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Nazwa
Booking form
Level of fitness required
low
- staying in hides 5-12h
- high temperatures in the hides in June
Possible inconveniences
Spring wildlife of Bialowieza, Poland
Tour details
From April to June, a real explosion of nature takes place in the Bialowieza Forest. After several months of dormancy, all forest animals become very active, and most of them mate during this time.This is a good time to photograph spring raptors: Lesser Spotted Eagle and Marsh Harrier, which, after returning from their wintering grounds, feed intensively and chase away intruders from their territories. Eagles usually feed in pairs, and they are often accompanied by hawks and buzzards. Pygmy owls slowly mate and occupy nesting holes. At the turn of May and June, offspring appear in nests and burrows. They are intensively fed by their parents, who prepare their young to start an independent life.
To sum up - spring in the forest is a mine of various photographic topics.
Species which can be photographed during this trip:
birds: Common Buzzard, Crane , Goshawk, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Greenfinch, Flycatchers (May, June), Hawfinch, Lesser spotted Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Pygmy Owl, Sparrowhawk, Three-toed Woodpecker (June, if we find a good location), White Stork, etc.
mammals: European Bison, Red Squirrel, also possible: Red Deer, Roe Deer, Elk, Red Fox, Pine Marten, Badger, Racoon Dog, Wolf
We will photograph wildlife from permanent and temporary hides, at drinking pools, during photowalks and photosafari. We cannot guarantee any of the species listed above. The success will depend on the weather and general wildlife situation which is different every year.
Hides:
Eagle hide: lesser spotted eagle, common buzzard, cranes
Riverside hide: common buzzard, goshawk, lesser spotted eagle, crane, small birds at reflection feeder/drinking pool
Deer hide: cranes, goshawk, red fox, red deer, bison, small birds at feeder, lesser spotted eagle, badger, racoon dog
Woodpecker hide: reflection pool and feeder with forest birds and red squirrel
Garden hide: reflection pool and feeder with forest birds and red squirrel
Options:
- temporary pop-up hides if we find some good localities (eg. three-toed woodpecker in June) (incl. in the price)
- Biebrza Marshes trip with beaver boat trip and Elk safari and 1 night accommodation there (extra paid)
Day 1 - arrival at Warsaw airport, transfer to Bialowieza village, 250 km, ca. 3-4h drive, dinner and briefing
Day 2 - early morning Bison safari (searching for European Bison and other wildlife), breakfast + packed lunch, afternoon hide session, dinner
Day 3 - early morning Pygmy Owl walk, breakfast + packed lunch, afternoon hide session, dinner
Day 4 - packed breakfast, hide sessions with a midday break, dinner
Day 5 - early morning Pygmy Owl walk, breakfast + packed lunch, afternoon hide session, dinner
Day 6 - breakfast- guided walk in the old-growth forest of the Bialowieza National Park (7km, 3-4h) or additional photosessions in your favourite hides, dinner
Day 7 - breakfast, departure to Warsaw airport
1350 €/person (deposit: 450€)
Price
Itinerary
- guiding
- hide usage
- airport transfers
- local transport
- accommodation and all meals
Included in the price
- personal insurance
- flight tickets
- alcoholic drinks
- all items of personal nature
Not included in the price
13-19 April 2024
2-8 June 2024
Available dates
Bialowieza Forest
Location
lesser spotted eagle, pygmy owl, crane, three toed woodpecker, flycatchers etc.
Main topic
min 4, max 8
Number of participants
Guides
Marek Kosiński, Marian Batura
B&B in Bialowieza, twin/double rooms with bathrooms; single rooms with limited availability, a supplement of 20 Euro/person/night needed
Accommodation
all meals according to the itinerary
Meals
- lenses from 100 to 500mm
- tripod with detachable head
- good hiking boots or rubber boots
- dark, non-rustling clothing
- warm clothes for chilly mornings
- insect repellent (June)
- snacks for hide sessions
- powerbank
Recommended equipment
local: 4x4
airport transfer: minibus
Note on the airport transfer: We offer only one airport transfer (both directions) for the whole group by minibus. Approximate departure time from the Warsaw Chopin airport: 14.00. On the last day your flight home should not be earlier than at 15.00.
Transportation