The ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) is a species of great conservation importance within its European breeding grounds. Tadorna ferruginea is included in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria (2015) in the category “Critically Endangered”. The species is qualified as “Near Threatened” in EU27 countries as a whole. Recent data from the Balkan parts of the species range indicate its considerable enlargement. During the last 10-year period, the presence status of the ruddy shelduck during winter changed from incidentally wintering in low numbers to regular and even locally abundant wintering species. The numbers of T. ferruginea migrating over the Eastern Balkans increased substantially, especially during autumn. The reasons of these expansion of the species are discussed.

The area of Coastal Dobrudzha in NE Bulgaria is well known for its richness of vagrants. A long-term research project was started at a location at Durankulak Lake, on the northern Black Sea Coast, aiming to obtain data on the characteristics of autumn migration of passerine birds and on the presence of vagrants there. A total of 20 mist nets with an overall length of 200 meters were set between August and October in two different habitats - reed bed and broad-leaved forest. In 2019, a total of 9344 birds of 84 species were caught and ringed. In 2020, the number of the birds caught increased to 13786 of 93 species. Vagrants such as dusky warbler (Phylloscopus fuscatus), yellow-browed warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus) and red-flanked bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus) were captured in 2020. Detailed information about these findings is given in the present work.

Understanding the habitat preferences and temporal activity of Armenian brown bears (Ursus arctos) in relation to human presence and the presence of other mammalian species in a biodiversity hotspot region is essential for their conservation. In this study we investigated how human disturbance affects the brown bear's temporal and spatial activity in the privately protected Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR) of Armenia. In addition, we investigated spatio-temporal distribution of brown bear in relation to other wildlife present in the study area and looked at its habitat preferences. We placed 28 camera traps were placed in areas inside or adjacent to CWR for a period of 3 months in 2018. Presence/absence data were used to calculate the species richness and activity patterns and inserted in different occupancy models for the bears and the other mammals found in the area. Of the 14 medium and large-sized mammal species that could theoretically live in the area, we recorded 13, four of which are listed in the Red Book of Animals of Armenia (including the very rare Caucasian leopard). The results showed that brown bears are, to a certain extent habituated to human presence, since they were found near human settlements. Areas closer to water bodies were also found to be more likely occupied by brown bears. In addition, brown bear presence had a positive effect on the occupancy of potential prey species. The activity pattern analysis revealed that there is some diel temporal partitioning present between brown bear's and other mammalian species' activity.

Actual status, distribution, numbers and threats for four forest bird species -Tengmalm's Owl (Aegolius funereus), Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum), Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus), and Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) were studied in the territory of the Pirin National Park, Bulgaria, in the years 2001and 2019 For the owls, we used night line transect, 2-5 km in length, with acoustic imitation of species calls (henceforth playback) at each 500 (700) m (38 points in 2001-2002, 80 points in 2019). Daytime line transects, 2-5 km in length, were used for counting woodpeckers and Pygmy Owl. In Capercaillie counts, we searched for tracks in the snow, excrements or feathers. GIS analyses were applied for visualization of habitat association and distribution patterns of the studied species. The numbers and distribution of these species were compared between the two study periods and with existing data from previous studies. In 2019 a total of 29 occupied territories of Tengmalm's Owls, 20 territories of Pygmy Owls, 2 territories of Three-toed Woodpeckers and 16 leks of Capercaillies were found. Decrease in numbers was detected for Tengmalm's Owl (-30.4%) and Capercaillie. These species showed also different spatial pattern of presence between the two study periods. Three-toed Woodpecker population in Pirin NP is very small, not exceeding 10-15 pairs. Pygmy Owl was recorded for the first time during the breeding period in the National Park. The reasons for the differences between the two study periods were discussed. The results indicate some threats (ski tourism development, disturbance by people, sanitary cuttings, etc.) for these birds and can be used for improving the spatial planning of human activities in Pirin NP.