Witamy w Polsce: Poland 16th-24th May 2015

Poland is widely known as one of the best birding locations in Europe. Its vast expanse is home to many different habitats and within them an incredible diversity of wildlife.

The classic locations for a lot of birding trips to Poland are the ancient forest of Bialowieza and the seemingly never ending marshes of Biebrza.

Located a short way from the borders of Russia, Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine these areas offer western European visitors a chance to see some eastern bird specialities which only really turn up as vagrants in the UK.

There are also a wide variety of mammal species, including Wolf and Lynx, which hold a special fascination for many wildlife lovers.

Our itinerary is split into two parts. The first four days will be spent in Bialowieza where we hope to come across the Woodpecker and Owls of the ancient forest, as well as many other species. Mammals including Bison, Elk, Lynx and Wolf are all possible and will be searched for.

The final four days are to be spent in Biebrza with Aquatic Warbler and Great Snipe among the highlights.

With a wide range of sites to visit we are hoping to experience the wilderness of this ancient landscape and see its fantastic wildlife.

Where possible there will be daily updates.

With less than 36 hours to go, the excitement is building!

Enter the 1.4: First use at Thornham

Decided to invest in a 1.4x extender mark ii to use with my 1D mark iii and 400mm F5.6
First test tonight in great light at Thornham and very pleasing results attached below.

11th May - Hares at home

Beautiful day but with work and being knackered after driving back from Wales last night (and a bit emotionally drained at missing both Citril Finch and a weird Subalp (Not actually that fussed)) meant no birding today but great views of Brown Hare outside my house this morning.

One didn't hang around but this one actually ran towards my car and settled at close range, although against the light.

8th May 2015 - Snettisham News!

...and finally we get to my afternoon jaunt around Snettisham coastal park.

Sadly no sign of the three reported Turtle Dove but the long staying female Ring Ouzel was still present, as was a male Wheatear.

The stars of the show, as the rain approached, were three Cuckoo which gave reasonable flypast views as the skies darkened.

The usual troop of Sedge, Reed, Cett's and Willow Warbler were present, as were Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Chiffchaff.

A soaking followed so a hasty retreat for home was made.

8th May 2015 - Non-Snettisham News Part 2

With the showy Grey Wagtail giving us our fill we moved on for a walk around Sculthorpe Moor. The reserve was fairly quiet overall but we were treated to a first look at the new tower hide which is close to completion.










We decided to head up to Cley to see what was lurking in one of Norfolk's most popular reserves, a few highlights below.

We finished the day with trying to photograph Little Grebe at Bircham duck pond. Unfortunately they remained distant so resorted to feral Geese and youths!

8th May 2015 - Non-Snettisham news Part 1

A day off work so decided to venture to Sculthorpe with Richard to try and see/photograph the pair of Grey Wagtail, we were not disappointed.

Little more text worth adding so enjoy the photos.

Non Snettisham News - Red-Legged Partridge

I've not been able to get down to Snettisham in recent days due to a mixture of weather and tiredness, mostly the latter. 

So here is a Red-Legged Partridge from near Docking today.

Also good to see Mr Corn Bunting back on his roadside perch near Docking, singing away as per usual.