After being on the verge of extinction, the Egyptian Vulture has made its come-back. The increased numbers are the result of the new couples formed in the Eastern Rhodopes and in Northeastern Bulgaria (as per data results of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds – BSPB).
Join us and enjoy your bird photography adventure in Northeastern Bulgaria at 35km from Varna. Read on for more details
EGYPTIAN VULTURE AND OTHER RAPTORS
The wildlife photo hide is in a site designed for supplementary feeding of the globally threatened Egyptian vulture. There are only a few pairs of this rare species breeding in Northern Bulgaria and two of them are regularly visiting the feeding site in front of the hide.
As of April 2023, this is the newest wildlife photo hide in Bulgaria. It is located only 35 km from Varna, right on the Via Pontica flyway and in a biodiversity hotspot. Besides the Egyptian vultures, the feeding site is frequented by other raptors such as Common Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, and Lesser Spotted Eagle. There are chances for mammal photography as well, as Golden jackals and Red foxes visit the site as well.
The design of the hide gives you perfect opportunities to make fantastic pictures in different backgrounds and situations. The usual distance between the photographer and the birds is about 30 meters.
The hide is located near the village of Avren, close to the city of Varna. We can offer you birdwatching and photography tours to the wetlands near Varna. Photography at the wetlands will be from the ground while camouflaged with a camo net. Expected species: Black-winged Stilt, Common Lapwing, other waders, ducks and even songbirds.
Best season: All year round
Max. Capacity: 3 persons
Possible species: Egyptian vulture (apr-aug), Common Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Eagle (migration period), Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier (winter), Raven, Magpie, Red Fox, Golden Jackal, European Hare.
Access: Stable dirty road around 3 km long.
Regulation: Entering before sunrise, exit – after sunset. Be preprared to stay in for several hours. Bring enough water and drinks. Smoking is forbidden. The hide is in a open terrain, thus may get very hot/cold during the summer/winter.
Comfort and accessories: Chair, table, no toilet, no electricity.
Recommended focal length: >400 mm; shooting is thorough photo window or embrasures.
Hide’s photography direction: North
PRICES: 1 person – 190 Euro; 2-3 persons – 120 Euro/person
The price includes: Rent of the hide for a whole day;
The price does not include: Private transfer from Varna Airport to the village of Avren can be arranged (not included in the price; Kindly note that there are no options to sleep in the hide. There is a whole spectrum of accommodation options in the city of Varna; Meals and drinks; English-speaking guide (please, enquire if needed); You may consider also renting the Forest Mirror pool hide;