Last morning, at dinner table last evening we decided to skip the morning walk, so we can havemore time birding at the Bolata. So after quick breakfast we were heading to the first area. It was already hot, so the students were very tired already. First we had a Temminck’s stint and afterwards little stint. The next interesting observation were two Black-eared wheatears – both variation with tight “face mask” and the one with all black “face”. At the water mirror the little bittern was calling. The place looks dissapoitingly empty. Only the Willow warbler, Purple heron and Sparrowhawk save us. Knut managed to lost his glasses. So after unsuccessful searching we drove to Balgarevo settlement to buy some food in case restaurant doesn’t work at cape Kaliakra.
We had great start with 6 Black-treated divers and lots of Bee-eaters. A female Black-headed bunting land just next to me. I was waiting for the last students to walk towards the end of the cape so I was walking last. And this was perfect timing to observe a male Merlin. It had a prey in its claws. I hurry up infront to ask did others saw it. Thirsting did, and Knut barely recognized it, because he lost his glases earlier. It was time for lunch. We ordered meals. I was watching the Shags bathing, when Iordan spot it. 2cy Common eider was diving bellow the cliffs.
That was as expected and in the same time a surprise for us. I went to the Van, as we decided to give a 45 min. break so students had some free time. Bård came back looking for the Eider, but fortunately he didn’t find it. I saw another Red-breasted Flycatcher at the restaurant and one on the wall of the fortress. At 14:30 we left Kaliakra. We did moved to the pseudo step habitat, were our students didn’t waste time and soon we saw both target species – Short-toed Lark and a surprise for me a Stone Curlew. First proper observations for me. Later a immature Red-footed falcon was observed. After this walk the field study group went to the van. They were tired, but still wanted more Birding. We had to explore one more area North of the settlement. A Lesser grey shrike and a Kestrel, Hobby and Peregrine falcons were observed, before the students finally regret “tired”. We drove back to the Hotel. On the way back a Montague’s Harrier was flying along the road infant of the van. After some rest it was time for dinner and daylogg. We had 2 new species for the trip. As two students had to fly on next day we made decision to start really early the trip to Sofia – at 5:30 am. So was good idea to have some rest. And this was the End of first ever Hint BirdID field study Bulgaria 2013. I hope all you join us had a great time with us Boris Belchev and Iordan Hristov. Thanks to all students: Bård, Berit, Anette, Tormod, Stein, Thorstein, Knut, Anders and Eirik. I had great time with you, I hope you too… 
BirdID field study Day 9 – the END
BirdID field study Day 8
The forecast was pretty bad, but we had just some wind, which is often pretty normal at sea side. We made some observations even infront of the hotel – Barred warbler for example. On a way back for breakfast we had a female Red-footed falcon.
After breakfast it was time for rarities.
We drove to Shabla and only had to stop to organise the lunch. Afterwards we drove by the way to the pump station. We saw a Whinchat and decided to get out of the van. Jordan scan the fields and soon we had in our binoculars 4 Demoiselle cranes. We watched them for very short time but it was still very rare opportunity to observed them. We wanted to see the other main target of the trip, so we continued to next site. We had poor weather as in windy conditions it is very difficult to hear and even more to see the Paddyfield warbler. But with more dedication everybody managed to see it. there were some observations of other birds, including the Bearded reedlings,
which I had miss earlier to see.
Black-necked grebe were diving in the sea. At the Durankulak camping we had one more great luck with two Red-breasted flycatchers at the car park. We drove back to lunch, but in the fields next to the camping we had two Lesser Black-backed Gull. we had few large gulls, but my opinion is that it was hybrid Caspian and Herring Gull.
We got a call from our friend Misho. He was at Shabla lake, and he was observing a White egret with red legs and dark bill. This is typical for the Eastern race of the species. We had Henharrier, Hobby, Savi’s warbler many other already seen bird species. Later we drove to the camping next to Shabla tuzla. We just moved away from the van when on the bush we observed an Icterine warbler. On the next bush we had a Red-breasted flycatcher again. At Shabla tuzla another surprise a immature Osprey chased by two Common terns flew very nicely low over us. At Shabla tuzla no other unseen birds, so after short walk we moved to the sea side. At the sea as usual, only Golden plover and Mediterranean gull were more interesting observation there.
We were back for the Demoiselle cranes, but fortunately they were gone. So we drove back to the hotel earlier and we gave free time for the students to relax or go to the coast. At 19:30 we had dinner together and afterwards we made the dialog. We had seen 10 new species so our checklist grow to 219.
BirdID field study Day 7
We decided to skip the morning walk, and have earlier breakfast so we can departure to the next area on time, because there were some “hot spots” on the way. First of all the north salt lakes at Pomorie, we stopped at several places, but couldn’t find anything new. Just usual waders, waterfowl and song birds. The most interesting species were the Ringed plover, Little tern. We drove forward to Sunny beach where we had to fill up the tank and of course to buy ice cream and coffee for the students. The serpentine were all the way through most eastern part of Central Balkan mountain. Soon we reach the settlement of Goritza and we made a short walk as until lunch there was plenty of time. A pheasant was heard. The Semi-collared flycatcher were singing actively and took both nest-boxes. A pair of Yellowhammers were busy building up the nest. So one more new species for the trip. After a short walk to the oak forest we heard a Tree pipit, another tick for the trip. But we struggled to see it, but as its a study for bird identification, only the sound is acceptable as well. On the way back to the van a Turtle dove was calling too. We drive to the restaurant for lunch and soon we were heading to the next location just below the restaurant, it was a fields with forest surroundings, so as we turn right, where a Lesser spotted eagle was greeting us to his hunting fields. We struggled to find the Tawny pipit in the fields, but Bard didn’t gave up until we all saw it. Above the hills few Black stork were migrating to the North.
The drive to the next site was long so we stopped at the gas station next to Balchik for more coffee and ice-cream. The next site was very special. A Eagle owl with at least two chicks was relaxing at its nest, waiting the sun to set behind the horizon. A Barred warbler was singing from the bushes. The students climbed on the opposite site so they had better view at the area. Bee-eaters and Woodchat shrike were at the site as well. Afterwards we stop at the “norwegian favourite” Rompetrol (from norsk Rumpetroll – frog larva) gas station. We arrived at the hotel earlier. So after everybody chose their rooms we gave some free time before dinner. After dinner we made the day logg and it was time to rest, because next morning was time for birding.
BirdID field study day 6
It was beautiful morning, so we went on a walk bellow the hotel. A Cetti’s warbler and Common Nightingale were singing from the bushes. I found a flock of Black-throated divers far in the sea. So it was a new species for the trip. Willow warbler, the most common bird in Norway, was spotted on our morning walk as well. We were expecting much more birds, but this spring everything is much more different compare with previous years. Soon we walked back to the hotel and had a breakfast outside, when the fortune turned to us with the desired woodpecker, a male Syrian woodpecker appear just next to the breakfast tables. After this good start of the day we drove to the first site, at the shore of Bourgas lake. We were not alone there, a group from Sweden were already there, and they had great news for us. a flock of 5 Demoiselle’s cranes were observed in the area we were about to visit in next days (But will we gonna see them read more about the Day 8 of our field study).
The Lake was like a mirror, just the rising temperature make the air hazy. This didn’t make any problem for our good equipped group to find more birds we haven’t seen yet on our trip: Eurasian Wigeon, Little Gull, Little Tern and many more that we had seen before. The herons were very active, so we observed Little Bittern, Squacco, Night heron and Little Egrets. A Common Sandpiper flew low over the water. Soon the Swedish group left. Just before we were planning to leave a big flock of the White Pelicans (~57) were taking height just above our group. So one more check for the trip list. We moved to take closer look on the Terns that were roosting at the barge further by the coast. We walked there, but nothing new was found there. So we didn’t waste time and drove to our next stop the South coast of the Vaya lake. Here a usual singers in the bushes and few Marsh harriers were patrolling over the reedbeds. I did spot a male Reed Bunting flying past, another new species for the list. A Sparrowhawk and few Honey Buzzards flew over to the North.
It was time for a short drive to the opposite shore of the lake, where its flooding the land almost to the road. So we stopped there. as is the good spot for waders and other waterfowl. It is the place where the Spur-winged Lapwing is seen, but fortunately we didn’t find it. Big flocks of Ruffs and Wood sandpipers were wading in the flooded area together with the Glossy ibises and Black-winged Stilts. Eirik found a Sanderling. I went to check the inside part of the floods. Until I was away the group had a Bearded reedling and Water rail just few meters away. I heard the Water Rail and the Penduline tit as well. But the area was overgrown with grasses already so it was empty there. So I rush back, because it was time to move to the last site before lunch. As usually we visit the fishermen pier, but fortunately the wind was already stronger, so we haven’t got any luck here. Until the call of the penduline tit was heard. It is always pleasure to observe them. But it was time to think about lunch, so we drove to the center of the Dolno Ezerovo settlement. After some research we stopped at fast food kiosk, just by the street. Students ordered their meals and after a short stop for coffee, we drove to The North-west part of the Atanasovkso lake. At first we had close encounters with Little Owl and Lesser Grey Shrike, a pair of Rollers were sitting on the wires. We drove to the Sheep Farm, where we left the Van and walked towards the shore of the lake. We flushed a pair of Meadow pipits. On our way was the channel where the clearing of it was started by the project of BSPB and other NGOs. So the dam, was the closest point to observe the lake. At first my attention was captured by the Stone Curlew flying away. The birds were at distance, so after short time the group concentrate their attention on the pipits in the area. Except of Tawny pipit, Bard managed to spot a Red-throated pipit as well. This was unexpected for us, but it was nice to see it. After this we had to wash our legs as the mud we had to cross was a bit too much. On the way back the Little Owl was back to its daytime shelter, but this time flew quickly as we try to stop again nearby.
We drove back to the hide and as it was still open we went inside, the wind was strong so everybody goes on the left side of the lake so the wind wouldn’t blow them and the scopes. I found the rarest bird since now, a Terek Sandpiper. Soon it was joined by a Temminck’s Stint and Ruddy Turnstone. It was new species for Bulgaria in my list. I couldn’t be more happy. The group split as some of them wanted to stay by the hide, but the rest moved towards the town. Were there was a better view at the waders. Some of the students managed to spot a Broad-billed Sandpiper. But I couldn’t see it. The most numerous were Little stints and Curlew Sandpipers. A few Spoonbills, Black-winged Stilts and Slender-billed Gulls were present as well. The group try to move towards the town, but the bridge was collapsed so they went back towards me and we sit back in the van and drove back to the hotel. We had some time to relax before dinner and at the end of the day we count the new species and filled up the day logg. So the day 6th we had over 200 species already. Whats happened next read in the post “Day 7…”
BirdID field study Day 5
It was another great morning. I woke up and even before my alarm clock. On the oak infront of our balcony there were a pair of Common redstarts and female Semi-collared Flycatcher. The redstart was breeding in old swallow nest on the balcony. A male Cirl bunting was foraging on the ground. It was early so we spend some time exploring the area before the dinner last night. So we found a nestboxes occupied by Semi-collared Flycatcher and a nesting Middle Spotted Woodpecker. So it was time for birdid morning walk. We went on a trail in the oak forest. We found a long-tailed tit and a mistle thrust. Many common birds were observed and heard. A woodlark was displaying on our way back. We had a light breakfast and we drove to our first site at Bourgas lakes. We started with a Glossy ibis, Black-necked grebe and other water birds. A Lesser spotted eagle flew low over us. Time was running so we drove to next site at izvorska river mouth. The place is very good in late April, but in May was quite. Anyway we had an adult White-tailed eagle, a flock of Ruddy turnstones and many other bird species. Then it was a Common grasssnake. At lunch we stopped at Turkish restaurant for lunch. We drove back to the protected area “Poda” where the visitor center staff member Yana talked about the birds and about the protected area. We observed the our first Pygmy cormorant, Ferrugineus ducks, Spoonbills, Squacco heron. The we entered the protected area and had a walk on the beach, where we found a flock of waders: Gray plover, Curlew sandpiper, Turnstones, a little stint. Afterwards we went to the towerhide and stayed there for an hour birding. The big surprise was the male Red-crested pochard. The group observed also many other waterfowl too. On the way to the meeting place with Jordan and the driver we observed the pratincole. I was very happy to find it myself. We made a joke with the drivers by putting the scope next to the road, so all drivers were slowing down.
The last stop for the day was at Atanasovsko lake hide, there were some waders. But as it was very windy and the hide was locked we didn’t stay long. After dinner we made the daylog and it was very nice the we were near the target number of species – 181, so what happens next I will post tonight.
BirdID field study Day 4
Another morning in beautiful landscape of Vulture crater. We started at 7am with short drive to Kovan Kaya. The weather was very nice so we had great time. We had observe an Eastern black-eared wheatear, Blue rock thrush, Hortulan, rock and cirl bunting. The raptors were not so active, but we still managed to see the griffons, Egyptian vultures, peregrin and kestrels. And the most interesting bird of the morning was the new species -Chukar. What a find it was. After unsuccessful search of rock nuthatch we finally gave up and drove back to have breakfast. Afterwards we packed and soon we drove toward our next target. At the destroyed bridge we observed a purple heron and black stork. A black kite flew over the reservoir and after few hundred meters we observed it with another kite. After this short stop we drove further toward our first major observation area next to Yerusalimovo settlement. An oak forest with lots of rosehip bushes. Iordan caught a Legless lizard (Ophisaurus apodus).Soon we heard and later saw our first Olive-tree warbler. We were very sceptical about the Masked shrike, as it was bit early. When Bård shout that he saw it. And soon we were watching again this gorgeous Masked shrike. People were so happy… We found an woodpecker’s nest just meters from the ground. We were going back when a Levenant’s sparrowhawk flew over. We came back to watch again the Olive-tree warbler, and two warbler were furiously fighting in the bush. A pair of Woodchat shrikes were present too. We were just about to went back to the bus, when the Levenant’s sparrowhawk flew of the ground with it’s prey – a mistle thrush. We were happy with those observations, so we continued to the next hotel. Made a quick coffee and ice-cream stop at thwarting gas station and then hit the road again. At the right side of the road we did observe a Montague’s harriers – male and female. Later on one male too. A single Lesser spotted eagle over the road. We arrived an hour and half. We were happy with the female Semi-collared flycatcher. The pleasant end of one more great day with BirdID field study group.
BirdID field Study day 3
As usually we started at 7am. First we started with a walk above the hotel and soon we made our first observations. At the roof of a building there was a Little Owl. A Nightingales, Oriols, Red-backed shrikes were every where. At first we did hear, but then we observed even two Eastern Bonelli’s warblers. A Hawfinches were flying above the group. The weather was clear and even in the morning we felt the heat. We observed our first Blue tit for the trip. After that it was time for the breakfast, so we went back to the hotel. After breakfast it was birding time. We had the time to spend around.The start has been excellent, as we doesn’t have to wait long. An Eastern orphean warbler was singing from dry bush. Soon the first male Black-headed Bunting has been discovered. We crossed the bushy area and even two green finches were furiously fighting. On the way a flock of four Woodlarks was observed. We followed the road and soon we had another Orphean warbler and even two Subalpine warblers. We also discovered a Lever spotted woodpecker in it’s nesthole. Then the raptors became active. A kestrel, Griffon vulture, Common Buzzard were observed in short time. A pair of Cirl Buntings has been observed too. We were despered to find Rock Nuthatch, but unfortunately we found just male Rock Bunting singing. A pair of Blue rock thrushes was chasing each other. And soon it was time for lunch. We drove back to the visitor center of BSPB. We had a short presentation about vultures and the area by the local guide. Then we had lunch and afterwards we decided to try another location along the river. First of all we observed a Eastern Bonelli’s warbler and Hoopoe. We found just above the road a nest of Hawfinches. The Golden eagles finally showed up. Attacked by the local pair of Kestrels. Then Bård and Eirik had a pleasure to swim in the river. Many other common birds were observed. At 16 o’clock the driver pick us up and we drove to the river side where the raptors were so active. A Griffon and Egyptian vultures,
Long-legged buzzard, Kestrel and Peering Falcon were joined by a Lesser Spotted Eagle. Soon we were looking at Eastern race of Black-eared Wheatear male and a Middle Spotted woodpecker was very carefully observed. Black stork was in the scope too. Only the storm clouds was distracting us from the gorges view of Eastern Rhodopi mountains. The lighting and thunders passed by, but we decided to stop for a Nightjars. But they didn’t show up until dinner time, so we decided to try again afterwards. Unfortunately we didn’t have luck again. Only the Scops owls and later in the hotel the Little owl was vocal.
BirdID field study Day 2
We get up early, and met infant of the hotel. Only Knut decided to rest after yesterday’s long day for him. Infant of the hotel we heard first birds for the day: Robin, Grey Wagtail, Dipped and Crag Martins. We took a short walk upwards. But the chill weather was reason why we had just a few species and we soon decided to went back for breakfast. On a way back I spotted three Balkan chamois. The breakfast was very good way to warm up after cold hike. I pack my bag and waited outside. Soon I spotted a Robin with food in it’s bill. And the Crag Martin was landing at the sand and it was collecting nest material. Soon we were driving towards Trigrad gorge. We stop at the Wallcreeper’s site. And we hadn’t got to wait long. The magnificent Wallcreeper were on the cliffs. So after 30 min. we were moving towards Trigrad settlement. Here we bought food for lunch. Enjoying the Pallid swifts, we observed some raptors and Passerines. As infant of us there was long drive we started as soon as possible towards Madzharovo. We stop at the Borika forest complex where soon we had a view of singing serin, Ring Ouzel, Grey wagtail and others. The happy students got back to the Van and we continued our journey towards East Rhode mountains. On the way we stopped at the “Studen kladenetz”. Here we had a view to the water birds. All kind of terms, Dalmation pelicans and even a Black kite was mobbed by Hooded Crows. A nightingale was singing. The Red-backed shriek were displaying. Soon we continued towards Madzharovo, but we had few stops here and there. A light morph of Booted Eagle and the sound of Eastern Bonelly warbler, Sombre tit were the highlights of the day. But soon we had a nice surprise – founded a Barn owl in the building just next to our fancy hotel. After dinner we made the dayloggs , but soon we had to write down another species to the list. A call of the Scops owl. So this was the 106th species for the trip…
Birdid trip began
The first ever HInt BirdID field study began. The meeting point was at Sofia airport. I met them with a great excitement. We just need to wait for Bård and Knut, which were arriving later, so we try the small pond just next to the air port. At first we heard the Common Nightingale and Great Reed Warbler. A few Magpies were very actively chasing each other. We found a fisherman at the pond. But he was very quiet so his present doesn’t affect our success. At first two Cucullus chorus were chasing in the thickness. A pair of Moorhens and Coots were present as well. Soon we had great view of pair of Little Bitterns. A migration of Sand Martins was very intensive. A pair of common Kestrel were hunting just next to the pond. Soon the Water Rail was calling, so we had another check for the trip. Common swifts were flying over. Soon i got call from my college Iordan that the bus is arriving. We came back and soon we had been driving towards our first main target – the Trigrad settlement. were tomorrow we hope to find a Wallcreeper in the morning. By the highway we observed Short-toed eagle, Golden Oriol. We had very quick stop for lunch and icecream at the petrol station. Here we saw red-rumpled swallow. And we heard a Common whitetroat. After that we saw a Roller at a dry Wallnut tree. The place looks promising. Soon we got Calandra Lark, Stock Dove, Cornbunting,Common Kestrel, red-backed, woodchat & Lesser grey shrieks. A long drive and here we are at hotel “Orfei”. For dinner we had nice starter and a troat for main. As everybody fill their dayloggs we got very tired, so it is bedtime here.good night and tomorrow I will let you know how was the second day of our first ever BirdID field study.
“Snowy Easter” adventures
Day 1: (29th March 2013)
I started my trip from Kaunas, because I have to take care about the plants we grow in university. It was looking to be very windy day, but I took the risk to try to find the Three-toed woodpecker, as I was expecting a guests from Netherlands. I was very nervous, because the weather forecast was not very promising. I fill the tank with fuel and take me a while to get to the area. I was never been there so I had to use the map that I got from friends earlier. The wind was freezing cold. I drove in to unknown gravel road and ended up on a forest cleared ground where I couldn’t get with the car further. I was still not sure am I on the right place, so I did call the friends to make sure that I am at the right place. As they confirm, I took my backpack and binoculars and walk with my summer shoes through the bud and snow. I was with summer shoes as I forgot to take my hiking shoes in the morning. I was almost sure that I will have success as the area looks very promising, but the wind was getting stronger. So after my speakers battery run-out of power after 10 minutes, I gave up and started walking back to the car. That nonsuccessive try make me even more unsure for the upcoming days with the birders from Netherlands. I was very hungry so I drove to “Ozas” shopping center and took a big portion of junk food. I spent the rest of the day with my wife’s best friend Aušra, as she is pregnant we were looking for baby stuff on internet. Her husband bring some food and we baked pizzas for dinner. I was just finished my pizza when I got a call from Jan. They landed earlier, so I have to rush to the airport. When I arrive it was starting to snow, so I didn’t waste time I took my passengers and we drove to the center of the city to have second dinner with them. I was very happy that they like the food, so after 1 1/2 hours we were on our way two the car, I haven’t realize how strong was the snow storm getting. We drove carefully, because on the first corner at the entrance of the city there was a car accident so I was very worried. The road was covered by ice and the snow on the top makes the driving conditions extremely bad. After 2 1/2 hours we were finally in Kėdainiai, I arrange their breakfast and wish them a good night. I drove home and after a quick shower I went to bed too.
Day 2 (30th March 2013):
We met at the lobby and decided to first visit my bird-feeders, so Jan and Anita were very impressed from the numerous birds around the feeders. We have great start of the morning with 4 Hawfinches, 2 Bullfinches, many Siskins, Greenfinches and Great tits, as well male Great Spotted Woodpecker.We had even a Raven flying over. After some time, Jan took photos, we decided to look for more rarer birds, we drove towards Tiskūnai, but we were still driving out of the town when on the road landed big flock of birds, we carefully observed them, but there were only Linnets, lots of them. We continue our trip with observations of Raven, Magpie, and then more Bullfinches and Goldfinches next to the road. Jan was taking more photos, when I spotted a woodpecker – female Lesser spotted was pecking his favorite plant, but this was something new for my guests, as they never seen woodpecker not on the tree, but on such thin plant. We drove to Tiskūnai, where we found big flock of Passerines: Yellowhammers, Tree-sparrows, Goldfinches, Greenfinches and Siskins were picking seeds from the ground next to the grain filler of the local grain warehouses. After we observed all the birds it was time to move forward to more interesting places. I was hoping that the snow will bring the European Bison herd back to the fields, but the fog and drizzle making observation at long distance impossible. Anita spot three White storks next to the road, so poor storks were suffering from cold and wet weather. We drove to Lančiunava to look for White-backed woodpecker and Hazel grouse, but all we found were lots of marks from woodpecker present and even no sounds of any single bird. After Anita slip on the ice twice in few minutes, I decided that is time to get out of this damn forest. We walked out on the field and we saw a Red fox on the road. The forest workers drove in front of us, so the Pine Marten that we find almost blind and suffering was probably hit by their car, just moments before we saw it. It was time for lunch so we decided to stop at my favorite gas station and have some hot burgers and sandwiches, instead of wasting precious time at the restaurant. I was very happy that Jan and Anita like it very much too. On the way to Subačiaus ranger-station I saw a massive flock of Passerines, so it was one more chance to find the Twite we were looking for. When we got of the car, a Brown Hare ran to the bushes. We take the scopes out and get closer, as in the flock there were lots of Redpolls, Linnets, Greenfinches, Bullfinches, Siskins and some Yellowhammers. But unfortunately we couldn’t find among them any Twites. Then we drove to my friend and forest ranger – Arvydas S. At Arvydas feeders we found Middle spotted woodpecker,Great, Blue, Marsh and Willow tits, Siskins and Greenfinches. He took us to the best places for Hazel Grouse and me and my guests could observe the first of our trip target species (Bonasa bonasia) . As well we saw a Black woodpecker and enjoy it very much.
The Pygmy owl was not very friendly so we couldn’t see it or at least not on those places where the ranger use to see it. We drove back to his home and get very nice eclairs and herb-tea. It was getting dark, so we hurry up to get to the next Hotel in Biržai, I took the alternative road so it took us a bit longer as I expected, but at least we got there just on time for dinner. The hotel is at very nice place, so I always prefer to stay there especially in summer. I was so tired that I just fell a sleep in front of the TV. I slept on open window without any blanket, because I forget to switch off the heating earlier.
Day 3: (31st March 2013)
We have very nice breakfast and as I have organized local guiding by my friend Armandas N. we had to meet him in the hotel at 9 a.m., but he forgot to change his clock by the new summer time. So we walk outside to see some birds and soon he arrived, we had a Mallard at the channel, Yellowhammers and Greenfinches singing, Great, Blue and Marsh tit calling just next to the Hotel. On the way to the forest we stopped by the unique Grey heron colony in the middle of a field. There were already some Herons back and checking the nests and flying over the trees. We made one more stop to see the Ravens nest at the High voltage electric pole, as in Netherlands Ravens are very rare. On the first corner in to the forest a Pine Marten first run across the road then stopped and look at us, then run away and as we thought is gone run once again back to the opposite site of the road. We stopped on few very good places. First of all we observed a Black-woodpecker and soon a Grey-headed female join us, the forest was filled by the “trumpeter” voice of the male Bullfinches. We had a short walk and managed to see Buzzard and Middle spotted woodpeckers.
copyright (c) Boris Belchev 2013
copyright (c) Boris Belchev 2013
copyright (c) Boris Belchev 2013
copyright (c) Boris Belchev 2013
copyright (c) Boris Belchev 2013
copyright (c) Boris Belchev 2013
copyright (c) Boris Belchev 2013
We move forward and Anita spotted something on the tree top. For our surprise there was a Spotted Nutcracker sitting on the top of pine tree. Anita was very happy to see it so close. We drove to a place where Armandas usually observe Tree-toed woodpecker’s pair during the breeding season, but they were still not in the area. So we move forward to the next “hot spots” where the three-toed was last seen, we were welcomed by a Grey-headed woodpecker call and soon we spotted a few more Nutcrackers. We walked to the area, I notice a very silent call and we head this way, as soon we get closer Armandas spot it – our main goal was achieved and we were watching at fabulous male Three-toed Woodpecker. It was pecking on a dead tree trunk just meters from the ground. Striking observation even for me, because I have seen only female almost 6 years ago in Alaska. The woodpecker moved on the other side if the road where we found it again and take some photos (which I will upload soon on my website). Happy, with “smiles till ears” we got back to the car, we saw also a red squirrel, Red Deer, Red Fox, Roe Deer, Wild Boar footprints on the snow. Armandas has a surprise for us, a thermos with tea and very nice home made tea cakes. So I am very thankful for his support. During the short tea break there were some birds too. A Long tailed tits, Marsh, Willow, Blue and Great tits were all over the place. As well as the Bullfinches and the Yellowhammers. After that we drove back at the first area and walk to the forest clearing to search for White-backed woodpecker. First Jan attention was concentrated at Eurasian Tree-creeper, which subspecies is very rare in Holland, so he wanted to take some photos. A pair of Marsh tits were making noise around us as well. The Black woodpecker was reminding for its presence. Soon we walked back to the car, as we couldn’t find the White-backed. We finished the tea and it was the time for the big surprises, we drove by the road between the forest kvartals, when in front of us on the first tree next to the road a Ural owl was resting in daylight just by the road. We managed to get a bit closer, but day light was not on our side so the Owl flew back to the forest. On the next stop we heard a Hazel grouse, but it was not so curious as this one that we saw previous day. We had a long day so it was time for dinner before we move back to Kėdainiai. We decided to drive through the fields, so we saw a Grey Shrike,a pair of Grey Partridges, Rough-legged buzzard, red fox, Roe deer. Armandas drove us back to my car and take us to a very nice restaurant next to the Brewery of Biržai. Very elegant and not so expensive place, which I will use in future again. This time the road was dry and I could be more relaxed as I was very worried about my guest during previous trips in bad weather. This relaxation bring me more trouble as I forgot to turn and we had to pass the center of Panevėžys. It was getting dark so we didn’t see any birds. We plan the next day. And after I drove them to the Hotel again I drove back home.
copyright (c) Boris Belchev 2013
copyright (c) Boris Belchev 2013
copyright (c) Boris Belchev 2013
Day 4 (1st April 2013): I woke up and I thought I was dreaming, outside there was a snow blizzard and about 10 cm of fresh snow. I hurry up to refill the feeders and drove to the Hotel. As I could expect we had to change the plans, because in such conditions it would be impossible to reach the forest. We decided to visit my feeders, there were many birds, but no Hawfinches, so we quickly decide to try to find some Twites, we didn’t, but we find beautiful flock of Snow Buntings. After all it was new species for Anita and good opportunity for Jan to take some photos. After unsuccessful try to get closer, we drove to the grain filler where the fresh snow was on our side as the birds were concentrated on specific places: Yellowhammers and Greenfinches were shy, but Goldfinches and Siskins didn’t care that we driving around them. It was time for some tea and coffee so we drove back to town. On the way Jan took some landscape photos and after this break, we drove to the town landfill as I promise to Jan that he would take photos of Ravens there. I show them my favorite spots in the Industrial park. And here we are at the landfill, it’s started to snow again. A pair of White Storks flew over and landed at the ground. Thousands of Jackdaws and Rooks were all over the place, Rooks colony is just next to the dump place, so they are preparing for the breeding season. There where 9 White storks were “freezing”, also we saw small flock of Common Starlings, Herring gulls and Eurasian Tree Sparrows. After we get back to the car I got a message about Waxwing at the town, but they were only for short time so we decided to not waste time. I take a risk and we drove to Kaunas through the narrow road and it’s pay back, as just after Labūnava we found huge flock of Passerines. Between them my first 20 Skylarks and again Linnets, Greenfinch, Yellowhammer, Fieldfare, Siskins and Goldfinches. After that we drove for lunch on our favorite gas-station which I will not advertise here. We had full tummies, so we were ready for some more bird watching, we couldn’t go near the river Nemunas, because the parking place was not cleaned from the snow. I stopped the car just on the street and we could safely watch birds from the sidewalk. Nemunas river is one of the biggest and very important spots for wintering birds in Lithuania. So we observed Smew, Great Cormorant, Goosander, Eurasian Wigeon, Tufted Ducks, Goldeneyes, Mute Swan, Mallard, Herring and Black-headed Gulls and many others that I will not list again. We drove to the biggest winter concentration of birds in Ž.Šančiai where there are 300-400 Mute swans, many Goldeneyes, Mallards, Canada Goose, Bewick’s Swan, Coots, Tufted ducks, Common and Black headed Gulls and many others. It was getting late, so I offer to make one more stop at the Kaunas HES, where we had a small hiking walk on snowy terrain with stones, but no body got heart, so we could enjoy the view of female Velvet Scoter, an adult White-tailed Eagle and many Coots, Goldeneyes, Mallards, Goosander, few Cormorants in the river and many Great and Blue Tits and Blackbirds at the shore. As I look at the photos afterwards I found that Jan not realizing, took a photo of male Greater Scaup. So that was the last bird-watching spot for our trip. We stop at the ATM to take some cash and we drove to Vilnius, where we had to split. Thank you Jan and Anita, it was really pleasure to be your guide and driver 
Hope to see you again one day, and Happy Birthday to Anita… This post is dedicate for you!