PELICANS OF LAKE KERKINI – winter photography in northern Greece

PELICANS OF LAKE KERKINI (NORTHERN GREECE) BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS WITH WILD IMAGES

Bulgaria is perhaps one of Europe’s more surprising wildlife destinations, simply because it is still poorly known. Yet this small Balkan country is home to around 90 nature reserves, more than 500 protected areas and 11 national parks. Indeed, Bulgaria and adjacent Greece is one of the last places in Europe where you can photograph Dalmatian Pelicans, a species that is either extinct, very rare or in decline in other European countries.

In southern Bulgaria, near the border with Greece, lie the beautiful eastern Rhodope Mountains, an area of exceptional biodiversity. Soaring above these mountains are Griffon Vultures, their giant wings holding them aloft as they search the terrain for carcasses where they can enjoy a meal. Elsewhere in Europe, Griffon Vultures have declined due to persecution and a loss of habitat and food supply, yet in Bulgaria they still do well at the edge of their range.

This unusual, mostly bird photography tour features Lake Kerkini, which is situated on the border between Bulgaria and northern Greece.

We will be there at a time when the stunningly beautiful Dalmatian Pelicans are in their full breeding condition (with blood-red areas of skin on their faces and bills, strikingly contrasting with their off-white plumage). Photographing the pelicans will be our main focus. Each day we will head out on boats to photograph these incredible birds with their wavy plumage and lipstick red gular pouches. The local guides feed the pelicans, so they have become very approachable and we should be able to photograph these birds from a myriad of different angles as they come in to feast on a meal of small fish.

While we are on the lake, we will also keep an eye out for photographable White Pelicans, Pygmy Cormorants, Greater Flamingoes and we may even encounter a Greater Spotted Eagle or two. There are also introduced Coypu and other photogenic subjects.

The beautiful, soft winter light of Bulgaria and northern Greece makes this photographic journey a truly wonderful experience. Although snow is never guaranteed, if it happens we will embrace this opportunity to capture some of these magnificent creatures in their wintry domain.

Accommodation and Road Transport

Accommodation will be at a comfortable guesthouse. Transport on our winter Bulgaria and Greece tour will be in a comfortable minibus/passenger van.

Walking

Most of the walking is on flat ground and will be easy.

Climate

At Lake Kerkini, temperatures in January range from about zero (32°F) to about 8°C (46°F). A mix of sunny and overcast conditions is typical. It could rain (or even snow, but that is unlikely).

Photographic Equipment

For the pelican photography you may wish to have a range of lenses with you,  including wide-angles or others with a shorter focal length, as the pelicans will often come very close to photographers on the shore or on the boat to get fish.

Tripods can be very useful also for some aspects of the pelican photography from the shore.

We can provide bean bags, which are very helpful for lower angle photography of the pelicans (from the shore), or you may wish to bring your own on the tour.

If you have any queries about the equipment you ought to bring, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office.