Spatia Wildlife

The magnificent Eastern Imperial Eagle is probably one of the most difficult to photograph species from all the European birds. Its restricted distribution, preference to live food and natural suspiciousness are the main reasons for the fact that there are no reliable working hides, set up especially for it. Bulgaria  has a small population, about 25 to 30 breeding pairs, nearly all of them restricted to Sakar and Strandza mountains, along the Turkish border. After working several years with the Golden Eagles and having excellent experience and knowledge of how to photograph them, our team decided to go to the next level and set up hides for photographing the Imperial eagles. Last winter season we have build up a test hide in between two occupied territories of breeding Imperial Eagles and carried artificial feeding throughout the winter months – November to March. Soon after the food was accepted, as one of the pairs came to feed several times at the bait, unfortunately never when we were in the hide. We got to photograph however the juvenile birds.  Other species which spend hours in front of the test hide were the local Long-legged Buzzard pair, up to 7 different Common Buzzards, Raven and Hooded Crow. Golden Jackals also have paid several visits daily, especially when the weather was colder. A Wildcat was also recorded in front of the hide.
This summer we have build two proper hides in the area and are ready to meet the first photographers who want to take this challenge and give a go to the Imperial Eagles. Each hide can accommodate up to 3 photographers and they are both situated within less than 30 minutes of driving from the accommodation.
We must enter and leave the hide in complete darkness and spend the whole day inside the hide in order not to be seen by the eagles, which in fact know their territory excellently and can very easily recognise foreigners from local people. Both hides can be reached at a very close distance by a vehicle.
For the artificial feeding we use dead livestock which is checked by a vet and has died for natural reason. In fact the shortage of food is one of the main reasons for the relatively low breeding success  of the eagles so we hope that the artificial feeding will be important food source for the eagles during the winter months. By bringing money into the local economy through the photography tours we hope to further increase the local people awareness towards the eagles’ conservation.  Part of our profit will go for guarding the pairs during the breeding season when they are most vulnerable.

 

 

Day 1
Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to Sakar mountain where we will be based for the tour. The drive will take about four hours, but we will break the journey with several  stops. Accommodation and dinner.

 

Days 2 to 6
Five full  days  in the  hides, waiting for the Imperial Eagles. Other species will  be  Long-legged and  Common buzzards and  Ravens. Golden Jackal is very  likely to show up in front of your lens too.

 

Day 7
Early  start and  drive back to Sofia airport for your departure flight.

 
Note: Burgas airport is less than two hours drive from the hides, so it is possible for the group to arrive here.