FIRST DAY IN BIALOWIEŹA WITH WILD POLAND (19th March updated with photographs)

Our hotel for the next 4 nights.



On Sunday morning it was both raining and windy. It then turned to sleet as we went out at 6.30 to seek out Bison. In a very sodden field on the edge of the trees we had very good views of a young bull. We walked closer, but not too close and had better views. Apparently they can run fast and even jump over a 2 metre fence. The European ones are not as bulky and are slimmer than the North American ones.




A Woodpecker was drumming and it was thought to be a Great-spotted one.

We went to check out some more pastures but we had no more Bison sightings. On way European Starlings flew, one Mute Swan and numerous Great White Egrets were easily seen.. Within the past thirty years their numbers have increased considerably. Also on route flying Bullfinches and on return for breakfast and in the car park a Song Thrush and a male Bullfinch perched in the trees. Later there were three of them.

When we were traveling I spotted what could have been a male Hen Harrier.

Our first stop after breakfast was to visit meadows where we could see more Bison. We soon saw a group of ten with a one year old calf, two 2-3 year old ones with cows and some bulls. We watched for several minutes before they ambled away.



This was a good spot for birds too as we saw:

Two Yellowhammers



Siskin - a small number
Greenfinch
Chaffinch
White-tailed eagle flying in the distance.
Sparrow Hawk flew away fast.
Common Buzzard
Skylark singing
Fieldfare
Mistle Thrush

We spent some time at a very large reservoir and in the distance a yellow sign indicating the border with Belarus. The border with the EU as well!

Here we saw:

Large White Egrets - a very large number
Wigeon - possible around 200
Mallard
Common Cranes
Three White-tailed Eagles
Greylag Geese flew over

After visiting the more open areas we then concentrated on seeing what the forest had to offer. The forest floor and all that is going on there is a study all on its own. There is so much to see and observe. Spring is on the move the woodland flowers were starting to show flowers and we paid attention to them

Flora and fauna



In addition to all of that there is the diversity of trees with some Spruce having died and some having been felled. The area that we were in does not have the protection of being within the boundaries of the National Park. Daphne, Hepatica, Wood Anemones were in bloom and Saxifrage was seen too.

Evidence of Beavers

Whilst among the trees we saw evidence of Red Deer hoof marks, many signs from Badger where they had been searching for worms and grubs and this included a latrine. Also Wolf droppings and we did come across a fairly old Wolf kill of a Red Deer. All that remained was skin and hair with a few bones. Our guide Andy had also discovered another kill site a month ago. He informed us that a small pack will kill two Red Deer per week and sometimes 20 K apart. One Fox print was seen.

There is no doubt that there are many predators and of course they are elusive and stay away out of sight. On the river banks there was evidence of the activity of Beavers.

During the afternoon we concentrated on Woodpeckers and with Andy's knowledge and guidance we were able to hear and see a Grey-headed Woodpecker fly and perch. Not an easy one to see, but we were able to get a decent view of it.

Later we heard, saw and watched Middle Spotted Woodpeckers several times.



We tried to see both Black and White Backed and then with light falling we stood and watched Great Spotted Woodpeckers for about ten minutes.


That was good to see three species in one afternoon and two firsts for us. And a Blackbird called, but not seen.

Also we saw:

Willow Tit
Nuthatch
Magpie
Jay
Great Grey Shrike
Raven
Nuthatch
House Sparrows

What an excellent day from start to finish with a guide that knows the habitats and clearly loves what he does.

Looking forward to another great day tomorrow.