow the migration road. These wetlands are real paradise for the waders, We will also catch local breeders like Stone so a lot of species in considerable numbers will DAY 2 Today we will explore Durankulak Curlew, Calandra and Short-toed larks, Isabel- be also seen – includning Terek, Broad-billed, and Shabla lakes at our leisure – both are im- line and Pied wheatears (apply for the August Marsh and Curlew sandpipers, Red-necked Pha- portant step stones for all migrating species. tour), Eagle Owl and many more. larope, Spot-ted Redshank and many more. Here we will see White and Dalmatian pelicans, Ferruginous Duck, Pygmy Cormorant, herons, DAY 4 Today we move south. Our first stop DAY 7 Today we visit Strandja Mountain, terns, passerines, raptors and of course many will be at forest hill where we can see several as the deciduous forests here are excellent waders – Marsh, Curlew, Wood and Broad- species of woodpeckers – White-backed, habitat for woodland birds. We expect to see billed sandpipers, Red-necked Phalarope etc. Mid-dle and Lesser Spotted woodpeckers, White-backed, Middle Spotted, Lesser Spotted, Despite late in the season Paddyfield Warbler Short-toed Treecreeper and other woodland Grey-headed, Black, Green, and Great Spotted is also possible, as well as other warblers. species. After a lunch here we continue south, woodpeckers. Other species may well include visiting Pomorie Lake where numerous wad- Red-breasted and Semi-collared flycatchers, DAY 3 This day will be devoted to the area ers, terns and passerines rest and feed. In Hawfinch, Hoopoe and Cirl Bunting. On the way of Kaliakra steppe reserve – the last remain- the evening we arrive in our hotel in Sarafovo we visit two more coast-al wetlands for Pygmy ing steppe habitat in Bulgaria. The steppe is where we stay for the next four nights. Cormorant, Little Grebe, Squacco and Purple herons, Garganey, Teal and again many waders. Back to our hotel in Sarafovo for the last night.

DAY 8 Transfer to Varna airport with several stops for birding, depending on your return flight. Departure.

COST: 680 EUR Group size: 4-12 + leader Single supplement: 125 EUR Deposit: 200 EUR Individuals: 2-3 + leader COST: 780 EUR The price includes: ground transport, full board + coffees and refreshments, accommodation, guide, entrance fees for all nature reserves. No hidden extras. The price does not include: airfare, travel insurance, hard drinks and all items of purely personal nature. Short-toed Eagle

12 Brown bears in the Balkan

Monday 18th – Friday 22nd April 2011 Monday 7th – Friday 11th November 2011

Bulgaria boasts one of the healthiest populations of the Brown Bear in Europe – about 700 bears roam the mountains here. Our tour will bring you to the hearth of the Balkans, where you will have the option to see, hear and even smell this shy and delicate giant from the absolutely safe hide. During the days you will learn about the biology of the bears, their past, present, future and conservation in Bulgaria.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to game state reserve Mazalat, situated at the northern slopes of the Balkans, right next to the Central Balkan National Park. Accommodation and dinner.

DAYS 2 to 4 These three days will be spent in the primeval bear’s habitat. In the evenings we will stay in the hide waiting for the bears. We have the option to stay here between 17.00 and 22.30, then go back to the hotel, or better to stay the whole night in the hide, as the early morning is also very good time to see a bear. The hides are supplied with small chemical toilets. At least one of the days we will explore the surrounding territory for bear’s track and signs, marking trees etc. Other animals which we may see are Wild Boar, Red Deer, Roy Deer, Chamois, Badger and Wildcat. In fact the area provides excellent op- tions for birding and in case there is an interest in it we can spend some time looking for Golden Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle, Goshawk, Hoopoe, Isabelline Wheatear, Grey- headed, White-backed, Black, Syrian and Lesser Spotted woodpeckers and many other birds. Other option during the day will be a visit to the unique Thracian tumulus (one of them is listed Tawny Owl in UNESCO World Heritage List) situated nearby.

DAY 5 Return to Sofia for you departure flight. Option for sightseeing in the city, or birding on the way, depending on the time.

COST: 590 EUR Group size: 2-6 + leader Single supplement: 60 EUR Deposit: 200 EUR The price includes: ground transport, full board + coffees and refreshments, accommodation, guide, entrance fees for all nature reserves. No hidden extras. The price does not include: airfare, travel insurance, hard drinks and all items of purely personal nature. Brown Bear www.spatiawildlife.com 13 Reptiles and amphibians

Wednesday 4th – Sunday 15th May 2011

Bulgaria is inhabited by 20 species of amphibians and 37 species of reptiles and the bigest majority of them are represented by healthy populations, thus being among the richest European countries in terms of herpetology. Many of the species that occur here can be seen only in that part of the continent. The reason for this richness is the bio-geographical situation of the country, as well as the well preserved habitats. Within the twelve days of the tour we expect to see over of 35 species, including some rare ones or with restricted distribution. Our tour will cover the three best areas for reptiles and amphibians in Bulgaria. Some of the rare species occur in all of them, so we will have more than one chance to find those. The period of our tour coincide with the beginning of all the species’ reproduction cycle and this gives us more chances to find them. The frogs can be located and identified by their calls. Some of the rare species (Syrian Spadefoot Toad, Leopard Snake, Cat Snake) are nocturnal and will be sought after dusk, so some evening observations are necessary. Additionally, the sites we will visit are indeed the prime birding sites in Bulgaria so we expect to easily see over 100 bird species. Despite early in the season, a good number of butterflys species will be also recorded, including some of the most beautiful Europeans species, such as the Eastern Festoon, Southern Festoon, Southern White Admiral etc. We shall start our tour from Sofia airport and finish it at Burgas airport, thus saving a lot of driving, and increasing our time in the field. However, if a return flight from Sofia is more convenient for you, we will bring you back to Sofia.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to Kresna gorge, about two and a half hours of driving. Accommodation for the next four nights. Depending on the arrival time, short walk in the surroundings of our hotel.

DAYS 2, 3 and 4 All the three days will be spend exploring different sites in the area. We will visit various habitats - gorges, rocky and sandy terrains, big river valleys and small streams, wet meadows, small ponds and forest patches in or- der to find as much as possible species. We will have short transfers driving to the sites, but most of the time we will walk in search of reptiles and amphibians. Beside the common species, here we expect to find also some rare and species with restricted distribution – Syrian Spadefoot Toad, Yellowbelly Toad, Stream Toad, Kotschy’s Gecko, Balkan Green Lizard, Erhard’s Wall Lizard, Worm Snake, Dahl’s Whip Snake, European Glass Lizard Leopard Snake, Four-lined Snake, Montpellier Snake, Cat Snake, Horn-nose Viper. We can also find both species of tortoises – Hermann’s and Spur-thighed, as well as the Balkan Terrapin.

DAY 5 Today we have transfer (about three and a half hours) to Smolyan, in the Western Rhodopes, for one nights stay. We will break the journey with few stops on the way where we ex- pect to see mountain species – Fire Salamander, Alpine Newt, Spring and Common Frogs, Slow Worm, Sand Lizard, Viviparous Lizard, Aescula- pian and Smooth Snakes, Adder. Late in the af- ternoon we arrive in the hotel.

DAY 6 Today we continue further east with a transfer of about three and a half hours of driv- ing to our next base for a night stay in Ivaylov- grad, next to the Greek border. Again we will have several stops on the way and upon arrival shall explore the southernmost part of the East- ern Rodopi Mountains – the only locality of the Snakeeyed Lacertid. Here we can see also some more common species like Yellowbelly Toad, Large and Dahl’s Whip Snakes, Aesculapian Four-lined Snake 14 reptiles. Again, we will make short trips every day. We will visit both Veleka and Ropotamo rivers, as well as the sand dunes near Arkutino reserve. We will also search the foothils of Strandzha mountain covered by decidious forests. If the weather is favourable, we can have another evening trip looking for the Syrian Spadefoot Toad. Here we have the option to look for most of the species we have seen so far, or those we have missed. The only species which can be seen only in this area is the Reddish Wip Snake, so we need to pay special attention to that spe- cies in order to find it.

DAY 12 Transfer to Burgas airport. Departure. Note: For those flying back home from Sofia air- pot, we continue to Sofia.

Nose-horned Viper Snake-eyed Lizard

Snake, Montpellier Snake, both species of tor- toises and some orchids.

DAYS 7 and 8 Short transfer further north to the small town of Harmanly, where we accom- modate for two nights. Both days we will explore different sites in the area, close to the hotel. The longest distance we will cover in a single day will be less than 50 km one way. The species we can see here are European Glass Lizzard, Worm Snake, Sand Boa, Leopard Snake, Dahl’s Whip Snake, Blotched Snake, Montpellier Snake, Smooth Snake, along with many of the common species in Bulgaria.

DAY 9 Transfer to the Black Sea coast, and our base for the next three nights will be Primor- Fire Salamander sko. Again we will have few stops on the way where will look for reptiles and amphibians. Additional information: Depending on the group desire, our daily DAYS 10 and 11 Both days we will explore searches can start between 8 and 9 o’clock in the Ropotamo Reserve and Strandzha Nature the morning. Your leader will be the one who will Park. It is the largest protected area in Bulgaria look for the animals, but in case there are experi- and has extremely rich biodiversity, including 9 enced participants it will be helpful and increase Kotschy’s Gecko species of amphibians, as well as 23 species of our chances in finding more specimens. The search will be done through careful observation It is recommended to use good walking shoes, of the habitat (stones, rocks, bushes, streams long trousers and t-shirts. and ponds), turning stones (and putting them The necessary equipment for catching and back) etc. When animal is spotted, everybody short term keeping of the animals will be pro- will be given the chance to observed it, and pos- vided by the leader. sibly take photos without too much disturbance. In case the animal is disturbed, and is necessary COST: 1 095 EUR to be caught, it will be done by the leader. If it is Group size: 6-12 + leader likely to be too stresful for the animal, or there is a risk of injury, it will be left to go away. Single supplement: 165 EUR Animals that are caught, can be photographed, Deposit: 200 EUR possibly measured, and will be released at the spot where captured. Some of the nocturnal The price includes: species will be sought after dusk, again by the ground transport, full board leader, and experienced participants, using a + coffees and refreshments, spot light. accommodation, guides, entrance First aid kits, repellents, anti-allergic medicines fees for all nature reserves. as well as anti-poisoning serums will be availa- No hidden extras. ble in case we have the unlikely event of some- body being bitten. We will also have updated The price does not include: information of the nearest emergencies. The airfare, travel insurance, snakes in Bulgaria are not that poisonous at all, hard drinks and all items of but all the measures will be taken in advance purely personal nature. Syrian Spadefoot Toad to avoid accidents. www.spatiawildlife.com 15 Butterflies and moths Thursday 23rd June – Sunday 3rd July 2011

There are about three thousands species of moths and butterflies recorded in Bulgaria, the biggest majority of them (2 800 species) are moths. Our tour is covering some of the best moths’ habitats in the country. This richness will allow us to watch about 100 different species every evening/night and the total for the tour may well exceed four hundred species. Depending on the group interest, the weather conditions and the sites we will use a light trap (situated few kilometres away from the hotel), or just observe the moths using lights hung on the wall or trees outside the hotel. When on site we will decide which method is the best to use. Ideally we will alternate lights over each night. Setting up the light trap will be arranged between 17.00 and 17.30 0’clock. We must check the light trap before 05.30 a.m. in order to avoid any damages on the moths. Those of you who want to do that can accompany the guide; the rest may stay in the hotel. After the light trap is checked we shall return to the hotel for breakfast and early siesta. During the days we can explore the areas surrounding the hotel where we are based and which are rich in wildlife, especially butterflies. The itinerary provided below is showing mainly the logistic of this tour. Species are not listed day by day. Instead, below is given the list of some of the most attractive species of moths we expect. These are Dysgonia algira, Prodotis stolida, Zethes insularis, Zekelita antiqualis, Eutelia adulatrix, Acontia melanura, Chrysodeixis chalcites, Eublemma purpurina, Calophasia opalina, Pyrrhia victorina, Pseudoxestia apfelbecki, Hadena drenowskii, Epicallia villica, Divaena haywardi, Hyles livornica Deilephila porcellus, Marumba quercus, Peribatodes umbraria, Neognopharmia stevenaria etc. We expect about 80 + species of butteflies to be recorded within the tour and some of them are listed day by day. We will also record a number of different birds, about 70 species, including Walcreeper, Levant Sparrowhawk, Masked Shrike, Rock Nutchatch, Long-legged Buzzard, Golden Oriole, Bee-eaters, Egyptian Vulture etc.

Itinerary ling, Eastern Rock Grayling, Cardinal,Scarce DAY 4 Transfer to the famous Trigrad gorge Swallowtail etc. with stops on the way which will provide Apol- Day 1 Arrival at Sofia Airport. Transfer to Kre- lo, Balkan Copper, Bright-eyed Ringlet etc. We sna (about three hours), where we will be based DAY 3 In the morning we will explore rocky reach the gorge latter in the afternoon and after the next three nights. Accomodation and dinner, area not far from the hotel, near the village of accommodation we will visit the surrounding cal- followed by our first evening walk in search of Ilindentsi. Afternoon visit of the Rupite area, small careous area. Overnight in village of Trigrad for moths. volcanic crater less then one hour of driving from the next two nights. our hotel. Butterflies we may see today include DAY 2 The whole day will be devoted to the Poplar Admiral, Camberwell Beauty, Large Cop- DAY 5 We will devote the day exploring the nearby Kresna gorge where we expect Com- per, Niobe Fritillary, Glanville Fritillary, Krueper’s gorge for butterflies and latter on for moths. The mon Glider, Lattice Brown, Balkan Marbled Small White, Southern Small White, Little Tiger gorge is the best place in Europe to watch the White, Southern Grayling, Great Banded Gray- Blue and many more. Wallcreeper, and we can spend some time look-

Jersey Tiger

16 ing for this magnificent bird (the best part of the day is in the morning), in case there is an interest from the tour participants.

DAY 6 Transfer further east to the town of Krumovgrad, in the Eastern Rhodope mountain. Upon arrival we shall explore the the area of Kru- movitsa river valley. We expect to see Eastern Bath White, Little Tiger Blue, Zephyr Blue, Knap- weed Fritillary, Spotted and Lesser-spotted Fritil- laries, Twin-spot Fritillary and many more

Day 7 Less than one hour of driving will bring us near the village of Studen Kladenets, situated in a former volcano crater. Here we shall look for Latice Brown, Southern White Admiral, Niobe Fri- tillary, Hungarian Skipper, Krueper’s Small White, Eastern Baton Blue, Amanda’s Blue. Back for siesta to the hotel and in the afternoon we will pay a visit to another site just outside the town where we hope to see different blues, including Large Tortoiseshell Meleager’s Blue, Iolas Blue, Zephyr Blue, Gera- nium Argus, Blue Argus etc.

Day 8 We spend the day along the river Arda where we can see Yellow-banded Skipper, Eastern Festoon, Swallowtail, Scarce Swallowtail, Black-veined White, Small Bath White, Purple- shot Copper, Green Underside Blue, Freyer’s Purple Emperor, Lattice Brown and many more.

Day 9 Today we drive north-west with a few short observation stops on the way which can produce Eastern Festoon, Scarce Swallowtail, Swallowtail, Eastern Wood White, Camberwell Beauty and Large Tortoiseshell. Our last base during this holiday is the village of Mostovo where we overnight in a local family hotel for the next two nights.

Day 10 We will spend the day around the beautiful Dobrostan plautue where we will look for Apollo, Chequered Skipper, Mountain Small White, Osiris Blue, Turquoise Blue, Iolas Blue, Poplar Admiral Large Blue, Reverdin’s Blue, Northern Wall Brown, Woodland Ringlet and Chestnut Heath among many others. It will be our last evening for moths trapping.

Day 11 Transfer to Sofia airport (about three hours), with option to stop en route depending on the time. Departure.

COST: 965 EUR Group size: 6-12 + leader Single supplement: 150 EUR Deposit: 200 EUR Individuals: 3-5 + leader COST: 1 050 EUR The price includes: ground transport, full board + coffees and refreshments, accommodation, guide, entrance fees for all nature reserves. No hidden extras. The price does not include: airfare, travel insurance, hard drinks and all items of purely personal nature. Small Elephant Hawk-moth www.spatiawildlife.com 17 Butterflies of the Balkans – Bulgaria, Macedonia and Greece Sunday 3rd – Sunday 17th July 2011

This unique trip is combining three countries and allows us to explore some of the prime butterfly habitats on the Bal- kan Peninsula. Within the fifteen days we will visit Bulgaria, Macedonia and Greece looking for rare and hard to see anywhere else butterfly species. We expect a total number of over 130 species, from attractive ones such as Apollo, Poplar Admiral, Purple Emperor and Large Copper to very local and difficult to see species like Bulgarian Ringlet, Grey Asian Grayling, Dill’s Grayling, Freyer’s Grayling, Blue Argus, Phalakron Blue, Higgins’s Anomalous Blue and many more. Additionally we will enjoy many rare and endemic flowers and plants as well as other wildlife. Among the birds we will see are the Eastern Imperial Eagle, Levant Sparrowhawk, Lesser Kestrel, Dalmatian Pelican etc. Our route goes in a circle, starting and ending in Bulgaria, exploring areas of Macedonia and Greece in between. The total distance covered will be about 1,800 km, so it is not intensive trip at all. We will also enjoy the beautiful scenery and the different habitats of the region, as well as cultural landmarks like Rila monastery in Bulgaria. It is also an excel- lent opportunity to taste the local food and drinks as well as to feel the local lifestyle in three different, but still closely related countries.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer (less than two hours, with stop on the way) to our hotel, situated near Rila monastery. Accom- modation for two nights and dinner.

DAY 2 Today we explore the nearest river valley for Poplar Admiral, Purple Emperor, Bal- kan Copper, Scarce Copper, Hungarian Glider, Yellow-banded Skipper, Map Butterfly, Niobe Fritillary and many more. Picnic lunch. In the afternoon we can visit the Rila monastery – the most visited cultural site in Bulgaria.

DAY 3 One hour of driving brings us into the Republic of Macedonia. We will have sev- eral stops on the way and our destination is Prilep town where we accommodate the next two nights.

DAY 4 Today we will visit a river valley south- west of the town, having few stops on the way. Species we expect are Camberwell Beauty, Eastern Rock Grayling Yellow-banded Skipper, Large Blue, Little Tiger Blue, Southern White Admiral, Balkan Marbled White, Large Tortoiseshell, Large Blue and many more.

DAYS 5 and 6 Less than two hours of driv- ing brings us to Galitchitsa Mountain which we will explore both days. Species to be seen here are Grey Asian Grayling, Balkan Clouded Yellow, Greek Clouded Yellow, Damon Blue, Grecian Anomalous Blue, False Eros Blue, Bal- kan Fritillary, Russian Heath, Purple and Brown hairstreaks, Esper’s Marbled White, Apollo, Dusky Grizzled Skipper, Scarce Copper etc. We will be based in a hotel situated near Prespa Lake for two nights.

DAY 7 Today we drive to Greece and will stop on several sites along the route which will bring Marbled Skipper, Poplar Admiral, Southern White Admiral, Latice Brown etc. Late in the af- ternoon we reach the Kerkini Lake (near the Bul- garian border), where we will stay for two days.

DAY 8 Day around the lake will produce Lang’s short tailed Blue, Black-veined White, Apollo

18 Little Tiger Blue as well as many birds species.

DAYS 9 and 10 Short transfer brings us to Phalakron Mountain, which we will explore both days. Here we can see Phalakron Blue, Black Ringlet, Great Sooty Satyr, Ripart’s Anoma- lous Blue, Higgin’s Annomalous Blue, Apollo, Nettle-tree Butterfly, Southern Comma, Lesser Marbled Fritillary and many more. Two nights in a family run small hotel in the village of Volakas.

DAY 11 Transfer to Predela, west of Bansko on the foothills of Pirin mountain. On the way we will have two main stops for Southern Gray- ling, possibly Dills’ Grayling, Twin-spot Fritillary, Cardinal, Adonis Blue, Large Wall Brown, three species of Short-tailed blues etc. Overnight for two nights in hotel offering organic food.

DAY 12 Today we explore the mountain meadows over Vihren hut looking for Nichol’s Ringlet, Black Ringlet, Silky Ringlet, Balkan Fri- tillary, Clouded Apollo etc. Balkan Copper

DAY 13 Long transfer to the northern slopes of Rila mountain. On the way we will stop at Belmeken dam and check the area for Bulgar- ian Ringlet, Ottoman Brassy Ringlet, Bright- eyed Ringlet, Cynthia’s Fritillary etc. Arrival at village of Govedartsi late in the afternoon. Here we will accommodate for two nights.

DAY 14 The mountain cabin lift brings us high in the northern slopes of Rila Mountain. Here we will look for Cynthia’s Fritillary, Dusky Griz- zled Skipper, Dewy Ringlet, Nichol’s Ringlet and Eastern Large Heath etc. In the afternoon we shall explore the meadows behind our hotel for Brown Hairstreak, Nickerl’s Fritillary, Scarce Copper etc. Farewell dinner.

DAY 15 One hour of driving brings us to Sofia airport. Stop on the way for a Purple Emperor, High Brown Fritillary, Lesser Spotted Fritillary and other species, depending on the time. De- parture Southern Grayling

COST: 1 380 EUR Group size: 6-12 + leader Single supplement: 260 EUR Deposit: 200 EUR

Individuals: 3-5 + leader COST: 1 620 EUR

The price includes: ground transport, full board + coffees and refreshments, accommodation, guide, entrance fees for all nature reserves. No hidden extras. The price does not include: airfare, travel insurance, hard drinks and all items of purely personal nature. Cynthia’s Fritillary www.spatiawildlife.com 19 Rollers and Bee-eaters photo tour Sunday 12th – Sunday 19th June 2011

This tour is focused on two of the most colorful and attractive European bird species and our main targets will be the Roller and the Bee-eater. Other species we will photograph are Wry- neck, Black-headed Bunting, Red-backed Shrike, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Isa- belline Wheatear etc. The rich biodiversity in the areas we will visit allows us to photograph also butterflies and other insects as well as flowers. The European ground squirrel – the Suslick, is common at one of the sites we will visit, so there will be plenty of options to photograph this cute rodent. We will start and finish our trip at Sofia airport. This tour is suitable for both advanced and beginner photographers. Second half of June is already getting hot in Bulgaria and we will have early morning starts, as well as afternoon sies- tas, to avoid the strong sun light in the middle of the day. In any case the tour will be on a relaxing pace, with enough time to get excellent shots from our target species – Roller, Bea-eater and Wryneck.

Itinerary of Rollers and Bee-eaters which gives excellent opportunities for flight shots of these wonderful Day 1 Arrival at Sofia airport followed by birds. It is the time of the year when these two three hours transfer that bring us to the village most colorful birds are feeding their chicks, so of Gabarevo (about 3 hours of driving), where you will have plenty of opportunities for flight we will be based for the next three nights. shots as well as birds with prey – dragonflies, Our main site for the next days will be a lovely beetles, small lizards and rodents. meadow, close to the Central Balkan National Depending on the arrival time we can have an Park. Depending on the arrival time we can afternoon session and become familiar with have an afternoon session here. Accommoda- area and the options we will have for the next tion and dinner. days.

DAYS 2 and 3 Both days will be spent at the DAYS 5, 6 and 7 All the three days we will same meadows, and possibly we will visit some concentrate on the Rollers and Bee-eaters in other spots in the vicinity. Wryneck is common order to get the maximum of these beautiful in the area, and it is the time when the chicks birds. Other subjects will be Red-backed Shrike, are about to fledge so there will be a lot of ac- Isabelline Wheatear, Great Reed Warbler, White tivities. Other species here include Isabelline Stork etc which will keep us busy. There are Wheatear, Red-backed Shrike, Little Ringed also few wetlands around and depending on Plover, Common Sandpiper, Hoopoe, Bea-eat- the water level they can be unaccesible or quite er, Black-headed Yellow Wagtail and Suslick. productive so we will pay a visit there.

DAY 4 In the morning we can have another DAY 8 Depending on your departure flight, sesion in the area and later on we will drive we can have an early session in the morning north where we will spend the second part of at the same site. When ready, three hours of our holiday. It is a hilly area supporting colonies driving will bring us at Sofia airport. Departure. Wryneck

COST: 1 photographer - 1 600 EUR 2 photographers - 1 260 EUR 3 - 4 photographers - 1 200 EUR 5 photographers - 1 100 EUR Prices per person + leader Single supplement: 105 EUR Deposit: 200 EUR The price includes: full board – accommodation, ground transfers; guide; hides and chairs; The price does not include: air fare, travel insurance, photography equipment, spirits and all items Bee-eater of personal use. Roller 20 Summer macro photography Sunday 12th – Sunday 19th June 2011

This tour will be run at leisure pace with only two bases we will use, thus providing enough time for photography. Our main targets will be the butterflies, but the season and the various habitats we visit will provide numerous other insects – dragonflies and damselflies, grasshoppers, spiders etc. Our tour will start with a three night stay in Koprivshtitsa, a nice traditional village, one of the very few in Bulgaria, situated in the heart of Sredna Gora mountain (Middle Forest). Next days we will explore the immediate surroundings having only short trans- fers. The second part of our holiday we will spend in the Rhodope Mountain, next the beautiful Dobrostan ridge. Here we explore the adjacent areas and also have the options to visit one of the oldest monasteries, as well as one of the very few relatively well preserved fortresses in the country. Both are wonderful sites for butterflies and other insects. The group participants are limited to five plus leader to make sure every one will have enough options for photogra- phy and avoiding queues for the most attractive subjects.

Itinerary in beautiful area. Here we will stay the next four nights. Short evening walk and dinner. Day 1 Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to Koprivshtitsa (about 2 hours). Options for few Day 5 The whole day we devote to the stops where we can whet our appetite – Map nearest Dobrostan plateau – a wonderful site, Butterfly, Cardinal, Spotted, Niobe, Twin-spot rich in butterflies and birds. Here we expect and Marbled Fritillaries. Arrival at our hotel ear- Apollo, Chequered Skipper, Blue-spot, White- ly in the evening. Accommodation and short letter and Sloe hairstreaks, many fritillaries, evening walk time permitting. Mountain Small White, Northern Wall Brown, Woodland Ringlet, Chestnut Heath and many Days 2 and 3 Both days will be spend in more. the meadows and streams in the surround- ings, making only short transfers. Here we will Day 6 One hour or so driving will bring us at find Balkan, Large, Scarce and Sooty coppers, big river valley with many butterfly rich sites. Here Russian Heath, Common Glider, Southern we expect Camberwell Beauty, Large Tortoise- Admiral, many fritillaries and blues, as well as shell, possibly Eastern and Southern Festoons, dragonflies and damselflies. Common Glider, Blue Argus, Turquoise Blue, Io- las Blue, Large Blue, Reverdin’s Blue and many Day 4 Our last session in the area, fol- more. Back to the hotel late in the afternoon. lowed by a transfer to our second base for the Short Tailed Blues holiday, near the Dobrostan ridge in Rhodope Day 7 Today we will explore the meadows mountain. The transfer itself is two and a half east of our base where we will find many fritil- Day 8 After breakfast we will pack our case hours but we will brake the journey with sev- laries and other insects. Or we can call again and three hours of driving will bring us at the eral photography stops on the way, as well as at one of the sites we have visited last two airport for our flight back. Depending on the lunch, so we arrive in the hotel early evening. It days in case there is interest from the tour par- flight time we have options for few stops on is a small family run accommodation, situated ticipants. Farewell dinner. the way. Departure

COST: 1 photographer - 1 600 EUR 2 photographers - 1 260 EUR 3 - 4 photographers - 1 200 EUR 5 photographers - 1 100 EUR Prices per person + leader Single supplement: 105 EUR Deposit: 200 EUR The price includes: full board – the lunch will be picnics; accommodation, ground transfers; guide; hides and chairs; The price does not include: air fare, travel insurance, photography equipment, spirits and all items Apollo of personal use. www.spatiawildlife.com 21 Golden eagle and winter birds Sunday 23rd – Saturday 29th January 2011

Bulgaria boasts a healthy population of the Golden Eagle and more than 160 pairs inhabit the mountains at medium altitude. Our tour gives you the opportunity to take photos of this majestic birds of prey. From a distance of 25 to 35 meters you can photograph their natu- ral behavior – feeding, preening and even mating without disturbing them. In the winter, when the food is scarce, the eagles visit the bates willingly. We have been running this tour successfully for over six years and so far we have build up a number of hides giving various options for photography and avoiding obstacles as bad weather, no access due to a deep snow, recent disturbance etc. All of the hides are different in terms of setting, access, distance to the birds, perches, background etc. Every pair of Golden eagles visiting the baits is also more or less different – some birds prefer to feed in the morning, others in the afternoon; some are feeding individually, some pairs usually come together. That also applies to the other species visiting the baits – one has a Goshawk visits daily, another one has a constant flock of 30 + Ravens, third one has a Common Buzzard pair and Jays etc. We have also established few bird feeders near the accommodation and these are constantly visited by Hawfinch, Sombre Tit, Willow Tit, Yellowhammer, Bulfinch, Grey-headed, Syrian, Great Spotted, Green and even a Lesser Spotted woodpeckers, and few more commoner spe- cies. Shortly, we can be quite flexible of what we want to photograph. The itinerary provided bellow is a provisional in terms of sites and species that can be photographed, beside the Golden eagle of course. If you are interested in that tour, please let us know what your preferences are as well as the period convenient for you, and we will be happy to suggest you what we think is the best option. That tour is possible from late November till the middle of February.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arriving at Sofia airport. Transfer to the village of Mirkovo, about one hour of driv- ing east. Here we will accommodate in a small and cozy hotel.

Days 2 to 6 Early wake up, we have to leave the hotel at 6.10 am. We have up to 50 minutes driving and 5 to 10 minutes walking to the hide, where we need to not later than 07.10 pm. These days you will take photos of the eagles. Other species at the feeding site can be Raven, Jay and with some luck Long-legged Buzzard Hawfinch Hawfinch and Rough-legged Buzzard. Additionally in the Sombre Tit

Golden Eagle Red-breasted geese 22 aurrounding area we operate some feeders for not see you. In case you think you have made a small birds and here you can photograph Haw- good photos during the first days and you don’t finch, Lesser Spotted and Syrian woodpeckers, want to stay in the hide anymore, or you just Sombre and Willow tits, other finches, Tree want to have a day off, other program is possible Saprrow, Nuthatch etc. which is subject to discussions.

Day 7 Morning session at the small birds Clothes: Warrm clothes and boots, hat, feeders time permitting, followed by transfer gloves etc are necessary. to the airport. Departure. Physical conditions: You need to be in Additional information: You can leave the good physical conditions in order to stay all hide only after 18.00 o’clock in the evening. It is the day in the hide. possible also to leave the hide when there are unfavorable weather conditions: thick fog, heavy Equipment: At least 300mm lens plus con- rain fall etc. when it is sure that the eagles will verter. Stable tripod is essential.

Black Woodpecker

Extension: The Golden eagle photo tour can be combined with a short extension trip for Dalmatian pelicans photography. Depends on Raven the winter, there are several sites where we can do this in Bulgaria. Alternatively, the best site for that species is Lake Kerkini in Greece, just next to the Bulgarian border. Here we can also photograph flamingoes, Pygmy Cormorant, Great White Egret etc. Best period is Decem- ber and January. Within two to three days you can get excellent photos of the pelicans birds in breeding plumage – feeding, resting, flying etc. Please if you are interested in that option.

COST: 1 390 EUR Group size: 1-3 + leader Single supplement: 90 EUR Deposit: 300 EUR The price includes: ground transfers; accommodation, full board, the lunch is packed; guide; information via phone about the eagles’ presence and behavior. The price does not include: airfare, travel insurance, hard drinks and all items of HoopoeDalmatian Pelican purely personal nature.

23 Terms and conditions

Group size have their own facilities and bathrooms with details are described and thus your place is Our groups are restricted to a maximum of hot water. Even when in developed tourist reserved. The payment of the balance has twelve participants plus one or two lead- resorts, we do not use larger hotels, as this to be done 60 days before the tour starts. ers depending on the particular tour. We does not coincide with our view regarding reserve the right if the last free place is responsible tourism. The basic hotels we CANCELATION booked by a couple to include both of them use are very few, but they are the only avail- Deposit - non-refundable. in the group. Thus the maximum number able in the area. Again, the rooms here have 60 - 30 days prior the tour - 50 % of the tour of participants will never exceed thirteen their own facilities. price. plus leader. Some of the tours are restrict- 29 - 0 days - 100 % of the tour price. ed to eight, two or even one person. Our FOOD AND DRINKS minimum group size is normally four par- The Bulgarian national cuisine is a mixture TOUR ALTERATIONS ticipants. Most of the wildlife photo tours we of mediterranean, continental and oriental We reserve the right to cancel any tour that will run even with only one participant. For cuisine. It is delicious and healthy. Because do not have the minimum required number some of our tours – Birding Turkey, Bulgaria of the economic situation, agriculture is of participants. If so, you will be informed at and the Danube delta in Romania and for still largely traditional and therefore mostly least two months in advance and your de- the Birds and Culture tour, the minimum organic. Because of this, fruits and vegeta- posit will be reimbursed with now charges. party is six. bles, dairy and meat products are full of fla-vour. Ready-to-cook food is not popular PASSPORT, VISA HOW THE TYPICAL DAY LOOKS LIKE in Bulgaria, and all the meals are prepared AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS In every itinerary the daily program is given. after they have been ordered and served To enter Bulgaria, a valid passport is re- Depending of the particular tour we are immediately after they are ready. This may quired. European citizens, except those starting in the morning after having break- result in everybody around the table receiv- from Russia and Turkey, do not need a visa fast.Sometimes we first go bird-watching ing their food at a slightly different time, but to visit the country. Bulgaria is not a country and than back for our breakfast. Within it is worthwhile and the food is excellent. with dangerous diseases. However, some some tours early starting is required, but Bulgarian wines also are of very good qual- insects can be a problem, so the usage of it is clearly described in the itinerary. Our ity. The very appropriate climate and soils, an appropriate repellent is recommended if lunches are sometimes picnics as this as well as the long tradition in producing you visit the country in the summer months. proved to be highly appreciated by all of wines, result in several red and white wines Being high in the mountains in the summer you. Additionally this gives us more time to typical only of Bulgaria with excellent taste months means that sun screen is also es- stay and explore particularly sites. Walking flavour. sential in order to prevent sun burn. in the tours is generally easy, sometimes moderate walks are necessary in order to TRANSPORT TAILOR – MADE TOURS AND EXTENSIONS reach special places which can reveal rare For our transfers we use mainly minibuses If you have chosen something from our pro- or difficult to observe species. Following the seating up to nine people. The Bulgarian gram but the time or the period are not con- itinerary, we can be flexible according the roads are still not the best, and in some venient for you, please contact us and to- group common desires within a single day. places fast travel is not possible because of gether we can find the option for you. If you This may be a bit early start or late return to the terrain and therefore slow roads. But in have a special interest and you need some- our hotel, as well as longer stay on certain any case, all our routes pass through beauti- thing we do not mention in our program, place or watching special species. Despite ful scenery, and the transfers we make are again, please contact us and maybe we can that within some of the tours we will see restricted to a minimum level. find a solution. The periods given for every over 200 bird, of over 100 butterflies spe- tour are for scheduled tours and are in the cies, the tour is not rushing and stressing, WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE? best time for the particular tour, according but with relaxing schedule. It is forbidden to We are ground operator and our tour price our knowledge. However, the suitable peri- collect any wild specimen. includes everything once you arrive in ods are usually at least a month longer, so Bulgaria. This includes accommodation, similar tour is possible with the same qual- ITINERRARY CHANGES full board plus coffees and refreshments, ity. Hence, if the given data do not fit to your Our itineraries are carefully prepared and guides, ground transfers, all entry fees and schedule, please contact as, providing the no changes occur without a serious reason. taxes for natural and cultural sites we visit period you require. We will quickly inform We reserve the right to change the itiner- during the tour, plus 25 EUR donation for you is it possible to organise such a tour. ary upon circumstances which are out of nature conservation activities in Bulgaria our control i.e. harsh weather, closed roads, (please see bellow). For our photo tours, In response to increasing requests from our not working chair or cabin lifts etc. However, hides and chairs are included. There are no customers, we are pleased to offer tailor- in such a case we will discus the situation hidden extras. The price excludes airfare, made tours for groups and individuals that with you and the group. We will just offer dif- travel insurance, alcohol and all items of a are specifically designed to get you these ferent options and the final decision will be purely personal nature. The price conditions target species. Tell us what you want to see taken in mutual agreement. are given for each tour described inside this and we will design, with you, a personal itin- brochure. erary of established sites, optimally timed to ACCOMMODATION give you a near-100% probability of success. The hotels we use are usually small, mainly HOW TO BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY You may of course wish to take in some of family hotels, situated close to the areas Once you decide which tour you want to Bulgaria’s superb general birding along the we explore. The majority of them are new, book, just let us know sending an e-mail. You way, or to arrange your trip as an extension reflecting the recent development of the will be provided with all the needed informa- to one of our regular tours. Please contact country. Many of them offer excellent home tion. After you send the deposit, we will send Spatia Wildlife directly to dis-cuss your made typical Bulgarian food. All the rooms you your tourist voucher where all the tour needs.

24 For more details please visit www.spatiawildlife.com Our leaders Tihomir Stefanov Tisho is the leading ichthyologist in Bulgaria and his work for the National Museum of Natu- ral History in Sofia brought him to different cor- ners of the planet. He is contributing to many nature conservation projects in Bulgaria and other countries. Being also an expert birder, dragonfly specialist and keen wildlife photog- rapher, Tisho is one of the most experienced tour leaders in the country.

Mario Langourov Alexandar dutsov Boian zlatkov Mario is entomologists working in the Bulgarian Alex is one of the leading scientists in Bulgaria, Boian is 28 years old and his passion for butter- Academy of Science. Besides being an expert working on the large carnivores’ conservation flies started when he was 14 years old teenager. in butterflies and insects, he is also one of the and has excellent knowledge about bears He has MC since 2005, and since 2006 he best herpetologists and excellent birder. He and wolves. He is currently leading a project started his PhD on the Tortricidae family, speaks Italian, English and Russian; and has for development of a Brown Bear Action Plan in Sofia Univer-sity, Biological Department. a broad knowledge of the Bulgarian history. in Bulgaria and is also a leader of one of the Beside his excellent knowledge on the His expertise and easy going personality and most active Bulgarian NGO – “Balkani” Wildlife butterflies, Boian is also very familiar with most sense of humor all contribute to the butterflies, Society. Alex is married and lives in Sofia. of the moths. birdwatching and reptiles and amphibians tour he leads.

Dobromir Domuschiev Dobromir is founder and owner of Spatia Wild- life. He holds an MSc degree in economics and management from the Academy of Eco- nomics, Svishtov. Nevertheless, the love of birds and nature have been the actual reason British Birdwatching Fair for his involvement in their conservation and 2010 supporting Dobromir is working on a number of environ- mental projects. His true wish is to make the local people believe that sustainable tourism Saving southern Ethiopia’s endemic birds is a real alternative to poverty and quick in- tensive depletion of natural resources in the beautiful countryside of Bulgaria.

Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre, Egleton Nature Reserve, Rutland Water Friday 20 to Sunday 22 August 2010 9 am–5.30 pm daily Mitko Petrakiev Adults £10, children FREE, special price for RSPB and Wildlife Trust members on Sunday only £8 A r t w o k : b y Mitko is engineer in hydrology but his love of Joint main sponsors Also sponsored by mountains made him one of the leading ex- R o b e r t P r i n c e perts in hiking and trekking in Bulgaria. He G i l m o r R u s p o l i ’ has travelled widely around the Balkans, Cau- s casus, Middle East, North Africa and South t u r a c o Birdfair Office, Fishponds Cottage, Hambleton Road, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AB, UK • Tel: 01572 771079 • E-mail: [email protected] America leading trekking tours. Mitko is also All profits will be donated by Leicestershire Wildlife Sales to BirdLife International. Leicestershire Wildlife Sales is a wholly-owned subsidiary of LRWT. The RSPB, BirdLife International and LRWT are UK registered charities. 940-1210-09-10 an excellent birder and during the last four years he is also leading birdwatching tours. For more information, please visit www.birdfair.org.uk SpatiaSpatia WildlifeWildlife Ltd.Ltd. PozitanoPozitano street,street, bl.bl. 76,76, entr.entr. 2,2, ap.ap. 44,44, Razsadnika,Razsadnika, SofiaSofia 1309,1309, BulgariaBulgaria Phone/fax:Phone/fax: +359+359 22 82238508223850 e-mail:e-mail: [email protected]@spatiawildlife.com www.spatiawildlife.comwww.spatiawildlife.com