Activity level:

easy/moderate walks, some longer drives expected

Eastern Europe/Slovakia

Owls and Woodpeckers
Slovakia, 8 days
 
Springtime in the mountains! Woodpeckers drumming loudly, evening hooting of sought-after owls and exciting views of mammals. Raptors abound and migration is underway!
The Tatra Mountains of Slovakia are perfect to observe several highlight species such as Nutcracker, Hazel Grouse, all 10 European Woodpeckers, Wallcreeper and alpine species. The limestone karst region of the Slovak Karst offers an abundance of rare owl species such as Ural, Pygmy and Tengmalm's Owl in attractive habitats as well as interesting butterfly and bat species. The Bükk Hills in Hungary offer a perfect place to close our tour with possible views of Imperial Eagle and many woodland species.

Fact File
- 8 days in Slovakia visiting national parks famous for rare birds and mammals
- optional tour in the alpine zone of the Tatras
- participation in catching bats
- start and finish in Kosice or Poprad
- using 2 accommodations located close to the sites

Highlights
- visiting famous National Parks such as Tatra and Slovensky Kras
- wide variety of birds, mammals, butterflies and habitats
- plenty of raptor species, all 10 woodpeckers of Europe
- many owls including Ural, Pygmy and Tengmalm's
- unique scenery of the High Tatras and the Slovakian Karst

Accommodation
4 nights in a lakeside hotel in the High Tatras
3 nights in the Slovakian Karst region

Departure Dates
24 April - 1 May, 2010

Price
Ask for the actual price.

Our price includes:
- all travel as noted in the itinerary;
- all accommodation based on shared rooms (most rooms are twin bedded), at most locations there are single rooms as well for extra charge (Please ask for a single room at the time of booking!);
- 3 meals per day, generally breakfast at the accommodation, packed lunch, dinner (consists of at least two courses);
- services of the leader(s);
- trip materials.

Not included:
- flights to and from Slovakia;
- optional programmes to places of interest and entrance fees involved;
- airport and other departure taxes, tips;
- food beyond generally 3 meals/day mentioned in the itineraries;
- excess baggage charges;
- telephone calls;
- alcoholic beverages;
- compulsory personal insurance.
If you have questions about the inclusion of any cost item, please contact us.

Activity level
Generally easy to moderate walks
Longer driving distances on the second and last day
Weather can be cold in the higher regions while generally favourable at lower elevations

Optional programmes
- cable car to the higher region to look for alpine species
- participation in the capturing of bats at one of the best places for bats in Europe

Itinerary

1	After landing at the airport we travel north to the Tatras and during the journey we will be on the watch for typical mountain species and raptors including Ring Ouzel and Lesser Spotted Eagle.

2-4

We spend 3 days in the Low Tatras searching for Ural Owl, Three-toed Woodpecker, Nutcracker, Common Crossbill and Golden Eagle. The reservoir close to our hotel provides a stop over point for migrating divers, grebes, marsh terns including White-winged Tern and waders. Optionally we take the cable car to explore the higher reaches of the Tatras looking for Water Pipit, Alpine Accentor, Chamois and Marmot.

5-7

We head south driving along the High Tatras and we stop on the way for birding. The ragged limestone hills of the Slovak Karst are home to Tengmalm’s and Pygmy Owl, Black, Middle Spotted, White-backed and Grey-headed Woodpecker, bats and butterflies. Syrian Woodpecker and Wryneck are found in the villages. Nearby grasslands are the favourite hunting place of raptors including Imperial Eagle. We also visit a quarry where Rock Bunting and Rock Thrush are breeding.

8	We drive to the airport for the flight back to the UK stopping en route for birding.