Since early March I have been living in a small Bulgarian village near the town Of Velika Tarnovo. The village is situated just north of the Balkan Range, approximately three hours inland from the Black sea coast and a similar distance from the Romanian border.

All the reptiles and amphibians encountered so far have been around the village in which I am staying, or within a couple of hours walking distance. It has been extremely interesting to see how the Spring weather has unfolded and influenced the wildlife.

From arrival on the 5th of March the weather was cold without winds. Overnight snow fell two or three times in the first couple of weeks. A walk to a nearby waterfall revealed several Marsh Frog (Pelophylax ridibundus), most of which were quick to leap into the water and out of sight. Although I have seen these frogs several times they were not heard calling until 09.04.2011.

The first reptile sighting was made on 14th of March when Common Wall Lizards (Podarcis muralis), were spotted basking in weak sunshine along the walls of a monument on the Yantra River in nearby Veliko Tarnovo. By the 18th Eastern Green Lizards (Lacerta viridis), began turning up along field edges and in stick piles. As the sun gained strength 3 individuals were found in the stick piles in the garden.

First evidence that the amphibian breeding season was underway appeared in a pond on 19.03.2011. Despite several visits after dark no calling frogs have been heard or pairs seen in amplexus. The spawn clumps have steadily multiplied during the month. First Agile Frog (Rana dalmatina), was found in the area on 29th and several more located since. Green Toads (Bufo viridis) and a lone Smooth Newt (Triturus vulgaris) also appeared on the country lanes after evening rain storms. Toad spawn was found in a shallow village stream.

Spawning Pond.

Toad Spawning site.

Pieces of tin placed around the garden began to yield reptiles with juvenile Slow Worms (Anguis fragilis) and a single juvenile Aesculapian Snake (Zamenis longissimus) on the 31st of March.

Since then juvenile Eastern Green Lizards are being seen in increasing numbers. Also European Pond Terrapin (Emys orbicularis) have been seen on sheltered stream banks.

Finally a single Yellow-Bellied Toad (Bombina variegata) was found in a hill stream outside of the village.

Habitat.

I'm hoping the warmer weather will soon bring more reptiles and amphibians into view.