Wild Horses in Letea

Letea forest is a striclty protected area, for it's unique aspect of rainforest. One of the things to see in the forest are the almost wild horses.
While the semi-wild horses are present allover the Danube Delta, lately they become subject of discussion due to the rising number.

I have seen them near Cardon, in an area that is to become protected area soon. I've been told that some of them recognize the initial owner, but there are now new generations that are really not used to man's presence at all.

The author of this movie explains that the horses eat tree's crust and this eventually leads to the death of the trees. Some estimate around 2500 horses, while other estimation indicate about 1000. This horses have the way of life of wild animals. Is very difficult to get close to them, because they can imediately feel you and once you get under a certain distance they run away scared.

Each herd is led by a pair that takes care of the rest of the group. The stallion has the biggest authority, being the one that signals the fact that they have to move (retire). It does this by a short neighing and by hitting the ground with the hoof. Sometimes, when they feel the group is in danger, the stallion runs in one direction, to attire the attackers , while the female runs in other direction together with the rest of the group.

The horses did adapt the tough winter in Danube Delta as well as the hot summers. In winter-time them hair grows three times faster than the domestic horses' one. They adapt also by better prelucrating the cellulose, so when the food is scarce they can resist with only thistles and dried plants. "Nowadays, the racing horses loose the resistance to diseases, to cold temperatures or the capacity of effort. In the future, this horses will become a real treasure, still conserving while the other horses will have lost. We don't have to regard them as baneful but as real treasures", declared Stefan Raileanu, from the National Institute of Research and Development of Danube Delta.

Here is the video, courtesy to Lucian Reniţă and Irina Stelea, who made this video and posted it on youtube:

Photo-Tour in Danube Delta

What a photo - tour in Danube Delta is like ?

Thanks to the courtesy of Mr. Andrei Pârciog, Outdoor Holidays' program manager and guide in Danube Delta, I have some nice pictures that better reflect the beauty of this young piece of land.

All pictures are taking during a canoeing and kayaking trip in the Delta, in May-June 2008.

Remember, if you like photography, late spring is the best time to visit Danube Delta, while colors are vivid and the big spring migration is going on.








Paddling (kayaking or canoeing) is maybe the best way to explore this unspoiled area. If you are keen about birdwatching you'll see much more birds if you don't scare them with the noise of a boat engine. You'll be rewarded by your effort by getting very close to some unique species of birds.

Like this White Pelican flying just few meters away from your kayak.




Why Camping ? Because accommodation in Danube Delta is (fortunately I would say) concentrated in the few villages. This leads to the alternatives: either walk/kayak around the village , or try to go from one village to another in one day either camp.
Although there are only few places suitable for spending the night camping gives some freedom that nature photographers will definitely appreciate. It'd be such a pity to miss the spectacular pelicans hunting around or a kingfisher (Alcedo Atthis) feeding the babies 'cause you to have to leave to rich the next guest-house


But Danube Delta is not only about birds, water and reed. Is also about the inhabitants, them traditions and them tough way life. as soon as the fishing season is open you can meet the fishermen going fishing at 3 a'clock in the morning, before the sun will shine and water will get to warm hiding the fish away in the reed.

Well, if you wake up early, you might see the fishermen coming back from the lakes.





Is it difficult to take pictures from a kayak or canoe ? Well, all I can tell is that is not like using a tripod :D.

But don't worry, you'll soon learn to protect your camera from the waters and to find the maximum stability point that would lead to ..that picture you'll proudly show to all your friends.






Stop paddling, from time to time, before forgetting to walk :)

Portiţa - simply fascinating

Photographer Răzvan Voiculescu's project is the kind of action I'd like to see more often. People talk to much about protecting the nature, things we should do, we must do , etc. Răzvan did something, and I really appreciate it. I don't know him directly (not yet) but I have to congratulate him for this project.

A lot of interesting details about this area, as well as very fine photos. Although I personally don't aggree taking motors in the wild areas, in this case I kind of understand the necesity, considering the big distance and the lack of human activity into that area (well, I might have preffered a bike however :) ).

Here is the video I found on youtube (by the way, bery inspired choose of the music of Nicu Alifantis):

New Tourist Resort in Danube Delta?

Sarichioi could become a tourist resort in the next years.

Here is the map:
View Larger Map

Here is the piece of news: The Local Council of Tulcea approved a decision that stipulates building a small tourist harbor in Sarichioi. An area of 13.44 hectares went from the administration of RBDD (Danube Delta Reservation of Biosphere) under the administration of the local council Tulcea. The local council Tulcea approved a feasibility paper, with technical and economical details. A total investment plan of 6m. Euro in 2 years is going to contribute to building a harbor capable of hosting 230 ships. According to the first version, the mini-harbor will be able to shelter 148 floating ships and 72 platforms up to 8 meters, as well as 10 boats of 8 to 10 meters.
The money will be given by the Romanian Government according to the program "Sustainable development of the Danube Delta and Black Sea coast"

This mini-harbor will allow small ships to enter Razelm and Portita lakes, as well as highlight Enisala fortress, which will be illuminated in order to emphasize the architecture details.

And here are my concerns: While highlighting the natural beauty of the area and the rich history (Enisala fortress, rebuilt by the Genoese people in the XII-th century) is more than welcomed, I fear this is a start for an eco-disaster. Taking some area from the administration of the biosphere into the administration of local council means practically the start for destroying the natural area under the pressure of the economic factors and local interests. This happened in many other places in Romania, so is not difficult to assume the same will happen also here.

Winter in Danube Delta

I just found this amateur short movie. It presents a period of high water and lot of channels free, but the lakes just begun to freeze. So lots of waterfowl gather on the channels. Also, winter is less crowded, much less motor boats.
I like this video for it's very natural air and feeling: