Poland - A Woodpecker Weekend

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1 Naturetrek April 2006 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker by Peter Dunn Report compiled by Roy Taylor Naturetrek Cheriton Mill Cheriton Alresford Hampshire SO24 0NG England T: +44 (0) F: +44 (0) E: W:

2 Poland - A Woodpecker Weekend Tour leaders Roy Taylor (Naturetrek) Przemek Kunysz (local guide) Tour participants: Dirk Todd Jo Hodges Pete Reader Paul Beadle Sue Beadle Day 1 Friday 14th April The group arrived in Warsaw on time just after 11 am. Exiting customs we met our local guide, Przemek (pronounced Shemek), unpacked our coats and scopes and headed east. Warsaw is a typical eastern European city laid out in a grid iron street pattern with grey apartment buildings. However crossing the mighty River Vistuala and looking across to the Old Town, which was completely rebuilt following World War II was far more inspiring. We were quickly out of the city however and into a countryside dominated by the practice of strip farming. A Marsh Harrier was noted and we saw our first White Stork. In all we counted 53 storks between Warsaw and Bialowieza village, with most nesting on artificial platforms provided by the villagers. Breaking for lunch at a rural restaurant (traditional soup to goulash) we admired a smart male Black Redstart and the first of over 20 Roe Deer we were to see on the journey. The highlight of the post lunch drive was a pair of stately Common Cranes feeding in a wet pasture close to the road. We reached Dojlidy Fishponds just as a violent hailstorm broke but fortunately, it was short lived and we were soon enjoying rainbows and our first scope views of birds. Amongst a range of common waterfowl and a noisy Black-headed Gull colony we found 3 Red-necked Grebes, at least 5 Marsh Harriers and several Yellow -legged Gulls. We then jumped back into the bus for the final leg of our journey. This was an exciting drive as the last section passes through the Bialowieza Forest itself, a vast network of ancient woodlands and interconnecting marshland and meadows. Keeping vigilant for a roadside Bison we found a Red Deer stag grazing on the edge of a marsh, but better still, great views of 2 European Beaver swimming along the river on the edge of Bialowieza village. Once the animals themselves were lost from view we had time to admire the lodge they were constructing and some impressive beaver bites out of stream side trees. The Pension Vnikat then welcomed us with a 4 course meal and a glass of bison vokda to send us on our way to bed! Day 2 Saturday 15th April Waking to clear blue skies and with tea and coffee waiting for us we were out in the field before 6am. This morning we had the privilege of visiting the Bialowieza Forest s strictly protected, core zone. This encompasses Naturetrek April 07 1

3 an area of forest of 47.5 square kilometres, in which there has been no logging or other human interference for over 80 years and as such is arguably Europe s most pristine patch of primeval woodland. The birds however started before we got to the entrance of the core area. First, an amazing sight of no less than 3 Grey-headed Woodpeckers chasing each other and calling vociferously as they flew through the trees before providing a fly past over an open meadow. Next a flock of 37 Waxwing, swaying high up in the branches and systematically stripping a ball of Mistletoe of its berries. At the entrance to the core area we met Arak, a local guide and researcher who was to escort us through this mesmerizing forest. Arak was a fountain of knowledge which hugely increased our enjoyment and understanding of the forest. Titbits such as the year in which a particular tree, now used by nesting woodpeckers died, or pointing out specimen trees in excess of 500 years old! Woodpeckers were drumming and calling throughout or time in the core area and we managed numerous views of both Middle-spotted and Great-spotted Woodpeckers, including a male Middle-spotted excavating a nest hole which we watched at length at a range down to a few meters. Pulse rates quickened when a pair of Hazel Hens took off in front of us. Fortunately for those at the back of the group we re-located one bird perched high in a spruce tree, allowing good but distant views. Other highlights included good numbers of Hawfinch and 3 Red Deer crossing the path. As we left the forest a Great-grey Shrike was perched high on a Silver Birch swaying in the wind. After a sumptuous breakfast most people chose to photograph the White Storks nesting on an adjacent cottage roof before we then drove to an area of forest near the village of Teremiski. We nicknamed this site the dead forest due to the high density of dead trees on the edge of a marsh. Evidence of woodpeckers was everywhere with numerous old nest holes and the birds themselves didn t disappoint. More views of both Grey-headed and Middle-spotted Woodpeckers were eclipsed when we found the head of a female Black Woodpecker poking out a nest hole. Shortly she was joined by the male allowing scope views for all as they exchanged greetings at the nest entrance! A brief hailstorm drove us away from watching the Black Woodpeckers, but after driving 5 minutes down the road and with sunshine reappearing, we wandered into an area of Oak forest and immediately found a female White-backed Woodpecker which at one stage we watched feeding on the ground. It wasn t just woodpeckers which were attracting our attention. Overhead we saw several Lesser-spotted Eagles, including one carrying a frog and another Great-grey Shrike and a Hoopoe provided further variety. Post lunch, we spent the afternoon in an area of spruce forest and then a boardwalk trail through wet Alder woodland. A pair of Lesser-spotted Woodpeckers added to our ever growing woodpecker list and a wild buggling alerted us to a Common Crane flying overhead. Marsh, Willow and Crested Tits were joined by a small flock of delightful snowy headed Long-tailed Tits. This northern race has a pure white head and were a real delight to watch. 2 Naturetrek April 07

4 After an action packed day we stopped briefly at yesterdays Beaver spot, not really expecting to see any animals. Amazingly a Beaver was sat out on the riverside vegetation, busy gnawing a stick! That evening we toasted the woodpeckers with more bison vodka - well, that was our excuse anyway! Day 3 Sunday 16th April Another pre-breakfast excursion, this time a switch from feathers to fur and a search for the European Bison. Outside of winter Bison are very hard to see in Biolwieza and the best chance is to drive slowly along the forest tracks in search of a herd. Despite numerous bison shaped logs and tree trunks and fresh tracks were a herd had crossed the path during the night, we drew a blank. It was never the less an exciting experience and we did manage to find some mammals with 4 Red deer, Roe Deer and Dirk glimpsed what was almost certainly a Wild Boar. Once again we struck lucky with Hazel Hen as a male was found on the roadside and we were even able to get out of the vehicle and watch it as it walked down a forest ride. On the way back for breakfast, a meadow produced Common Crane, Marsh Harrier and Lesser Spotted Eagle. Our mian woodpecker target was now Three-toed Woodpecker but we couldn t coax one out of the dead forest so headed north to the huge Siemianowka Reservoir. This shallow lake is surrounded by marshes and bisected by a causeway that carries a railway line. Incredibly, one area, despite the now warm sunshine, was still frozen solid, witness to the harsh winters in this part the world. An observation tower at one end of the lake and the causeway itself provide panoramic views over the area. A diverse range of waterbirds were present with both lingering winter visitors such as Smew and Tundra Bean Geese and newly arrived summer breeders including Garganey and Black-tailed Godwit. The real highlights however both fell in the big category. 2 sub-adult White-tailed Eagles dwarfed the numerous Marsh Harriers and a pair of preposterously large ears and heavy head revealed an Elk feeding out in the reedbeds! As we left yet another Hazel Hen ran across in front of the bus - who said these birds are secretive! On the way to our next stop we had an amusing encounter with the border police who were clearly keen to practice their English and warned us of the dangers of bird flu! Accompanied by a picnic lunch we spent the afternoon at Kosy Nost, a mosaic of woodlands and small marshes. Here we enjoyed the typical, early spring bird community of these mixed habitats with drumming Snipe, Green Sandpipers, Crested Tits and calling Black Woodpecker. The girls also came up trumps; Sue finding a Greyheaded Woodpecker perched on top of a dead tree and Jo with that elusive Bullfinch. The rest of the day can only be described as magical. Arriving back at the dead forest in late afternoon, a pair of White-backed woodpeckers were showing well and we then enjoyed prolonged, close views of a female Three-toed Woodpecker, looking like a hyperactive black and white humbug! A pair of Wood Sandpipers displayed overhead and then a snatch of song from the reedbed resulted in Przemek taping out a Savi s Warbler which came within a few feet of us to investigate the intruder! The day wasn t over yet and we picked up Arak in the village and drove into the forest where his whistles instantly attracted a Pygmy Owl which performed admirably, often sitting still for long enough for everybody to admire it through the telescope.. After such an adrenalin rush, on the way home we never even stopped for the Beaver which again was sitting out on the edge of the river chewing sticks! Naturetrek April 07 3

5 Day 4 Monday 17th April Before breakfast, we walked around the village and Palace Park. This proved a good choice as we were treated to excellent views of a newly arrived Wryneck, our final new woodpecker species for the trip. Over the weekend we had seen 8 out of Europe s 10 species of woodpecker, totaling a minimum of 48 birds with many more heard calling, ensuring that the trip successfully lived up to its name! The walk also provided the chance to enjoy a range of common village birds such as Black Redstart, Tree Sparrow, Hawfinch, Fieldfare and Tree Pipit. Post breakfast we started the long drive back to Warsaw but on a different route to our inward journey. A brief stop in a park at Hajnowka town failed to locate the single Syrian Woodpecker that has been in residence here but we did find another Wryneck. Roadside stops then produced a flock of Swallows migrating north along the River Bug, several showy Serins and a flock of 5 Common Cranes flew over. After dropping Przemek at Warsaw railway station we had a couple of hours to explore Warsaw Old Town and walk along the River Vistula. Despite our switch to tourist mode we still managed to add a couple of new bird species to the trip list with 2 Common Terns on the river and a Peregrine circling over the Palace of Kulture! At 4pm the group quickly passed through departures for the flight back to London after a hugely successful and enjoyable weekend in one of Europe s last remaining natural areas. Incidentally, the night before the group had voted for the top 3 birds of the trip, with the result reproduced below. 1. Pygmy Owl 2. Three - toed Woodpecker 3. Black woodpecker & northern Long-tailed Tit tied third 4 Naturetrek April 07

6 Species list Birds C = Common; H = Heard April 2006 Common name Scientific name Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisigena 3 3 Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Great White Egret Egretta alba 4 5 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea White Stork Ciconia ciconia C 36 7 Mute Swan Cygnus olor Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Tundra Bean Goose Anus rossicus Greylag Goose Anser anser Wigeon Anas penelope Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Gadwall Anas strepera 8 14 Pintail Anas acuta 2 15 Shoveler Anas clypeata 2 16 Teal Anas crecca Garganey Anas querquedula 3 18 Pochard Aythya ferina Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Smew Mergellus albellus 2 21 Goosander Mergus merganser 3 22 Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Buzzard Buteo buteo White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla 2 26 Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Peregrine Falco peregrinus 1 29 Hazel Hen Tetrastes bonasia 2 2+H 30 Water Rail Rallus aquaticus H 31 Coot Fulica atra 30 C 32 Common Crane Grus grus Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa 3 35 Redshank Tringa totanus H 36 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola 2 37 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus 3 H 3 38 Snipe Gallinago gallinago Black - headed Gull Larus ridibundus Common Gull Larus canus Yellow - legged Gull Larus cachinans Lesser Black - backed Gull Larus fuscus 50 Naturetrek April 07 5

7 April 2006 Common name Scientific name Common Tern Sterna hirundo 2 44 Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus C C 45 Feral Pigeon Columba livia C C 46 Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Pygmy Owl Glaucidium passerinium 1 48 Hoopoe Upupa epops Wryneck Jynx torquilla 2+H 50 Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius 2 H 51 Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus 6 2 H 52 Middle-spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopuos medius Great-spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos Lesser-spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor 2 56 Three-toed Woodpecker Pocoides pterodactyls 1 57 Skylark Alauda arvensis Swallow Hirundo rustica Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis 1+H 2 60 Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba C 62 Blue-headed (Yellow) Wagtail Motacilla flava flava 3 63 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea 1 64 Wren Troglodytes troglodytes H 1 H 65 Waxwing Bombycilla garrulous Dunnock Prunella modularis 2+H H H 67 Robin Erithacus rubecula 2 C C C 68 Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Blackbird Turdus merula 4 C C C 70 Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Redwing Turdus iliac us Song Thrush Turdus philatelist 2 C C C 73 Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla H 75 Savi s Warbler Locustella luscinioides 1 76 Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus H 77 Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita 1 20 C C 78 Goldcrest Regulus regulus H 1 79 Marsh Tit Parus palustris Willow Tit Parus montanus Crested Tit Parus cristatus 2+H 2 82 Blue Tit Parus caeruleus Great Tit Parus major Coal Tit Parus ater Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus 3 86 Nuthatch Sitta europaea Treecreeper Certhia familiaris 6+H 1 88 Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor Naturetrek April 07

8 April 2006 Common name Scientific name Starling Sturnus vulgaris 500 C C C 90 Jay Garrulus glanderous Magpie Pica pica C 1 2 C 92 Raven Corvus corax Jackdaw Corvus monedula C 20 C 94 Hooded Crow Corvus corone cornix C 4 C 95 Rook Corvus frugilegus C 1 C C 96 Tree Sparrow Passer montanus House Sparrow Passer domesticus 5 C C C 98 Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs C C C 99 Brambling Fringilla montifrigilla Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes Serin Serinus serinus Siskin Carduelis spinus C C 103 Greenfinch Carduelis chloris 1 10 C C 104 Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Bullfinch Pyrrhyula pyorrhoea Lesser Redpoll Carduelis flammea Linnet Acanthis cannabina Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra Yellowhammer Emberiza cintrinella Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniculus Mammals April 2006 Animal Species Scientific name Red Deer Cervus elaphus Elk Alces alces 1 3 Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus European Beaver Castor fiber Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Other taxa Common Frog Common Toad Small Tortoiseshell Brimstone Naturetrek April 07 7