Hungary
Birds and Art
Enjoy the wonderful birds of Hungary and improve your art skills in the company of wildlife artist Bruce Pearson
Limosa's "Birds & Art" holiday to Hungary in May is a small group natural history tour, based at the Kondor Eco-Lodge in scenic Kiskunság National Park. What makes this holiday a little different from Limosa's other trips to Hungary, however, is that as well as looking for a great range of birds and other wildlife with Gabor Orban ('our man in Hungary'), the holiday will be co-led by well-known wildlife artist Bruce Pearson who will help those who want to learn or improve their wildlife art skills.
Less well known than the similar Hortobágy, Kiskunság National Park teems with wildlife and preserves parts of the once continuous Eurasian steppe or ‘puszta’. Great Bustard and Saker Falcon are the stars but the park's forests, fishponds, oxbows and alkaline lakes hold everything from Pygmy Cormorants and Red-footed Falcons to Rollers and Lesser Grey Shrikes.
So enjoy this easy-paced tour, where you have an opportunity to step back in time and enjoy the birds and wildlife of one of Europe's most important wild areas but there is also an opportunity to work on your artistic skills with one of the UK's best known wildlife artists.
Tour Dates & Prices
Tour Highlights
- Unspoilt, varied and wildlife rich landscapes typical of eastern Europe perfect for enjoying the birds and working on your artistic skills
- Enjoy birdwatching with English-speaking Hungarian wildlife guide Gabor Orban, our 'man in Hungary', and (for those who wish) improve your artistic skills with 'resident artist' Bruce Pearson
- Specialities including Great Bustard, Pygmy Cormorant and Syrian Woodpecker
- Red-footed Falcon colonies, breeding Saker Falcon and Eastern Imperial Eagle
- Impressive numbers of Rollers, Bee-eaters and Lesser Grey Shrikes close to our lodge
Outline Itinerary
Fly to Budapest. Transfer south to Kiskunság National Park. Night Kondor Eco-Lodge
Enjoy the birds and wildlife of the area with the opportunity to improve artistic skills under the tutorage of Bruce Pearson. Habitats include the steppe grassland (puszta), wetlands and forests of Kiskunság National Park. Kondor Eco-Lodge (6 nights)
A final morning in the field before returning to Budapest for the flight back to the UK.
For those looking for a slightly different type of wildlife holiday, we are delighted to offer our first "Birds and Art" trip staying at the delightful Kondor Eco-lodge in Hungary. Owned and run by Gábor Orban and his wife Andrea, we will spend seven nights based at this very pleasant location surrounded by abundant and varied wildlife.
Whilst the trip will offer 'normal' birding excursions looking for a wide range of great species including Great Bustard, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Red-footed Falcon, Hoopoe, Roller and much more besides, our new 'twist' is that the trip will also be accompanied by one of the UK's best known wildlife artists, Bruce Pearson. Bruce has spent many years not only selling his artwork (eg he is a regular at the British Birdwatching Fair) and illustrating a wide range of books but has also worked as "artist in residence" on many expedition ships tutoring budding artists in places as diverse as Iceland, Antarctica and South Georgia.
Working closely together, our excursions with Gábor and Bruce will allow those who want to learn off Bruce to do so and the artists will often be able to spend longer at certain sites where the opportunities are most suitable. At the same time, those who prefer to concentrate on seeing a greater range of birds will join Gábor. We believe this combination will work perfectly, for example, for couples where one may be more interested in art and the other in seeing more species.
The unspoiled countryside of central Hungary has a veritable ‘by-gone' feel to it and offers a superb diversity of natural habitats, rich in wildlife of all kinds and we plan to alternate between slightly longer excursions (which rarely go more than an hour or so from the lodge) and staying 'closer to home'.
This single-centre holiday is based at Kondor Eco-Lodge for seven nights, right in the heart of the lovely Kiskunság National Park but just a 90-minute drive from Budapest Airport. This is the home of Gábor and his wife Andrea and we can expect to be treated like family members, where the delicious Hungarian cuisine will doubtless become a feature of our holiday.
The birdlife of Kiskunság has much in common with that of Hungary's more famous Hortobágy National Park to the east but those in the know would say that the Kiskunság has a more varied and prettier landscape that makes it just perfect for an 'all round' wildlife and art holiday such as this.
The Kiskunság preserves parts of the once continuous Eurasian steppe or puszta and hosts one of the largest populations of Great Bustards on the continent. We will make a special effort to locate this majestic bird and as we search for them, we may encounter Eastern Imperial Eagle soaring above the grasslands. The rare Saker Falcon, which has taken to breeding in nest boxes provided for them on pylons, is also possible.
Close encounters with the beautiful Red-footed Falcon are another highlight here in the spring and summer and we should have the privilege of visiting a breeding colony where, no doubt, the artists will want to linger to sketch or paint these delightful little raptors.
Our rural lodge is thatched and has a lovely garden, so there will be lots to keep us occupied during our stay. The tropical fluting of Golden Orioles and the purring of Turtle Doves will be audible from our rooms. In the grounds, there are some ponds with purpose-built photographic hides and both birders and artists will surely want to linger here to see what comes down to bathe or drink.
Exploring the grasslands close to the lodge, we can expect to find colourful Rollers and both Lesser Grey and Red-backed Shrikes, whilst areas of shorter grass are the home of European Sousliks, the ground squirrel of the region and the main food item of many of the local birds of prey.
Bee-eaters will be calling overhead and we should have the opportunity to visit a couple of nesting colonies to watch the comings and goings of the adult birds.
The park's fishponds, oxbows and alkaline lakes will be alive with birds in May. There are breeding colonies of egrets, herons, Pygmy Cormorants, Spoonbills and Whiskered Terns, while Little Bitterns, Great Reed and Savi’s Warblers, Penduline Tits and Bearded Reedlings inhabit the reedbeds.
Areas of forest are home to Honey Buzzard and Black Stork, as well as Black, Lesser Spotted and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers and we may also find Lesser Purple Emperor butterflies as these frequent the riverine woods along the Tisza river.
With so many wonderful birds on offer, this is a spring tour is not to be missed and with its unique artistic component, we are sure it will be popular!
Day 1
FLY TO BUDAPEST, TRANSFER TO KISKUNSAG NATIONAL PARK
Our spring birdwatching and art tour to Hungary begins with a flight to Budapest, the Hungarian capital. We will be met on arrival by Gábor and his wife Andrea and head south in our minibus for around 90 minutes to reach their home, the Kondor Eco-Lodge, with the busy airport motorway soon giving way to deserted country lanes!
We expect to arrive at the lodge in the early evening and having checked in to our rooms, we can relax over the first of our lovely home-cooked Hungarian dinners, perhaps washed down with draught lager or a glass or two of the famous red wine Egri Bikavér, the bull’s blood of Eger. Set in the heart of lovely Kiskunság National Park, this tranquil lodge will be our base throughout the holiday. Night at Kondor Eco-lodge, Kiskunság National Park
Days 2-7
KISKUNSÁG NATIONAL PARK
Our thatched lodge is situated in a small area of woodland and the grounds are cool, shady and a haven for wildlife so a perfect place to both explore and also learn or improve your artistic skills with Bruce Pearson.
From our rooms we can expect to hear the fluty song of the Golden Oriole, the purring of Turtle Doves and the staccato call of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Black Redstarts breed in the lodge buildings and Short-toed Treecreeper, Spotted Flycatcher and Hawfinch are all regular visitors. There will be an opportunity each day to wander in the tranquil gardens before our 8am breakfast. The dining room table will be beautifully laid out with a range of cereals, yoghurts, salads, cold meats and cheeses, home-made jams and fruit. From this sumptuous fare, we make up our own picnic lunches as part of our daily routine.
A short stroll along a nearby track takes us deeper into the forest, which is home to Honey Buzzard, Goshawk and Black Woodpecker, then on to a clearing where it is sometimes possible to see Red-backed Shrike, Woodlark, Wryneck and Barred Warbler. Walking in the opposite direction a path alongside a large hay meadow provides us with opportunities to look for Rollers, Bee-eaters, Hoopoes and Lesser Grey Shrikes, and marvel at the variety and number of birds in the area.
Unsurprisingly, on our first full day we have no need to venture far from our lodge. An area of short grassland holds good numbers of Sousliks, a rodent which is the main food item for many of the local birds of prey.
We plan to visit an area where Bee-eaters nest in holes in the ground right next to the track and these gorgeous birds allow close approach without being disturbed. This will be a perfect location for those who want to pause, draw and paint under the expert tutorage of Bruce whilst others in the group can do some additional exploring and birdwatching with Gabor.
The flat grassy plains of the Hungarian puszta have several different habitat types ranging from dry grassland to marshy meadow and other birds we might see in this area include Little Owl, Corn Bunting, Crested Lark and Tawny Pipit. Quail call from time to time and the concentration of Rollers in Kiskunság undoubtedly makes it one of the best places in Europe to observe this colourful species and for budding artists these will be another fascinating subject.
Kiskunság’s roadside verges and flower-rich meadows are filled with butterflies and we will pause to enjoy the magnificent range of species.
The nearest small town offers the chance of a coffee or cold drink and often plays host to a pair of Syrian Woodpeckers.
After getting to grips with the wildlife near the lodge, on some of our subsequent days we will head a little further, although none of the drives are especially long, with nowhere more than an hour or so from Kondor.
The north Kiskunság is perhaps the best place to search for Great Bustards in some of the more remote puszta. The Park hosts one of the largest populations of this declining species in Europe but perseverance and patience may still be required to find one!
Although the Kiskunság is largely flat, a small hill increases our chances of spotting a bustard and is also a good place to scan for raptors. We will hope to see the rare Eastern Imperial Eagle as well as Montagu’s Harrier.
Another colony of Bee-eaters in a nearby small quarry should allow yet more artistic and photographic opportunities before, via a well-appointed cake shop (!!), we make for a vast area of fishponds.
From a centrally placed tower hide overlooking the water, we will look for Garganey, Ferruginous Duck and Red-crested Pochard out on the water. Great Egret, Purple Heron and Marsh Harrier are all possible and both Savi’s and Great Reed Warblers plus Bearded Reedlings could be right below us. Once again, we will be able to split into two groups with the artists spending some time with Bruce whilst those who are wanting to walk and explore can join Gabor. Flexiblity will very much be our watch word and you will be able to do whichever activity you wish.
Continuing onwards, another stop will be a Red-footed Falcon colony. These beautiful birds breed in Rooks’ nests and, because our chosen spot is used by general tourists, the birds have been habituated to people and allow us to observe them from remarkably close range. White Storks often nest here too and should provide a fitting end to a varied and bird-filled day.
The habitat of the western area of the Kiskunság includes an impressive area of alkaline lakes, rich in nutrients and Avocet, Black-winged Stilt and Little Ringed Plover are three of the shorebirds which breed in this area.
Whilst some other species of wader will already be on their nesting grounds further north we might see late migrants such as Ruff or Wood Sandpiper. Large flocks of Greylag Geese inhabit the lakes and the sight and sound of the birds taking to the air is impressive and might also alert us to the presence of a majestic White-tailed Eagle!
Another tower hide allows us to look far into the horizon and nearby a large, covered table is the ideal place for our picnic.
A number of roadside ponds are very different in character from the salt lakes, and we may find Black-necked Grebes in dapper summer plumage plus noisy, nesting Whiskered Terns.
The secretive Little Bittern is also possible and we may well also visit another nearby Red-footed Falcon colony but there is an oxbow lake surrounded by tall trees we will want to reachw where the star attraction is Penduline Tit. With the birds hopefully attending their wonderfully ornate nest, the artists may be able to pause whilst others go in search of Icterine Warbler which also breeds here.
While scanning the water’s edge might produce a Kingfisher or two (as well as a Grass Snake or European Pond Terrapin), this site is one of the best for dragonflies and we will certainly take a look at these as there are an impressive range of species.
The floodplain of the River Tisza, on the eastern side of the Kiskunság, is pitted with oxbow lakes and these wetlands hold high concentrations of waterbirds. As we stroll slowly through an area of ‘proper forest’ on our way to one of the lakes, we will be on the lookout for Middle Spotted and Black Woodpeckers, as well as commoner woodland species. It is possible to see both Treecreeper and Short-toed Treecreeper together in this area, one of few places in Europe where this occurs.
A lake covered in water lilies provides ideal habitat for Whiskered Terns and Squacco Heron and a perfectly positioned tower hide should allow us some nice views and opportunities for the artists to do seom further sketching.
Having enjoyed our picnic in the picturesque town of Tiszaalpár, we head next to a viewpoint that will give us an idea of the sheer scale of one of the best wetland areas of this region, as well as another chance to find Syrian Woodpecker, which favours town parks, gardens and squares rather than the woodlands.
Pottering down to the water’s edge, we cannot fail to be impressed by the numbers of Great and Pygmy Cormorants, Great and Little Egrets, Black-crowned Night Herons, Black-necked Grebes and Spoonbills. Scanning above the trees might reveal a party of thermalling Black Storks or raptors such as Short-toed Snake Eagle or Osprey.
Reacquainting ourselves with one of the areas not far from our lodge will take us to a well-marked nature trail through an area of damp woodland. We have a further chance to see Black Woodpecker and Honey Buzzard.
Grasshopper Warbler, Whinchat and Northern Wheatear are possibilities from a nearby mound and it will be worth keeping an eye out for one of the local pairs of Marsh Harriers performing a food pass. A nearby open area usually holds nesting Barred Warbler, Tawny Pipit, Lesser Grey and Red-backed Shrikes and we shall make a special effort to see the powerful Saker, which breed in nest boxes provided for them on pylons.
On one day, we intend to visit the reserve at Lake Kolon. A relaxing boat trip out on the water should allow us to enjoy the likes of Penduline Tit, Pygmy Cormorant and Squacco Heron and we might hear Savi’s Warbler reeling, Bearded Reedling pinging and Water Rail squealing. Once again, there should be a great range of dragonflies.
By way of a contrast, we may divert to an area of puszta where another tower hide affords panoramic views and further opportunities to scan for Great Bustards and watch for Sakers hunting Sousliks.
In the garden of our lodge there are two wildlife hides overlooking the ponds so perfect for photographers and artists. Both are available for our use and ideal places to watch for birds coming to drink and bathe in the early morning or late afternoon.
On one night, we hope to run a moth trap and marvel at the quantity and variety of insects. On another, we stroll up a track to a forest clearing which is home to several pairs of European Nightjars and we will hope to see and hear them. Six further nights Kondor Eco-Lodge
Day 8
RETURN TO BUDAPEST, FLY TO UK
After breakfast, we have a couple of hours to enjoy our last encounters with the local Golden Orioles, Rollers, Bee-eaters and Lesser Grey Shrikes before returning to relax over our picnic lunches in the shade of the garden.
In the early afternoon, we load up the minibus and return to Budapest Airport, where we bid farewell to Gábor and Andrea and check in for our flight home to the UK where our spring tour to Hungary concludes.
WHAT TO EXPECT
An 8-day natural history tour to Hungary focusing on birds but with a deliberately flexible schedule to allow for those who want to join Bruce Pearson, our "artist in residence", to improve their artistic skills whilst others join Gabor Orban for more bird and wildlife watching.
You are likely to be impressed not only by the variety of birds but by their abundance and this is especially true in the area close to our lodge.
Visiting in May, many of the passerines will still be singing and, of course, the larger and more colourful species such as Rollers, Bee-eaters and Hoopoes will be conspicuous giving perfect subjects for those who are more into their art than seeing every species.
There should also be a nice selection of butterflies and dragonflies but unlike our June holiday with David Walsh, less emphasis will be place on these although we will still pause to enjoy those we encounter.
Spring temperatures in this part of eastern Europe typically oscillate around 20-25C (68-77F). Short periods of rain (sometimes heavy) are not unusual. It is rarely windy in summer and the weather forecast is generally reasonably reliable, helping in organising our daily plans.
Good photographic opportunities covering a broad range of wildlife and we will provide relevant art materials for those wishing to join Bruce but if you have you own then you are welcome to bring these.
BIRDS
120-140 species
OTHER WILDLIFE
Some interesting mammals, amphibians and reptiles. We hope to run a moth trap on one evening if the weather is suitable.
ACCOMMODATION
7 nights in simple but comfortable and characterful accommodation, as befits a rural eco-lodge. All rooms are en suite.
Kondor Eco-Lodge is perfectly situated within the Kiskunság National Park of central Hungary and we can expect a warm welcome and delicious, home-cooked Hungarian cuisine often using locally sourced produce.
MEALS
All main meals are included in the tour price, commencing with dinner following our arrival on Day 1 and concluding with a picnic lunch on Day 8.
Breakfast and dinner will be taken at our lodge, whilst our picnic lunches will be enjoyed in the field.
WALKING
Easy. Most walks are short, over good tracks and trails and all are on the flat except one very short hike up a man-made hill. We may enjoy one or two slightly longer walks during the week, although always at a gentle pace.
Sturdy waterproof walking shoes with good corrugated soles for comfort and grip are advised but often something more casual will suffice.
TRAVEL
Despite the end of many pandemic restrictions, it is still proving extremely difficult to predict future flight prices and schedules. As a result, we have taken the decision to continue to price our holidays as excluding international flights.
To keep the process as simple as possible, we are working very closely with a dedicated agent at Travel Counsellors, Sacha Barbato, who is essentially now our “in house” flight consultant.
Sacha will be able to advise you which flights we are recommending for each holiday, and he will be able to book these for you.
This will also sometimes give you the option to travel from a regional airport if you prefer.
GROUND TRANSPORT
By minibus driven by Gábor or a local driver depending on final group size.
BOAT TRIP
Our short trip on Lake Kolon lasts approx. 60-90 minutes, in an electric boat so progress is almost silent. Please note, however, that the boat is uncovered, so this trip is weather permitting.
Tour Gallery
View a gallery of images for this tour below, click on an image to view as full size with caption
