Sunday 19th May: Bourgas wetlands and lakes

 This was a high bird count day, as we explored many of the wetlands and salt pans we had visited in winter, but this time the huge numbers of ducks had disappeared, to be replaced by summer visitors.

As always, we started the day with our morning walk, managing to explore a scrubland area a little further along the beach. Species seen were similar to yesterday, with hirundines coming down right onto the beach. We also found a Spotted Flycatcher, had great views of an Eastern Olivaceous Warbler that appeared in the open branches of a tree, and noted a Crested Lark foraging on a dusty track beside the road.

Our first stop was Lake Vaya, where the highlight was a Penduline Tit nest, suspended above the rushes close to the path. We were able to observe the parents coming and going to the nest, climbing the reeds or resting on a tree as they searched for food for their young. Herons were mobile around the lake with both Squacco and Night Herons seen in flight, and Purple Herons skulking amongst the reeds at the lakeside margins. Loud bursts of  Cetti’s Warbler song punctuated the sound of softly rustling reeds, a flotilla of Mute Swans drifted in the sunshine, and just a few Pochard lingered at the edges. Out on the water we’re some distant Pelicans of both species and a few Great-crested Grebes. Returning to the bus, a Marsh Warbler was heard, but despite our best efforts only a Chiffchaff could be found.

Our next stop was the Pomerie salt pans, where we found plenty of Avocets and Black-winged Stilts, providing excellent views and photo opportunities. A few terns were resting on the boundary walls of the smaller pans, including Little Terns and Common Terns, and on the larger pan wall there were plenty of Sandwich Terns. Across the track, looking out over the lake we also found Whiskered Terns hunkered on the jetty posts, together with a Black-headed Gull and Whimbrel. Tree Sparrows hopped on the ground close to the bus. 

Little Tern

Avocet

 Black-winged Stilt

We set off to drive the short distance to Pomerie beach, before reversing when we realised we’d left Chris behind! At the beach, Dimiter scoped a couple of Black-throated Divers in summer plumage bobbing on the sea, and on a distant sand bank, a Grey Plover and Oystercatcher. Further along the beach, I thought I could see some movement, but it was several minutes until I was able to convert that glimpse into a Kentish Plover! Approaching the bird, we managed some fine views, until Tim got his camera out and it promptly disappeared! Of interest, was a Swallow eating grit on the beach, apparently this helps with egg production, but it was not a behaviour I have seen before.

Kentish Plover

We moved on to a nearby area of saltmarsh and reedbeds, situated next to a site with many chained dogs who objected vociferously to our presence as we lined up our scopes in front of  the fence. Here we found a good variety of waders, including Little Ringed Plover, Ruff, Little Stints and more Avocets and stilts. Walking alongside the reed beds we could hear singing Reed Warblers, then emerging through the reeds to open water, we found a Spoonbill, several Mallard and a Cuckoo in the distance, which took off and flew overhead calling constantly as it disappeared from view.

After lunch, we moved on to the Atanasovkso salt pans, which had been so fruitful on our winter visit. Unfortunately there was some light rain and it felt pretty cold. Nevertheless, the site again did not disappoint, and we built up another impressive tally of waders including Ruff, Avocet, Little Stint, a single Curlew Sandpiper in summer plumage and Black-tailed Godwit. Little Gull, Mediterranean Gull and Slender-billed Gull were all found perched on the bunds, and graceful pink Flamingos dabbled in the water. Garganey and Gadwall added to the fine mix of species here. 

Greater Flamingos

We continued on to an area of reedbed and agricultural fields close to the ringing site from winter, where the star bird was Collared Pratincole, with a group of around a dozen spotted flying in to the field, then tracked as they moved skittishly around the area, never settling for very long in one place. A particularly buttery looking Black-headed Bunting sang from a nearby bush, breast glowing in the bright sun. A pair of  dainty Turtle Doves foraged quietly and unobtrusively on the field as we scanned for the Pratincoles, together with rotund, hungry Wood Pigeons and a few frolicking Skylarks. Overhead, a Roller showed its wonderful turquoise and rufous colours as it flapped slowly past.

Our last stop was again at Mandra Lake; this time we climbed to a viewpoint overlooking a sheltered bay, where both Dalmatian and White Pelicans sat on a mudbank, together with some Pygmy Cormorants. Great-crested Grebes drifted on the still waters, and I suddenly picked out a Black-necked Grebe, in beautiful summer plumage with yellow ear tufts. Frustratingly, it kept disappearing behind the vegetation as I tried to get others onto the bird. Dimiter sounded sceptical, commenting it would be a good bird at the site for this time of year, so I was relieved when it eventually reappeared, and he confirmed the identification. Several Marsh Harriers hawked over the reeds, then an impressive flock of seven Glossy Ibis, with their distinctive shape and curved bills, slowly but purposefully moved across the skies.

As the rest of the group returned to the bus, Tim and I hurriedly walked to the bridge, where the others had already seen a Great Reed Warbler. Tim quickly found one, singing helpfully from the top of a tall reed, and a Moorhen drifting out from the reeds was a new trip tick. And to finish the day, a Hobby flew low overhead as we rejoined the bus and headed back to the hotel.