Poland in Spring

Tour Code: POL03

An 8-day birdwatching tour focusing on two of Europe's most unique and precious habitats, the famous Bialowieza Forest and Biebrza Marshes.

8 days from
£2,745 (Inc flights)

Land only price from
£2,495

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Highlights

Summary

Poland’s Bialowieza Forest is home to over 200 species of bird, as well as mammals such as Wolf, Lynx and Elk. We’ll explore a variety of habitats in Bialowieza looking for such sought-after birds as Pygmy Owl, Red-breasted Flycatcher and River Warbler, plus Corncrake, Thrush Nightingale and a variety of woodpeckers, including Three-toed and White-backed. Bialowieza is also home to one of Europe’s last remaining herds of Bison. Next we head north-west to the flooded meadows, lakes and rivers of Biebrza Marshes in search of White-winged Terns, Aquatic Warblers, Spotted Eagle, Bluethroat and Common Cranes. Great, Common and Jack Snipe can all be seen here along with a variety of migrating waders, waterfowl and passerines.

Search for woodpeckers including Three-toed, White-backed & Black
Chance of encountering European Bison & Elk
Although rare, past groups have encountered Wolf & Lynx
Aquatic, Barred, Great Reed, Grasshopper, River & Marsh Warblers
Citrine Wagtail, White-tailed Eagle & migrating waders at Siemianowka Reservoir
Watch lekking Great Snipe at dusk
Black, Whiskered & White-winged Terns at Biebrza
Around 150 species of bird typically recorded
Led by an expert UK ornithologist & local naturalist guide

Grading

Grade A. Day walks only. We will travel to each site by minibus, then take leisurely walks to explore the area, generally over easy terrain, although some paths can be rough in places.

The extensive forests and marshes of eastern Poland have long been a favourite of birdwatchers. This popular spring tour focuses on two of the country’s very best wildlife reserves, the primeval forests of Bialowieza and the extensive marshlands and floodplains of the Biebrza National Park. Within these two contrasting areas we hope to enjoy such avian delights as Aquatic Warbler, Citrine Wagtail, displaying Great Snipe, Pygmy Owl, Spotted Eagle and up to eight species of woodpecker! In May the forests of Bialowieza will be alive with birdsong as newly arrived warblers and flycatchers compete for territory, whilst the adjacent wet meadows echo to the bizarre ‘crex crex’ call of the Corncrake and all three species of marsh tern hawk for insects over the flooded fields that edge the Biebrza River. As we explore these pristine habitats we may be silently — and unknowingly — watched by a Wolf or Lynx, both of which still patrol the forests, or perhaps come across a small herd of European Bison which are being increasingly recorded in the spring by our groups. Indeed, although birds will certainly take centre stage on this holiday, we will not ignore Poland’s wealth of other wildlife which should include Elk, European Beaver and perhaps Wild Boar, plus an interesting variety of butterflies, dragonflies and plants.

We begin our holiday with a flight to Warsaw from where we will drive east to the Bialowieza Forest, close to the Belarus border. This forest complex covers a total of 1,250 square kilometres of land straddling the border of Poland and Belarus. Of this, 580 square kilometres lie within Poland and hold some of Europe’s last remaining true primeval lowland mixed forest. It is home to over 200 species of birds and one of Europe’s last herds of Wisent, the rare European Bison. Other mammals include both Lynx and Wolf although we would be very fortunate indeed to find either of these. During our 4-night stay here we will visit the famous Bialowieza National Park, 47.5 square kilometres of magnificent untouched lowland forest. The swampy alder woods, old limes, oaks and hornbeams are truly impressive and important enough to have earned its selection as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. In the spring, the forest will be alive with the drumming of woodpeckers, White-backed and Black included, and the songs of a wide variety of other birds.

We will also explore the vast managed forests, home of such species as Pygmy Owl, Three-toed Woodpecker, Nutcracker and the elusive Hazel Grouse. The marshes and meadows surrounding the Narweka River hold a healthy population of Corncrakes, together with Lesser Spotted Eagles, Common Rosefinches, and Barred, River and Marsh Warblers, whilst a walk around the ‘Palace Park’ should add Thrush Nightingale, Icterine Warbler and Wryneck to our list. If there is one family of birds that epitomises the Bialowieza Forest for birdwatchers then it has to be the woodpeckers, and with careful searching we have every chance of leaving with sightings of no less than eight species — Green, Grey-headed, Black, Great Spotted, Middle Spotted, Lesser Spotted, Whitebacked and Three-toed — an impressive tally to rival any site in Europe!

We will then head north-west to our base for the latter part of the holiday, the Biebrza Marshes. En route we will visit Siemianówka Reservoir, a superb area of open water and marshes formed by the damming of the River Narew. Both Red-necked and Black-necked Grebes are common on the water, whilst over it hunt all three marsh terns (Black, Whiskered and the beautiful White-winged Tern). Continuing north-west we will stop for lunch on the edge of the Narwianski Landscape Park where the meandering Narew River has created a maze of reedfringed backwaters and flooded meadows, home to flocks of Common Cranes, breeding Black-tailed Godwits and numerous Marsh Harriers. From here it is only a short drive to our second base in the heart of the Biebrza basin.

The Biebrza Marshes extend along the meandering River Biebrza between the towns of Augustów and Lomza. This vast area, a mosaic of marshes, ponds, wet meadows, reedbeds and alder woodlands, makes up the largest continuous expanse of riverine marshland left in Europe. If Bialowieza conjures up visions of woodpeckers then, for the birdwatcher, Biebrza brings to mind pictures of Great Snipe and Aquatic Warbler. At dusk the Great Snipe move onto their lek site and during at least one evening we too will move in to watch the display unfold. Indeed, at this site there will be the opportunity to see all three European species of snipe — Great, Common and Jack — plus their close relative, the Woodcock. We will also search the sedge beds and wet meadows for Aquatic Warbler and during our stay in the marshes hope to see such species as Great Reed, River, Savi’s, Grasshopper and Marsh Warblers, Bluethroat, Penduline Tit, Black Grouse, Spotted Eagle, Bittern, Crane, Little Crake, plus breeding Ruff and White-winged Tern. Elk are also common in the marshes and we will have every chance of finding one of these magnificent cervids before being forced to head back to Warsaw for our flight home.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Fly Warsaw and overnight Bialowieza

Day 2/4

Bialowieza Forest

Day 5/7

Biebrza Marshes

Day 8

Transfer to Warsaw and fly London

Download Full Itinerary

What's Included

What's Included?

Flights
Accommodation:
We stay in comfortable east European hotels, each room with private facilities.
Food:
All meals are included in the price.

Reviews

Seeing the landscapes and wildlife of Eastern Poland was magical. Seeing European Bison and Elk was a highlight and walking around the primeval forests of the Bialowieza area was special. The birdlife was of course spectacular and the one advantage of being with a group of birders was that we saw and identified many more species than we might have imagined. Trip Leader Luca Boscain was very capable he and Piotr the local guide made a good team. There was no doubting Piotr's enthusiasm and knowledge on the birds of the region which resulted in some of our longer walks tracking down an elusive bird or two. The Naturetrek office was really helpful in booking hotels and providing information on the trains in Poland, for our extension of the trip to Gdansk.
D.W. Kent, May 24
I waited almost 26 years after reading about the Poland & the Bialowieza Forest in the Financial Times. Well worth the wait. Luca is genuinely one of the nicest people I have ever met. His knowledge, enthusiasm and personality was unbelievable. I can't recall the last time somebody impressed me so much in such a short period of time. Piotr was also very impressive. As enthusiastic and a great bird spotter. The sites we visited were amazing. We saw most of what I hoped to see and would thoroughly recommend the trip.
H.C. Essex, May 24
The vastness of the unspoiled areas of forest and marsh was unexpected and a joy to behold. My highlights were the sightings of Citrine Wagtail, Pygmy Owl, Aquatic Warbler, White-tailed Eagle (close overhead on some occasions), Bison and elk. There were many other fabulous experiences. Both of the hotels did their best for us and were as good for such remote areas. They were impeccably clean and served us well. At the second hotel, we sat in the superb garden, watching red-backed shrikes, hoopoe and a lesser spotted eagle which was a delight! Luca and Piotr are brilliant guides!
D.D. West Yorkshire, May 24

I loved exploring new places and the unknown of what we would see everyday was tantalising and exciting. We saw a Pygmy Owl, I love owls! Luca our tour leader was excellent. He is without a doubt one the best naturalists I have ever met and I cannot recommend him highly enough. He had extensive knowledge which he readily shared, and was always ready to find answers to questions. His good humour and patience and thoughtful manner shone through. He was always thinking of every detail to help us get the best from our trip and he balanced the different needs to the group exceptionally well I thought. Piotr our local guide was also excellent. He was so enthusiastic and energetic and worked incredibly hard to make sure we saw as many species of birds as possible. His knowledge was excellent and his local knowledge and connections seemed to open lot of doors for us. Having both these guides gave us plenty of options to determine the pace of our trip for ourselves as they balanced each other well. I enjoyed this trip enormously and would recommend it.
C.C. Devon, May 24

Another very good wildlife trip with Naturetrek, well organised to give every opportunity to see the unique wildlife of the ancient forests and the river basin in Poland...Our evening view of a lynx sitting on a forest path was magical! We were even completing our full list of woodpeckers in Warsaw just before boarding the flight for home! Our leaders were most impressive and in particular -Peter did everything to enquire our tour was so worthwhile.
A.C. Hampshire

Our guides were both excellent and knew exactly where to find the birds within a few minutes of leaving the coach. Lukas is very knowledgeable on Poland and its history and keep us very well informed throughout the journey. The driver was helpful, courteous, smartly dressed and provided us with lots of very welcome hot drinks.
R.G. Norfolk

Very knowledgeable leaders and the local guide made this trip amusing and interesting. I enjoyed the holiday very much…it was extremely well organised and executed…the guides worked very hard indeed to satisfy the groups appetite for seeing as many birds and animals as possible.
V.P. Berkshire

On this holiday the leaders showed a willingness to accept that clients have different degrees of knowledge, commitment, and stamina. I was especially pleased with the calm manner in which they dealt with individuals needs yet still maintained a high level of guidance with regard to the wildlife.
D.D. London

This is my third Naturetrek holiday and they have all been superb. Obviously a high level of research and preparation went into the tour and the range of birds we saw was fantastic.
R.G. Oxfordshire

The holiday was excellent. The sightings of birds were brilliant but the bonding within the group and leaders really made it special. Everyone got on so well together, the two leaders complimented each other with their knowledge. Members of the group also helped with spotting the birds, and ensuring all other members of the group got to see all the birds by sharing their scopes at all times.... I had a great time and would have been very happy to catch the other coach going to the Pension Unikat (accommodation) to start their holiday.
M.A. Kent

As always a brilliant nature watching trip at two centres. Close up Bison and Elk were obvious bonuses but the birds did not disappoint either with well over 150 species many of which not found in Britain. Prize spots include Pygmy Owl, Corncrake, Common Rosefinch, Lesser Spotted Eagle amongst others. Beautiful hotel setting in the marshes, with a host of species in hotel grounds and the pretty forest village full of great habitats. Accommodation great with good food and great settings. Very necessary tiring days with satisfied sleep at nine (couldn't stay awake any longer). Up at six to the sound of Thrush Nightingale. What more could we ask.
R.P. Hampshire

An excellent week's holiday seeing the birdlife and other natural history in Poland. We stayed at two centres in the east, firstly near the forests, then in the marshland further north. Accommodation was excellent, as was the the wildlife that could be seen at both bases. Besides the key birds it was wonderful to see Bison close up in the early morning dew and mist.
D.F. Norfolk

This was our first 'Bird Watching' holiday, until now we had been bird watching whilst on holiday and we were delighted with every aspect of the holiday. Out trip leader Paul Tucker... was brilliant, but even his wide knowledge was surpassed by Oliwier our local guide. His knowledge habitats and knowledge of exactly where to take us to view particular species was exceptional. There were highlights everyday, to be taken to a particular tree in 100 sq. miles of forest to find a Pygmy Owl unbelievable. We loved every minute and have already booked our next holiday. Hotels, food, transport were all first class. We cannot recommend Naturetrek too highly.
B.R. Buckinghamshire

Many thanks for a first rate trip, well organised by the leaders in the field to provide a great birding experience in congenial company. Hard to improve on.
Mr A. Suffolk

We did not know what to expect on this holiday or what the wildlife and nature would be like. We were very happy with what we saw and did. Peter Dunn our leader was excellent in every way and his knowledge of the areas visited and the wildlife were outstanding.
S.W. Cambridgeshire

Peter Dunn - first class, enthusiastic, interesting, caring and engaging. Great time all round - even the weather was wonderful!!
J.S. Cambridgeshire

The staff at Unicat in Bialowieski gave me some excellent vegetarian food even thinking that when it was sausage day at breakfast I got a cheese fritter. All evening vegetarian meals were varied and tasted great. Liked the Bartek hotel, especially its location and we had a nice room. Overall a great week.
J.F. Essex

Thought that the leader Peter Dunn was excellent in his management of the group and the itinerary. He worked well with the local guide and together they adjusted the itinerary according to the weather.
J.S. Warwickshire

Everything was well organised and enjoyable. The leaders worked trips well around the weather forecast so that birds were easier to see.
S.S. Warwickshire

Andrzej Petryna's local knowledge of the birds and other wildlife at both locations was really impressive, as were his ID skills. The relatively small group size (we were the 'overflow' group) was a definite plus, particularly when birding in the forest. Highlights were very good views of most of the European Woodpeckers (including four I've not seen before) and also 'filling the scope' views of two bison and a young elk. The habitats at both locations were terrific.
C.W. Essex

I enjoy watching birds, particularly seeing on holiday those which are difficult to see in England. I cannot identify bird song, and have difficulty in spotting birds and identifying some of them, so it was very satisfying to have a leader of the calibre of Peter Dunn who was very kind and patient in ensuring the group saw each bird before moving on. Przemek was excellent in showing birds through his telescope and was charming, cheerful and humorous. They were both very good in modifying the itinerary when the weather was adverse.
J.S. Nottinghamshire

Well organised from start to finish. A very competent tour guide worked hard in the interests of the group and communicated very well, sharing his enthusiasm & knowledge freely. The choice and location of the 2 hotels was excellent.
S.S. Leicestershire

This was my first Naturetrek holiday and I can't believe what I've been missing! The siting of the two hotels were perfect... I won't forget waking one night and listening to the bitterns booming and the marsh frogs croaking.
M.V. Northumberland

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Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Sat 10th May – Sat 17th May SPACES £2,745

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£2,495

Room sharing options:

If a customer on this departure has already expressed an interest in sharing a room it will be flagged here. We will identify if there are sharing options for male, female or both.

Male sharing available

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£175

2026

Departures Availability Cost

Sat 9th May – Sat 16th May SPACES £2,795

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£2,545

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£195

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The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:

Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar

Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
 

Our specialist recommends...


"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader

  
 
All Birdwatching Tours
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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire

Tour Reports

Tour report - May 2018

Tour report - May 2017

Tour report - May 2016

Tour report - May 2015

Tour report - May 2014

Tour report - May 2013

Tour report - May 2012

Tour report - May 2011

Tour report - May 2010

Tour report - May 2009

Tour report - May 2007

Tour report - May 2006

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