Treasures of Velji Do - Birds of Croatia

The tiny hamlet of Velji Do tucked away in the dry mountains above Cavtat and Dubrovnik is alive with birds on a summer morning. Birds shown in order of appearance: Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius ), Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus medius), Olive-tree Warbler (Hippolais olivetorum), Olivaceous Warbler (Hippolais pallida), Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica), Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea). Birds singing in the background: Cirl Bunting, Golden Oriole - and a rooster crowing like clockwork! The place is magical - a shady oasis surrounded by steep, dry, scrubby terrain. The ripe mulberries were a main attraction to several species when I visited in the first week of August. I biked up the long winding road from Cavtat, leaving at first light. There is also a hiking trail which continues up the mountain.

In my limited experience with Olive-tree Warblers from two trips to Croatia, they are extreme skulkers. They may pop out for a second, but they are extremely shy and will do anything to stay out of view. It may be different in public parks, but out in the orchards and groves that's how they are. I was up there three mornings standing quietly waiting for an opportunity. Finally, I found a perch inside the crown of the tree that was used by at least one of the Olive-tree Warblers as a secluded spot perfect for the consumption of mulberries.