Vultures and eagles hide

The hide is located in the heart of the Eastern Rhodopes, one of Europe’s most beautiful and unspoiled wilderness areas. It is spacious, accommodating up to 8-9 photographers, and equipped with wide benches and adjustable office chairs to suit each photographer’s height and preferences. The hide includes a separate restroom and is heated with a gas stove during the cold winter months.

It is available year-round, with the best seasons being spring and winter. The setup, including lighting, backgrounds, and perches, has been designed by photographers for photographers. Shooting is done through narrow openings for lenses, while large panoramic windows provide a 180-degree view of the surroundings, allowing you to spot and capture arriving birds in flight.

The hide is owned and managed by my colleague and friend Marin Kurtev, who has been actively working in this region for years, doing exceptional conservation work. Our partnership and the charm of the Eastern Rhodopes draw me back every spring and winter with photographers eager to experience the area’s beauty.

Recommended Equipment:

Lenses: Prime telephoto lenses ranging from 300mm to 600mm, or zoom lenses such as 200-400mm, 150-600mm, and 100-500mm.
Cameras: Fast bodies with high frame rates, reliable autofocus, and good high-ISO performance.
Tripods are essential.

The hide is approximately 30-40 minutes from the hotel base, with the last 20 minutes being a fun off-road adventure that adds to the sense of wilderness. Vehicles stop right at the entrance, making the hide accessible even to those who are not in peak physical condition.

Typically, we enter the hide before dawn and wait quietly for sunrise. We remain in the hide until after dark, only leaving once the vehicle arrives to take us back to the hotel.

Species You Can Observe and Photograph from the Hide:

Golden Eagle
- Mainly active in winter, with almost guaranteed sightings over a 2-4 day stay, offering excellent photo opportunities.
- Also present in spring but less frequent.
Griffon Vulture
- Seen year-round, often in large groups of 30-50 or more at the feeding site.
Cinereous Vulture
- Year-round presence, though in smaller numbers. Sightings are becoming more frequent.
Egyptian Vulture
- A migratory species observed only in spring and summer. Regular individuals provide ample photography opportunities.
Black Kite
- Another migratory species, seen in spring and summer. Usually appears in singles or small groups of 2-3 birds.
Common Buzzard
- Present year-round but often stays away due to the dominance of the golden eagle.
Golden Jackal
- Seen year-round, typically alone or in pairs.
Red Fox
- Year-round, appearing singly.
Grеy Wolf
- Year-round, though rare and solitary