Beat Rüegger´s group from Switzerland
We started our trip in the Zemplén hills, where we managed to see a superb Ural Owl and several species of woodpeckers. On the way to the hills we saw 2 Imperial Eagles together with 2 Saker Falcons. During the rest of our trip we found 6 individuals of the latter species.
On the Hortobágy, besides our target species, like the Great Bustard (9), Stone Curlew (9), Dotterel (100+), Lesser White-fronted Geese (7) we saw a Black-winged Pratincole at the same site where we saw 14 White-tailed together with 2 Impeial Eagles and 9 Jack Snipes. Other highlights were a very late Marsh Sandpiper, Ferruginous Ducks, Bar-tailed Godwit and many,many Red-throated Pipits.
Part of a flock of Dotterels Photo: Simay Gábor
Long-eared Owls at a poost site Photo: Simay Gábor
Penduline Tit Photo: Simay Gábor
Cranes flying to a roost site Photo: Simay Gábor
The Pluvialis sp. at Nagy-Vókonya debate
In the last few days there is a wide discussion of the ID of the Pluvilis seen at Nagy-Vókonya on the Hortobágy. Finally all experts and comments have concluded to be a Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva).
Another image of this bird below.
Pacific Golden Plover Photo: János Oláh
Rare bird seen on a Sakertour trip!
Today we were lucky enough to find the second (if accepted) record of Pacific Golden Plover for Hungary. This adult bird was seen at Nagy-Vókonya wetland in the Hortobágy. Other highlights of this magnificent day were 22 Lesser White-fronted Goose, 8 White-tailed Eagle, 4 Imperial Eagles, Bar-tailed Godwit, many Red-throated Pipits and a wonderful roost-flight of Cranes (20 000).
Yesterday´s Crane count on the Hortobágy was 48,000 individuals at 4 main roosting areas.
Pacific Golden Plover Photo: János Tar
Sakertour team
Richard Smith´s party
A group of friends just arrived for a three day birding in Hortobágy and an additional day in Zemplén Hills.
On our first day we had an action-packed start. We were concentrating on raptors and we managed to see 3 White-tailed Eagles, 5 Imperial Eagles, a Long-legged Buzzard, Hen Harriers, Goshawk and 2 Sakers.
Other goodies included Ferruginous Ducks, 14 Great Bustards, 7 Stone-curlews and 84 Dotterels.
Winter plumaged Dotterel Photo: János Oláh
Sakertour team