10,000 Birds

MARCH 23, 2023

Superficially similar but unrelated to New World condors, it is huge, more pterodactyl-like than bird-like. But it’s a huge bird. There’s an eagle… a White-tailed Eagle , a relatively common and numerous breeding species of riparian forests along large water courses and fishponds. miles from the overnight spot of my bird.

Bulgaria 264

Bulgaria McDonalds Eagles Serbia 264

10,000 Birds

MAY 7, 2020

Like many of you, I had plans for this year’s spring migration: to bird the very best tour of the Balkans, heading for northeastern Greece. First, 800 km of driving from Belgrade through Bulgaria to very NE corner of Greece and the Dadia Forest National Park with its 36 species of diurnal raptors, out of Europe’s 38.

Greece 264

Greece Bulgaria Birds Serbia 264

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 18, 2014

The sun rises over the village of Chrysochorafa, by Kerkini Lake in the north of Greece, not far from the triple border with Bulgaria and FYRO Macedonia. Such a large bird in such a small pool and only the first of many Dalmatian Pelicans I will see that day. Early September morning. And some time later, for birders.

Greece 195

Greece Pelicans Serbia Eagles 195

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 11, 2018

My own trip was not an intensive birding experience, and August is clearly not the most productive month. I chalked up 132 species in a pretty relaxed eight days, during which birds shared the agenda with culture. Black Stork and three pairs of White-tailed Eagles breed here. What has changed in the meantime? eBird bar chart. #2

Serbia 181

Serbia Birds Bulgaria Farming 181

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 22, 2016

Out of just under 200 bird species I observed this year in SE Europe, there are 6 threatened species. Some of them were always uncommon in the region, others are highly localised, some are hard to notice among thousands of similar birds, but others were abundant recently and one of them still is, despite the decrease in numbers.

Serbia 203

Serbia Montenegro Greece Bulgaria 203