Private Primeval Forest & Marshes, May 2024
Tour Leader: Marta Świtała
Participants: François, Iris, Sylvain, François, Marguerite, Christine, Patrice, Dorinne, Philippe, Kristin, Pascal & Alessandra (CH)
Text and photos by Marta Świtała
In the Biebrza Marshes, we had several encounters with elk (moose) from the ground. However, during our balloon trip, we managed to see many more, including females with their freshly born calves. One evening, we had a great time with a superb encounter with beavers – up to six individuals at one time – scratching themselves, playing, and eating branches. We also had special moments on the boardwalk, watching a Short-Eared Owl hunting in flight, accompanied by the songs of the Aquatic Warbler and the Corncrake.
At the fishponds, we enjoyed sightings of Whooper Swans, White-Tailed Eagles, Red-Necked Grebes, Penduline Tits and Little Crakes. Throughout the trip, we saw nine species of woodpeckers, including Three-Toed, Middle Spotted, and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, some of which were feeding their young in nest holes. River Warblers, Rosefinches, and Red-Backed Shrikes accompanied us almost everywhere. In Goniądz, we were lucky to find a male Greenish Warbler singing on the hotel grounds.
In the Białowieża Forest, we enjoyed the wild, natural forest and its inhabitants. We had nice sightings of Lesser Spotted Eagles, woodpeckers, and flycatchers, including beautiful Red-Breasted and Collared males showing off. Of course, we also saw the king of this forest—the bison, with young males spotted in a couple of places.
At Siemianówka Lake, we saw a lovely male Citrine Wagtail. While watching the wagtail, a Greater Spotted Eagle flew overhead.
Please enjoy a small selection of photos:
