2003: Around 30 birds on Górki fish ponds, and about 10 pairs on Dojlidy fish ponds, where the elevated viewing points allowed good views of birds on their nests. A much smarter bird in full breeding plumage than the frozen pied winter birds that I am more familiar with seeing bobbing off the western coast of Scotland in December!
2004: Present at both locations in slightly fewer numbers, but then we did not spend as long in the same areas as previously at each site. Young chicks were seen on board adults at Dojlidy.
Little Grebe
2003: A couple of birds at Górki fish ponds. Possibly carelessly overlooked at Dojlidy, where I expected to see them amongst the more exotic grebe species there.
2004: Not recorded.
Great Crested Grebe
2003: Very common at Górki fish ponds, where hundreds of birds were present, and fairly common at Dojlidy fish ponds. Also noted on a small pond close to Kraków airport.
2004: Seen at the same sites, with an additional bird noted on Siemianówka Reservoir.
Red-necked Grebe
2003: Around five birds at Górki fish ponds and about ten birds at Dojlidy fish ponds. Again, it was very nice to see this species in its smart breeding plumage, and to observe birds on the nest at Dojlidy.
2004: Around half a dozen birds at Górki and a few at Dojlidy, with young birds in evidence at the latter site.
Cormorant
2003: Not a regular feature of the visited part of the Polish birdscape, although we did see one bird in the Biebrza region flying high over the Ełk River just north of Grajewo, while we were waiting at temporary traffic lights at some roadworks!
2004: Amazingly exactly the same experience, with just one flyover – this time over Górki.
Bittern
2003: At least two big boomers were calling out from the sparse reedbeds at Dojlidy fish ponds, which although thin and wiry as reedbeds go, were sufficiently impenetrable to easily hide a bittern. The Biebrza region is of course a bittern paradise, and we heard booms resonating out from the acres of suitable habitat at Kuligi Bridge, Mścichy and Barwik.
2004: Plenty birds heard once again. We heard two at Górki this time, and one was observed in the air at some distance, slowly descending. At least one was heard at Dojlidy, another at Siemianówka, and the closest that we got was one that boomed loudly in front of the hide next to the old fort west of Osowiec in Biebrza.
Grey Heron
2003: Hundreds of birds were seen at Górki fish ponds, including a presumably migratory flock of over 50 standing in a paddock adjacent to the ponds. Some of these birds had very skinny necks, looking confusingly like Purple Herons from a distance. Otherwise this species was surprisingly rarely seen, with one at Dojlidy fish ponds and a couple from the Brzostowo hide in Biebrza.
2004: Fairly common at Górki, but not in the crazy numbers of the previous year. Two were observed on the Nida River, a few at Siemianówka, but again this species was surprisingly scarce around Biebrza.
White Stork
2003: Gloriously characteristic bird of the Polish countryside, and fairly omnipresent in rural regions. Certainly commoner in the north-east, and often seen riding the thermals in the middle of the day. Most nests had youngsters during our visit.
2004: White Storks seemed even more widespread this year, with greater numbers than noted previously around Busko-Zdrój. Abundant as ever in the north-east with most nests holding a couple of youngsters, two of which were visible from our accommodation windows in both Kiermusy and Biebrza. Our record for one field was 17, near Sieburzyn.
Black Stork
2003: Two birds were seen in a mixed stork party on a field adjacent to Górki fish ponds. One bird was seen flying over the forest at Stara Białowieża, but we missed this species at Biebrza this time around (on a previous visit we saw several in flight in the Biebrza region).
2004: Once again two birds were seen at Górki, this time riding the thermals above the ponds. One bird was seen from our raft on the Dunajec River and a nest noted on the crags could possibly have belonged to this species. Two more were seen above the forest close to Pogorzelce and finally one was seen flying along the forest edge from the Gugny hide in Biebrza.
Mute Swan
2003: About 40 birds were present on the Górki fish ponds, but again this was a surprisingly scarce species, otherwise seen only at Mścichy in Biebrza National Park.
2004: Seen in small numbers at Górki, Kiermusy, Siemianówka and Brzostowo.
Whooper Swan
2003: Dojlidy fish ponds are a well-known breeding location for this species, and we saw four birds in total there, including one at a nest. All the birds at Dojlidy had rusty brown stained heads and necks, a feature I had not seen previously on winter U.K. sightings.
2004: Not recorded as we did not have time to check their breeding area at Dojlidy.
Greylag Goose
2003: Fairly common at Górki fish ponds (40-50 birds), and seen in reasonable numbers from the Brzostowo hide in Biebrza.
2004: Just two birds at Siemianówka Reservoir.
Mallard
2003: No surprises – the most widespread duck noted on the trip, although perhaps not the duck seen in greatest numbers. Common at both Białowieża and Biebrza.
2004: Quack quack.
2003: Fairly common at Dojlidy fish ponds, and about 15 birds seen at Górki fish ponds.
2004: Several at both Dojlidy and Górki fish ponds.
2003: Only recorded at Górki fish ponds, were around 15 birds were seen.
2004: Just a few this time at Górki.
2003: Only one bird at Górki fish ponds, probably a late migrant on its way north.
2004: Not recorded.
Garganey
2003: Fairly widely recorded, but only in small numbers. Two birds were flushed at Górki fish ponds, making a very polite dry “raspberry” sound as they took to the air! Mścichy held a small number of Garganey, and a couple were seen at Dojlidy fish ponds on our second visit.
2004: We enjoyed good views this time of several birds at Górki, and saw several distant small flocks at Siemianówka.
Pochard
2003: Hundreds of Pochard were present on Górki fish ponds, where it was probably the most abundant duck. They were fairly common at Dojlidy fish ponds (although in much smaller numbers) and a few were seen from the Brzostowo hide in Biebrza.
2004: Very common again at Górki where it was again the most abundant duck. Only a few at Dojlidy this time, and a lonely specimen from the Brzostowo hide.
Tufted Duck
2003: A fairly similar story to Pochard, with hundreds of birds at Górki fish ponds, and good numbers at Dojlidy fish ponds.
2004: Common at Górki and around 20 at Dojlidy.
2003: One bird was disturbed from a field at the back of Dojlidy ponds, taking to the air and offering great views as it circled overhead.
2004: Again one bird took to the air from almost the same part of Dojlidy ponds, expect that this time we were about a kilometre away and had to enjoy our views through the telescope as it was hounded by a cloud of gulls and terns.
Lesser Spotted Eagle
2003: Excellent views of this species were had around Pogorzelce, where it was seen on most days. Noted taking off from the edge of the river one evening, then seen again perched on a distant fence post, and finally soaring high over the village in the heat of early afternoon.
2004: Again Pogorzelce was the place – with up to two birds visible in the air above the clearing behind the village regularly throughout the day.
Marsh Harrier
2003: A common species across Poland, and definitely the most recorded raptor. Apart from regular sightings from the general countryside, about ten birds were seen at Górki fish ponds, several at Dojlidy fish ponds, and they were common throughout the Biebrza area.
2004: Again a common species throughout, with many excellent views enjoyed during the trip.
Montagu’s Harrier
2003: A fairly common harrier in the north-east of Poland, with several birds seen patrolling the reedbeds along the River Narewka north of Białowieża, and several seen around the Biebrza area.
2004: One bird west of Górki was eclipsed by a wonderful evening view of a pair tussling with a Marsh Harrier in the air, as they swept just metres from our viewpoint from the mosquito-infested hide next to the old fort west of Osowiec in Biebrza before dropping into the reeds to roost for the night. Easily my best ever view of this species.
Common Buzzard
2003: A fairly common raptor in both Białowieża and Biebrza, with good numbers recorded at both locations (always slightly disappointing given some of the more exotic alternatives that are around!). Several were seen soaring over the forest at Drugnia.
2004: Several sightings throughout, including single birds at Górki, Dojlidy and Siemianówka, and several birds from Białowieża and the Gugny hide.
Honey Buzzard
2003: I had hoped that we would see good numbers of this species, but only one bird was seen flying over the Dojlidy fish ponds on our first visit there.
2004: Not recorded.
Kestrel
2003: Another species that was a lot less visible than might have been expected, although a couple were seen in Busko-Zdrój.
2004: Again a bird notable by its scarcity, with several seen by the roadside. The only visited site where it was recorded was the Nida River.
Hobby
2003: Epitomising the poor raptor experience on this trip, this falcon was expected to be common, and instead was only seen once flying over the Skorocice Reserve near Busko-Zdrój (perhaps we were too early).
2004: Not much better this year, with just one bird seen during a lunch stop next to the Dunajec River after our rafting trip.
Grey Partridge
2003: Still a refreshingly common sight in agricultural areas, with at least five different groups observed at various locations on our travels.
2004: Observed on several occasions throughout the trip, including just outside Busko-Zdrój. We chased one pair down the road at Góra Strękowa and had one outside our bedroom window at Kiermusy.
2003: Not recorded.
2004: Heard from somewhere in the swathes of suitable habitat in front of the Gugny hide in Biebrza.
Corncrake
2003: Is it a bird, is it a frog, is it an enormous cricket? The surprisingly strong electric call of the Corncrake was commonly heard by day at several sites around Pogorzelce and the River Narewka, but of course no attempt to approach the noise, even to an apparent distance of some ten metres, had any results other than a deafening silence. Also heard at the Great Snipe lekking site at Barwik in Biebrza.
2004: This time all was quiet during the day around Pogorzelce, with the maddening buzz starting up late evening. We put in two evenings hard chase and once again came very close physically, but nowhere really close to actually seeing one. The crex-crex resounded in apparent mockery outside our bedroom window after the first evening’s failure. There’s always next year…
Pheasant
2003: Not the common birds of the British countryside, with several birds calling in the fields around Górki fish ponds being the only locality at which this species was picked up on.
2004: Again a low profile species, with a few birds seen in the fields around Busko-Zdrój.
2003: Not recorded.
2004: One heard squealing like a slaughtered pig from reeds at Górki.
Moorhen
2003: Strangely, the only place that we saw a Moorhen was the “beaver” pond in Białystok. I’m sure there were more out there to be seen…
2004: …maybe not – we saw one fewer this year.
Coot
2003: A common species at both Górki and Dojlidy fish ponds, where hundreds of birds were seen at each location.
2004: Again common at both the above locations, with several birds also seen at each of Siemianówka and Brzostowo.
Crane
2003: One of most memorable birds of the trip, not just for the sightings we had (three dancing at Dojlidy fish ponds, one flying over Pogorzelce, one wandering about the clearing at the forestry hut of Grzędy, a couple at Mścichy), but for their primeval calls (echoing hauntingly from the depths of the forest near Stara Białowieża and wailing at dusk near Grzędy).
2004: The top location this year was the Gugny hide in Biebrza, with a broad overlook on the flat Bagno Podlaskie, from which at least 40 birds could be seen. We saw some brief dancing and enjoyed the noisy arrival of a further group of six. We also picked out another pair in the telescope at Brzostowo, who were accompanied by two turkey-sized chicks.
Little Ringed Plover
2003: Around ten spinning around the muddy margins of one the fish ponds at Górki.
2004: Not recorded.
Lapwing
2003: A fairly common species of the Polish countryside, with birds regularly seen on areas of recently ploughed land.
2004: As above.
Dunlin
2003: A solitary migrant bird was observed feeding by the edge of one of the Górki fish ponds.
2004: Not recorded.
Little Stint
2003: Another Górki fish ponds species, with approximately 20 birds on one of the dried out ponds in the complex.
2004: Not recorded.
Wood Sandpiper
2003: A small flock of around ten Wood Sandpipers were seen feeding and flying around Górki fish ponds. These were presumably migrating birds.
2004: Confirmed. Not recorded this year on a later visit.
Green Sandpiper
2003: Five birds were seen at Górki, familiarly scuttling around the margins of an unattractive dry fish pond. More interestingly, we flushed a couple of birds from a dark pool in the depths of the forest on the northern edge of Czerwone Bagno, where they would certainly have been breeding.
2004: One bird flying over the Narewka close to Pogorzelce was our only record.
Common Sandpiper
2003: About ten birds were seen at Górki fish ponds, and token one or two at Dojlidy fish ponds.
2004: Several were noted from our raft on the River Dunajec, mainly on small pebbly islands in the river.
Redshank
2003: A few birds were noted at Górki fish ponds, and several were observed at Mścichy in Biebrza National Park.
2004: Just three at Górki this time, one near Osowiec and several from the Brzostowo hide in Biebrza.
Black-tailed Godwit
2003: One of those species that transforms itself in the breeding season into something pretty special – we saw one glowing pair at Górki fish ponds (possibly sitting on a nest) and several birds at various locations around Biebrza National Park.
2004: Still looking colourful in June, and picked up at several sites by call as they noisily flew overhead. Just one at Górki, several at the Nida River, one at Gugny and around 16 performing in front of the Brzostowo hide.
Curlew
2003: Just one bird observed in a paddock on the western side of the southern basin of Biebrza.
2004: Not recorded.
Whimbrel
2003: A single migrant bird was seen in a paddock adjacent to Górki fish ponds.
2004: Not recorded.
Great Snipe
2003: Three birds were seen doing the Great Snipe thing at the Barwik lek (wing flicking, occasionally leaping up into the air, but generally standing around doing nothing). A fourth bird was seen flying over the marsh as we made our way home.
2004: Not recorded – we were too knackered to repeat last year!
Snipe
2003: Less exotic, but arguably more spectacular than the much lauded Great Snipe in their aerial displays, which were in full splendour above the marshes to the west of Białowieża and over Mścichy and Grobla Honczarowska in Biebrza National Park.
2004: A few at the Nida River and fairly common in Biebrza. Our best views were just north of Goniądz, where we enjoyed their aerial drumming displays from a tall viewing platform, and from the Gugny hide, where one was calling from a fence post. This sound was also very characteristic of our time at Grobla Honczarowska.
Ruff
2003: A trip highlight was my first encounter with breeding and displaying Ruff. About 50 were present at Górki fish ponds, where at least three males puffed themselves up and harassed groups of females. Ruff were very common all over Biebrza, but although we failed to locate a big lek that we were drawn a mudmap for, we did have a distant view of 15 birds puffed up like a bunch of multicoloured ground melons from the Aquatic Warbler lookout tower on Grobla Honczarowska.
2004: To our dismay this species was almost invisible on our later visit. Just one miserable reeve at Brzostowo.
Black-headed Gull
2003: A common species in all expected places, with the most spectacular being the vast noisy colony on one of the Dojlidy fish ponds. This colony was being bravely explored by two Polish biologists on our first visit, who had erected mobile hides and were measuring egg sizes – not a job for the faint-hearted or sensitive of ear.
2004: Common and widespread.
Yellow-legged Gull
2003: A few large first/second summer birds seen poorly at both Górki and Dojlidy fish ponds were assumed to be migrants of this species.
2004: A few mystery gulls were seen in the distance at Górki, but birds seen on the River Dunajec looked very like this species.
Little Gull
2003: Ten birds of this attractive species were seen at Dojlidy fish ponds on our first visit. Another small flock were noted over the River Narew as we crossed it on our return to Białystok from Białowieża.
2004: Not recorded.
Common Tern
2003: About 15 birds were seen at Górki fish ponds. They were fairly common at Dojlidy fish ponds, and observed on shallow platform nests in the midst of the Black-headed Gull colony.
2004: Only one definite recording from a small pond by the roadside about 40 kilometres south of Białystok.
Black Tern
2003: Observed both at Dojlidy fish ponds and in several Biebrza locations in mixed tern flocks with the following two species. Particularly large numbers were seen at Mścichy, and some were watched at close range from the Brzostowo hide.
2004: A common species around Biebrza and at Siemianówka. Interestingly, while the three tern species normally mixed in different levels of abundance, this species was never apparently the most dominant, and almost always the second most common.
White-winged Tern
2003: A gorgeous tern that was always present in slightly smaller numbers than the Black Tern, but made a mesmerising impression as they flapped casually over the marshes.
2004: Seemed much more abundant than during our previous visit, with vast clouds over the marshes north of Goniądz, south of Laskowiec and from Brzostowo, where in each case they were the dominant species. Seen in lesser numbers at Siemianówka and one bird was seen at Kiermusy.
Whiskered Tern
2003: The least striking of the trio and more common at Dojlidy fish ponds than in the Biebrza locations.
2004: The dominant of the three terns at Siemianówka, but never so in Biebrza, where it was most common at Brzostowo (but second to White-winged there). One small tern seen on the River Dunajec looked like this species.
Rock Dove
2003: Nothing particularly close to the genuine article, but Feral Pigeons were surprisingly the common agricultural pigeon of the Polish countryside, being seen in small flocks feeding in the fields almost everywhere we went.
2004: As above.
Stock Dove
2003: Just one sighting of a bird flying over the tower overlooking Czerwone Bagno at the southern end of the Red Trail from Grzędy, in Biebrza.
2004: Not recorded.
Wood Pigeon
2003: Fairly common in woodland areas, including the park at Busko-Zdrój, but much more of a bird of the deep forest than towns, with their deep and gentle calls a resonant memory of some of the remoter corners of Białowieża forest.
2004: Not a particularly visible bird anywhere except for the depths of Białowieża, where birds were seen regularly.
Collared Dove
2003: A fairly common urban bird seen frequently on our travels.
2004: As above.
Turtle Dove
2003: One only record of a bird heard growling from depths of an orchard in Kiermusy.
2004: One bird flushed from the roadside between Busko-Zdrój and Kraków.
Cuckoo
2003: A widespread Polish bird and fairly common everywhere. Heard on several occasions calling throughout the night – notably at Pogorzelce, where the nocturnal chorus of Cuckoo, Tawny Owl and Thrush Nightingale echoed from the cathedral of forest just behind our lodgings.
2004: Fairly common throughout, but particularly so in Białowieża where it was an almost omnipresent sound of the forest. We didn’t actually see many cuckoos, with the best views being at Górki and flying birds over the Narewka, close to Pogorzelce.
Tawny Owl
2003: Heard nightly from both rural accommodations that we used, with a chorus of several birds hooting back and forth around the fringes of the large forest clearing at Grzędy.
2004: Not recorded (surprisingly).
Nightjar
2003: One bird was flushed by day from the edge of a small forest pool in the forest to the west of the Bison Reserve in Białowieża. Several small birds escorted it safely off the immediate premises but we failed to relocate it.
2004: Not recorded.
Swift
2003: Common in all expected habitat, noted particularly around towns.
2004: As above.
Hoopoe
2003: Several birds were seen, but they were nowhere particularly common. One bird was seen flying over Drugnia in southern Poland, another was heard calling around Pogorzelce village and we had good views of a single bird strutting over Kuligi bridge.
2004: Again several isolated, but widespread, sightings. One bird was seen from our bedroom window at Kiermusy, another in flight just outside Busko-Zdrój, and several calling around Chojnowo.
Black Woodpecker
2003: A low profile species on this trip, except for in the forest at Czerwone Bagno, where we saw at least three separate birds during our pursuit of the Red Trail. One unmistakable profile was seen through breaking morning mist flying over the forest by the edge of the Narewka near Pogorzelce.
2004: Disappointingly there were no good views of this species. One bird clearly held territory in the forest just west of our accommodation at Pogorzelce and was glimpsed one morning, and heard on the subsequent one.
2003: Only one bird was noted, in Busko-Zdrój (forget all that glorious woodpecker habitat in the north-east)!
2004: A few more records than last year: one by the roadside south of Busko-Zdrój, one calling from the park in Busko-Zdrój, several in the grounds of Łańcut Palace, one heard at Kiermusy and one at Chojnowo.
2003: Not recorded.
2004: One bird on a tree next to the crosses at the eastern edge of Pogorzelce village. The same bird was seen on two consecutive evenings.
Great Spotted Woodpecker
2003: Despite all the glamorous alternatives in Białowieża, this species persisted as the default woodpecker and was common there. Also recorded from Górki ponds (1), Drugnia (1) and common at Czerwone Bagno.
2004: Again by far the commonest woodpecker at Białowieża, where numerous nest hollows were observed and noisy begging calls heard from the innards of tree trunks.(and the only species we saw in the strict reserve). Elsewhere we saw one at Kiermusy, several at Siemianówka and one at Chojnowo.
Middle Spotted Woodpecker
2003: Just two sightings of this pretty woodpecker. The first was in the depths of Białowieża, while I was trying to eat some lunch while being savaged by a pack of mosquitoes (a three hand job). The second was also in trying circumstances, this time during a torrential downpour during our march around the Red Trail at Czerwone Bagno.
2004: The only place that we saw this species this time was in the palace grounds at Łańcut where several birds were seen (or possibly the same bird on several occasions).
White-backed Woodpecker
2003: Despite being recorded at the edge of the Bison reserve on my last visit, this time we drew a blank on this species in Białowieża. We made up for this omission by seeing one in the Czerwone Bagno forest from the Red Trail.
2004: Not recorded.
2003: Not recorded.
2004: Prolonged views of one bird were enjoyed at Kiermusy, as it foraged in a hedgerow and flew between the trees on the edge of the garden.
Wryneck
2003: One of Europe’s truly great species. The only clear sighting of this species was the bird that called and hopped around the tall tree directly in front of one of the stores in Białowieża village. My viewing of this bird was further supplemented by several elderly crones who gathered around me while I sat on the kerb to observe it, and muttered things about people who come to Poland to watch birds and bison (that’s as much as my Polish could handle). One was also heard crying out from an orchard in Pogorzelce village.
2004: I was woken at 05.00 at Kiermusy by the distinctive crooning of a Wryneck from somewhere outside the bedroom window. An hour or so later it was seen in a small fruit tree in the garden. A second good view was had by the edge of the Narewka close to Pogorzelce, where it was also heard on another occasion. Another Wryneck was heard calling from the grounds of the Park Pałacowy in Białowieża.
Skylark
2003: A common and characteristic sound of the Polish countryside, and very much one of the iconic rural species.
2004: As above.
2003: Not recorded.
2004: Observed trilling away from some wires just outside Chojnowo village, and also heard elsewhere in the vicinity.
Sand Martin
2003: A common species around the Biebrza region, but not recorded from any of the other locations visited with the exception of Kiermusy, north-west of Białystok, where a small colony were breeding on the edge of a minor earth dam.
2004: Surprisingly not recorded anywhere except for a small colony in the sandy cliffs on the northern side of Góra Strękowa in Biebrza.
Barn Swallow
2003: Common throughout in suitable habitat.
2004: As above, with particularly good views enjoyed of the birds nesting in the eaves at Kiermusy who obligingly perched out on the dead tree on the residents’ patio. A spectacular flock of birds swept over Górki during our visit, thick in the air like evening mosquitoes.
House Martin
2003: Common throughout in suitable habitat. Definitely not “sparrows”, despite the assured identification by one couple as they watched them flit in and out of nests on an old Jewish synagogue in Tykocin near Białystok.
2004: As above, with an almost as impressive flock also over Górki.
Meadow Pipit
2003: Common in open grassland near Drugnia. The only other place where we recorded this species was Grobla Honczarowska in Biebrza, where they regularly frustrated us on the big Aquatic Warbler hunt.
2004: Several at the Nida River site and common in the open bog habitat seen from Gugny and Grobla Honczarowska, where once again they made hunting Aquatic Warblers a bit more exciting (there’s one up on that post.. oh... no.. it’s a pipit..).
Tree Pipit
2003: This was a fairly common species in Białowieża and the forest area around Czerwone Bagno, where location certainly assisted with the identification.
2004: A couple in clearings in Białowieża and fairly common in the mixed forest around Chojnowo, near Biebrza.
White Wagtail
2003: Widely recorded from most locations although never in large numbers except for Biebrza, where it was common.
2004: As above, with the most memorable one being the bird nesting in the roof of the tower by the roadside just south of Grobla Honczarowska.
Yellow Wagtail
2003: A colourful species often associated with Biebrza, but in fact only seen by us in good numbers at Mścichy, where try as we might we could not convert any into Citrine Wagtails.
2004: We enjoyed many good views of flava wagtails throughout the stay in the north-east. At Kiermusy they were nesting underneath the bridge, at Siemianówka one perched out persistently in front of the telescope, and on the western side of the Bagno Ławki in Biebrza they were fairly common.
2003: Not recorded.
2004: Common to the point of being abundant on the River Dunajec as we drifted downstream on our raft. I have never seen such a concentration of Grey Wagtails and it was interesting to see them using the full riverine habitat, often singing from high up in the forest canopy.
Wren
2003: Surprisingly elusive in this part of Europe, or perhaps it was the time of year. A few were seen along Żebra Żubra boardwalk in Białowieża and one was heard calling out from the forest in Czerwone Bagno. I think there are more in my garden than that…
2004: Similar story, so perhaps it was not chance after all. One bird was heard along the River Dunajec, but otherwise there were only a handful of other records, mostly from the strict reserve in Białowieża.
Dunnock
2003: Another species that appears to be commoner in a typical Twickenham garden than in Poland in May. We only saw two birds, singing from perches high on the tops of pine trees along the Żebra Żubra. Quite a contrast with the skulking terrestrial May habits of birds at home.
2004: Not recorded.
Robin
2003: Yet another low profile species in Poland – just a few birds recorded from various locations in Białowieża forest.
2004: Three birds were seen along the River Dunajec, and several more in Białowieża. Noticeably paler and dowdier than the typical Robins from the U.K.
Thrush Nightingale
2003: One of the standard sounds of the Polish countryside, and common in the north-east wherever there was suitable cover. Regularly joined the Cuckoo for nocturnal serenades. The nightingale heard singing in the fields to the south of Górki fish ponds was presumed to be this species, but further research needs to be done to establish whether Common Nightingale is possible there.
2004: This year two were heard at the Nida River, suggesting that the 2003 Górki record is likely to indeed be this species. Again common in the north-east, with one bird singing at Kiermusy, but many around Białowieża and Biebrza. They proved slightly more elusive than the previous year to actually see, especially around Białowieża, where they mainly sang at dusk and through the night. Henry failed to latch onto one, despite a few being nailed to trees for him.
Bluethroat
2003: Stunning views of one adult male were had on the bank of one of the Górki fish ponds. Another bird was heard in some willows by the edge of a particularly swampy section of the Red Trail in Czerwone Bagno.
2004: Another stunning view at Górki, where the only Bluethroat that we came across was holding territory close to the road and obligingly sang from the wires.
2003: Not recorded.
2004: Just one sighting (but that was one more than last year) from the palace grounds at Łańcut, where one bird was seen on the wall of the moat.
Black Redstart
2003: A bird that shuns all that lovely countryside for the security of gutters, tiles and piles of bricks. The garden pair at Busko-Zdrój were still hunting in the Omasta’s place, but had moved next door to nest. Also observed in similar habitat depravity in Kiermusy and Grzędy.
2004: Common in Busko-Zdrój, one at Łańcut, one at Kiermusy, and a few around Białowieża. My suspicion is that the longer you stay in any relatively urban area, the more common this species will appear!
2003: Not recorded.
2004: Birds were flushed from the edges of fields close to the road in Biebrza on two occasions: one just north of Brzostowo and one west of Chojnowo.
Whinchat
2003: A common species in the Biebrza region in areas of thinly scattered vegetation (of which there is much)! A few pairs were also present in similar habitat at Drugnia.
2004: One was recorded at the Nida River, several in the floodplain of the Narewka in Białowieża, and several at Siemianówka. They were again fairly regularly seen while driving around Biebrza, with the birds at Grobla Honczarowska also passing themselves as Aquatic Warblers, even occasionally making similar rasping churrs.
Song Thrush
2003: Fairly common in Białowieża, but not picked up in any of the other locations visited.
2004: Now we know where they all were – in the grounds of Łańcut Palace! They were astonishingly common here, outnumbering the Blackbirds. Several were also seen on the Dunajec River, another just outside Busko-Zdrój, two at Kiermusy, and they were very common this time in Białowieża, hopping around all over the tracks.
Mistle Thrush
2003: A few birds seen in Busko-Zdrój were the only records for the trip. Is it possible that they are out-competed by the following species in most of Poland?
2004: Several birds at each of Busko-Zdrój, Łańcut and Kiermusy.
Fieldfare
2003: A common and characteristic species of north-eastern Poland. Very much a city bird as much as a country bird, and one of the most visible species in Białystok. Also a fairly common bird in the parks of Busko-Zdrój. It does take some getting used to seeing so many birds of this species, and they had us fooled at first sighting on a number of occasions.
2004: As above. They were also very common in the south of Poland, and particularly abundant in the grounds of Łańcut Palace where a whole crčche of youngsters were hopping on the lawns around the palace itself.
Blackbird
2003: Common at Czerwone Bagno and fairly common at Białowieża. Also fairly common in Busko-Zdrój. My overall impression was that this species is less abundant in Poland than in the U.K.
2004: Fairly common in Busko-Zdrój, several on the River Dunajec, fairly common at Łańcut, one at Kiermusy, but very common in Białowieża, where this year’s visit was very much post first breeding.
Barred Warbler
2003: An A-grade warbler that was seen in a fruit tree in a garden in Pogorzelce village just at the point when I had abandoned all hope… Sufficiently large to almost give the impression of a small thrush, and strikingly plumaged. We didn’t see this species at any of the locations by the Narewka suggested in the literature.
2004: We had more sightings this year around Pogorzelce village and at the nearby Narewka access. A distinctively shaped warbler, which as a fieldmark we came to rely upon more than looking for a barred warbler, as all the good sightings we had were of females.
Garden Warbler
2003: A species that I am sure I constantly overlook. We did see one in the park at Busko-Zdrój, and another two birds were flitting around an area of recent regrowth in the forest close to Pogorzelce.
2004: Several were picked out amongst the Blackcaps in Białowieża, and several along the track to Grobla Honczarowska.
Blackcap
2003: Heard rather more than seen at a number of locations including Drugnia, Dojlidy fish ponds, Białowieża and Czerwone Bagno.
2004: More widely recorded than last year, with several at Busko-Zdrój, Nida River, Dunajec River (where they were common), Siemianówka, Grobla Honczarowska and Białowieża (fairly common throughout).
Lesser Whitethroat
2003: Possibly overlooked, as this is a garden species in Busko-Zdrój, where one was seen by the gate to the Omasta’s café. The only other noted record was in the vegetation along the track to was Grobla Honczarowska in Biebrza.
2004: We started recording this slender warbler a few more times once we had got its song sussed out. First seen in the grounds of Kiermusy, picked out in the Park Pałacowy in Białowieża, in the Bison reserve and several times along the Grobla Honczarowska track.
Whitethroat
2003: A common species in the Biebrza region, but elsewhere not such a high profile rural species as in the British countryside, with a only a few recorded at both Górki and Dojlidy fish ponds.
2004: Only one at Górki this year, fairly common at the Nida River, one at Kiermusy, a few at Dojlidy, a few at Białowieża, one at Chojnowo and several along the Grobla Honczarowska track.
Sedge Warbler
2003: A common warbler, bordering on the abundant in suitable habitat (such as both fish pond sites and almost anywhere in Biebrza). Superficial similarity to Aquatic Warbler makes it essential that first time visitors do sufficient research on these species prior to the hunt!
2004: Common again at Górki but apparently less so at Dojlidy (probably the time of day we visited). Also recorded at Kiermusy (one singing in the reed bed), a couple in the Narewka reedbeds near Pogorzelce, and several in various Biebrza locations.
Aquatic Warbler
2003: One of the prize species of any visit to north-east Poland. Hunting for this brighter and yellower “Sedge” Warbler proved to be harder than we had been led to expect, partly because of our lack of experience in recognising suitable habitat (preferring much lower and sparser sedge than Sedge Warblers), and rather tricky wind conditions when we did finally latch onto their distinctive call and habitat (the birds tended to sit close to the ground and call intermittently). However, after a few glimpses of (only) probable Aquatics at Mścichy, we managed to get good late afternoon views of a couple of birds at the classic Grobla Honczarowska location.
2004: Four seen well and up to ten calling at the Grobla Honczarowska site, with a few parachute display flights thrown in for good measure. They were much easier to spot at ground level than from the hide. Success needs patience, discrimination (there are a lot of other small brown jobs in the sedge) and quick scanning of the few small bushes that poke up above the sedge (these are often selected for quick scans by “singing” birds).
Grasshopper Warbler
2003: I have to confess to struggling to separate the calls of this species and Savi’s Warbler, casting a shadow of doubt over the identification of a few birds heard at Górki, Dojlidy and the River Narew in Białowieża. However my best guess from habitat and tone was that this species was present at Górki and Białowieża – I am told that it does not commonly occur at Dojlidy.
2004: One bird was definitely (albeit briefly) heard at Górki, and another from the Gugny hide in Biebrza.
River Warbler
2003: An amazing unmistakable mechanical machine, heard from several locations around Białowieża, and at Grzędy and Grobla Honczarowska in Biebrza. Although in this case hearing is believing, seeing is another matter altogether. Despite two birds simultaneously “sewing” in impenetrable thickets just a few metres on either side of the Pogorzelce road just outside Białowieża village, several efforts to observe them resulted at best in glimpses of moving sedge. Finally by the edge of the Narew near Pogorzelce we finally caught three birds in a more open area and some patient crouching in a mosquito infested ditch did offer superb close views of a male in full song just centimetres from the ground. But be warned – they are bland and difficult. A gloriously cryptic “little brown job” for connoisseurs only!
2004: Fairly common again around Białowieża, particularly between Białowieża village and Pogorzelce. The lessons of 2003 proved useless as after much crouching and grass stalking by the banks of the Narewka we realised that the River Warblers there were singing from the tops of trees this year! Certainly made life a lot easier… Also heard in Biebrza at Gugny and on the Grobla Honczarowska track.
Savi’s Warbler
2003: Wisely described in the Collins field guide as having a call similar to the Grasshopper Warbler “except that singer perches out in tall dense reeds”, which just about sums it up. Three birds almost certainly heard at Dojlidy, but one seen well at Mścichy, doing everything the field guide suggested.
2004: Only one fishing reel heard this year, from the hide opposite the old fort near Osowiec.
Reed Warbler
2003: Fairly common at Górki fish ponds, where we observed around 20 birds, almost double that of Great Reed Warbler. Interestingly however we did not note this species at any of the sites in the north-east, where Great Reed apparently becomes the “default” reed warbler.
2004: This species played second fiddle to Great Reed throughout this year’s visit, being fairly common at Górki and one bird being seen at Dojlidy.
2003: Not recorded (incompetent!)
2004: Fairly common at the Nida River, where we were able to tune into expected habitat and call, which set us up for the rest of the trip. Subsequently we had one on the banks of the Dunajec River, two at Kiermusy, and several around the banks of the Narewka close to Pogorzelce. One of the Narewka birds was a particular star, insultingly playing back Corncrake calls to us!
Great Reed Warbler
2003: Big bruiser warblers that were fairly common in suitable habitat at all marsh sites. Particularly evident at Dojlidy fish ponds, where the high embankments allow good views into the reeds, exposing the private lives of Great Reed Warblers to a greater extent than the more common glimpses of birds flying between reed patches at other sites.
2004: The commoner of the two reed warblers this year at Górki, probably because we explored a better section of reedbeds there than in 2003. Again common at Dojlidy, where excellent views were enjoyed of the eyeballs of singing birds through the scope. Also heard at the Nida River.
Icterine Warbler
2003: I had hoped that we would see more of this attractive songster, but in the end had to settle for just a couple of records from each of Białowieża and Czerwone Bagno.
2004: One of the main benefits of the later visit this year was an abundance of Icterines. They were garden birds at most locations we visited, including around Busko-Zdrój, Łańcut, Kiermusy, and Chojnowo. Fairly common in Białowieża and heard in several locations around Biebrza.
Willow Warbler
2003: A common warbler at the various Biebrza locations visited, but only recorded elsewhere in the open woodland near Drugnia and Dojlidy fish ponds, where several were in song.
2004: Several heard at the Nida River, common along the Dunajec River, one at Kiermusy, and several at Białowieża.
Wood Warbler
2003: This species was fairly common in Białowieża, but it was in the splendid woodlands at Czerwone Bagno in Biebrza where it was sufficiently common for its melodic trill to be described as a characteristic sound of the forest. Also recorded from the roadside in forest close to Busko-Zdrój.
2004: Heard along the Dunajec River, but otherwise only recorded in Białowieża, where all of its various calls became extremely familiar sounds of the forest.
Chiffchaff
2003: Several birds heard around the spas at Busko-Zdrój and at Dojlidy fish ponds, but a common species in Biebrza. Strangely I don’t recall records of Chiffchaffs from Białowieża, although this may be an oversight.
2004: One bird heard at the Busko-Zdrój spas, common along the Dunajec River, a few at Łańcut, one at Kiermusy, fairly common in Białowieża and several along the Grobla Honczarowska track.
Goldcrest
2003: As might be expected, familiar squeaks were heard in areas of conifer forest, fairly commonly at both Białowieża and Czerwone Bagno.
2004: Several were heard in Białowieża - the problem here of course is that the spruce trees are just so large that finding a Goldcrest is somewhat challenging.
Spotted Flycatcher
2003: Although this was a common species in Biebrza, it was the least recorded of the four flycatcher species seen in Białowieża, with only one observation in the three days that we were based around the forest. Also observed in open farmland near Kiermusy.
2004: A couple around the spas in Busko-Zdrój, very common in the palace grounds at Łańcut, several at Kiermusy, several in Białowieża (mainly in the strict reserve), and last (but far from least) a pair nesting under the stairs of our accommodation at Chojnowo.
Red-breasted Flycatcher
2003: A pretty and diminutive flycatcher whose call is easily learnt and readily picked out amidst the orchestra of sound that often fills parts of the north-eastern forests in Poland. We heard and saw this species well, close to the bison reserve at the start of the Żebra Żubra and at another inner forest location in Białowieża. We also heard at least three singing birds along the Red Trail at Czerwone Bagno.
2004: This species was heard at the same location as in 2003 at the start of the Żebra Żubra, but was too far into the forest to be seen this year. However at least four singing birds were heard in the Białowieża strict reserve, and glimpsed several times in flight before they melted into the canopy.
Pied Flycatcher
2003: Fairly common at both Białowieża and Czerwone Bagno (and elsewhere) in Biebrza, although it was perhaps the least visible of the latter three flycatchers present in these forests, often only glimpsed at a distance, or high up in foliage.
2004: Not recorded (amazingly), although probably heard along the Żebra Żubra,
Collared Flycatcher
2003: A fairly common species in Białowieża, seemingly absent from tracts of forest and then becoming locally common in patches, particularly to the immediate northwest of Pogorzelce. Similarly to Red-breasted Flycatcher, the presence of this species was easily determined by its distinctive song.
2004: Seemed to be much commoner this year in Białowieża, being seen throughout the forest and in particularly large numbers in the strict reserve. Nesting holes were noted in the strict reserve and in the Bison reserve and an occupied nest box at Stara Białowieża.
Great Tit
2003: Despite all those lovely trees everywhere, tits were surprisingly low profile throughout our visit. Probably this was a factor of season, as they have been much more visible on winter visits to southern Poland. Anyway, Great Tits were heard at Busko-Zdrój, and a few recorded at Białowieża and Czerwone Bagno.
2004: Seemingly paler and definitely sounding Polish, a couple were seen at Górki, the
Busko-Zdrój spas, Łańcut Palace, Kiermusy, Białowieża and a few along the Grobla Honczarowska track.
Coal Tit
2003: Similarly to the Great Tit, just a few birds were recorded in both Białowieża and Czerwone Bagno, with the distinct impression being left that there were rather more out there than we saw!
2004: One seen flying across the road near the River Dunajec and a couple seen in Białowieża forest, close to Pogorzelce.
Blue Tit
2003: Certainly a less common species than in the U.K., but again a few records from Białowieża and Czerwone Bagno. The one place where this species was common was on our brief visit to the Skorocice Reserve close to Busko-Zdrój.
2004: Seen around the spas in Busko-Zdrój, Łańcut Palace, Kiermusy, and Białowieża.
Marsh Tit
2003: And believe it or not, a few records from Białowieża and Czerwone Bagno… Actually my impression is that all four of the last species were all approximately equally abundant at these two locations.
2004: Several birds seen in Białowieża were our only records.
Willow Tit
2003: A new call learnt for me at Drugnia, where a mournful repeated whistle located one bird in the fringes of the open woodland there. Not recorded anywhere else.
2004: Heard in the margins of spruce forest at both Siemianówka and Chojnowo.
Long-tailed Tit
2003: One or two isolated records from Białowieża and Czerwone Bagno, but not an apparently common species in Poland, although again quite possible to overlook at this time of year.
2004: Just one party was glimpsed along the Grobla Honczarowska track.
Penduline Tit
2003: The place to see this species is Dojlidy fish ponds, but we managed to only hear several birds on the first visit there. The second visit was much more productive, where we tracked one down to a tall willow, where it was building a nest. We watched in fascination for some ten minutes as the bird intricately wove round and round the branches of the tree, tailor extraordinaire. This observation was a real highlight of the trip as I had only previously seen birds at completed nests.
2004: Having learnt the distinctive “peee-ooo” call of this species, we recorded it much more widely this year. We had records from Górki, Nida River (several), Dojlidy (several at nests) and Osowiec.
Nuthatch
2003: Definitely not the best time of year for Nuthatch hunting, but we did see a few birds tapping away in both Białowieża and Czerwone Bagno.
2004: Again just a handful of sightings from Białowieża, with half of them being from the strict reserve.
Treecreeper sp
Likelihood of species is
currently awaiting further research.
2003: Even harder to find in the dense foliage of later spring, but one bird observed in each of Białowieża and Czerwone Bagno proved to be our total Treecreeper experience for the trip.
2004: A couple of birds from the strict reserve at Białowieża were our only encounters.
Red-backed Shrike
2003: Slightly surprisingly this was not as common a “wire” species as we had expected throughout Poland. Only in Białowieża, especially around the village, was it common. In Biebrza it was notably scarce, with the only records from Grobla Honczarowska.
2004: A widespread “wire” species, so perhaps we were a bit early in 2003. Most sightings were from agricultural land, although we also recorded it in the grounds of Lancut Palace. Fairly common and surprisingly vocal in suitable habitat around Białowieża and Biebrza (particularly Chojnowo).
Great Grey Shrike
2003: Just one confirmed sighting of this species, perched on a wire (of course) on the track out towards the sewage ponds to the west of the park in Białowieża village.
2004: Noted on wires by the roadside on several occasions (twice between Busko-Zdrój and Kraków and once between Warsaw and Białystok).
Magpie
2003: Fairly common at Dojlidy fish ponds, but elsewhere only single birds noted at most of the visited sites.
2004: Fairly common and widespread in the south, with fewer seen on the north-east.
Jay
2003: Several birds in the main forest locations, Białowieża and Czerwone Bagno. Also a number of isolated sightings around the Busko-Zdrój region, including Skorocice Reserve.
2004: Two birds seen on the edge of Łańcut Palace grounds, one of whom was drinking in a fountain and a few from Białowieża.
Jackdaw
2003: Much more significantly than in the U.K., this is a highly visible urban species in Poland. Large groups of Jackdaws roamed the housing estates of both Busko-Zdrój and Białystok, and the birds were often extremely tame.
2004: As above.
Rook
2003: A common species throughout Poland and also a well urbanised species, being both abundant and relatively tame around the likes of Białystok.
2004: As above.
Hooded Crow
2003: Significantly less abundant than the last two species, and not a particularly urban species. A few birds observed at Górki fish ponds, and noted around Biebrza.
2004: Widespread, but never in numbers of more than one or two. Recorded at Górki and Kiermusy, but most sightings were from the road.
Raven
2003: Only a few records from Białowieża, where its deep croak was very much in tune with the mysteries of being immersed in one of Europe’s oldest forests.
2004: As above, with a couple of additional records to the south of Biebrza.
Starling
2003: Not exactly a characteristic Polish bird, but widely recorded in fairly small numbers in more open locations at most sites visited.
2004: As above, with a special mention for the birds that woke me up from the eaves of our room at Kiermusy and for the star on the roof of our accommodation at Pogorzelce who had Golden Oriole, Buzzard and even the rattling of White Stork’s bills as part of an immaculate oral routine.
Golden Oriole
2003: Very much a flagship species of the Polish countryside, although nowhere common, except perhaps around Biebrza. Of course being present is quite different from being visible, and most sightings were of birds on the move overhead. We also discovered that this species emits a peculiar polite screech almost as often as it carols the countryside with its joyful rolling song.
2004: As above, except that this year we had some brief, but excellent, views of birds in Łańcut Palace grounds and close to Pogorzelce (plus all the slipping away flight views), as well as being serenaded during dinner at Goniądz. Otherwise regularly recorded in suitable habitat.
House Sparrow
2003: A common urban species in Poland.
2004: As above.
Tree Sparrow
2003; Fairly common and widespread in open countryside, and recorded from most of the visited sites.
2004: As above, and particularly common at Górki, Nida River and Dojlidy.
Chaffinch
2003: Despite all the exotic species present in the depths of Białowieża forest, this is by far the most abundant species in the woodland there. So much so, that at times the forest seemed to comprise almost solely this species. Chaffinches were of course common at other locations, but never in such numbers.
2004: As above, except that it is probably worth singling out the forest along the Dunajec River as being another Chaffinch hotspot.
Linnet
2003: A common open countryside species throughout Poland, and a fairly common suburban garden species at Busko-Zdrój.
2004: As above.
Goldfinch
2003: A few records from Górki fish ponds, farm tracks around Drugnia and in the Biebrza region.
2004: A few from Górki again, Łańcut, one at Kiermusy, one at Dojlidy, and a few in Białowieża and Chojnowo.
Greenfinch
2003: A few records from suburban Busko-Zdrój and Drugnia, but rather strangely this species was not noted anywhere in the northeast of Poland.
2004: Common in Busko-Zdrój and a few at Łańcut. Again it was missing from the north-east.
Siskin
2003: A relatively easily overlooked finch species of which only birds were seen in Białowieża forest.
2004: Not recorded.
Serin
2003: Seems to be mainly associated with villages and suburban gardens in Poland. A common garden bird in Busko-Zdrój and a few records around Białowieża village.
2004: As above, additionally fairly common at Łańcut.
Hawfinch
2003: A pleasingly visible species in Białowieża and recorded from a number of locations around the forest. By far the best location was the Park Pałacowy in Białowieża around which it was actually common. Striking birds to see in flight as well as perched.
2004: Again we had several good sightings of birds around Pogorzelce and Białowieża, as well as birds at Gugny and Chojnowo (where it was a garden species). Glimpses of suspected Hawfinches were also had at Łańcut and Kiermusy.
2003: Not recorded.
2004: Several birds were flying around the pines at the campsite at Stara Białowieża.
2003: Not recorded.
2004: A pleasingly common species on our June visit (we must have been too early in 2003) in the north-east, and we became quite familiar with the cheery “please-to-meet-you” whistle. Several birds were present around Kiermusy (where we first tracked down the call), they were heard at Dojlidy, and seen at Pogorzelce, Siemianówka, Chojnowo and along the ever-productive Grobla Honczarowska track.
Reed Bunting
2003: There is plenty suitable habitat for this species in Poland and it turned up just about everywhere that it could be expected to be.
2004: Being more precise this year (!), several at Górki, one at Nida River, one at Kiermusy, a few at Białowieża, and several at Siemianówka.
Ortolan Bunting
2003: I was told that I would know this species as soon as I heard it for the first time, and indeed there was no mistaking the beautiful Beethoven chimes along the road that runs to the west of the middle basin of Biebrza. This bird was officially twitched on a poplar just outside Mścichy and the passing farmers had no idea of the significance of the moment.
2004: Heard on several occasions around the Bagno Ławki “circuit”, starting at Góra Strękowa (where one was singing from the top of a spruce) and continuing around the avenues of poplars until Chojnowo – but could Henry latch onto one? They just disappear into the foliage of trees and refuse to jump around – but boy can they be heard…
Yellowhammer
2003: This is a common Polish bird, and surprised my by its cosmopolitan habitat tastes. It was not just common in open grassland and woodland borders, but was also recorded from fairly deep into forest in Białowieża.
2004: As above.
Corn Bunting
2003: Fairly common in the patchwork of agricultural land between Kraków and Busko-Zdrój. Surprisingly we failed to record of this species in the northeast of Poland.
2004: Again only recorded as a “wire” bird on the plateau between Kraków and Busko-Zdrój.
Eastern Hedgehog
2003: Anita discovered (or more precisely the Omasta’s dogs discovered) a hedgehog in their backyard and it had to be rescued from further torture. This is a different species to the British hedgehog.
2004: Recorded in two, but not three, dimensions.
Weasel
2003: One sighting of a weasel scampering across a track in front of our bicycles in Białowieża was followed up with an unsuccessful hunt for it in a woodpile.
2004: Not recorded.
Roe Deer
2003: Just one animal was seen in Białowieża, silently stepping out onto the track way ahead of us, and quickly being swallowed up again in the dark forest. Another small deer was seen from the Kraków to Busko-Zdrój road and was presumably this species.
2004: Three sightings this year – two in the forest close to Pogorzelce and one from the Gugny hide in Biebrza.
Red Deer
2003: Large deer seen running from the side of tracks in Białowieża were assumed to be this species. A further animal was seen from the train just north of Kielce.
2004: Not recorded.
Elk (Moose)
2003: We have still failed to get a good view of this Biebrza specialist species. An almighty splash and rustle by the side of the track on the way into see Aquatic Warblers at Grobla Honczarowska was almost certainly Elk, but they have a habit of slipping away. We did see two distant elk (possibly two kilometres away) from the impressive watch tower at the end of the Red Trail at Czerwone Bagno. They are big beasts and their modest snouts are clearly visible even at such a ridiculous distance.
2004: A much better Elk year, with around 15 distant animals in view from the Gugny tower. We saw one relatively close Elk and another slightly more distant female with her calf, which was about the size and colour of a Roe Deer (ooh – so cute…), from the Grobla Honczarowska tower.
Red Squirrel
2003: We only saw one squirrel in all the time we spent in the Polish forests, in the southern section of Białowieża. As we were being pursued by clouds of mosquitoes at the time, we didn’t exactly hang around. Anita’s family hosted a family of young squirrels in their garden after they were handed in to them (her brother was a sort of St Francis reputation in the town), but I succeeded in missing that show as well.
2004: This year they were posing in the park in Busko-Zdrój, but somewhat more exciting to see on several occasions in the depths of Białowieża forest.
European Beaver
2003: Quite improbably a beaver had set up home on an island in the middle of a tiny pond in the suburbs of Białystok, and we observed it quietly sleeping in the base of a large dead tree while middle-aged men solemnly fished the banks surrounding it. Even more bizarrely the trees on the island were destroyed three days later by a massive storm, and the beaver cleared out.
2004: Not recorded – although signs of presence were clear on the River Dunajec and along the Grobla Honczarowska track.
2004: One animal seen speeding across the track in the depths of Białowieża (Bank Vole?)
2003: Not recorded.
2004: One noted in a park in Krakow.
Brown Hare
2003: One record from Biebrza of this species.
2004: Plenty bounding about the Polish countryside in their attempts to evade the pot.
Rabbit
2003: One rabbit seen at Białowieża and a few at Biebrza.
2004: Not recorded (can you believe that?)