Creeks, caves and cliffs
Slovenia, 8 days
 

Slovenia offers breathtaking scenery, exciting Alpine and Mediterranean fauna and flora as well as world famous caves and a short but beautiful Adriatic Coast.
During our tour to this small country we explore the Julian Alps for alpine species such as Golden Eagle, Pygmy Owl, White-backed and Three-toed Woodpecker, Alpine Accentor, Wallcreeper, Nutcracker, Alpine Chough, Common Crossbill and Snowfinch. The karst region around Postojna is famous for its world heritage caves, but seasonal Lake Cerknica and scenic Mount Nanos are excellent for birdwatching, providing home for Ferruginous Duck, Corn Crake, Rock Partridge, Rock Thrush and Rock Bunting among others. The Secovlje Saltpans on the Slovenian Coast offer an array of shorebirds and other species including Mediterranean Gull, Cetti’s Warbler and Zitting Cisticola.

Day 1
After arriving to Ljubljana Airport we drive north into the Julian Alps taking a look at beautiful Lake Bled on the way.
Accommodation: hotel on the shore of Lake Bohinj

Days 2-3
We take a walk on the shore of Lake Bohinj looking for Western Bonelli’s Warbler, Dipper and Grey Wagtail, and then visit a scenic waterfall where Grey-headed Woodpecker and Red-breasted Flycatcher are found. Golden Eagle and Raven are frequently seen here gliding above the mountain ridges. We take the cable car to Mount Vogel to search for Ring Ouzel, Common Crossbill, Nutcracker, Crested Tit and occasionally Alpine Chough. One day we visit the Pokljuka Plateau with its gorgeous conifer forests and alpine meadows where Capercaillie, Pygmy Owl, Three-toed and Black Woodpecker, Firecrest, Crested Tit, Nutcracker and Common Crossbill can be seen. Alpine flowers are full in blossom and rare butterfles abound as we walk in lush valleys and we might see Chamois and Alpine Salamander if we are lucky.
Accommodation: hotel on the shore of Lake Bohinj

Day 4
We visit the scenic Soca Valley and the mountains around Bovec along the Italian border. The scenery is beautiful and depending on weather conditions we can drive high up to reach the alpine zone where species such as Alpine Accentor, Water Pipit, Rock Thrush, Snowfinch and Alpine Chough are found. Ptarmigan and Wallcreeper also breed here, but are difficult to spot. Alpine Marmots are everywhere on the hillside and we can hear their loud whistle if a Golden Eagle is patrolling the skies above us. In the afternoon we drive to our hotel deep in the forest close to Postojna.
Accommodation: hotel close to Postojna

Days 5-6
On one of the mornings we visit Lake Cerknica, a seasonal lake in a nice valley attracting many migrating birds during April and May including Red-throated and Black-throated Divers, ducks and marsh terns. The lake and the surrounding reeds, meadows and marshlands are home to breeding Red-necked Grebe, Ferruginous Duck, Little Bittern, White Stork, Corn Crake, the ashy-headed form of Yellow Wagtail, Savi’s, River and Barred Warbler, and Common Rosefinch.
We also visit scenic Mount Nanos to the south of Postojna. We drive up to the plateau stopping for Rock Buntings on the way. Then we explore the vast meadows for flowers, butterflies and birds. The rocky outcrops bordering the plateau are a good place for Golden Eagle and Rock Thrush. Rock Partridge also inhabits the southern slopes but it might be difficult to sight these wary birds. Chamois and Nose-horned Viper occur here too.
We also visit Skocjan Cave where we will search for Peregrine, Alpine Swift, Short-toed Treecreeper, Crested Tit, Rock and Cirl Bunting while walking around the dramatic sinkhole of the cave. Optionally we can visit another world famous cave, Postojna Cave. It is filled with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and it is home to the blind cave salamander, the Olm.
Accommodation: hotel close to Postojna

Day 7
We drive to the Mediterranean coast to explore Secovlje Saltpans on a day trip. On the way we stop to look for Short-toed Eagle, Blue Rock Thrush and Mediterranean warblers. The area of the saltpans is excellent for European Shag, waders including nesting Kentish Plover and Black-necked Stilt, Mediterranean Gull, Little Tern as well as Cetti’s Warbler and Zitting Cisticola.
Accommodation: hotel close to Postojna

Day 8
We drive back to Ljubljana to take our flight back home.