The day began at
ridiculous o clock with a drive to Luton Airport and the Whizz Air flight to
Varna. On arrival at Varna Airport I picked up my hire car and set the Satnav
to work in getting me to my destination Branta Birding Lodge at Durankulak
Lake.
There had been a
fair bit of snowfall in the Varna area and this would add considerable driving
time to my drive with some parts of the main highway being cleared by
snowploughs and other parts requiring full concentration to navigate
successfully.
Along the way I saw
several Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, Magpie, Chaffinch and a Long-legged Buzzard
which was hovering near the roadside. I hope to catch up with more of the later
during my stay.
I got to Branta
Birding lodge later than anticipated but without any problems and was greeted
by Pavel’s wife who informed me that there was a flock of geese in the field
opposite the lodge.
I didn’t waste any time and very quickly I was feasting my
eyes on distant but scope views of around 500 Red Breasted and small groups of
White Fronted Geese. Slightly higher up the hill were a mix of Whooper and
Bewick’s Swan.
In the garden to the
lodge were small numbers of passerines Greenfinch, Great Tit and Chaffinch. A
pair of Kestrel were hunting and using the shelter of the house to avoid the
chilling Northerly winds.
Pavel informed me
that a lot of the geese would have moved further South to Burgas where it was
warmer and the geese could feed on unfrozen ground. A day trip to Burgas looks
out of the question due to the condition of the roads. The good news was that
this was likely to be the last of the snow and the next few days would be
colder, clearer and the wind would drop increasing bird activity in the area.
I
will therefore head to the beach for some sea watching as this is where most
movement of birds will take place. Pavel photographed Goosander passing through
there today they are considered a rarity in this area!
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