Gallery - Greater chance for Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Bulgaria

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The first expedition in search of Lesser Kestrel colonies in Turkey - 2010 (prior to the project start date)

Every expedition begins with equipment and provisions preparations

During our trip, we also tried to find a signal from the Imperial Eagles we had tagged with radio transmitters

When we found the first Lesser Kestrel colony we realized that these birds could nest in strange and unusual places

The people in the village were as friendly as the birds themselves

And, having invited us to stay overnight in their house, they offered us delicious breakfast

Visiting the village mayor is also an important part of the Lesser Kestrel survey

The next day we continued inspecting the villages one by one

We used to stop from time to time to refresh ourselves and take a short shower

or have quick lunch

until we found a completely unexpected colony in the center of a big bustling town

Sometimes we woke up in wonderful places

And we found a Lesser Kestrel colony in a strange place

We interviewed local people about these rare birds

And, after lots of observations, the final result was five confirmed Lesser Kestrel colonies in the European part of Turkey

Expedition in Greece, searching for Lesser Kestrel colonies in 2013

The expedition began with a direct trip to the village, which, according to the data we had, harbored a small Lesser Kestrel colony

And we began immediately taking pictures of Lesser Kestrels with interesting prey items

Sometimes even dangerous ones

We identified a problem related to the construction of roofs in the Greek villages, namely – less suitable breeding places for the small falcons

However, there were also new constructions, offering suitable conditions for a Lesser Kestrel pair......

....... here comes the proof. Can you see the Lesser Kestrel?

There are still some old buildings, providing suitable nesting conditions

This is another wonderful “shack”, home of a Lesser Kestrel family

A group of curious kids, who knew a few words in Bulgarian, joined us while walking around the village

And we finished the tour taking pictures of this colony as well as the neighboring one

Looks tasty, doesn’t it?

Expedition in Turkey to inspect the colonies found in 2010; April 2013

This year, our trip began with a short meeting with our friends from the conservation organization DAYKO

We headed for the nearest Lesser Kestrel colony. Turkish photographers, also nature lovers, joined us

Naturally, after the “tiring” photo session we needed a short break with a cup of tea

and discussions on the results achieved

....

.....

Heading for the next colonies, we also enjoyed other interesting organisms

...

like this Orchid for example

or this sleepy Souslik

Yet, we were focused on our search for the rare falcons and before long we spotted a flock of Lesser Kestrels feeding near one of the colonies

We continued along the preliminary set route to check the "seaside" colony

We stayed there till sunset to use the last rays of light

Unfortunately, this colony had shrunk a lot – there were only two pairs

And on our way back to Bulgaria, we found it quite difficult to identify a flock of high flying Hobbies

Maintaining pastures in good agri-environmental condition

The best possible way to maintain pastures in good condition is to secure natural grazing

And this is the result of the extensive horse breeding

They are ready to leave for the next pasture that has to be kept in good condition

The young newcomers

And this beauty is our elite stallion of the rare Karakachan breed

Sometimes, we have to use special equipment to clear the areas with dense shrub vegetation

And when the grass is too tall, tractors and mowers are also needed

which, of course, get out of order at the most inopportune moments

But the work could also be pleasant

and funny

The Lesser Kestrel

Lesser Kestrel