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WildWings, 577 Fishponds Road, Fishponds, Bristol. BS16 3AF.UK
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Saturday morning, and I met 17 participants on the WildWings Polish Bird Festival at Heathrow for our flight to Warsaw. Here we met another 14 participants who had flown in from Manchester, Paris and Germany and who had already met up with our Polish guide. The people from the Manchester flight were already one up on the group as they had visited a site for Syrian Woodpecker, and had good views of the bird.
We were transferred by bus to our hotel, a journey of about four hours, arriving just before dinner. Dick Filby, who had flown out earlier, met us at the hotel.
Sunday, our first day, and the weather was fine. Some people rose at the crack of dawn, but most had a lie-in. Before breakfast a short walk was taken from the hotel down the road to the nearby river and the Polish Bird Festival was officially underway. Getting us off to a good start was Black Redstart, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Red-backed Shrike, Golden Oriole, Hawfinch, Barred and River Warblers plus Thrush Nightingale.
After a hearty buffet breakfast and a short briefing, we were out into the field (or in this case, the forest) in our quest for woodpeckers. A nest site in the local Directors Park gave us Grey-headed Woodpecker along with Green Woodpecker (the rarest of the woodpeckers here) Wryneck, Collared Flycatcher, seven Cranes and several Icterine Warblers.
A little further afield at Budy Bridge, otherwise known as "Woodpecker Central", two nest holes held young Black Woodpeckers and incubating Middle-spotted Woodpecker - adults were seen at both. Collared Flycatchers were much in evidence here along with Hawfinch, Garden Warbler, Blackcap and Treecreepers. Lesser Spotted Eagle and a magnificent adult White-tailed Eagle were the star birds at this site.
Around the hotel Goshawk, Buzzard and two Black Storks were seen in addition to the nesting White Storks in the hotel grounds. An evening trip for owls had success with Pygmy Owl, but only heard Tengmalms Owl.
Mammals seen today were Beaver, Red Squirrel, Red and Roe Deer.
Monday was a lovely sunny day, and excursions went to the Central Forest for a "Dawn Patrol" and the Primeval, or Core Forest. The Central Forest people saw a Pine Martin as they unsuccessfully tracked Bison.
Today saw the first of two trips to the Primeval Forest. These "keep to the trail" walks with a local guide, Arek, last for about three hours and give a chance to see a unique remnant of the forest that once covered Europe. Three-toed Woodpecker at the nest, White-backed Woodpecker for some and Middle Spotted Woodpecker, plus Lesser Spotted Eagle, were the best of the birds, and the guide's knowledge of the forest and its history made it a fascinating walk.
Around the hotel Great Grey Shrikes and Rosefinches were new birds. Red-backed Shrikes, Icterine Warblers and Thrush Nightingales were everywhere and several flocks of White-winged Black Terns passed through. A White-tailed Eagle (possibly the same one seen the previous day at Budy Bridge) was over the hotel, being harassed by a Buzzard, before being escorted from the area by a pair of Lesser Spotted Eagles.
Tuesday was again a lovely day. The "Dawn Patrol" was out of the hotel by 4 a.m. and soon watching Beaver in the nearby Narew River. In the forest Red and Roe Deer and a lone Wild Boar were also seen. Lynx tracks, a couple of days old, were also found.
After breakfast half the group set out for the first of two two-day trips to the Bierbza Marshes. The rest of the group went to Lake Siemianowka, stopping en route for Roller (unsuccessfully), and Ortolan Bunting. On arriving at the north east corner of the lake, we saw large flocks of marsh terns, mainly White-winged, Black and Whiskered. With patience a few Black Terns could be picked out too. Garganey, Wigeon, Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Mallard were also here, whilst Marsh Harriers quartered the reed beds. Great White Egrets, Lesser Spotted Eagle and a displaying Honey Buzzard were other highlights of the morning.
We then moved to the south east corner of the lake, and after a packed lunch, began to search for Citrine Wagtail which were reported to be breeding nearby. Again here were large flocks of marsh terns. A pair of Penduline Tits were found nest building and the wagtails were eventually seen; the male, a brilliant vivid yellow perched invitingly atop a nearby bush. All this was overshadowed by a magnificent Great Spotted Eagle (a rarity here), as it circled quite low above us. This gave the opportunity to study the characteristics, which separate it from the more common Lesser Spotted Eagle.
Butterflies were out in some number because of the sunny conditions. Among the many Green-veined Whites, were Violet, Sooty and Small Coppers, Brimstone and Orangetips.
After dinner a short guided walk was taken into a nearby meadow, where a Corncrake was tempted to reveal itself.
Wednesday was cloudy and cooler. After heavy overnight rain, the "Dawn Patrol" made its way into a very wet forest. Our first sighting was a Hazelhen, which flew across the forest track and perched in a tree giving good views. From a tower hide at Kosy Most the sights and sounds were almost indescribable. The dawn chorus was in full flow with warblers, thrushes and orioles all singing, as Corncrakes added their 'crex crex' calls. Mist shrouded the river valley as a Roe Deer fed in front of, and below us.
In a nearby clearing a Nutcracker was found as it called from the top of a pine tree giving telescope views for the people who had braved the early start.
On the final trip into the Strict Reserve the nesting Three-toed Woodpeckers gave prolonged views. A host of warblers and flycatchers were found, but unfortunately Red-breasted Flycatcher, regularly seen here, evaded us. Lesser Spotted Eagle was also seen.
Every effort to find White-backed Woodpecker was being made and a trip into the forest at Hajnowka, although unsuccessful with the woodpecker, did have a pair of Green Sandpipers with chicks.
Around the hotel and in the Palace Park, birds seemed to be everywhere. The now 'usual' warblers (River and Icterine) and Thrush Nightingales occupied every bush and tree. Common Rosefinch with their "pleased to meet you" call had arrived in some number, while Red-backed and Great Grey Shrikes were in the meadow behind the hotel. A couple of Woodcock were flushed from here also.
At the evening snipe lek, about seven Great Snipe were seen puffing out their breasts and uttering their strange clicking calls, as they strutted their stuff in an effort to impress the females. Overhead, flocks of White-winged Black Terns passed by on migration and two Black Grouse were an excellent find.
Thursday was overcast and the coldest day of the week. The early morning trips were hampered by mist but one group did manage to see and hear Hazelhen, a difficult bird to catch up with at the best of times, but this year especially so.
After breakfast the group set out for Lake Siemianowka going to the north east corner in the morning. A search of the nearby forest for Hazelhen was unrewarding except for three Black Woodpeckers.
At the lake, although the marsh tern numbers were down on the previous visit, they were still abundant and some were showing signs of nesting. Twenty one Great White Egrets, an excellent count, were scattered among the reeds as an adult White-tailed Eagle patrolled overhead, all the time being mobbed by a pair of Marsh Harriers. A Canada Goose, rare in Poland, flew around with a couple of Greylags.
In the afternoon the group moved to the south east corner, to Seimieniakowszczyzna, and as we arrived the resident Citrine Wagtails were there to greet us. Soon afterwards a Great Spotted Eagle and a Lesser Spotted Eagle circled overhead giving us brilliant comparative views. The male Penduline Tit was still around but sadly the nest had disappeared.
The weather had turned really cold so an early start was made back to the hotel after a group decision was made to call in at the Palace Park. Here the weather was much sunnier and warmer, so a beer was taken whilst watching Tree Sparrows and displaying Serins. A walk through the park gave us Great Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatchers galore, Thrush Nightingale, Icterine Warbler and nesting Fieldfare. The evening "crake search" was unsuccessful.
Friday was hot and sunny. The "Dawn Patrol" had good views of Red and Roe Deer and prolonged views of a Pine Marten as it robbed a Starling's nest.
After breakfast trips were made to look for Hazelhen and woodpeckers. Hazel Hen was seen by a lucky few, but only Three-toed and Middle-Spotted Woodpeckers were found. Some people still had not caught up with White-backed.
In the afternoon, a trip went to Kosy Most to look for Nutcracker, but this was not seen. Barred, River and Icterine Warblers, Thrush Nightingale, flycatchers and Hobby more than made up for the disappointment.
In the evening a last trip to see Pygmy Owl was made and yet again Yessour, our Polish guide, was successful as he whistled a perfect imitation of their call.
Saturday, our last day in the field, and again the weather was fine and sunny. An early morning mammal trip was made seeing Red and Roe Deer, but still bison eluded us.
Some of the group made final efforts to catch up with Hazelhen and White-backed Woodpeckers, whilst others walked around the local parks for a last chance of seeing and hearing the birds that had become familiar to us over the last week.
In the afternoon, a successful trip was made to see the Rollers, and then in the evening we all attended the farewell party. This was held in the hotel grounds with a huge log fire, sausages on sticks and Polish vodka. We were entertained by Belarussian folk singers, some in traditional costume.
Sunday was the hottest day of the week as we made our way back to Warsaw Airport, stopping on the way at the park where a week before the Manchester contingent saw Syrian Woodpecker. Alas, it could not be found.
After a short and uneventful flight, we said our goodbyes and went our different ways, with 175 species seen or heard, this ended another successful Polish Bird Festival.
Marshes Report and Systematic Lists compiled by Barrie Staley
A Report on a visit to Biebrza Marshes 17th-18th May 2007
Two separate groups visited the marshes during our week in Poland; this is a report of the visit made by the second group and includes the excursion to an Aquatic Warbler breeding reserve. For many, this two day excursion to the Biebrza and Narew marshes was one of the highlights of the week’s holiday. The first group had returned very excited from a superb two days in the field, their undoubted highlight being the sighting of a Wolf.
As we set off in our mini bus after breakfast the skies were overcast and it was decidedly chilly and the weather remained like this all day. The Biebrza National Park is located in northeast Poland and was a three-hour drive from the Bialowieski Hotel. The north eastern boundary of the park is near the Belarus border and the Narew River and its confluence with the Biebrza River form the southern boundary. The park was established in 1993, and with a total area of approximately 60 000 ha, it is the largest of the Polish national parks. It is unique in Europe, particularly for its marshes and peat lands, as well as its highly diversified fauna, especially birds. We were fortunate to be accompanied by Tomek Cofta, whose knowledge of this fascinating area was exceptional.
We made our first stop after two hours travelling at Zygmunt August Lake near Knyszyn. Our target bird here was the immense and spectacular White-tailed Eagle. We glimpsed one as we approached the lake and then found several more; all sub-adults perched in lakeside trees. In total we saw at least 15 of these birds, including one full adult male, which was seen to catch a fish from the lake. Other raptors seen in the area included several Marsh Harriers and two male and a female Montagu’s Harrier. Flying around the far side of the lake were many White-winged Black Terns and amongst them were three first-summer Little Gulls. The reed beds held Savi’s and Great Reed Warblers, a Water Rail was heard and a Moorhen seen! In the area surrounding the lake interesting birds included Ortolan Bunting, Woodlark, White Stork and Red-backed Shrike.
Moving on from the lake we soon reached a small quarry outside the town of Tykocin. Tomek led us to a high vantage point overlooking the quarry, where to our delight we found six European Bee-eaters perched on wires. This was the only third year this species had attempted to breed at the site and we were very fortunate to have been shown one of Poland’s rare breeding birds. Another good find here was a Tawny Pipit, which showed very well, as did a Wheatear and a Whinchat. Our mammal list got underway here too, with a Brown Hare being seen on the base of the quarry.
We took lunch overlooking a roadside marsh at Laskowiec amidst a chorus delivered by Fire-bellied Toads, Marsh Frog and Edible Frog. Here we had stunning views of many White-winged Black Terns, a species that must be high on everyone’s list of most attractive birds, and smaller numbers of Black and Whiskered Terns. A few waders were seen, Common Snipe, Redshank and Black-tailed Godwits, whilst singing “nice to see you” close to the bus was a superb male Common Rosefinch.
Our first stop after lunch was to see the very rare Aquatic Warbler at Bagno Lawki. Thomas led us along a short boardwalk into an expanse of low sedge grasses. From the boardwalk we enjoyed amazingly close views of these globally threatened birds, which were singing from all around us. A pair of Montagu’s Harriers was seen, while close to the bus we all managed ‘scope views of a Savi’s Warbler, which rather unusually, was singing in the open. We then drove a short distance down the road so that we could view the area from an observation tower. During our short stop three Cranes were seen close to the tower, plus Red Fox and Roe Deer.
We then visited another viewing tower at Osowiec, which overlooked a huge expanse of grassland and marsh. Once again there were large numbers of marsh terns present. It was here that we found several species of waterfowl, Pochard, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Gargeney, Gadwall, Mallard and Greylag Geese with goslings all being seen. The best sighting here though was an Elk, found by Richard, grazing in the distance. Everyone managed to see this scarce mammal before it disappeared behind some trees. Our final stop of the day were made by the River Biebrza, close to our hotel for the night in Goniadz. Yet more marsh terns in large numbers, White Storks and a single Black Stork were the highlights. Our hotel was wonderfully appointed with superb views over the marshes from the garden. The day had been long and we were all ready for our dinner, which was served in a large timber building in front of a very atmospheric open fire.
Those that ventured out early on the second day were treated to some great birding from the hotel garden. The small copse next to the garden was alive with bird song, which included several warblers, Golden Oriole, Thrush Nightingale and Common Rosefinch. Several Marsh Harriers were seen, plus a male Montagu’s Harrier, Goshawk and Hobby. Over the marshes amidst the huge numbers of White-winged Black Terns were a few Black and Whiskered Terns, five Mute Swans flew by as did a female Gargeney. In the hotel garden were White and Blue-headed Wagtails and several Fieldfares. It was a wonderful way to start the day.
After breakfast we went to another area at Osowiec, where out target was Bluethroat. This species proved more difficult to see than anticipated, although Tomek did explain that is normal after young have hatched as the birds are not territorial. Eventually we all saw a fine male of the white-spotted form well, but the wait for longer views not rewarded for many. We did however find a good selection of warblers, including Marsh and Savi’s Warbler, and some heard a Penduline Tit. We were to find out later that there was a Penduline Tit’s nest at the site. As ever in the marshes there were plenty of Marsh Harriers present but a real bonus was the sighting of a White-tailed Eagle. During our visit here the sun finally broke through and in the warmth the first butterflies of the trip, Small and Green-veined Whites and Orange Tip were seen. We made a short stop at a large grassland area at Mscichy where we found a Lesser Spotted Eagle, Hoopoe, a very close Crane and a rarity in these areas, a Kestrel. The butterfly enthusiasts were treated to the sight of a few Swallowtails, although these were quite distant.
Late morning and early afternoon were spent overlooking the River Biebrza at Brzostowo and Burzyn. The former site, which overlooked a large island in the river, provided arguably some of the best birding of the trip. In addition to the large numbers of marsh terns we also found Common Terns and a lone Little Tern. However it was waders that provided the most interest. Ruff were common, with the males exhibiting different colours of breeding plumage, whilst there was also a good variety of passage waders, which included Little and Temminck’s Stints, Ringed Plover, Redshank, Spotted Redshank, Common and Wood Sandpipers and Turnstone. Careful scanning of the reeds behind the far bank of the river revealed a flock of at least 30 Cranes. It was here that most of the group caught up with Moorhen, a scarce bird in Poland. A short stop at nearby Burzyn proved to be a bit of an anticlimax, however Len came up with the goods when he found two more Elks.
We stopped for a very late lunch in a small village called Waniewo in the Narodowe Park. Here we were treated to pancakes and homemade blackcurrant preserve, which were eaten whilst hot, before the meats and cheeses! We then took a trip by punt into the reed beds, most of us were quite nervous as we watched the local villagers baling out water from them before we stepped gingerly aboard. As we drifted silently along the narrow channels in convoy we heard Sedge, Savi’s and Great Reed Warblers singing from the surrounding reeds and had great views of Black-tailed Godwits. We also floated past a European Beaver lodge, but unfortunately the Beavers were not to be seen. This was a wonderful finale to two superb days birding in some of the best habitat in Eastern Europe. We then headed back to the Bialowieski Hotel, with the raptor spotters in the bus picking up two male Montagu’s Harriers and a Lesser Spotted Eagle, before arriving at 6.30pm in time for a well-earned evening meal.
