Kiskunsag, Hortobágy and Bükk Hills, 8 days
Autumn is a very special season on the Great Hungarian Plains, the famous Hortobágy 'Puszta'. Enjoy fantastic views of tens of thousands of trumpeting Common Cranes flying low overhead!
The grasslands offer plenty of other superb species, Dotterels and Stone Curlews are still around, Great Bustards can be found in small flocks as well. Raptors hunt everywhere, among them we might find Long-legged and Rough-legged Buzzard, Imperial Eagle and Saker Falcon.
There are always many interesting birds at the fishponds such as Ferruginous Duck, Pygmy Cormorant and vast numbers of waders, herons, egrets and ducks.
Most of the Bükk Hills is characterized by vast beech woods and open limestone meadows with different karst forms produced by erosion. It is a perfect area for birding, where raptors soar above the valleys and dense deciduous woodlands provide home for woodland species including Ural Owl and perhaps Eagle Owl as well.
There should be a good number of other forest species as well such as Hawfinch for example. But we will also look for several Woodpecker species as well possible species include such attractive ones as Black, White-backed, Grey-headed, Middle Spotted and Syrian Woodpecker.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
After arriving in Budapest we travel towards Kiskunság National Park, birding en route, concentrating on Great Bustards, Stone Curlews and other grassland species. During a full day discovery of the lakes and marshy areas we hope to find many different migrating species.
Days 3-4
On the way from Kiskunsag to Hortobagy we will visit fantastic oxbow lake areas with thousands of birds. At the Hortobagy we will explore the fishponds, including the famous Hortobágy Halastó. We visit Northern Hortobagy, the typical Puszta habitat to experience masses of Cranes flying overhead and raptors including Rough-legged Buzzard and White-tailed Eagle. We will visit day roosts of hundreds of Long-eared Owls. The fishponds attract many waterbirds including Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, Lesser White-fronted Goose, ducks and waders. The reedbeds are home to Penduline and Bearded Tits.
Day 5
We head towards the Bükk hills and en route we stop at suitable places to search for Saker Falcon and Imperial Eagle.
Days 6-7
We spend 2 full days in the Bükk National Park visiting beech woods, scenic valleys, old quarries and limestone meadows for raptors, woodpeckers, owls and woodland passerines.
Pre-breakfast walks around our hotel are always productive. 6 species of woodpecker, Treecreper, Hawfinch were all found in this area of orchards and oak forests.
We spend some time in the scenic Hór Valley searching for Rock Bunting, Grey-headed and Black Woodpecker, Common Crossbill and raptors such as Imperial Eagle and Goshawk. We might also visit Lillafüred, a popular place with tourists where sometimes Wallcreeper can be found on the walls of the palace.
One day we drive up to the Bükk Plateau to explore extensive oak and beech woods, an excellent area for Hawfinch, Treecreeper and woodpeckers, including the elusive White-backed. Even Ural Owl has been seen here.
Day 8
Travel to Budapest Airport stopping en route to look for some extra species.
