Peru: Cock-of-the-Rock

Not quite home yet, but back in Europe. Got lots of woodpeckers, including 2 endemic species, lifers both. Many other birds, too, including this one, the famous Andean Cock-of-the-Rock.  

Peru

So, after a busy autumn of guiding birders in Hungary, next up is Peru. Yes, and no prizes for guessing what my main targets will be there... that is right, a whole host of piculets and woodpeckers. Of course, there will be many, many other great birds as Peru is one of the world's top birding destinations..  

Eight Woodpeckers

I am quite pleased with myself. A few days ago, whilst guiding a group of British birders in Hungary, I found 8 species of woodpecker between 7am and midday, in one morning. They were: Lesser Spotted, Middle Spotted, Great Spotted, Syrian, White-backed, Green, Grey-headed and Black. That is all the woodpeckers there are in Hungary in October. Here is one, the female Syrian we saw.

Another tour done!

Another successful tour under my belt! Again, in eastern Hungary with LOTS of Common Cranes but also birds like Saker, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Rough-legged and Long-legged Buzzards, wildfowl, waders, 8 species of woodpecker and roosts of Long-eared Owl. Here a Long-eared for you...  

Cranes in numbers

Just back from a trip around eastern Hungary. The tour centred around the spectacular migration of Common Cranes Grus grus and they did not disappoint ! We saw these elegant birds feeding, calling, dancing and flying over in huge flocks at dusk.

Quiet September

After a busy summer, September is quiet on the tour front. But lots of writing to do and preparation for a busy October in the field.

Kiskunsag and bustards

Spent yesterday in the northern part of the Kiskunsag region in Hungary. Took 3 nice folks from Ohio, USA, around. Our main target was Great Bustard and we found 21, in 3 different groups, getting some great views, particularly of birds in flight. One female was with young in an alfalfa field and when she saw us coming she lay down. The crop was just around 10 inches high but the huge bird simply vanished into it, as did her chicks.