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
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - May 2023
- Tour report - May 2022
- Tour report - May 2019
- Tour report - May 2019
- Tour report - May 2018
- Tour report - May 2018
- Tour report - May 2017
- Tour report - May 2016
- Tour report - May 2015
- Tour report - May 2014
- Tour report - May 2014
- Tour report - May 2013
- Tour report - May 2012
- Tour report - May 2011
- Tour report - May 2011
- Tour report - May 2010
- Tour report - May 2009
- Tour report - May 2007
- Tour report - May 2006
Click to see moreClick to see less
Can I help you?
Poland in Spring
Tour Code: POL03An 8-day birdwatching tour focusing on two of Europe's most unique and precious habitats, the famous Bialowieza Forest and Biebrza Marshes.
£2,495 (Inc flights)
£2,245
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - May 2023
- Tour report - May 2022
- Tour report - May 2016
- Tour report - May 2015
- Tour report - May 2012
- Tour report - May 2018
- Tour report - May 2018
- Tour report - May 2017
- Tour report - May 2007
- Tour report - May 2013
- Tour report - May 2011
- Tour report - May 2011
- Tour report - May 2010
- Tour report - May 2009
- Tour report - May 2019
- Tour report - May 2019
- Tour report - May 2014
- Tour report - May 2014
- Tour report - May 2006
Click to see moreClick to see less
Can I help you?
Quick Enquiry
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.
Outline Itinerary
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
-
-
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
Dates & Prices
2024
Tour Leader: Luca Boscain
Luca is an Italian naturalist from Treviso. He started birding during his childhood and gradually became more and more interested in all aspects of nature, especially butterflies, reptiles and orchids. He spends much of his year exploring the varied habitats of the Adriatic basin, including the wetlands, mountains, islands, forests ... and much more! After graduating with an honours degree in Natural Sciences, Luca later became a nature guide. He has been guiding natural history groups since 2012, including Naturetrek groups in the Dolomites, Sicily and further afield since 2015.
2025
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.
EnquireTour Reports
- Tour report - May 2023
- Tour report - May 2022
- Tour report - May 2019
- Tour report - May 2019
- Tour report - May 2018
- Tour report - May 2018
- Tour report - May 2017
- Tour report - May 2016
- Tour report - May 2015
- Tour report - May 2014
- Tour report - May 2014
- Tour report - May 2013
- Tour report - May 2012
- Tour report - May 2011
- Tour report - May 2011
- Tour report - May 2010
- Tour report - May 2009
- Tour report - May 2007
- Tour report - May 2006
CLICK TO SEE MOREClick to see less
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
Related articles
In this article, we bring you some of our favourite tours to discover the delights of spring...