Slovakia – A long weekend for Owls and Woodpeckers
19 April – 22 April 2012
- Price per person: £430 (£50 single supplement)
- Deposit per person: £150
- Suggested flights: The low cost airlines Easyjet and Ryanair run flights to Budapest from several UK airports
This short tour is based in eastern Slovakia in the forested Volovske Mountains. This is an area few British birders visit but one our local guide knows very well indeed. Slovakia is essentially a land of mountains, some very high and rugged but this range, though vast is largely forested and less intimidating.
Selected target birds we will focus on finding include all European woodpeckers, Hazel Grouse, Ural Owl, Pygmy Owl, Crested Tit and Nutcracker.
These mountains are also home to large mammals such as Brown Bear, Lynx and Wolf which are however very difficult to observe, though we may find tracks and the signs they leave.
Day 1
The tour starts at Budapest Ferihegy airport. From here we head by road (about 3.5 hours direct) to the north-east and into Slovakia, as both countries are in the EU there is no border control. We will make roadside stops for birds such as we go and should see White Storks on nests in villages. After checking in and having dinner though who wish can make a short trip locally for owls.
Day 2 & 3
We have two full days to explore the forests and open areas of these fine mountains, mainly taking short drives and then walks on foot on forest trails. The terrain varies from flat to slightly uphill. All nine resident European woodpecker species are possible on this tour. The largest species Black Woodpecker, the smallest Lesser Spotted and Grey-headed Woodpecker are fairly common in the mature broadleaved forests. We will also visit specific places for Syrian, Middle Spotted and two rarer species White-backed and Eurasian Three-toed Woodpeckers.
Other birds include Black Stork, Goshawk, Golden Eagle, Nutcracker, Hawfinch, Willow Tit and Hazel Grouse, the latter is often tricky but we will try the best spots. Forest owls will also be high on the agenda and evening trips will be made for Pygmy and Ural Owls. If they are breeding (numbers vary from year to year) Tengmalm's Owls will also be possible.
Day 4
Optional birding before breakfast. Later we head for Budapest airport (about 3.5 hours) where the tour ends.
The cost is based on 2 persons sharing twin/double rooms which have en-suite facilities. Single rooms are available available for an additional supplement of £50 per person.
Half-board accommodation (breakfasts, packed lunches), ground transport by private bus, services of driver, local English speaking guides, and permit fees are also included.
This tour is run in partnership with our friends at Probirder, experts in Eastern European birding.
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