Birding tour in Danube Delta and Dobrogea

After breakfast we will begin our boat journey traveling down the main Sulina channel into the heart of the delta. For the next three days of the birding tour we shall be aboard the pontoon boat / floating hotel exploring the Danube Delta. The day-to-day itinerary of the birding trip shown here should be considered only an example of what we might do; as local conditions (e.g. weather, water depth in the channels) will determine the exact course of our tour.

The Delta is incredibly rich in breeding birds, and the outline given below is merely a sampler; no doubt we will encounter additional surprises. The Danube Delta comprises a vast complex of reed beds, willow forest, and wetland, crossed by an intricate network of channels. We shall explore as wide a variety as possible of these habitats, both on foot and using a combination of the pontoon boat and a small motorboat.

The Sulina channel or branch that runs past Tulcea is wide and straight to facilitate shipping down the Danube and through to the Black Sea, so we shall aim to get access to the smaller, less disturbed channels where bird life is more abundant. Typical sights include feeding Glossy Ibis, egrets, herons, and cormorants, which can gather in impressive numbers where the water levels are low.

Large flocks of White Pelicans glide serenely overhead whilst in the shallower channels Kingfishers are ubiquitous and Common Sandpipers, Green Sandpipers and Greenshanks feed along the banks.

The reeds fringing the waterways contain families of Penduline Tits and other reed bed species (including Little Bittern), although the smaller birds can be very hard to see at this time of year. Raptors will include frequent sightings of Marsh Harriers whilst the Red-footed Falcons will be seen in small groups hunting insects. T

he White-tailed Eagles are very quiet in the summer, but there is always a chance of locating one of the ten breeding pairs. Lake Furtuna, which is one of the large lakes, lies just to the north of Maliuc, in the heart of the delta. We will visit this site as, at this time of the year, it can hold an impressive selection of birds.

Migrating waterfowl and waders mingle with resident species and White Pelicans often gather in huge numbers to feed and roost.

We shall also undertake short birding walks on land where willow forest yield further species of interest. In open areas Bee-eaters, Hoopoes, Rollers and shrikes are very common. The woodlands support five species of woodpecker.

The life style of the delta’s residents is also fascinating to see, with waterborne transport the only viable way of getting around and fishing the predominant source of income. A visit to the delta is an unforgettable experience in every aspect. The birding tour in Danube Delta will end in Tulcea harbour.

Today our birding tour will go on land. After breakfast we shall travel southwards, passing through small villages. The Sinoe-Razelm lake complex lies to the south of the Danube Delta.

An extensive sand spit has isolated the area from the Black Sea and has left behind a series of shallow, brackish lakes, which are extremely rich in birds.

Our main stop – for lunch – will be at Histria, where there is a large salt marsh containing scattered pools. Here we will stop for birding herons and ducks sometimes seen in large numbers, Acrocephalus warblers can be seen quite well here, other birds possible are Bluethroats, Balkan yellow wagtail, some waders, pratincoles, etc. This is also the main feeding area for the small delta population of Dalmatian Pelicans.

We will have time to walk across the marsh to the ancient Greek-Roman port of Histria; a variety of wild flowers should also be seen.

In the evening return to Tulcea where we will make ourselves comfortable in the hotel. Here we will spend all our nights to the end of the birding tour.

Today we will concentrate on woodlands and the forests Babadag, Niculitel and Celic will be visited for birding.

The picnic lunch will be somewhere in the heart of nature. The target species for this birding day will be Levant Sparrowhawk, Long-legged Buzzard, Steppe Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Midlle-spotted Woodpecker, Syrian Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Hawfinch, Sombre Tit, and others.

In the evening we will return to Tulcea. 

The route: Parches, Macin Mountains National Park, will be done by bus.

The picnic lunch will be on package in the heart of nature.

In the morning we will leave Tulcea and after a drive of thirty minutes we will arrive in Parches where we will have a great view over the Delta. We can expect bird migration depending on weather.

The birding session can bring us birds like Honey Buzzard, Long legged Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Marsh Harrier and Rose-colored Starling. Afterwards we will concentrate on Macin Mountains where there are some interesting species to birdwatch like Saker Falcon, Long-legged Buzzard, Stone Curlew, Pied Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear, Rock Thrush, Ortolan Bunting, Corn Bunting, Woodchat Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Hoopoe, Roller, etc.

Also the scenery here is wonderful, these mountains being among the oldest in Europe. 

Transfer to Bucharest airport by bus, on the way stop in some nice places for birding if time allows. Also included is a coffee and comfort stop at a gas station. This journey takes usually 4 to 5 hours.