birding the danube delta (1 Viewer)

[Earnest lad]

Dear colleagues
Please may I request advice.
I am contemplating a trip to the above location, and have never been to Romania before.
I understand one of the best places to do some birdwatching from is a place called Mila 23 on the delta, and that one gets there by boat from Tulcea.
What I would like to ask is: Once one arrives at Mila 23, does one do one's birding by foot, or, does one hire a boat or something.
If the latter is the case , would one hire a boat once one gets there, or does one have to hire it in advance.
Would one have to hire a boatman too, or could self drive boat be a possibility?
I am completely uninformed about the Danube delta, and it is an independent trip rather than a guided one, so any information would be much appreciated
Best wishes

 

[Scridifer]

I have been to Mila 23 twice so will try to help! It is a smallish island and really just a base to explore the delta from.
I suppose it would be possible to hire a boat and driver locally (everyone uses boats to get around) but you are likely to be in the hands of a fisherman who won't necessarily know much about birds.
I really would suggest you book with one of the specialists, they will transport you to and from Tulcea and the best ones know the delta ( a truly huge area) like the back of their hand.
If you want any further advice just ask.

Chris

 

[Earnest lad]

Dear Sir
Thank you so much for your most helpful advice.
Do you mean you would use Tulcea as a base and book birding boat from Tulcea ?
If so which company can be found to take you to the birding area(s) of the delta.
Thank you

 

[Scridifer]

I would reccomend this company:

http://www.discoverdanubedelta.com/

Chris

 

[Earnest lad]

Dear Chris
That looks fantastic.
I guess one could stay in Tulcea and take a birding trip there for the day or whatever!

 

[Scridifer]

Dear Chris
That looks fantastic.
I guess one could stay in Tulcea and take a birding trip there for the day or whatever!

It is a good hour and a half trip from Tulcea to Mila 23 so I would advise spending at least one night on Mila 23 but each to their own.

Here is my report from our trip there in 2016.

Chris

 

[Earnest lad]

Dear Chris
Thats a great trip report.
I see a guide to take you in a boat to the best locations ( just as you had) to find birds would be almost essential .

Please do you mind if I ask a couple more questions:

1. Once one arrived at Mila 23 would there be anyone to take one birding in a boat
2. I hope this isn't too nosey but please can I ask you how much it would have cost you with the tour guide and boat for the several days he was with you?
best wishes

 

[Scridifer]

Our guide (Marius) met us at Tulcea and travelled down in the boat with us and was with us for our whole trip.
The total cost (transfers, accommodation, guide meals etc.) for two nights on Mila 23 was 200 Euro per person.
If you don't see exactly what you are looking for on the website e-mail Iliuta and he will tailor a package to suit you, that is what we did.

Chris

 

[Earnest lad]

Dear Chris
Thank you for this update. I will look into that possibility.
Can I ask please:
(1) Whilst one is in Tulcea is there any scope for " on foot" birding.
(2) Likewise, whilst in Mila 23 , is there any scope for on foot birding.
(3) I read about a trip to a place called Letea Forest: do you know if that place is good for birds please?

 

[Scridifer]

1) Tulcea is a big town/port with plenty of riverfront so plenty of scope for 'urban birding' and of course plenty of Gulls.

2) Mila 23 is a small village on an island so you have water birds on all sides but also doves, warblers and various other passerines around.

3) I haven't been to Letea Forest but it sounds interesting, although perhaps more for botany than birds.

Chris

 

[Earnest lad]

Dear Chris
Thank you for all this. I guess an initial exploratory trip on my part would be a good idea - a fact finding quick trip out there in preparation for a more extensive trip at a later date.
With kind regards, Iain

 

[Scridifer]

My pleasure Iain! Any more questions just ask.

Chris

 

[Earnest lad]

Thank you Chris
Is the Bearded Tit easy to see on the delta?

 

[Scridifer]

Thank you Chris
Is the Bearded Tit easy to see on the delta?

I saw it on both my visits, though not in big numbers, although I'm sure if you targeted it it shouldn't be too difficult - there's certainly more than enough suitable habitat!

Chris

 

[Earnest lad]

Thank you Chris
I would be looking for Penduline Tit as well.

By the way I have been looking at the Discover Danube Delta website that you kindly referred me to.

In this regard, I have noticed that all the specifically birdwatching trips seem to be private trips in which a party of travellers books the entire boat.

It doesnt look like a single person can just join a trip .

I wonder though if one is able to just turn up on the day and see if one can tag on to such a trip
Best wishes
Ian

 

[Scridifer]

Hi Ian,

Penduline Tit is certainly there too.

Do you have specific dates in mind? If it were me I would get in touch with Iliuta and tell him your situation, he might well have other potential clients in a similar position. Personally I wouldn't just turn up 'on the fly'.

Another option would be to get in touch with Dimiter Georgiev at Neophron Tours. He does Danube trips in conjunction with Iliuta's firm but also with another company (who we travelled with last year and I can also recommend).

Chris

 

[dalat]

Another good tour company in Tuclea: https://www.ibis-tours.ro/

I was recently a few days in Sulina, and many good birds could already be found in the flooded meadows behind the village. But to get the real feal of the delta, boat trips through the canals and the lakes are a must.

Don't forget to include a day or two in the Macin mountains (half way between Galati and Tulcea) for raptors, Isabelline Wheatear etc. This you could do by yourself if you have a car, if you prefer without guide.