Meet one of the smallest raptors in Europe – the Lesser Kestrel! Enjoy this small, but very useful for the humans bird. With the first Bulgarian photo hide built entirely for Lesser Kestrels only, we are inviting you to discover one of the most mystic mountains in Bulgaria – the Sakar Mountains as well.
LESSER KESTREL HIDE
This is the first Bulgarian photo hide built chiefly for Lesser Kestrels (Falco naumanni) photography. It is located in a breeding colony of these charismatic falcons, in the rich of wildlife gentle-hilled Sakar Mountains. These beautiful birds are quite sociable and easy to photograph without disturbing their everyday activities. This is an excellent opportunity to try and master different photographic skills.
The Sakar Mountain is also famous as the paradise of raptors and Mediterranean species. Interesting species such as Masked Shrike, Red-backed and Woodchat shrikes, Imperial Eagle, Booted Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Black Kite, Long-legged Buzzard, Orphean Warbler, Isabelline Wheatear, Golden Jackal, Ground Squirrel, and many more can be on your tour agenda.
In the second half of the 20th century, due to many reasons, including heavy use of pesticides, the Lesser Kestrel disappeared as a species from the territory of Bulgaria. It took years of work and a lot of expertise for the Green Balkans NGO to restore the Sakar Lesser Kestrel colony, where the hide is situated. This is one of the Bulgarian conservation success stories. By renting the hide you will be also helping and financing the Green Balkans’ noble mission.
The hide is located in the village of Levka, close to the town of Svilengrad and offers only the rent of the hide (2 pers is the max. capacity), plus transportation, accommodation and the photo hide rental. For birdwatching and wildlife photography tours tailored to your interests, please send us an enquiry.
Best season: 15 April – 15 August.
Max. capacity: 2 persons
Possible species: Lesser Kestrel, Spanish Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Domestic Sparrow, Common Starling.
Access: Asphalt road.
Regulations: You may enter and leave at your convenience, however, we recommend you not doing it during the day and without the permission of your guide. The hide is in a open terrain and may get very hot/cold during the summer/winter. Smoking is forbidden.
Comfort and accessories: Chair, no toilet, no electricity.
Recommended focal length: >400 mm; shooting is thorough embrasures.
Hide’s photography direction: West
PRICES: 1 person – 90 Euro per person/day; 2 persons – 60 Euro per person/day;
The price includes: Rent of the hide for a whole day;
The price does not include: Private transfer from any point in Bulgaria and Northern Greece to the village of Levka 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 town of Svilengrad; Meals and drinks; English-speaking guide (please, enquire if needed);
