Did you know that over time in history and cultures, vultures have been the symbols of death, rebirth, purification, patience, protection, and new beginnings? Seeing a vulture is considered a sign to let go of the things that no longer serve you and to embrace change. Vultures are considered a positive omen of new beginnings.
And here is your chance to try something new and make the best wildlife photographs from a specifically designed hide in the beautiful Rodophi Mountains.
VULTURES AND GOLDEN EAGLES HIDE
Оne of the most successful and busy wildlife photography hides in Bulgaria for taking photos of birds of prey. Book much in advance to secure your rent and photography experience.
It is situated in Eastern Rhodopes, an area dubbed the Vulture Realm in the Balkans. Only here you can photograph 3 species of vultures in one day. About 100 pairs of Griffon Vultures and 20 pairs of Egyptian Vultures (the Balkan population comes down to about 50 pairs) breed in the area every year. Black Vultures are also frequently seen and photographed in the Bulgarian Eastern Rhodopi, because they are often coming from the near Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National park in Greece. Other birds of prey such as Lesser Spotted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Black Kite, Golden Eagle and White-tailed Eagle also breed and forage in this region.
It fits comfortably six people to shoot at the same time from six viewing holes. The hide is entered obligatory early in the morning (before dawn) and has to leave it after sunset. In summer, it is possible to leave the hide earlier. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the hide from the town of Madzharovo via an off-road vehicle. The hide orientation is to the North and is between 27 and 41 meters distance from where the birds typically land. The best lense focal length to use is 300-800 mm with the closest background being at least a kilometer away. The species that can be photographed are: Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Black Kite, Raven, Fox, Jackal, Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle.
Best season: All year round, best period for raptors is 1st Nov-30th Mar.
Max. capacity: 6 persons
Possible species: Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Golden Eagle, Wolf, Red Fox, Black Kite (summer), Golden Jackal, Raven, White-tailed Eagle (rare winter visitor), Black Vulture (rare).
Access: The hide is 10 km from the town of Madzharovo. Transport with off-road vehicle to and from the hide is secured by our local hide manager.
Regulations: It is obligatory to enter before sunrise and exit after sunset, with minimum disturbance during the day. No smoking, no sudden lens movement and please, don’t leave any liiter in or out of the hide.
Comfort and accessories: Chair, gas heather in winter, toilet, two bunk beds.
Recommended focal length: >300 mm; shooting is thorough embrasures.
Hide’s photography direction: North
PRICES: 1 person – 150 Euro per person/day; 2-4 persons – 120 Euro/person/day; 5-6 persons – 110 Euro/person/day;
The price includes: One day rent of the photo hide; Bait for the vultures and the other raptors; Transport from the town of Madzharovo (or a nearby settlement) to the hide before sunset and back after sundown;
The price does not include: Private transfer from Sofia Airport to the town of Mаdzharovo or vice versa (distance 300 km); Our offer is 150 euros per station wagon car (comfortable for 3 photographers); 180 euros per 8-seater minibus; Accommodation – send us an inquiry for booking or just recommendations for accommodation. Kindly note that there are two cots at the hide, which you can use; Meals and drinks; Local guide (if needed). We are offering a guided photo tour in the Eastern Rhodopi;
