Poland Birding

Day 1: Warsaw to Białowieża Forest.
Welcome to Warsaw, Poland’s vibrant capital, which blends historic charm with modern energy.

Following an early morning pickup in Warsaw, we will be on our way to Białowieża Forest, enjoying a lunch stop en route. The journey of four hours, will end at a quaint hotel, situated on the forest’s edge, in Narewka village. Beavers and kingfishers regularly visit the river that is easily accessible from our riverbank haven.

The Białowieża Forest World Heritage site, which comprises 141,885 hectares of intact primary forest with both conifers and broadleaved trees, is situated on the border between Poland and Belarus. Situated on the watershed between the Baltic and Black Seas, this distinct transboundary habitat is vital to the preservation of species. It is well known for having a sizable population of European Bison, which thrives in this habitat.

The mixed woodlands ecoregion of Central Europe is made up of large tracts of old, intact forest interspersed with a mosaic of lowland forests. Because these old-growth forests sustain a variety of ecosystems and natural processes, they are extremely valuable for conservation. With approximately 250 bird species, more than 12,000 invertebrates, 59 mammals, 7 reptiles, and 13 amphibian species, the area is home to a diverse range of wildlife. With only 900 left worldwide and making up about 25% of the total population, the European Bison is a major species and a symbol of the region’s ecological importance.

After a delicious Polish dinner, the guide will give an outline of the upcoming plans and an overview of the area. This introduction will offer insights into the region’s cultural and natural importance, setting the stage for an engaging exploration of the local habitats.

Day 2-4: Białowieża Forest.
Over the next three days, we’ll explore the Primeval Białowieża Forest and its stunning surroundings. Accompanied by our knowledgeable local guide, you’ll visit the best birdwatching spots in the area. We’ll start with a short walk through the village and river valley to familiarize you with the local avian residents. Expect to see White Storks in abundance, and keep an eye out for Lesser Whitethroat, Common Redstart, Black Redstart, and Wryneck, which are commonly found in the village.

The lush meadows around the hotel are alive with Red-backed Shrikes and Corn Crakes. A brief fifteen-minute walk could reveal Thrush Nightingale, Icterine Warbler, Rosefinch, Barred Warbler, and River Warbler.

After breakfast and in the evenings, explore historic deciduous forests and marshy boreal areas to search for rare woodpecker species such as Three-toed, Grey-headed, and White-backed, along with Red-breasted and Collared Flycatchers. Within the forest, look for Crested, Coal, and Marsh Tits, Treecreepers, Nuthatches, Wood Warblers, and Hawfinches. Black Storks, Honey Buzzards, and Lesser Spotted Eagles are commonly seen in or above the woodland. Additionally, visiting coniferous stands may reveal Black Woodpeckers and Nutcrackers.

On one of the days, a local guide from the National Park will lead a few hours’ walk through the Strict Protection Area of Białowieża National Park, which includes the Biosphere Reserve and the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s core area. This experience is a must for any visitor to Białowieża, offering an immersive glimpse into a primordial landscape that once spanned much of Europe. The walk winds through a dense forest of towering, centuries-old trees of over 20 species, providing a sanctuary for a multitude of endangered species. The rich biodiversity and the forest’s deep historical significance create a profound connection to a world teeming with rare and near-extinct creatures.

Early one morning, around 4:00 am, embark on an exploration of glades, meadows, and favoured forest patches in pursuit of wild European Bison, as well as the elusive Wolf and Eurasian Lynx, which are among Białowieża Forest’s most elusive residents. This early start maximizes the chance of encountering these rare animals. Additionally, enjoy a brief birding stroll through the forest to increase the chances of spotting local rarities such as the elusive Hazel Grouse, which are more challenging to find later in the day. It is also the only area in Poland where you can find Short-toed Snake Eagle.

A visit to the nearby Siemianówka Reservoir offers a prime opportunity for birdwatching, renowned for its diverse avian species. White-tailed Eagles are almost guaranteed, while other potential sightings, depending on the season, include Penduline Tits, Black Storks, Bluethroats, Thrush Nightingales, Marsh Warblers, Great White Egrets, White-winged and Whiskered Terns, along with a variety of waders and waterfowl. Commonly seen species also include Great Grey Shrikes, Hobbies, Red-footed Falcons, and both Marsh and Montagu’s Harriers.

Possible evening excursions include: visiting Pygmy Owl territories in search of these small predators, exploring the forest for Nightjar and Tengmalm’s Owl on another night, and, after a hearty Polish dinner, experiencing the captivating ambiance of a Great Snipe lek at a vast fen near the forest edge. This area frequently offers sightings of Elk, Roe Deer, Short-eared Owls, and a variety of Snipe and Woodcocks.

Day 5: Biebrza Marshes.
After enjoying a traditional hearty Polish breakfast, travelers set off on a scenic drive toward the Biebrza Marshes. Along the way, charming wooden architecture from a bygone era punctuates the picturesque landscape. Stops in vibrant villages offer the chance to stroll through and absorb the authentic atmosphere of eastern Poland. This experience provides a deeper connection to the region’s rich history, culture, and distinctive rural lifestyle.

As the journey unfolds, several small ponds offer excellent birdwatching opportunities, showcasing a rich array of species including Penduline Tits, Black and Red-necked Grebes, Savi’s Warblers, Great Reed Warblers, Little Crake, Bittern, and various Harriers. The ponds are also frequented by Whooper Swans and numerous waders. Additionally, a visit to a local sandpit may reveal Sand Martins, Tawny Pipits and Bee-eaters enhancing the diverse birdwatching experience.

After checking into a cozy guesthouse on the edge of the marsh, we will spend the afternoon in Biebrza National Park’s prime spot for observing Aquatic Warblers one of the rarest birds in the world, especially in the spring and summer. This area is also ideal for spotting Short-eared Owls, Marsh and Montagu’s Harriers, and Common Snipe, with a high likelihood of encountering Elks.

Arriving at the guesthouse in Biebrza, you’ll be greeted with a hearty dinner, followed by a discussion to outline the birding plans for the days ahead.

Day 6: Biebrza Marshes.
The day begins with an early morning of birding. The morning itinerary includes visits to prime marshes and willow thickets, where you can search for Penduline Tit, Bluethroat, Rosefinch, Thrush Nightingale, Savi’s Warbler, and possibly even the elusive Little Crake. These sites offer some of the best opportunities to observe these intriguing species in their natural habitat.

Following a hearty Polish breakfast, the adventure continues as we explore the premier birdwatching locations in the southern basin of the Biebrza Marshes. Expect a scenic drive with multiple stops at key vantage points, offering sweeping views of the expansive flooded meadows. Here, you may observe breeding Black-tailed Godwits, Redshanks, and Lapwings alongside White-winged and Whiskered Terns. The skies are frequently patrolled by Marsh Harriers, while Cranes, White Storks, and Black Storks can be seen soaring overhead. White-tailed Eagles are often spotted hunting for waterfowl, adding to the rich tapestry of avian life in this remarkable habitat.

We will take a break in the vast fen to enjoy the sunset and watch for Common Snipe, Aquatic Warblers, Marsh and Montagu’s Harriers, and Short-eared Owls. Occasionally, Citrine Wagtails and Great Snipes may also make an appearance.

An early but still plentiful dinner prepares the way for an evening Beaver safari. As the sun begins to drop, we will take a relaxing sail along the river in a flat-bottomed boat. This leisurely water cruise of almost an hour provides numerous opportunities to watch Beavers in their natural habitat. We might get to see these interesting critters swim across the river, brush their fur, mark their territory along the shoreline, or nibble twigs.

Day 7: Biebrza National Park.
This early morning begins with an exhilarating Elk safari, navigating through expansive willow shrubs and sprawling fens. A short walk to a wooden hide overlooking the marshes offers a chance to spot several Elk, while Aquatic Warblers, Marsh and Montagu’s Harriers, Common Grasshopper Warbler, and Common Snipe are highly likely sightings.

After breakfast, the exploration continues in the middle basin of Biebrza National Park. Look for Black Stork, Lesser and Greater Spotted Eagles, Hoopoe, and possibly Barred Warbler, Wryneck, River Warbler, Citrine Wagtail and Ortolan Bunting

In the evening, enjoy a captivating walk through the fen and willow shrub habitat, alive with the calls of Common Snipe, Bittern, Thrush Nightingale and Cranes with Bluethroat are also likely. The day concludes at a tall watchtower overlooking the marshes, where spotting an Elk is a strong possibility.

Day 8: Biebrza National Park.
This morning, after enjoying our final hearty breakfast, we’ll embark on a scenic three-hour drive back to Warsaw. For those eager to maximize their birdwatching experience, we can make an early morning visit to some of the favored spots from the previous days or include a two-to-three-hour birding stop in the countryside along the way. The tour concludes upon our arrival in Warsaw.