Birdwatching

See also www.adriaticflyway.com - the 2009 bird conference in Montenegro

Birding in Montenegro

The incredible variety of climate and topography in Montenegro, provide a wealth of birding locations and a wide range of species. Unfortunately Bird watching is not a popular pastime in Montenegro and in the past many tourists have come to Montenegro to shoot rather than watch the birds. To help redress the problem, Black Mountain have developed a programme in association with the National Centre for Protection and Research of birds – Centar Za Zastitu I Proucavanje Ptica Crne Gora. The centre provides expert English speaking guides, (including all three state ornithologists). In return our ‘birding’ expeditions provide vital support to the centre, repairing habitats, erecting nesting boxes and conducting survey work.

There are 305 protected species in Montenegro. Some of the rarest nesting birds include the Dalmatian Pelican (22 nesting pairs), Ferruginous Duck , White Eyed Pochard, Scops owl, the Black Crowned Night Heron and the European nightjar.

Holidays are based on two locations: both globally recognised as important bird areas.

Lake Skadar, Ulcinj Salt Pans 

Low lying Lake Skadar (Skadarsko Jezero) in the south is the largest fresh water lake in the Balkans, with a surface area of 379km2 in summer and 545km2 in winter. Spanning the border with Albania, Skadar is one of the few remaining areas of undeveloped Mediterranean wetland. Temperatures range from 7 to 25 Celsius across the year. The mild winter climate attracts over 200,000 Northern European wetland birds including Pochards, Tufted Ducks, Great Crested Grebes and large numbers of Coots. Breeding species on the lake include: Dalmatian Pelicans, Ferruginous Duck, Black Eared Wheatear, Squacco Heron, Rock Nuthatch, Great Cormorant, Pygmy Cormorant, Egrets, Olive Tree Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Black Headed Bunting and Rock Partridge.

Durmitor, Tara Canyon and the Biogradska Gora National Park

The UNESCO protected Tara River cuts through the world’s second deepest canyon joining the BioGradska with the Peaks of the Durmitor Massif. The area is rich in Coniferous pine forest with ancient deciduous forest on the lower slopes. European Brown Bear, Wild Boar and Wolves can still be found as can a very rich variety of Alpine bird species. Types include: Golden Eagles, Short Toed Eagles, Honey Buzzards, Peregrine, Hobby, Scops Owl, Tawny and Eagle Owls, Syrian Woodpeckers, Grey-headed Woodpeckers, Nightjar, Redstart, Lesser Grey Shrike, Red backed Shrike, Hedge Accentor, Ring Ouzel, short toed Tree Creeper, Goldcrest, Sombre Tit, Crested Tit, Cirl, Rock Bunting, Yellow Hammer, Whinchat, Whitethroat, Rock Thrush, Quail and Grey Partridge.

Holiday Options

Guided Working Group Tour. (8-15 pax)

These trips are organised to support the work of the NCPRB. (see above) who request help with specific projects, (survey work, habitat protection and repair, installation of signs and improvement of birding facilities). Help is needed most during the optimum months for birdwatching, during the autumn and winter migration seasons (October/November) and the spring nesting season (January – May) at Lake Skadar.

Private Itineraries

Guided or unguided for groups of any size. We can tailor make your itinerary to include any areas of special interest. Private tours can also include any of Black Mountain's activity options.