Romania Spring Wetlands & Steppes

Photographic tour with tour leader Sylwia Domaradzka

26th May to 2nd June 2018

www.natures-images.co.uk

Itinerary : Days 1-4

Saturday 26th May We’ll aim to arrive in Bucharest for early afternoon (we’ll advise on flight recommendations after you’ve booked) and from where we will transfer to the town of Tulcea – the gateway to the Sulina arm of the Danube Delta, and where we will transfer by boat to the village which will be our base for the next 3 nights.

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Day 1

Natures Images | Romania Spring Wetlands & Steppes: 26th May to 2nd June 2018

Days 2 - 3 Sunday 27th to Monday 28th May We plan to have three full days of photography inside the Danube Delta with the majority of the time spent exploring using a small purpose-built photo-boat which allows us to quietly move around in the habitat.

The boat is flat-bottomed and very stable and allows room for 4 photographers: photography is all through specially adapted non-reflective glass so the views are excellent and the birds cannot see us: only our general shape which they are used to. An array of Grebes, Herons, Cormorants, Pelicans, Egrets, Ducks, Terns, warblers and waders are all possible species for us to find here. We will have two photo sessions daily: the first starting 30 minutes before sunrise before we return to our accommodation for lunch and a rest before an afternoon session which will last until sunset. Day 4 Tuesday 29th May After a last morning session and the usual midday siesta we will leave the Danube Delta behind and travel back to Tulcea for an overnight stop.

Days 5 - 6 Wednesday 30th to Thursday 31st May Early this morning we leave for the Macin Mountain National Park where we have two fixed hides to work from. One morning will be spent at the drinking hide and this dry and rocky habitat the water should attract a number of different species. Two of us will spend the morning in the drinking hide while our local colleague will take the other two to photograph the stunning an elusive Rock Thrush from a different hide. In the afternoon the other two photographers will use the drinking hide and the rest of the team can try to photograph Roller, Isabelline Wheatears or Sousliks (Ground Squirrels) from blinds or by stalking. The following day this will be reversed to ensure everyone has the full opportunity to work with all the options they want. If any suitable subject found ` doghouse’ type blinds can be used any time. The first night here will be spent in a simple but convenient hotel in Macin and at the end

Page 2Natures Images | Romania Spring Wetlands & Steppes: 26th May to 2nd June 2018

of the second day we will transfer you to Constanta for a two night stay. Day 7 Friday 1st June A final full days photography in the Constanta region deploying typical stalking style photography on foot and from vehicles, but with the option of pop-up hides or mattresses to lie on if we see fit in this area that combines wetland and steppe species as far as opportunities are concerned: Collared Pratincole and Stone Curlew are among the many possible opportunities. Day 8 Saturday 2nd June Sadly after breakfast we will make the journey back to Budapest Airport to catch our return flights back home.

Itinerary : Days 5-8

Additional info

Page 3Natures Images | Romania Spring Wetlands & Steppes: 26th May to 2nd June 2018

Things to bring Our accommodation is clean and comfortable with all bedding and towels provided and so you simply need to bring yourself, any special dietary requirements you may have . In terms of clothing you’ll obviously need weatherproof clothing just in case but generally the weather will be warm and sunny but it pays to go prepared. A windproof jacket for the boat transfers is essential, and sun-block and a hat are as well. Early mornings and evenings can be chilly so having a couple of jumpers or sweat-shirts to hand makes sense, along with a good pair of sensible waterproof walking boots.

Camera equipment In terms of camera kit you’ll need the longest lens you have (300mm with converter or 500mm would be our recommendation/choice) and then some supplementary lenses for other opportunities such as a 24-70mm for wide-angle landscapes and then maybe an intermediate zoom (70-200mm or 100-400mm) so that you don’t miss anything in terms of opportunity. You’ll get the chance to decide what you want/need for each session so you won’t be burdening yourself with it all of the time either. Tripods are essential for the long lens photography in the hides and also on the boat too as it is designed to be able to use them. Bring plenty of compact flash cards with you as well because if you get a good day you will take a lot of images.

Useful contact information:My contact number for the build up to and for the duration of the trip is:

Sylwia: 07985 602466

Please don’t hesitate to contact me even if you think it is a minor question, I am here to help.

Hungary has been one of the most innovative countries in terms of hide development and this area in the Hortobagy region has been at the the heart of this. The variety of birds, settings and photographic opportunities to experience in just one week is truly diverse especially at this time of year so although it will be a tiring week there will be the chance for some amazing images and experiences.

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