It has been a while since we gave any news from Sakertour. Not because February been quiet but more because we were way too busy! 2012 February was one of the best White-tailed Eagle photography month in recent years. We had a proper severe winter with -15C for several weeks (in fact sometimes below -20C) and a good snow coverage too. Up to 22 White-tailed Eagles were counted at one hide in a single day and up to 40 eagles were visiting regularly our hides. Our guests managed to photograph many colour ringed White-tailed Eagles from all over Europe. A total of 12 ringed eagles were photographed and identified.

2012.03.10. 10:39:58.| 120310-103958_wteagle.jpg

White-tailed Eagle at one of our hide                                                                         (Photo: János Oláh)

In late February and the beginning of March the weather slowly changed. Daytime temperature is up to 10C now but at night it is still -6C or below. Hords of grey geese arriving now to the Hortobágy region and many Red-breasted Goose a few Lesser White-fronted Goose can be seen.

The photography season has finished and we do the hide maintanance now, preparing for the Spring Season which is starting with Great Bustard photography in April!

2012.03.10. 10:27:29.| greatbustard.jpg

Great Bustard (Photo: János Oláh)

It is still winter in the mountains but some of the Carpathian foothills like the Zemplén Hills is getting alive. Several Ural Owls has started to breed now and the woodpeckers starting to defend their territories and their loud drumming can be heard. This is the best time locate the territories of the rare White-backed Woodpeckers!

2012.03.10. 08:19:19.| 120310-081919_whitebacked.jpg

White-backed Woodpecker                                          (Photo: János Oláh)

We looking forward a very busy birdwatching and hide photography season and most certainly will keep you posted about the happenings!

Sakertour team