Hidden Hungary in Spring

Hungary is a scenic land of wooded hills and endless flat plains, dotted with reed-fringed lakes and intersected by one of Europe’s great rivers, the mighty Danube. With such a variety of landscapes and habitats on offer it is not surprising to learn that Hungary is also one of Europe’s very best wildlife destinations, in particular for its abundant and varied birdlife. Late April to early May is an exciting time in Hungary’s avian calendar, as resident species are joined by migrating waders, warblers and raptors on their way north, filling the woods with choruses of birdsong. During this tour we will journey through of some the country’s most picturesque ‘Magyar’ landscapes, from the forested Bükk National Park in the east, to the lowland steppe, grassland and farmlands of Kiskunság National Park. Aside from its avifauna, Hungary also has much to offer in terms of butterflies and other wildlife. Not only a spectacular country rich in nature, culturally Hungary boasts a wealth of folklore, as well as being famed for its full-bodied wines and hearty food. With all this on offer throughout the tour we will sample authentic Hungarian cuisine!

Having flown to Budapest, the capital of Hungary split in two by the Danube, our first destination is Bükk National Park for the first 2 nights. The Bükk is characterised by dense broad-leaved forests, traditionally farmed fields, flowering meadows and vineyards. This is the best area in the country for Ural and Eagle Owls, and no less than nine species of woodpecker are present for potential sightings, including the rare White-backed Woodpecker. It is also facilitates the breeding of bountiful birds of prey including Goshawk, Eastern Imperial, Short-toed and Lesser Spotted Eagles. There will be many conspicuous birds to enjoy such as Woodlark, Red-backed Shrike, Black Redstart and Barred Warbler to name but a few.

We then head to the northern part of Kiskunság National Park for the next 2 nights. This tranquil lowland region of steppe, sandy dunes, farmland and wooded copses is one of Hungary’s most important areas for the Great Bustard, which we will hope to see in full display! Collared Pratincoles also  breed here, whilst ponds and gravel pits attract all three marsh terns, plus Red-crested Pochard and Ferruginous Duck. Fringing reedbeds are home to Moustached, Savi’s and Great Reed Warblers, whilst overhead there are hunting Montagu’s Harrier, Saker Falcon and Red-footed Falcon. European Roller and Lesser Grey Shrike dot the roadside wires and we can also expect to see Hoopoes, Golden Oriole and Bluethroat here as well.

We then head to the centre of Kiskunság National Park for the final 3 nights of the tour, where we will split our time between hides and birding the nearby ponds and wetlands. Arguably the hides will be the highlight of the tour, as we will have access to a series of them that afford incredibly close views of many species including colonies of Red-footed Falcon and European Bee-eater. Whilst we will not be there in the early morning and evening for the best light, the opportunities for photography at close range will be available, or to simply spend the time quietly watching the birds going about their business. Species that either nest within the vicinity or regularly come into the feeders and baths include European Roller, Hoopoe, Middle Spotted and Black Woodpecker, Turtle Dove, Yellow Wagtail, and Nightingale as well as more common woodland and grassland species). In the wetlands we can expect to see raptors such as Eastern Imperial and White-tailed Eagle, herons, egrets, terns, warblers singing in the reedbeds and waterfowl.

With our holiday at an end we will return to Budapest. From here you can either complete your journey home or perhaps consider extending your stay with a couple of nights in Hungary’s attractive and vibrant capital.

This is not a photography focussed holiday, but rather a great opportunity to see many of the key Eastern European species that Hungary has to offer, with the likelihood of some great images for those that wish to bring a camera.