Hungary in the autumn
Cranes and Geese in the Puszta

Hungary has established itself as one of Europe’s best birding destinations and with good reason. The endless expanse of East Hungary with its wetlands, marshes and fish ponds provides natural habitats for many bird species that have become rare in our regions: Saker Falcon, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Pygmy Cormorant, Lesser White-fronted Goose, Ferruginous Duck, Great Bustard, Corncrake, Ural Owl, Aquatic Warbler and nine speciesof woodpecker. Every autumn thousands of Greater White-fronted and Greylag Geese, as well as rarities such as Red-breasted Geese, tens of tousands of cranes and hundreds of ducks are counted in Hortorbägy. In the oak and beech groves on the Templen and Bükk Mountains Eastern Imperial Eagle, White-backed Woodpecker and even Ural Owl can be found. In Eger, Tokaj, Debrecen and Budapest we will experience the famous Hungarian cuisine, culture and lifestyle.

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Dates

1. Sun., 18. Oct. 2009 - Tue., 27. Oct. 2009

Price includes

• Flights
• Airport Taxes and fuel surcharge
• Airport transfers
• All transport during trip
• Half board
• Accommodation in en-suite double/single room
• Birding guide
• Breach of warranty certificate

Number of participants

8 – 12 persons

Travel guide

László Bécsy

Alterations

The programme is subject to change.

Day 1

Arrival, Eger, Hortobágy

Flight to Budapest and transfer to Eger. City tour, visit the cathedral and picturesque Baroque monuments, ascent to castle. Drive to Hortobágy with historical Csárda (traditional Hungarian restaurant). Hotel in Hortobágy. (5 overnights)

Day 2

Ohat fish ponds, Debrecen

Various fish-eating birds can be sighted at the reedy fish ponds of Ohat such as Great Crested Grebe, Great Egret, Grey Heron, Great Bittern, Common Kingfisher as well as various species of ducks and waders. In the afternoon visit Debrecen, city of the Hungarian liberation movement and centre of Calvinism. The Protestant Great Church (Nagytemplom) is the symbol of the town and the Hungarian Reformation. The Hotel Arany Bika with the Béla Bartok ballroom built at the beginning of the 20th century is outstanding for its splendid Hungarian secession style.

Day 3

Southern Puszta, National Park exhibition with Shepherd’s Museum

In the southern Puszta morning observation of wintering birds such as Rough-legged Buzzard, Northern Harrier, Merlin and Great Grey Shrike; search for Great Bustards. In the afternoon visit to the national park exhibition and the Shepherd’s Museum. Short walk from Máta to the grazing areas of former domestic animal breeds such as Hungarian Sheep, Hungarian Steppe Cattle and Puszta Horse. In the late afternoon we will await the spectacular migration of thousands of cranes and geese arriving to take up their resting places for the night at the Halastó fish ponds.

Day 4

Halastó farm ponds

Day trip to Hortobágy-Halastó, the largest fish pond system in the world. On the extensive water surface geese and several duck species (Ferruginous Duck, Pygmy Cormorant and others) take their rest. White-tailed Eagle in various degrees of plumage can be seen here. In the reeded areas, Eurasian Penduline Tit, Bearded Tit, Reed Bunting and Eurasian Marsh Harrier can be sighted. Often we come across trails of European Otters.

Day 5

Shallow water lagoon, northern Puszta

Observations at the shallow water lagoon near Balmazújváros where numerous waders rest. Drive through the northern Puszta where we often come very close to large groups of cranes and geese foraging in harvested cornfields.

Day 6

Alluvial forest near Tokaj

Drive to Tokaj, birding in natural alluvial forests and flooding areas between the rivers Bodrog and Tisza. Large willows standing isolated on marshy grounds dominate the characteristic landscape. Great Spotted Woodpecker and other woodpecker species can regularly be observed. In the evening tour through the city of Tokaj, wine tasting in traditional wine-vault. Hotel in Tokaj. (2 overnights)

Day 7

Zemplén Mountains

Round trip through the timbered Zemplén Mountains, realm of numerous raptor species. On short walks we will search for Eastern Imperial Eagle, Northern Goshawk, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Raven, Black Woodpecker and other forest birds. Drive through original villages and visit the beautiful Regéc Castle.

Day 8

Bükk Mountains, Tisza reservoir, Budapest, return flight

Especially in autumn we can enioy the scenic splendours of the Bükk Mountains; stop at the national park with large bird population. On our way back to Budapest we will break our journey at the Tisza reservoir for final observations. In Budapest we will enjoy a wonderful view from the castle quarters over the Rive Danube. Transfer to Budapest airport for return flight.