Map p59 by Roger C Harding, on Flickr
I have visited continental Europe many times before, most notably with my very good friends Nick Ballard (NickB) and Paul Kipling (Reverdin).
Balkan Copper p1 by Roger C Harding, on Flickr
I became very keen on visiting Bulgaria after watching a presentation on the butterflies of Bulgaria by Nick Greatorex-Davies at Birdfair a few years ago.
LittleTiger Blue p61 by Roger C Harding, on Flickr
For various reasons a self-guided tour to the area didn't happen, so I booked on to one of the trips run by the British-Bulgarian Society, and led by Nick G-D.
Balkan Fritillary p25 by Roger C Harding, on Flickr
We had a small group with a driver and a deputy guide with Nick, and our own, very comfortable, mini-bus.
Balkan Marbled White p52 by Roger C Harding, on Flickr
The hotels were all very comfortable with food ranging from pretty good to excellent.
Berger's Clouded Yellow p100 by Roger C Harding, on Flickr
Every day we visited a number of different sites, with never a sense of hurry. We were free to amble, and ramble, and had lots of time for photography (Prior to the trip, I was worried this may not be the case - fortunately a groundless concern) and some great photographic opportunities.
Anomolous Blue p5 by Roger C Harding, on Flickr
Between us we saw 147 species (amazing), most would have individually seen well over 130 species.
Bulgarian Ringlet p85 by Roger C Harding, on Flickr
Attached is an excel file of sites visited and species seen.
Ripart's Anomolous Blue p29 by Roger C Harding, on Flickr
The scenery was superb, the company excellent (I have made some really good new friends) and the other wildlife was pretty good - red-backed shrike being abundant, and eagles cruising overhead. The birdy highlight was 8 long-eared owls roosting in the town square just a hundred yards from our hotel.
Cynthias Fritillary p91 by Roger C Harding, on Flickr
I was so impressed by the trip that I have booked on to the early tour next year, where we pop across into northern Greece for a few days. Many fewer species, (90?), but some very different, earlier, species expected.
High Brown Fritillary Cleodoxa p74 by Roger C Harding, on Flickr
Nick is a great lepidopterist, and field naturalist, as well as being very congenial company.
LargeRinglet p68 by Roger C Harding, on Flickr
I can heartily recommend these tours.
http://www.bbfs.org.uk/tour_list.aspx
Nettle Tree Butterfly p44 by Roger C Harding, on Flickr
Here is a link to my Flickr site, where there are some more of my photos. They only scratch the surface though, I have still not got around to sorting out the hundreds of images I took.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16583646@N ... 173571921/
Lesser Fiery Copper p27 by Roger C Harding, on Flickr
and this little lady was my favourite butterfly of the tip.
Meleagers Blue p46 by Roger C Harding, on Flickr
