Black Woodpecker

The Black Woodpecker is Europe's largest member of the picid family. It is particularly popular with our guests from Great Britain, as it does not, and has never, occurred there. In Central and Eastern Europe it is, in fact not uncommon and we usually find a few on every trip. This male was photographed recently in the Budapest Hills, Hungary, as he fed low down near the ground.

Tufted Duck is a great looker

The Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) is a really great looking member of the family. Yet it is often neglected by birders in many parts of Europe because it's quite common. Anyway, we like them.

Robin...

You know, we should never neglect the "common" birds. So here is a Robin, the original one, the European one...

Long-eared Owl roosts

Long-eared Owls are now gathering in their winter roosts in Hungary. I have checked a few places and numbers are building up.

Little Owl

Little Owl (Athene noctua), Hungary. Common in the lowlands and always popular with our guests.  

European Pond Terrapin

Of course, when out birding, you find all kinds of other wildlife. Here is a European Pond Terrapin seen out of the water in the Kiskunság, Hungary.

Tengmalm's Owl juvenile

Upon returning to the Tengmalm's Owl (Aegolius funereus), aka Boreal Owl, nest in Austria (see previous post), we were pleased to see a juvenile! Gerard Gorman.