Red-footed Falcons

One of the most popular birds seen on my most recent trip around eastern Hungary was Red-footed Falcon. We had great close views of males, females and juveniles. Perched, flying, hunting, calling... I took my group to a clump of false acacia trees where several pairs bred this summer. The birds were still there and the juveniles were still expecting to be fed by the adults. Peter Waterton took this great digiscope-photo of one of the young.

Scarlet Darter

Is there a more stunning dragonfly in Europe than a male Scarlet Darter? Crocothemis erythraea, also known as Broad Scarlet, a name which does not do it real justice in my opinion, is mainly found in the warmer Mediterranean region and north Africa. In recent years sightings have increased further north in Europe. The photo here was taken by Peter Waterton by the River Tisza in eastern Hungary last week.

Bird Fair Lecture and Book Signings

I will be over in the UK this coming weekend for the British Birdwatching Fair at Rutland Water. On Friday 17th August I will be giving a 30 minute lecture with slides on the Danube Delta in Romania. From 2.30 - 3.00 in Marquee 2, the Sights and Sounds Marquee. After that I will be doing a book signing on the WILDSOUNDS stand at 15:30. Then again at WILDSOUNDS at 12:00 on the Saturday (18th August). See you there?

Birds, butterflies, dragonflies, reptiles, amphibians, plants

Well, my latest group was a real mixed bunch. Folks interested in all aspects of Hungary's wildlife. We saw 150 bird species, about 60 butterflies, over 30 dragonflies and various frogs, toads and other goodies. Highlights were a late, bright, Aquatic Warbler, superb and close views of feeding Eastern Imperial Eagles, a large Grass Snake that I managed to catch, loads of Great Banded Graylings, a few striking Common Gliders, a Lesser Emperor dragonfly and... well, all kinds of things, too many, as they, to mention. Credit is due to everyone in the party, all of whom mingles in and shared their knowledge. We even had time to eat loads of Magyar home cooking and visit a wine cellar...

birds and butterflies

Second day in the Bükk with my UK group. Best bird was probably a Grey-headed Woodpecker which I managed to call in and which als caled back. A White-backed Woodpecker was also notable. On the butterfly front, a superb Lesser Purple Emperor and several Common Gliders got the lepidopterists excited. Tomorrow, on, to the plain, where the birds will improve but the butterflies will tail off..

Lesser Spotteds

Back in the Bükk Hills in NE Hungary with a group from the UK. Butterflies abound. Birds not easy in the hot weather but we still picked up Bee-eaters, Goldon Oriole, Red-backed Shrikes and a Black Woodpecker. The surprise was a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in hedges at a site we stopped at for Lesser Spotted Eagle in the middle of fields. Funny that, never seen it there before, and it is rather strange habitat for the species. And, actually, we got the eagle elsewhere.

Eventful times

I have not blogged for over a week... firstI had an accident, hurt my back, but I am OK now... then we went on holiday only to hear half way through that a water pipe had burst at home and the place was flooded... as well as the poor neighbour's below... got it fixed... then it happened again... now we have to deal with those nice people at the insurance company! Anyway, back in Budapest now. Just popped out to sort a few things and was greeted by my local Syrian Woodpecker, calling from a garden one street away. Two tiny young Balkan Wall Lizards also scurried past as I check the post-box.