Hungary ....... 9th to 16th October 2010

Autumn Spectacular

Autumn is a very special season on the famous Hortobágy ‘Puszta’, the Great Hungarian Plain. Enjoy grandstand views from the watchtowers on the Crane migration flight path! Among thousands of Bean and White-fronted Geese we check for Lesser White-fronts. There are always many interesting birds at the fishponds such as Ferruginous Duck, Pygmy Cormorant and vast numbers of waders, herons, egrets and wildfowl. The evenings will be highlighted by the arrival of waves of thousands of trumpeting Cranes flying low overhead. It will be an unforgettable experience! Then we move base travelling through raptor feeding areas to the Bukk Hills where seven species of woodpecker are possible. The evenings will be spent in typical regional restaurants, serving traditional local cuisine, whilst having the opportunity to savour the most famous Hungarian wines.

Day 1: Depart UK for Budapest and then transfer to our delightful hotel. Overnight - Hortobágy.

Days 2 - 4: We explore the Hortobágy National Park where landscapes are dramatic and wild! The dry Hortobágy steppe (Puszta) comprises open grassland with stands of trees, where Great Grey Shrikes perch boldly and Little Owls sit on barn roofs. In the arid northern steppe habitat we will look for Hortobágy specialities such as Saker & Eastern Imperial Eagles and also Rough-legged Buzzard. Even more surprises await us at this magical time of year as “trips” of Dotterel use the southern steppe of the NP as their traditional migration stopover. Stone-curlews and Great Bustards are in small groups in the heart of the National Park, while near the Amphitheatre we hope for photo opportunities of a roost of 60+ Long-eared Owls! In total contrast, the fishponds have reedbeds that conceal Bearded & Penduline Tits, while the ponds themselves attract regional specialities such as Pygmy Cormorants and Ferruginous Ducks and we can expect to see White-tailed Eagles, countless Marsh Harriers, Ruffs, Greenshanks and Spotted Redshanks. In the evenings, from the watchtowers, we’ll observe the breathtaking spectacle of thousands of trumpeting Cranes coming in to roost.
Overnights - Hortobágy.

Days 5 - 7: After driving up to the Bukk Hills we hike through extensive oak and beech woods, an excellent area for Hawfinch, Short-toed Treecreeper & woodpeckers, including the elusive White-backed: even the secretive Ural Owl has been seen here. The hills are very good for observation of raptors, e.g. Eastern Imperial Eagle and Northern Goshawk. Ravens are common. In a pretty valley nearby there are Rock Buntings, Grey-headed Woodpecker and with a bit of luck, Wallcreeper. Eagle Owls have been heard and seen. An optional wine-tasting visit can be arranged to the famous local wine cellars.
Overnights - Nosvaj, Bukk Hills.

Day 8: Birdwatching locally and en route to Budapest airport, before catching our return flight to the UK.

Tour ref: AA1006

Cost: £1,445
Deposit: £200
Single Room Supplement: £130

Leaders: Shena Maskell & Local Guide

Max. Group: 12 plus Leaders

Includes:
Economy class scheduled return flights (UK-Budapest-UK), accommodation based on twin occupancy, all meals, ground transportation in Hungary, entrance fees to national parks and services of leaders and guide.

Excludes:
Travel insurance, drinks and items of a personal nature.