Romania - Black Sea Coast, Transylvania and the Delta
Saturday 23rd May to Tuesday 2nd June 2009
AA9008
Romania
should be high on the list of destinations for every birdwatcher. The
Danube Delta is for those who enjoy spectacular birdwatching from a
luxury floating hotel: squadrons of Pelicans, clouds of waders, ribbons
of Cormorants, reedbeds full of warblers, herons, egrets & ibises.
Woodpeckers, Hoopoes, Rollers, Bee-eaters & Golden Orioles are plentiful
and sought after raptors fly overhead. In the forests, hills & plains
nearby are varieties of flycatchers, buntings, wheatears & pipits. In
contrast we take you to the Transylvanian Mountains to discover exciting
Alpine species whilst also having the chance to view rare mammals such
as Chamois, Bear, Wild Boar and perhaps even Wolves. Vampires are
optional!
Days 1 - 3: Morning Flight from London to Bucharest and then
travel to Mamaia on the Black Sea Coast for two-night stay. On Day 2 we
head north to two of the best birding areas in Europe. The wetlands of
Vadu, where White & Dalmatian Pelicans can be seen in aerial ballet, and
where a fine selection of waterbirds, waders, gulls & marsh terns are
also present. Then the historic remains at Histria, where the habitat of
salt-flats, ponds, reedbeds and sandy scrub attracts Calandra Lark,
Collared Pratincole, Bittern, Little Bittern, Glossy Ibis, Ferruginous
Duck, Pygmy Cormorant. We may even find a Paddyfield Warbler. Inland at
Cheii Gorge we’ll search for Short-toed Larks, Pied & Black-eared
Wheatears as raptors hunt the local delicacy - Susliks.
Overnights – Mamaia
Day 4: En route to the Delta we’ll visit Babadag Forest,
excellent for raptors such as Levant Sparrowhawk, Honey & Long-legged
Buzzards, Short-toed, Booted and
Lesser Spotted Eagles. Also present are Sombre Tit, Icterine Warbler,
Hawfinch, Collared & Red-breasted Flycatchers. At Enisala we have
another chance of
squadrons of Pelicans and numerous other wetland species. We arrive in
Tulcea in late afternoon and board our Floating Hotel. As we sail,
dinner will be served.
Overnight - Floating Hotel
Days 5 & 6: This is birdwatching at its most relaxed - two full
days birding along the rich waterways in the heart of the Danube Delta
itself! This is the breeding area for White-tailed Eagle, Penduline Tit,
Saker, Black-necked & Red-necked Grebes, Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Squacco,
Night & Purple Herons, many of which can be observed at close range from
our boat. Woodpecker species abound in the riverside copses, often
giving great views.
Overnights - Floating Hotel
Days 7 - 10: After breakfast and disembarkation, we head for the
Hills to visit rocky and pasture habitats, where shepherds still live in
circular bothies, and time
stands still. Here we look for Long-legged Buzzard, Red-backed & Lesser
Grey Shrikes, Tawny Pipit and Stone-curlew. Travelling across the plains
& along river valleys we reach the tiny town of Sinaia in the Bucegi
Massif. In the mountainous areas we should see Nutcracker, Crossbill,
Crested Tit and Ring Ouzel. A full day is spent in the Gorges searching
for Wallcreeper, Alpine Swift, Alpine Accentor and Chamois. Travelling
to Zarnesti, a small detour can be made to see "Dracula’s Castle" near
Bran. We will have a second chance of mountain species, plus Hawfinch &
Black Woodpecker. Optional evening visit to hides for big mammal
watching!
Overnights – Sinaia
Day 11: Travel through lovely scenery to Bucharest to catch our
flight to Heathrow.