Romania 7th - 16th May
 

First 3 days were spent in Poiana Brasov in the Carpathian Mountains looking for Wall-creepers. Unfortunately we didn't see any. We did see some wonderful scenery and one bear. Then it was down to Tulcea on the Danube Delta. Black and Red- necked Grebes, Pygmy Cormorants, Collard Pratincoles, Pelicans, Ferruginous Ducks, Red Footed Falcons, Black Woodpeckers, Golden Orioles, Ortolan Buntings, Penduline Tits, Barred Warblers and much more. The weather was, to say the least, a mixed bag.
In the mountains, torrential rain, snow and sun. In the delta just rain and sun, no snow thank goodness.
Due to the rain and late snow in the mountains, the level of water in the delta was way above average with many areas flooded, but as we were in a boat this just meant that we could reach more places. Romania is a beautiful country, largely unspoiled and well worth a visit.

Hi jackied,

I am hoping to get to Tulcea for a couple of days in early July; any tips about where best spots are?

Rgds Roger

Roger
The area between Mila 35 and Mila 23, which includes Lake Furtuna, on the Delta itself are very good. Although the very straight man-made channel of the Crisan Sulina branch played host to vast flocks of Hirundines and Terns. Away from the delta, on the road to Constanta, is Lake Babadag which is very good for waders,Pelicans and Pratincoles. In the Steppe forests in that area are Sombre Tits and Ortolan Buntings. In the Macin Mountains and Quarries to the west of Tulcea are Rock Thrush, Isaballine Wheatear , Pied Wheatear and Barred Warbler. Hope this is some help.
Jackie

Hi Jackie,

thanks very much, it will indeed be a help, and gives me a basis for planning my days in the delta region.

Again, thanks Roger

A very good place for Wall-creepers is a few km outside Baile Herculane, in Southwest Romania. Go upriver (on Cerna River), and then find the confluence of Cerna and Prisacinei Rivers. Follow the Prisacinei River until you find several high walls and canyons covered in moss. There you go.
I'm surprised your expensive guide did not take you to the Sinoe and Razelm lakes, mainly at Histria, where many shorebirds can be seen, including stone curlews. As to Romania being largely unspoiled, it's a matter of perspective.

Best places
 

Hello Roger! Try to reach the NW of Danube Delta, there are the most birds, but u will need special aproval from the Reservation Administration.
Anyway, u can see birds all over the Delta and plains surrounding it.