Spring tour

A week-long tour to Białowieża Forest and Biebrza Marshes in search of birds and mammals.

At the first part of the trip, in the Forest, we will focus on the birds of primeval woodlands. This includes looking for some sedentary species – woodpeckers (9 species – including Three-toed, White-backed, Grey-headed, Middle-spotted and Black), Pygmy Owl, Nutcracker and Hazel Grouse. By mid-May all migrants already arrive so we will also try to observe Warblers (River, Marsh, Barred, Savi’s, Grasshopper, Icterine), Flycatchers (Collared and Red-breasted) as well as species inhabiting forest glades – Woodcocks, Corncrakes and Thrush Nightingales.

Second part of the trip, on the Marshes, will consist of observing the species inhabiting open areas. It means that we will look for waders (Black-tailed Godwit, Common Redshank, Common Snipe), eagles (Lesser and Greater Spotted, White–tailed) but also marsh terns (White–winged and Whiskered) and grebes (Black–necked and Red–necked). Some colourful (Bee-eater, Rosefinch, Bluethroat, Citrine Wagtail) and extremely rare species (Aquatic Warbler, Great Snipe) will be also our targets here.

A total of ca. 150 bird species can be observed on such a tour!

During the trip we will also search for mammals like European Bison, Red Deer, Elk as well as carnivores – large (Wolf and Lynx) and small ones (Martens and Red Fox). On Biebrza Marhes a dedicated boat trip for Beavers will be also organized.

My blogposts from May (1, 2) and June (1) could give you an idea of what wildlife is like at this time of year. Also have a look at the pictures below – they were taken by my guests during spring tours.