Sozopol to Shabla. Bulgaria. Day 159 October 5th 2019
Work in Progress: Notes of Our Day More to Come Later
Our first visit of the day coincided with the day the Raptors would be migrating on their way south. The spot to see this incredible sight was PODO Bird Sanctuary Protected area.
The sanctuary is on the major pathway through which most migrating birds pass. Surrounded by industry it is an extraordinary story of a group of people passionate about birds who for over 20years have lobbied and worked to gain protection for the birds, and to build and preserve the sanctuary.
Industry and human intervention in nature are glaringly apparent in the high tension power lines near the wetlands, and industry beyond. The sight of Cormorants with a large nest and breeding on high tension pole.
Surrounded by industry this wonderful centre is fuelled by passionate local people. The centre provides visitors binoculars – these were even adjusted for my glasses. Telescopic binoculars were also set up on the rooftop of centre to enable us to view the birds.
Walks around the waters edge industry in the near distance, wetlands water and rushes around you.
Watching Harriers circling over the rushes then swooping in, up again and gracefully gliding over the top again.
The first spot – not by us but thankfully shared – one of the world’s largest Eagles – White tailed Sea Eagle. He was at least a kilometre away sitting on a treetop. Through the telescopic binoculars his size was obvious – huge head with curved beak swivelling above the treetop and a huge black body.
Spent time sitting watching in the bird hide. I love the silence and natural life.
Back to the terrace observatory in time to see a small number of Raptors pass overhead high up in the clouds.
Time to move on to our new destination. Both of us thinking how wonderful it would be to be there one day to see more of the migration.
Lunch at ‘Happys’ a local Bulgarian chain. Extensive elaborate menu and staff that looked like flight attendants.
Drove through Varna and on to the Poboti Kamani – not exactly sure of the translation – something like Drill Rocks. Natural formations in the middle of the only desert in Bulgaria and one of very few in Europe.
Rock formations are hollow structures of all shapes and sizes that fill with sand. Scattered across the desert landscape they appear at first to be man-made columns but are natural structures.
After Poboti Kamani it was on to the north eastern coast of Bulgaria and the Black Sea. Our new home is near Shabla in a small fishing village under the lighthouse.
