Wintering Shelducks in Blagoevgrad wetlands

Posted by Rossen


Five wintering Shelducks observed last weekend in Blagoevgrad wetlands, floating undisturbed around a flock of 39 Grey Herons and  3 Great Egrets  in the shallow water around. Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna), is relatively large representative of Waterfowl family (Anatidae). Swim well, but dive only young. Fly well and the flight is silent. Shelduck feeding mainly on food of animal origin: crustaceans, insects, mollusks and various other small invertebrates. Winter time often passes on plant food. In the past it was a game species in Bulgaria, but due to the decrease in its number is included in the Red Book of protected species.

Common Shelduck

Common Shelduck

The Domestic Pigeon (Columba livia domestica)

Posted by Rossen

The Domestic Pigeon (Columba livia domestica) was derived from the Rock Pigeon. Many domestic birds have escaped or been released over the years, and have given rise to the feral pigeon. These show a variety of plumages, although some look very like the pure Rock Pigeons. The scarcity of the pure wild species is partly due to interbreeding with feral birds.Domestic pigeons can often be distinguished from feral pigeons because they usually have a metal or plastic band around one (sometimes both) legs which shows, by a number on it, that they are registered to an owner. 

Some images from last year

Posted by Rossen

Here are some pictures of birds from last year made ​​in different parts of Bulgaria. Crested Lark from Blagoevgrad plain, two White Storks from Rupite and Kocherinovo meadows, Sandwich Tern from Pomorie Lagoon and Great Cormorant in Kocherinovo gorge.

Poaching is still a mass practice in Bulgaria

Posted by Rossen

Poaching of rare species such as Brown Bear, Chamois and protected bird species is still mass practice in Rila, Pirin and the Struma River valley. Despite repeatedly provided information (including pictures and videos) to the authorized bodies in Blagoevgrad and Dupnitsa for shoting of protected species, places, and persons engaged in poaching, so far is not captured intruders. Unfortunately, the fight against poaching is conducted only by a handful of enthusiasts without state authorities support. If you have any information about poaching practices, feel free to contact on e-mail: rossenkostadinov@abv.bg

 

Information in internet portals for poaching practices of the past few years in SW Bulgaria.

http://forthenature.org/news/856

http://forthenature.org/gallery/103

http://dariknews.bg/view_article.php?article_id=406834