Mountain birding: Ural owl, Alpine Accentor, Sombre Tit, Wallcreepers, Alpine swifts, Eagle owl, Golden eagles, woodpeckers, Tawny Owls, buzzards and other birds of prey.For centuries, people living within the elbow of the Carpathians have existed in harmony with a rich variety of birds and animals. The preservation of ancient agricultural traditions is the main reason for an amazing flora, and the beauty of the landscapes creates the perfect scenery for an unforgettable holiday.
Day 1
Arrival and transfer to the 1*, 2* or 3* guesthouse in Zarnesti with en-suite facilities.
Day 2
After breakfast we are driven by horse and carts to the beginning of BirsaValley where we start walking towards Coltii Chiliei. Our route passes through a mountain meadow, full of flowers in spring and summer, and leads up to a shrine in a cave not far from Zarnesti. Our guide will trace the origin of this shrine back to the 1300s and explain about agricultural traditions and the impact of technology on local life. On our way back we stop at the visitor centre of PiatraCraiuluiNational Park to find out more about the elements that make this area worth protecting. Amongst the interesting species that can be observed today: Honey Buzzard, Collared Flycatcher, Black Woodpecker, Red-backed Shrike, Black Redstart
Day 3
Today we are driven to the point where we start a longer guided hike in the Piatra Craiului National Park. On the way we can see signs of wildlife, rare or endemic species of flora and insects, and shepherd camps. If the weather allows us, we can see the entire limestone ridge (22 km long) which was declared scientific reserve. For people less used to hiking, we stop at Curmatura Cabin (1470 m) and enjoy the beautiful scenery, while the rest of the group goes for one of the peaks (over 1800 m). The way back takes us through an impressive limestone canyon. With 40-80 m high walls, it gives us the chance to look for birds like Wallcreepers or Alpine Swifts. Besides the rare birds mentioned above, today we have the chance to watch Ural Owl, Nutcracker, Alpine Accentor, Water Pipit, woodpeckers (Three-toed Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker) and different songbirds (Goldcrest, Firecrest, Crossbill, Serin).
As a reward for this challenging day, in the evening we build a campfire in the backyard of Mimi's guesthouse.
Day 4
In the morning we drive (app 1 h) to Dumbravita Fishing Complex for bird watching. This is a 420 ha of special protected area/Ramsar site, where we'll be accompanied by a specialist, who will explain what species of birds we can see and why this area is on the Natura 2000 list for protected areas. Some of the bird species that are most interesting today are the Lesser Spotted Eagles, Corncrake, Bittern, Little Bittern, Great White Egret, Purple Heron, Black Stork, Ferruginous Duck, Whiskered Tern, Stonechat and Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrik, but the list is much longer.
Day 5
After breakfast we drive app 1h to one of the numerous protected areas around. This is an 400ha oak forest with numerous marshes, which make ideal home for a great variety of birds and butterflies, as well as mammals like bears and wild boars. Besides beautiful butterflies and mammal tracks, today we can see interesting birds like Lesser Spotted Eagle, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Hoopoe, Great Grey Shrike, Woodlark, Wood Warbler.
Day 6
Today we leave very early (4am) by car to go to the Sinca area and observe wildlife (app. 1 h drive). We drive and walk slowly in the area looking for bears, red deer, roe deer, foxes, wild cats, owls, buzzards, woodpeckers etc. On the way back, we stop at the foresters’ lodge for lunch (picnic) and relaxation. You will have some time for walking on your own on this amazing valley and enjoy the numerous species of birds, insects and plants. Today is very feasible to see Ural Owls, Tawny Owls, Lesser Spotted Eagle, and Short-toed Eagle, White-backed Woodpecker, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Corncrake, Great Grey Shrike, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Collared Flycatcher, Fieldfare and few other rare birds. In the evening we'll have an early dinner in Sinca Noua (the first eco-village in Romania), then go to a bear hide (a special feeding place where bears are attracted with food).
Day 7
In the morning we take another "shot" at birdwatching at Dumbravita lake and fishpond system.
Later, we drive to Brasov, a 770 years old town, with beautiful medieval buildings and historic places. We stop at the BlackChurch and visit the old centre of the town. Short time free for shopping and walking. In the evening, we drive to Poiana Brasov, one of the most famous mountain resorts in Romania, situated at the foothill of Postavaru mountain. We have dinner at the touristic shepherd camp, where we serve traditional food used by the Romanian shepherds and listen to Romanian folk music.
Day 8
Transfer to the airport and departure
