Limosa 2009 Hungary and Transylvania tour started on 27th April and finished in 6th May. Between 29th April and 04th May a few active days were spent to discover the Transylvanian beautiful Carpathian Mountains and its wonderful wildlife.
In the first day afternoon the group has arrived in Székelyudvarhely (Odorheiu Secuiesc). This village were our base int he next 3 days. Along the road a short stop were took in the Cipau fishponds where a lot of White-winged Black Terns and Black Terns were observed.
In the next day we have visited the vulcanic Harghita Mountains, located in the western part of Eastern Carpathian Mountains. The weather was a bit cold and in the higher level rained, although we have observed a female Three-toed Woodpecker (ssp. alpinus), Firecrests, Goldcrests, Crested Tits, Willow Tits, Crossbills and a short view of a Nutcracker. Around the ski resort Ring Ouzels (ssp. alpestris) displayed on the top of the pine trees and feeding on the ground. Other observed species of the day were a Water Pipit, Common Redstart, Dunnock, Treecreeper and several Gray Wagtails. In one periodic little pool along the trail in the forest we have discovered one beautifull Triturus alpestris, also.
In the afternoon we were in the bear hide. While we have waited the bears we sow for a short time a Black Woodpecker and Woodpigeons, Mistle Thrushes, Chaffinches, Jays. After the sunset but still in daylight 7 Brown Bear were present in the front of the hide. After the greening of the surrounding meadow the bears coming a bit later and were not as hungry as in the earlyer period. It was truly an unforgettable day!
On the second day we have visited one of the famous Transylvanian wetland in the Homorod valley, the Sanpaul fishponds. We have spent a half day in this area and discover some great specialties like a Great Snipe, which is a rarity in this region and abut 24 Red-throated Pipit in perfect visibility. Other interesting birds were 14 Night Heron, 5-6 Purple Heron, singing Bitterns, 12 Ferruginous Duck, 1 Lesser Spotted Eagle, 4 Marsh Herrier, 30 Red-footed Falcon, Black-winged Stilt, 2 Whiskered Terns, 40 White-winged Black Tern, 25-30 Black Tern, 12 Little Gull, a Little Owl, a singing Hoopoe and different forms of Yellow Wagtails (feldegg, dombrowski, superciliaris and thunbergi).
After this wonderful morning we spent the afternoon in the nearby vulcanic plateau to find the Ural Owl but with no luck. The weather became windy and cold and probably in case of this the owls were not enough active. Otherwise we have seen Woodlarks, Tree Pipits, Black Woodpacker, Redstart, Common Redstart, Mistle Thrushes, Marsh Tits, Chiffchaff, Winchats and a Raven. In the biggest park of the town Székelyudvarhely 2 Scops Owls were singing continually during the night.
In the third day we have visited the Bicaz Gorge to find the Wallcreepers. Along the road we have seen very close a displaying Lesser Spotted Eagle and Great Grey Shrike, Nutcracker, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Kesterls, Cuckoo, Fieldfare and others. On the Bicaz Gorge 2-3 Wallcreeper were present in the lower middle level and showing well to enjoy it. Along the river side 4-6 Grey Wagtail, a Dipper and above the gorge 2 Alpine Swift carried insects and about 50 White Stork were migrating to the south direction.
During the way to our Hotel we had taken a stop in the Gurghiu Mountains to find Capercaillie. After a 2 hours walk in the old pine forests we have discover one female Capercaillie with a short view, flying across the trail in front of us. Other observed species were 3 Crestet Tit, 3-4 Willow Tit, 4 Firecrest, 5-6 Goldcrest, Treecreeper, Greater Spotted Woodpecker and a dark brown Squirrel. In the higher level where the snow were melted freshly Crocus heuffelianus were blooming and created beautiful landscape.
The trip were continued in the following 2 days in the west part of Transylvania in Torockó area and in the Turda Gorge. In Torockó the classic and special breeding birds were discovered like Rock Buntings, Rock Thrushes, Ortolan Buntings, Alpine Swifts, Golden Eagle and Scops Owl but in the Turda Gorge were observed a Red-rumped Swallow which is a great rarity in this area.
Well done! The trip were finished in Hortobágy.
Tour leaders: Zoltán Ecsedi and Zoltán Baczó
Yours sincerely,
Sakertour team
Birdwatching & Bear Photography in Transylvania 