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. Near Kerkini village, I find a mixed flock of Collared and Turtle Doves on the wires. Early September morning.

Greece 181

Greece Pelicans Serbia Eagles 181

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 22, 2016

European Turtle-Dove Streptopelia turtur. I live in the second biggest city in the Balkans (Athens being the first) and Turtle Doves are understandably uncommon at its outskirts, although I did manage to record them only a mile from my home. European Turtle-Dove by Denis Cachia. The IUCN/BirdLife International Red List).

Serbia 198

Serbia Greece Montenegro Bulgaria 198

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 11, 2018

The reservoir is surrounded by traditional farming landscape, adding the European Turtle Dove and the Ortolan Bunting to the scene. Unlike the previous hotspots, which lie close to Belgrade, the Kompenzacioni bazen lake (literally “compensation pool”), is in the town of Pirot, close to the border with Bulgaria and about 300 km from Belgrade.

Serbia 149

Serbia Birds Bulgaria Farming 149