Destination Vlora Albania 🇦🇱

 Vlora (Vlorë in Albanian) is a coastal city in southern Albania, known for its stunning beaches, historical sites, and vibrant atmosphere. It is one of Albania’s most important port cities and a key tourist destination.

Key Highlights of Vlora:

Beaches: Vlora is famous for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches, including Narta Beach, Radhimë, and Orikum.

History: The city holds historical significance as the place where Albania declared independence from the Ottoman Empire on November 28, 1912. The Independence Museum commemorates this event.

Kaninë Castle: A medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the coast.

Zvernec Island: A picturesque island with a 13th-century Byzantine monastery, connected to the mainland by a wooden bridge.

Llogara Pass: A scenic mountain pass nearby, leading to the Albanian Riviera with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea.

Sazan Island & Karaburun Peninsula: A protected marine park with caves, coves, and historical military sites.

Vlora is also known for its seafood, lively nightlife, and warm Mediterranean climate, making it a must-visit destination in Albania.

The Lungomare in Vlora is the city’s main seaside promenade and one of its most vibrant areas. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Beautiful Seaside Promenade

Stretching along the coast for several kilometers, Lungomare offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea.

Perfect for a leisurely walk, jogging, or cycling, with a dedicated pedestrian and bike lane.

Lined with palm trees, benches, and modern lighting, making it a great spot for both day and night outings.

2. Beaches & Swimming Spots

Some of Vlora’s best public and private beaches are along the Lungomare.

Many beach bars and sunbeds are available in summer.

The water is clean and great for swimming, especially in the early morning.

3. Restaurants, Cafés & Bars

Lungomare is the best place for dining in Vlora, offering a variety of restaurants.

You can find fresh seafood, traditional Albanian dishes, Italian cuisine, and international options.

Popular choices:

Try fresh grilled fish or shrimp at "Ristorante Joni".

For a casual meal, "Marina Bay" has great pizzas and pasta.

Cafés & bars along the promenade serve great coffee and cocktails with sea views.

4. Lively Nightlife

In summer, Lungomare becomes one of Vlora’s main nightlife spots.

Beach bars and open-air clubs host live music, DJs, and parties.

Ideal for a relaxed drink with a view or a night out dancing.

5. Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Lungomare is a great place for families, with plenty of open spaces, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants.

Street performers, local vendors, and events make it an enjoyable area for all ages.

6. Easy Access & Parking

Plenty of parking spots, but they fill up quickly in peak season.

Easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport from the city center.

7. Best Time to Visit

Sunset is magical—the colors over the sea make for amazing photos.

Summer evenings are lively, but spring and early autumn offer a more relaxed vibe.

Everything about goldfinches

 The European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) is a small, brightly colored songbird found across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Here’s everything you need to know about this striking bird:

AppearanceGoldfinch

Size: 12-13.5 cm (4.7-5.3 in) in length, with a wingspan of 21-25 cm (8.3-9.8 in).

Plumage: Recognizable by its red face, black-and-white head, warm brown upperparts, and bright yellow wing bars.

Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females look similar, but males typically have a more extensive red facial mask.

Habitat and Distribution

Found in open woodlands, gardens, parks, hedgerows, and farmland.

Native to Europe, parts of North Africa, and western Asia.

Introduced to Australia, New Zealand, and some regions of South America.

Behavior

Diet: Primarily seed eaters, favoring thistles, dandelions, and teasels. In breeding season, they also eat small insects.

Song: A melodic, twittering song with a mix of warbles and trills.

Social Structure: Often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season.

Flight: Bouncy, undulating flight pattern.

Breeding and Nesting

Breeding season: April to August.

Nest: Cup-shaped, built in trees or shrubs using plant fibers, moss, and spider webs.

Clutch size: 4-6 eggs, incubated for about 12-14 days.

Fledging: Chicks leave the nest after around 14-18 days.

Conservation Status

IUCN Status: Least Concern.

Population trends are stable, though habitat loss and illegal trapping (especially in Mediterranean countries) pose threats.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

In European folklore, the goldfinch symbolizes good luck, beauty, and perseverance.

Frequently depicted in Renaissance art, often associated with the Virgin Mary and Christ.

Kept as a cage bird for centuries due to its singing ability.

If you're keeping a European Goldfinch in a cage, its diet should closely resemble what it eats in the wild. Here’s the best food for them:

1. Seeds (Primary Diet)

Niger (Nyjer) seeds – Their absolute favorite! Small and rich in oil.

Thistle seeds – Another top choice, similar to their natural diet.

Sunflower hearts – Easy to eat and full of nutrients.

Dandelion seeds – A natural option they love.

Millet and canary seeds – Good supplements.

2. Fresh Greens and Fruits

Dandelion leaves and flowers – Great for digestion and vitamins.

Chickweed, spinach, and lettuce – Offer in small amounts.

Apples, pears, and berries – Chop into tiny pieces; avoid citrus fruits.

3. Live and Protein-Rich Foods (Especially During Breeding Season)

Mealworms – Great protein source.

Soft boiled egg mixed with breadcrumbs – Helps during molting and breeding.

4. Cuttlefish Bone or Mineral Block

Provides calcium for strong bones and egg-laying females.

5. Fresh Water

Always available for drinking and bathing.

Foods to Avoid

Avocado, chocolate, salty foods, and anything processed.

Large seeds like whole s

unflower seeds can be hard for them to crack.

Dody My hand fed hybrid bird raised by me

 Hello my dear friends! 

In this blog you will read about one of my hand fed hybrid birds raised by me at home. 

I took home this bird when it just came out from the egg. This bird is a chick between a cross from male European Goldfinch and female Canary. When she came out from the egg, she left her nest forever and immediately became a member of my family. 

I have fed her by my hand with the help of my family members as well. When she was 3 days old to 14 days old I used to give her yellow boiled 🥚 egg. She loved that too much and she still finds egg delicious and yummy 😋. To tell the truth boiled egg is an excellent food for pet birds 🐦.  

If you want to find out more about Dody 🐦 stay tuned and don't forget to leave your comment on my blog 😊 😉 

To be continued...Dody