Griffon Vulture Feeding

About

This vulture feeding and observation trip offers you the chance to see these majestic birds from up close and contribute to their conservation all in one go. Experience a weekend surrounded by beautiful nature and in close proximity to the fascinating wildlife of the Eastern Rhodopes. Food for the vultures and the services of an ornithologist are provided.

Highlights

• See the majestic vulture in its natural habitat

• Observe these impressive birds as they descend upon their meal

• Contribute to their conservation

• Binoculars provided

• Accommodation on full board in a mountain lodge on the banks of the Studen Kladenets dam with a beautiful view of the surrounding scenery

• Optional fallow deer watching, kayaking, speedboat ride, and trekking

Description

The group meets up at 9 AM in the village of Potochnitsa near the wall of Studen Kladenec dam. Your guide will meet you there and brief you on how to conduct yourselves during the bird-watching so as not to disturb or frighten the vultures. From there you’ll head for the bird-watching area, located 20 minutes away from the nearby Potocharka village. Once you reach the spot, the bird-watching can commence. The needed equipment will be provided.

If you’d like to see more wild animals in their natural habitat, check out our wildlife safari in the Rhodopes.

Watching the vultures have their meal is a stunning spectacle. Sometimes, as many as 100 birds swoop down on the food. You’ll be able to observe them for 2 hours from a distance of 400 metres and get acquainted with their feeding habits and the behaviour that’s earned them the monicker “Nature’s janitors” – their penchant for “licking their plates clean”. It’s not unusual for them to leave a bit of food for later, but they always leave it in their makeshift “restaurant”.

Aside from the colony of Griffon Vultures, you might also spot other species of birds, such as Black and Egyptian Vultures. You might also see fallow deer and wisents near the mountain lodge, which is located on the very banks of the Studen Kladenets dam.

There are several additions available to those who wish to enhance their experience and get better acquainted with the wildlife in the area – fallow deer watching, kayaking, speedboat ride, and trekking under the supervision of an eco-guide.

For those who would like some insight into the world of snakes, our resident herpetologist has plenty to show and tell.