Bulgaria - Day One -Cape Kaliakra and Kaman Bryag

The next five days where birding was to be the focus on Bulgaria with Pete Alfrey who has secured a plot of land NW of Varna. Our flight from Gatwick was delayed which resulted in a late arrival at the guest house which is walking distance from the plot. I have had some technical issues which has resulted in the loss of some of my photos Pete has kindly given permission to use some of his photos.

Sunday morning saw the early birds venture to Cape Kaliakra to watch what turned out to be some impressive vizmig with Chaffinch and White Wagtail featuring heavily in the movements. Out to sea Great Cormorant and Shag were patrolling the coastline with Yellow Legged Gulls in good supply. There was a handful of Common and Sandwich Tern in the area but little in the way of ducks and divers but it was still 18C in the region.

Sardinian Warbler by P Alfrey

Bird of the day was a trio of Sardinian Warbler that popped up just of the road opposite a portaloo. A Hoopoe was noted flying in off the coast later in the morning and has be noted on eBird as a late arrival.

Elsewhere there were plenty of Black Redstart around the ruins with a few Wren, Willow Warbler and numerous Chiffchaff.

A Red Backed Shrike and Red Breasted Flycatcher was noted at the weather station.

A Crested Lark posed nicely for the camera in front of the gates to the old settlement.

Honey Buzzard by P Alfrey

Raptors were represented by a couple of juvenile Marsh Harrier, a Honey Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, and a juvenile Hobby.

White Stork by P.Alfrey

A White Stork was also noted coming in off the sea and was later seen at close range in a field on the edge of Kaman Bryag.

Grey Headed Woodpecker by P. Alfrey

A visit mid afternoon to meet Dylan and the boys who were working on the plot saw me inadvertently flush a Nightjar by the small compost tip. We then ventured out into the village noting a Grey Headed Woodpecker which is the first record for this area.

A couple of Syrian Woodpecker was also not along with a Hawfinch. Late evening saw an amazing pre roost flight of Chaffinch and White and a Yellow Wagtail in a field. Black Redstart was also noted on the edge of a garden commuting between a nearby field.

Having gone to a local restaurant the drive back was greeted with a low flying Barn Owl. Little Owl were also heard during the night.

A good first day with more to follow!