HUNGARY & SLOVAKIA - AUTUMN TOUR

This tour offers a great chance to see the autumn spectacle of the Common Cranes, Red-breasted Goose, the endangered Lesser White-fronted Goose and Great Bustard.

The Great Plain of south-eastern Hungary is a wide expanse of level puszta (prairie) drained by the Tisza River. The Great Hungarian Plain was part of an inland sea millions of years ago and even today many plants that are normally associated with coastal areas grow here. Great Bustards are resident in the grasslands of the puszta. In addition to Crane migration we will experience wader migration with Dotterel as a target bird.

The most difficult bird of this tour is the Hazel Hen, always hidden bird in the deep Slovak forest. Autumn is the best time to search for it, as it is the only period when it is possible to attract it using a special whistle. This bird is one of the most difficult to observe in Europe and it may take us several hours to find it even with the assistance of our local guide.

The next target in Slovakia, is the Pygmy Owl, also very good for autumn observation. The East Slovak forests are also full of woodpeckers (all of the European ones occur), and there are good chances of seeing Saker Falcon and Imperial Eagle away from their nesting areas. In both areas experienced local guides will accompany us.

Accommodation on this tour will be in three star hotels throughout.