Early spring tour 2026

A 5-days tour to Białowieża Forest in search of birds and mammals.

We will focus on the bird species of primeval forest. Early spring is the time of year with the highest possibility of seeing rare sedentary species with the biggest activity of woodpeckers and best time for owls throughout the year. This is also when to look for Nutcracker & Hazel Grouse. In my opinion it is the most magical time of the year in Bialowieza Forest! A time when everything begins to wake up and you can see this process even over the hours in the primeval Białowieża Forest – one of the last and largest remaining parts of the immense primeval forest that once stretched across the European Plain.

Our forest birding will be enriched by some explorations of the open areas also: we will visit Siemianówka Reservoir or a neighbouring area around Upper Narew river valley where geese (Tundra Bean & Greater White-fronted) gathers in thousands on vast floodings along with first Greater Spotted Eagles & wintering Rough-legged Buzzards. A stop in Białystok to look for Syrian Woodpecker is also planned.

During the trip we will also search for mammals – main targets will be European Bison and (hopefully with a bit of luck) Wolves or even Lynx. In early spring observations of European Bisons are almost guaranteed!

Bird targets: woodpeckers (Three-toed, White-backed, Grey-headed, Black, Middle-spotted, Lesser-spotted, Syrian), Pygmy Owl, Tengmalm’s Owl, Hazel Grouse, Nutcracker, Crane, Woodcock, Firecrest, Hawfinch, White Stork, Green Sandpiper, Rough-legged Buzzard,  Greater Spotted Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Tundra Bean & Greater White-fronted Geese.

Mammal targets: European Bison, Wolf, Lynx.