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.

Day 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.
Accommodation: a lakeside hotel with views of the High Tatras

Days 2-4
We spend 3 full days in the Low Tatras. With a local guide we will hike along forested mountain tracks in the Tatra National Park. We will search for Golden Eagle, Black, Grey-headed, Three-toed and White-backed Woodpeckers and there are a few places for Ural, Tengmalm's and Pygmy Owls as well. We hope to find Nutcracker, Hazel Grouse and Wallcreeper in a valley with a steep rock face. If the weather permits optionally we might take a cable car to the alpine zone to look for alpine species such as Water Pipit, Alpine Accentor and Marmot. We visit the reservoir close to our hotel, where Black-throated and Red-throated Diver, Red-necked and Black-necked Grebe, Whiskered, Black and White-winged Tern are all possible during migration along with more common ducks and waders. The bushes and trees in the garden of our hotel are also full of migrants.
Accommodation: a lakeside Hotel with views of the High Tatras

Days 5-7
We head south along the spectacular mountain range of the High Tatras to the fascinating rock formations of the Slovakian limestone karst region called Slovensky Kras. The Karst has wonderful limestone valleys with old beech woods that are home to Middle Spotted and White-backed Woodpeckers, Tengmalm’s Owl, Collared and Red-breasted Flycatchers. The jagged crags hold Rock Thrush and Rock Bunting, while Hoopoe can be seen almost anywhere. With our expert local guide, we will also search the region for Ural Owl, Eagle Owl, Pygmy Owl, Hazel Grouse plus other species of woodpeckers. Interesting butterflies abound in the area. As the Slovak Karst is one of the best spots for bats in Europe we might optionally catch and ring bats as well as Corncrakes while listening to the monotonous song of River Warbler.
Accommodation: a hotel near Medzev in forest surroundings

Day 8
We bird around the hotel looking for Hawfinch and Red-breasted Flycatcher and then drive to the airport to catch our flight back home, stopping en route for birdwatching.