Description
Gnyazdovo village lies in the viscinities of the rocky plateau, nestled between the woodland and the waterland. It is on the Northern bank of Studen kladenets reservoir. A birding point is developed in the yard of a small cottage, called Mihaela Lake retreat. A mobile hide (tent), is provided, as well as a monocular telescope and single wooden sticks for bird photography.
Birding species you can see in the area are Woodchat Shrike, Hoopoe, Common Starling, Golden Oriole, Great Tit, House Martin, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Little Owl, Eurasian Scops Owl, European Goldfinch, Griffon Vulture, Black Stork, Egyptian Vulture, Long-legged Buzzard, European Roller, Masked Shrike, Subalpine Warbler and Chaffinch.
The stretch from the cottage to Yumruk skala reserve is excellent. With every meter you go up, the views over Studen kladenets reserve and Boynik hills beyond, become more impressive. Look for the Fallow deer and Roe deer on the woodland edges.
Details
Access
From Kardzhali, take the road to Perperikon (direction east) and turn right after the village of Madrets (direction Perperek). Turn left (crossing the train line) at the beginning of Perperek.
From Haskovo, take the road to Studen kladenets (turn right from the main road). Turn left at the beginning of Madrets village (direction Perperek). Turn left (crossing the train line) at the beginning of Perperek.
It is recommended to spend the night in the guest house, where you can also book a guided birding tour, book the mobile hide or listen to the Jackals' howling in the evening. The hosts of the cottage provide hand-made local maps for daily walks in the area. You find information on Google, and their own website.
You can explore the area by foot, by mountain bike and by kayaking in the reservoir. Hosts of the cottage provide rental mountain bikes, canoes and motor boats. You can also book a guided tour.
From Madzharovo, take the road to Kardzhali. At Perperek village, turn left in the direction of Gnyazdovo (there is a sign).
You can park in the village centre (in front of the tiny local shop) or behind the cottage - there is a small parking lot.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest, Lake, Plateau, Grassland, Plain, City/villageConditions
Hilly, Rocky, Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Wide path, Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot, BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
YesLinks
Birdingplaces Near
Additionally, you can explore the Studen kladenets reservoir by boat or by kayaking tour and keep an eye for the Dalmatian Pelican , Mallard , Gadwall , Pygmy Cormorant , Grey Heron , Lesser Flamingo , as well as the Griffon Vulture , Black Kite and White-tailed Eagle in the sky and surrounding rocky cliffs.