Ulcinj Salina Birdwatching Tour – Birds, Salt and Olive Oil

Tour summary:

On this tour, we will visit one of the most important areas for birds, not only in Montenegro but in the whole of Europe.  Depending on the time of year, we will have the possibility to observe a huge variety of species, some on their migration, and some nesting on Ulcinj salina. We will have the opportunity to observe species such as the Flamingos, Spoonbill, Kentish Plover, Collared Pratincole, and many more. The second part of the trip is reserved for the tails of olive trees and olive oil making.

By taking part in this trip, you support conservation activities run by CZIP, the BirdLife partner in Montenegro.

Itinerary:

Morning departure from the hotel, since the best time for birding at the Ulcinj salina is the early part of the morning. Ulcinj Salina is located in the near vicinity of the town Ulcinj and it was created on the site of former lagoon Zogaj, whose mudflats were turned into salt pans in 1926. As “zog” means “bird” in Albanian, it should give us a clue of how important this area is for birds. More than 240 species of birds have been registered at the Salina so far, out of which more than 50 are breeding. During the walk between salt pans, we can see Collared Pratincole, Little Tern, Kentish Plover, Black-winged Stilt. Other breeding species of conservation importance are European Rollers, Common Tern, Common Shelduck, Stone Curlew. Ulcinj Salina is also very important as a feeding station for birds that nest in the area that surrounds it, such as Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret, Spoonbill’s, and Pygmy Cormorant. After Salina, we continue our journey to Velika plaža (The Long Beach). Along the way, we will pass through the field that is home to species like Crested Lark, Stone Curlew and Bee-eater and it is also not uncommon to see the European Roller and Levant Sparrowhawk. Velika plaža is a 13 km long sandy beach with a belt of brackish marshes in its background. During the walk on the beach, we can see species such as Common Tern, waders like Ringed Plover, Gray Plover and Dunlin. After the walk, and perhaps even a swim, on Velika plaza, our journey takes us to Valdanos, an area famous for the olive trees. The olive grove in Valdanos, with approximately 18000 olive trees, out of which many are more than 800 years old, is the biggest living monument of olive cultivation in Montenegro with extraordinary economic and ecological value. Our host will tell us all about the traditional olive oil processing method and we will have an opportunity to taste some as well.

After this stop, we return back to the hotel.

Dress code and gear needed:

Comfortable shoes, windproof/rainproof jacket, water bottle, sunglasses & a hat, swim suit, towel.

What is Included?          

Transportation, entrances to parks and reserves, lunch, olive oil tasting, English speaking guide, binoculars.        

What is not included?  

Drinks, tips, travel insurance, any other personal expense.