Montenegro is blessed with a wide range of habitats, from tall mountains to coastal areas to marshes and lakes. All of this combine to make Montenegro the most biodiverse area in Europe. The Buljarica marshes are a particular hotspot with a large expanse of reeds growing in a marsh along the coast. I took a side trip by taxi to get some birding in while Leslie graciously sent me on my way. I jumped in the taxi at 7:50 AM and we drove 30 minutes to get to the marshes. The beach was deserted this early and I only saw a few folks camping along the edge of the beach. There were lots of little birds that were flying around here and there. I took my time and was able to catch a few photos. The marshes drain to the sea but I was not willing to either get wet ot slip and fall so I did not try to cross this small waterway. Another path led off towards the town and skirted the marshes on the north side. Lots of frogs and turtles were in a small bog as well as more birds. All in all I got seven new lifebirds as well as a few mystery birds that are still to be identified.
I got an early start as the sun was still not fully up over the mountains
Heading south
Sveti Stephan in the distance
Sveti Stefan draws the likes of the Beckhams, Stallone and other celebs
This is a very exclusive old town, $6,000 per night at the hotel
A fancy palace of a building
Looking back to Budva
Possibly a lighthouse on the left island
Driving along the cosat
During the season these poles would all have unbrellas
The ravine leading tot he beach
A church off in the hills
Greeted by a sunny art piece
The beach first thing in the morning
The wind made a subtle rustling sound
Western yellow wagtail
Whinchat
Waves of grasses
The mountains in the morning
A couple of mystery birds, probably a sparrow
European Stonechat
Blue tit
A new road is being built
Unfortunately there seems to be more development coming
I also tried to cross here but the rocks were so slippery, it was not worth a fall
I thought about crossing but worried that if the tide came in I would have to get wet on my return.
Serious rock stackers hereabouts
A small island off shore
The marsh at the base of the mountains
A sign post of sorts
European Stonechat
A burst of yellow
Lots of bees were on these flowers
The reeds were very dense
A 360 degree pan
Big blue bee
A melodious warbler
This little guy has attitude
Two Eurasian jays
Spotted flycatcher
Eurasian jay
So lush and green
The path runs out
Rugged coastline
This scrub land is great habitat
Wood Warbler
Reed Bunting
Dragon fly mating
The blue tit
Mobile and semi-permanent homes
The rubber pencil strikes again
Such a cool art piece
Tiny donkey and bikes elevated
What about the bars in Budva?
A monastery on the hill
