Heading Podlasie 09.03.2012 / Day 12

The last day, time for packing and leaving towards Warsaw, but first....

Before ending of our trip our guests got one more wish - to visit Red Bog region, place that was quite too far from the place we stayed at the beginning of our trip. Why not ? We made our route one more time through Biebrza region.

Soon after leaving Ritowisko and nice farewell with owners we saw hazel grouse just passing at the side of our car. Beautiful blue sky was adding hope for nice observations during last day.
We had interesting drive to the Kopytkowo as Biebrza river in some places flooded road and we were wondering if we will manage to pass, but we succeed. Ice on fields and sides of river looked really impressive. During our ride we saw some mute swans, buzzards and white tailed eagle.

From Kopytkowo we moved towards the Wolves Dune. Slow walk through frozen meadows brought us observations of goshawk and elks activities. After reaching "New World" we could heard another greater spotted and black woodpeckers. Walk to the viewing point resulted in spotting of some elks and roe deers. We haven't found any wolf tracks this time. We walked through another wooden trail, and other dunes and we reached our starting point at New World. Going back to the car resulted in hen harrier hunting at the fields.

When we were driving to Goniadz we saw two additional otters, beaver and some goldeneyes flying just above our heads. In a distance we saw many swans, mainly mute swans.

It was really difficult to say goodbye in Warsaw, as it was really great trip with absolutly special and fantastic family! We hadn't seen lynx or wolf but we succed in:

Beavers; otters; mink; golden eagle; white tailed eagle; buzzard; rough-legged buzzard; hazel grouse; elks; roe deers; red deers; grey lag geese; goldeneyes; water shrew; great grey shrike; black, lesser, middle, greaters spotted, whitebacked woodpeckers; wolf and lynx tracks; tawny owl; groups of bison; wild boars; goshawks; sparrowhawks; red squirels; cranes; goosanders; whooper swans; hen harriers; foxes; probably voice of eagle owl; pygmy owl; waxwings; siskins; .... and many others ;)

Heading Podlasie 08.03.2012 / Day 11

Last but one day of our trip. That day we concentrated on some cultural values of the region.
Few days ago we had chance to learn about tatarian and islamic, and today - orthodoxes, ikons and monastyr - all of that in Suprasl.

Just before breakfast we could hear some cranes from nearby fields - spring is coming! Soon after meal we traveled 10km to Suprasl. First stop was at old orthodox monastyr and building with icon museum. There is one of the biggest icon collection in that part of Europe. Many types of icons could be found there - and it's really worth seeing.

Than we met brother John who shown us interior of rebuilded monastyr (old one from XV century was destroyed during II World War) and later guided us to the small orthodox church where people pray. That visit was something special and I'm sure our guests liked it.

We leaved Suprasl and travelled through forests to the arboretrum (something like botanical garden but with many tree species) at nearby road. Unfortunatelly it was closed till 1st of April. With that knowledge we moved to the place where I, and Fiona have seen treetoed woodpecker on the previous day. We wanted to show it to rest of group but we hadn't got that luck to see it again.

Anyway we succed in finding some fresh marten tracks and some unidentified bird tracks.

Day ended with a night carriage ride with the moon and torch shining. It was amazing trip and it was something like special ending of our trip!

Heading Podlasie 07.03.2012 / Day 10

First day at that place we decided to spend travelling through two different protected areas. First - Bog in Borki.  As it was very difficult to reach for human beings many ungulates used to stay there (a refuge for bison, elk) and it was quite a good place for being a hiding place for animals like wolf or lynx. Unfortunately 'yet again' we couldn't find any tracks of those predators! After a walk through this first one we met only two greater spotted woodpeckers.

A little cross with our tour guide we came back for a lunch. We left part of our group and moved to "Old Biele" another protected area with renewed hope to find some predators, or 'at least' a three-toed woodpecker. 

At last our wishes came true as soon after leaving the car we met one female of that species of woodpecker. 

We continued into the forest. From every direction sounds of woodpeckers could be heard. We decided to concentrate on predators. During our trip close above our heads a white tailed eagle flew and sat in a nearby tree. Soon after that we found some bones (probably elk) in the forest, but very old ones. We dug up the earth in a vain attempt to find the skull but no luck. After a further epic trip through frozen alderwood flooded forest we spotted close by a pair of  stunning black woodpeckers.

Soon before reaching our car we heard an animal passing close by in the forest. We checked the tracks  and guessed that it was most likely to have been a running bison. 

Evening track into the forest in search for the Tenglmans owl didn't succeed, but conditions were perfect - no wind, full moon, temperature about 0 degrees. 

Heading Podlasie 06.03.2012 / Day 9

That day we left Bialowieza forest and we headed north - to Knyszynska Forest. We departed at about 9 AM so we had more time to explore new region. Weather wasn't perfect - cold arctic air was enlarging the feeling of cold...

We were travelling by the eastern border of Poland from village of Jalowka, through Bobrowniki, to Kruszyniany. We hadn't got luck - we spotted only some beaver dams, buzzards and roe deers. Nothing special.

In Kruszyniany we changed our priorities and decided to learn something about local history, culture and religon. What is interesting - in that region - there are some tatarians which are islamic. We visited mosk (one of three woden mosks in that region of Poland from XVII century), and their old cemetery. It was very interesting for our guest to see how different cultures exist one next to other on polish ground. At the cemetery we met a black woodpecker and finally had a really good chance to observe it! After short walk in nearby forest we traveled to next place - Ritowisko.

It was hard to drive there as roads were very icy, and it wasn't a great pleasure, but we did it! :)

After arriving to a beautiful place of Ritowisko and sorting our rooms we had time to explore nearby terrain. We hadn't got good luck once again - we met some tits or jay's but nothing special.

After diner we searched for some owls but there was any, even weather conditions were perfect.

Heading Podlasie 05.03.2012 / Day 8

Monday could be a good day too! Our begun at 4:30 AM, nearly 2 hours before sunrise, but I think it was worth sleeping shortly.

After small breakfast we moved to the Orlowka Protected Area in BNP to have a guided tour there.

We met our guide just at the sunrise, and soon after it we saw great grey shrike. With the first sun beams we crossed the gate of the protected area. After it we could hear woodpeckers from all directions drumming in the tree crowns. But still there was no threetoed woodpecker...

Sightseeing was very nice besides very slippy track. Mistle Trushes, jays, and crossbills were very active for all the time! Close to the tombs of some partisans we heared and observed pygmy owl. At the begining we could hear it from distance and than it was getting closer and closer and finally it landed on the tree just above our heads. It was a great reward for waking up so early.

Later we had a possibility to see some forges of greater spotted woodpecker (the cone of spruce at the bark of  a tree, mainly oak, sticked there by woodpeckers to eat some seeds from it). After it we had one more possibility to learn about significance of dead wood in a forest and the forest life cycle.

After leaving that protected area on bushes in nearby fields we found o vole which was hanged there probably by a great grey shrike. It was very interesting observation, especially because the prey was very fresh!

Than we travelled to the park close to the forestry school in Bialowieza. We could hear greyheaded woodpecker there, three lesser spotted woodpeckers, some hawfinches and lots of tits. After it wy moved back for a branch to our hostel.
During afternoon we visited once again Braszcza river (another place) where we spotted two roe deers and another whitebacked woodpecker - but we already get used to that.

After dinner we made one more attempt to find some owls or wolves.

Heading Podlasie 04.03.2012 / Day 7

That day we spent on a meetings with "dead forest" and some mammals of Bialowieza National Park, and it passed like that:

In the morning two of our guests had a short walk to the nearby forest searching for some woodpeckers (green, and greyheaded were most wanted), and found out that they are really active that time. Presence of greater spotted woodpecker begun to irritate us - as there was plenty of them everywhere!

After earlier breakfast we traveled to the region of Masiewo village and "dead forest". During walk we could see some great oaks and lets say primeval forest. We reached the side of river Braszcza. It was the same river we spotted american mink two days earlier but in another place. We found a great area of dead forest there and we could hear many woodpeckeres there! We got the aim to find threetoed, and whitebacked woodpecker there. The most common was greater spotted once again, but from distance we could hear black woodpecker too, and we were wondering about some sounds if it was or it wasn't middle spotted woodpecker. After short walk we managed to see whitebacked woodpecker. For our guests it was first meeting with that species. During that observation we have seen some nutchatches and european crested tits too.

Walk was really nice, and we had many chances to see some signs of beavers, hazel grouses, red deers, and bison activity (mainly droppings, but also markings made by teeth on trees).

After lunch we had another walk into forest.

That time we decided to visit "Carska Tropina" trail. That track located at the bank of Narewka river was full of wolf droppings, informing about the boundary of wolfpack area. Unfortunately viewing tower which was taken down two years ago hadn't been rebuilded yet. We followed trail to the south searching for woodpeckers and pygmy owl. After a time, we reached some wooden bridges that were cloesed due to their technical conditions. We decided to make a stop for a tea and chocolate. In that moment we were able to observe herd of 11 wild boars from very close. Soon above our heads we saw golden eagle flying. When it begun to get darker as it was time about sunset we visited bison refuge one more time. We had luck that time as 8 bison was there.

Going back to hostel passed without any additional observations.

Heading Podlasie 03.03.2012 / Day 6

That day we can call "Bialowieza forest standard tour".

Just before breakfast during short walk we had another possibility to see some bison, and it pointed that it might be a really good day.

Soon after breakfast we drove to the town of Bialowieza. During drive we made some stops in search for woodpeckers, but wind was very strong making it nearly impossible to hear anything. The only wildlife met were some red deers passing by the forest.

We begun sighting from the kind of zoo in which some species from that National Park could be met. We had a chance to find out how wolves could mask themselfs just by lying on a dead leaves not so far from the fence making them nearly impossible to find. Later we had also a chance to see them from very close.
Another interesting species was crossing of cow and bison called Zubron. They had really sad eyes, but were quite uniqe anyway. There was also a family of wild boars with one cute piglet that we could observe from very close making us really happy.

Next place we visited was a "Place of Power". Before we reach it, we had to walk through the quite natural forest with many signs of threetoed woodpecker activity. We hadn't got luck to spot it yet, only another greater spotted woodpecker was sitting in the crowns of trees. Place of Power is a small region in the forest with bizzare look. Trees had few trunks there, quite common are pears and hawthorns which are rare in the forest, and on the ground there are some stone circles. People with special abilities could feel there strong wibrations which are making place even more valuable. After short meditation and regeneration of vital energy we moved towards the car and then to Educational Center of Bialowieza National Park.

Exhibition in BNP was nice and our guests in english could learn a little about different forest types and wildlife. We also managed to reach viewing tower, and later to had a short walk in nearby park. We spotted a middle spotted woodpecker and sparrowhawk there, and at the river bank we had a great view on adult beaver from the distance of 30-40meters.

While we were going back to our hostel we made some additonal stops and we heard tawny owl from distance.

Day had ended with some talks at the fireplace.

Heading Podlasie 02.03.2012 / Day 5

First day of sightseeing Bialowieza forest. Shortly after waking up, and great breakfast we moved to the wilderness.

We started in unusuall way - from the northern part of Forest and region of Kosy Bridge. Slow and silent walk resulted in yet another meeting of greater spotted woodpeckers (besides strong wing) and flocks of siskins. In Bison refuge we met many signs of bison activity (droppings etc.) but unfortunately there was no bison.
While walking back to our Guest rooms we met old lynx tracks, and even some wolfish tracks.

Next part of our walk resulted in better sighting. Probably it was connected with better weather conditions. We had luck to met some wolf droppings which made Fiona very happy, and shortly after it we spotted hazel grouse on a tree. Soon after it we have seen also a bison standing by the hay. We had a confidence then - that big, wild cow, really exist !

In evening despite strong wind we moved into nearby forest searching for wolves howling or howls hooking, but we didn't succed. We only managed to find fresh wolf tracks and american mink. This meeting made us really happy!

Heading Podlasie 01.03.2012 / Day 4

After leaving our hotel Dobarz Manor and writing in the gueset book we drove into direction of Bialowieza National Park. During drive we decided to visit one more national park - Narew River NP.

During the drive we saw many signs of beavers activity in neighbourhood of river. At fields few times we have seen great grey shrike, and on mistletoe on poplars flocks of waxwings. Quite often there were gliding buzzards in the sky.

On our way we stopped in Tykocin. It's an old Town strongly connected with polish kings. There is a beautiful marketplace, great church and old synagogue. Five kilometers from Tykocin there is a village Pentowo. It's known because of number of white storks nesting there - c.a. 30-40 on few hektares. However the storks hadn't yet arrived

After arriving to Narew River National Park first wildlife we met was another greater spotted woodpecker and my guests told me , the most beautiful red squirrel with the tuftiest ears ever seen playing in the garden close to the manor in Kurowo. Next we followed a wooden walkway by the river and just as we begun our walk a small black beaver was spotted! Hurray! It passed by immediately under the walkway where we were standing and swam into the water. It popped its head up through the ice a little further away and appeared to watch us a while. We stood and watched the bevaer for some time in the location. It was a very small individual and most probably only one year old. This sighting cheered everyone up!
Our next stop was at the ''broken bridge'' where the weather was unhostile so unfortunately we did not have any new sightings of mink otter or marten.
From Narwia National Park we drove to the Gruszki village in the north part of Bialowieza Forest. We heard news that there were a few bisons at the side of the road but unfortunately we didn't see them this time.

After dinner we had time for ourselves.

Heading Podlasie 29.02.2012 / Day 3

We had already seen some elks, roe deers, red deers, otters, so now it's time for a walk through the forest.

We began day at 7.00 AM. with a short walk before breakfast. Our visit in nearby forest we saw plenty of greater spotted woodpeckers and heared some black woodpeckers. Those greater spotted woodpeckers where at the borders of their territories and we could even see short conflict between two of them.
Shortly before that walk I've seen hen harrier hunting on meadows close to the hostel, and one young elk just at the opposite side of the road. To the voice of ravens we already get used to.

After breakfast we went on a long, all day long walk. Carring in our backpacks food, hot tea we decided to check nearby forest for any new tracks of lynx. Unfortunately snow was melting down very fast and it was hardly possible to find any of those. We had spotted few elks, few another greater spotted woodpeckers, treecreapers, goldcrests, firecrests, european crested tits and another black woodpecker instead.

We had our lunch at the viewing tower at Lawki bog (once again nothing's there), and then we had a walk on Honczarowska Dyke to the Ruff's meadow. During all walk we could see many signs of beavers activity, but any beaver. Even we had luck to find some beaver droppings. There was only one thing that rescued that part of a day - meeting with 2 groups of wild boars. This observation was very interesting for our guests as in UK there are hardly any wild boars.

During the way back to the hotel we helped ourselves with spotting lights on the top of the car and with torch (Olight Trinton M3X) which was absolutely helpful and it power was far better then expected.
While we were having dinner I led lecture about beavers using materials from FWIE. Guests found it well prepeared and interesting.

After dinner we decided to search for some new owls (and not only) with good results. Few tawny owls, few hares, many roe deers and maybe a racoon dog were spotted. Moreover we had heared something what could be Eagle Owl but we weren't so sure about it.

Heading Podlasie 28.02.2012 / Day 2

This day we decided to see Biebrza basin and to find some elks.

Soon after sunrise at about 7.00AM. just at our hotel we may had a luck, as two black woodpeckers were flying just above my head. Then they were knocking in nearby forest. Our guests hadn't that luck yet.
Short drive to the viewing tower at Ławki bog where elks nearly always could be seen hadn't succeed. There were absolutely no elks there at that time. We came back for a breakfast without any additional interesting observations (siskins, tits, voice of black woodpecker). The meal was great with a huge variety of food - hams, sausages, cheese, jam, fresh rolls etc. - absolutely delicious.

After breakfast we started longer drive around souther Biebrza basin. We traveled through Ławki bog (secound attempt also without elks), than to the place where Narew and Biebrza region meet each other. In that place we could see some cranes, great grey shrikes, buzzards, white tailed eagle and flocks of yellowhammers and siskins. Also we could see one eagle, but due to the term we were very suprised and we didn't manage to identify perfectly what was it. For sure it wasn't juvenile white-tailed eagle nor buzzard or osprey.

Next stop was on the bridge through Narwia river in search for beaver or mink, which unfortunatelly haven't occured. We managed to spot big flock of goldfinches on nerby trees. We traveled further to bunker on Strekowa Mountain. It's a place connected with battle of Wizna in 1939, which sometimes is called a polish Termopile. Short story about courage and brave of polish soldiers was found to be interesting for group.
There was a strong wind and it begun to snow but we spotted otter hunting for fish in nearby river, group of swans (mainly mute swans), geese (mainly grey lag) and few goosanders. Probably if the weather was better then we'd have a possibility to see some smews, widgeons or goldeneye'e resting in that region (source: discussion list). We continued our track spotting common and rough legged buzzards.

After reaching town of Goniadz (still we hadn't spotted elk on our route), we visited Biebrza Educational Center and than we moved in direction of railway bridge. Fiona was very excited to spot a water shrew. Feeling disappointed and frustrated with our bad luck we began our way back to the hotel. . Finally !! we spotted our first elk, and few moments later few more elks. We hoped that our bad luck was about to change. During all trip we had a possibility to see great amount of red deers and roe deers.

After dinner myself and one of the guests took a night walk with the torch from the hotel into the nearby forest. We found the tracks of the lynx that had been spotted a couple of days ago and followed these and other tracks along a path further into the forest. We listened carefully for sounds and heard an animal run past in the undergrowth though we were not able to see it. We heard a tawny owl and called it. The owl called back and we found it hunting in the forest. We watched the owl hunting from the trees above us for some time and had a beautiful view of this with the torch.It was a beautiful grey coloured tawny owl. Fiona enjoyed watching the owl and looked forward to spotting many more owl species during the trip as there are many more species which occur in Poland than in England. The day ended shortly before midnight and shattered from the demands of the group retired to bed for peace and a well earned sleep!

Heading Podlasie 27.02.2012 / Day 1

Introudction:
In cooperation with WildlifeTours (A.Feilx Felger) and Wildlife&Wilderness UK

Trip to the most beautiful regions of Poland. Exploring Podlasie region (North-East Poland) with Biebrza National Park, Narew National Park, Bialowieza National Park and Knyszynska Forest. Our aim is to find and see some interesting birds and mammals like elks, beavers, bison, otters, pine martens, minks, and most importantly - wolves and lynx.

Day 1:
It was 6.30PM. when I met my guests on Okęcie Airport in Warsaw - plane was on time. We found each other without any problems and first meeting was a little scary. After buying some water and loading up the luggage we started our trip to the east in my special Renault Kangoo. We had a nice talk during the drive. We traveled to Biebrza Region in about 3 hours. After perfect dinner and sorting our rooms we had time for a short talk about our plans for next few days. Before going to sleep we heared tawny owl in nearby forest, and some other luckier guests in Dobarz (our hotel) said that they had heared wolves howling.
After news about people who met lynx close to the hotel we decided to start our day in early morning hours.

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