SLOVAKIA - MOUNTAIN FORESTS TOUR

A spring birding tour to Hungary and Slovakia focusing on Europe's 9 resident species of woodpecker and some sought after forest owls. In addition the Slovakian section of this tour sees us in areas where Brown Bear, Wolf and Lynx reside. Though these large carnivores are not uncommon they are often ellusive and difficult to observe though there is a good chance of finding some of the tracks and signs they leave.

Outline itinerary
Day 1. Fly to Budapest where the tour begins. Drive north-east to the broadleaved forests of the Bükk Hills (2 hours), birding locally after arrival. Eight species of woodpecker are possible hereabout, as well as Eastern Imperial Eagle. Night near Eger.
Day 2. All day in forests, clearings and settlements of the Bükk Hills National Park. Priorities here will be White-backed Woodpecker and Ural Owl. Night as above.
Day 3. After breakfast drive north into Slovakia (2 hours) birding on way and locally after arrival in the spruce forests of the Volovske Mountains. The key species here is Three-toed Woodpecker, as it does not occur in Hungary. Other targets are Pygmy and Tengmalm's Owls. Night near Kosice.
Day 4. All day in the old forests of the Volovske Mountains, an area seldom visited by foreign birders. All Europe's woodpecker species are resident in this area as well as Golden Eagle and Hazel Grouse. More chances of the owls, too. Night as above.

Day 5. Transfer to the Slovensky Kras National Park. Birding on the way and upon arrival in this very scenice karst area. Besides woodpeckers this a good area for Eastern Imperial Eagle, Saker, Eagle and Ural Owls and Rock Bunting amongst others. Night in Slovensky Kras.
Day 6. All day in the various wooded habitats of the Slovensky Kras. Many of the woodpeckers and owls that are the focus of this tour are found here, too, so we once again have more opportunites to see them. Night as above.
Day 7. Cross into Hungary and the Aggtelek National Park. Most of day exploring this quiet region. By now we will have probably observed all of Europe's woodpeckers, the key owls and of course many other bird species on the tour, however if any have escaped us they will be the focus of our time here. Night at Aggtelek.
Day 8. Return to Budapest (3 hours) and flight home.

For more details, or to make a booking, contact us by email.