Ultimate Guide to Bird Photography in Prespa National Park

Introduction

Prespa National Park is one of Europe’s most remarkable and overlooked birding destinations. Straddling the borders of North Macedonia, Albania, and Greece, the Prespa Lakes (Great Prespa and Small Prespa) are a haven for wildlife.

What makes it so special? Prespa is home to the world’s largest colony of Dalmatian pelicans, along with herons, egrets, cormorants, ibises, and countless migratory birds. Thanks to its remote location and relative lack of mass tourism, it offers an intimate, undisturbed experience for photographers.

In this ultimate guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know:

The best bird photography spots in the park
Which species to expect and when
Gear, settings, and techniques that work in Prespa’s unique light
A step-by-step photography itinerary to maximize your time
Tips on ethics and conservation so you photograph responsibly

Whether you’re coming for one day or an entire week, you’ll leave Prespa with memory cards full of unforgettable images.

What to Know Before You Go

Location: The park lies in North Macedonia, with borders to Albania and Greece. Most bird photographers base themselves in Stenje, Oteševo, or Dolno Dupeni on the Macedonian side.
Accessibility: Roads are basic but drivable. A car is essential for reaching multiple spots.
Guides: Local birdwatching guides in Stenje and Resen can arrange boat trips, which are essential for close encounters with pelicans and herons.
Seasons: Spring and autumn migrations are peak times. Summer brings stable weather, while winter can be harsh but rewarding for dramatic, icy shots.

Orientation

Prespa National Park is defined by two interconnected lakes:

Great Prespa Lake: The larger, wilder lake, shared between three countries.
Small Prespa Lake: Located mostly in Greece but critical for pelican breeding.

From the Macedonian side, the best access points are Stenje (for fishing culture and pelicans), Oteševo (for landscapes and reeds), and Golem Grad island (for remote wildlife).

Key Bird Species to Photograph

Prespa is a bird paradise with over 260 recorded species. Some highlights for photographers include:

Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus): The star of Prespa, with a wingspan up to 3.5 meters. Breeding colonies nest on floating rafts and islets.
Great White Pelican: Less common than Dalmatian, but striking with pure white plumage.
Pygmy Cormorant: A Balkan specialty, smaller and more delicate than common cormorants.
Herons & Egrets: Grey herons, little egrets, great egrets, and night herons thrive in reed beds.
Glossy Ibis: Shimmering, metallic feathers make them a dream subject in golden light.
White-tailed Eagle: The apex predator of the skies here.
Migrants: Depending on season, expect swallows, terns, warblers, and more.

Best Bird Photography Spots in Prespa

1. Stenje Fishing Village

What to Photograph: Fishermen alongside pelicans, boats, and reeds. A cultural + wildlife story.
Best Time: Sunrise for silhouettes, golden light on pelicans.
Tips: Use a long lens (300–600mm) to capture pelicans following boats.

2. Oteševo Lakeshore and Reeds

What to Photograph: Pelicans, herons, and ibises feeding near reed beds.
Best Time: Early morning when birds are active and water is still.
Tips: Bring a tripod + gimbal for stable telephoto tracking.

3. Golem Grad (Snake Island)

What to Photograph: Cormorants, herons, and island nesting sites.
Best Time: Mid-morning boat trips with side lighting.
Tips: Arrange a boat from Stenje — aerial drone shots show the island in stunning context.

4. Wetlands Around Dolno Dupeni

What to Photograph: Smaller waders, ducks, and marsh species.
Best Time: Spring migration, late afternoon light.
Tips: Stay low in reeds for intimate, eye-level shots.

5. Galicica Ridge Overlook

What to Photograph: Pelicans flying above the lake, seen from above.
Best Time: Afternoon thermals when birds soar.
Tips: Use a telephoto zoom to isolate flying birds against the blue lake below.

Gear for Bird Photography in Prespa

Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless with fast autofocus and good burst speed (Sony A1, Canon R5, Nikon Z9).
Lens:
- Telephoto zoom 100–400mm or 150–600mm for birds in flight.
- 70–200mm for pelicans near fishermen.
- Wide 16–35mm for environmental shots of flocks over the lake.
Tripod/Gimbal: Essential for long telephoto lenses.
Polarizer: Reduces glare on water, enhances colors.
Clothing: Neutral earth tones, waterproof boots for wetlands.

Settings and Techniques

Birds in Flight:
- Shutter: 1/2000–1/4000 sec
- Aperture: f/5.6–f/8
- ISO: Auto, capped at 3200
- Mode: Continuous autofocus, high burst
Portraits on Water:
- Shutter: 1/1000 sec
- Aperture: f/4–f/5.6 for creamy backgrounds
- ISO: 400–800 depending on light
Group Shots:
- Shutter: 1/800–1/1000 sec
- Aperture: f/8–f/11 for depth
- ISO: 200–400

A One-Day Bird Photography Itinerary in Prespa

05:30 – Sunrise: Shoot pelicans in Stenje village with boats.
08:00 – Reeds at Oteševo: Herons and ibises feeding.
11:00 – Boat Trip to Golem Grad: Cormorants and cliff-nesting birds.
14:00 – Break: Midday is harsh light — time for scouting.
16:00 – Dolno Dupeni Wetlands: Waders and smaller marsh birds.
18:00 – Golden Hour at Stenje Pier: Pelicans fishing.
20:00 – Blue Hour Silhouettes: Birds against glowing lake horizon.

Conservation and Ethics

Prespa is an ecosystem under pressure, and as photographers, we must minimize our impact.

Keep distance from nesting sites — never disturb colonies.
Use long lenses instead of approaching too closely.
Support local guides and conservation projects.
Leave no trace — take all waste back.

Your photographs can inspire awareness, but only if taken responsibly.

FAQs: Bird Photography in Prespa National Park

1. What is the best season for bird photography in Prespa?
Spring (April–June) for breeding and migration; Autumn (September–October) for migratory flocks.

2. Do I need a guide?
Yes, especially for boat trips to see pelican colonies up close.

3. What lens is essential?
A telephoto 100–400mm or 150–600mm.

4. Can I photograph from land only?
Yes, but boat trips bring you closer to colonies and offer unique angles.

5. Are drones allowed?
They are possible in some areas, but must never disturb wildlife. Always check local regulations.