Hungary-Slovakia Birding Trip: August 27- September 10, 2012

Day 12 Friday, September 7 Stratena, Slovakia with Sakertours guide Zoli

Safran Penzion http://www.pension-safran.de/EN/Index.htm

Again, Ross and Zoli checked for a dipper. Bill joined them. Zoli had checked too as soon as he got up. No dipper again.

It was cool this morning so we donned some of the warm gear we had packed. We headed out by van into the countryside, enjoying the pastoral scenery. We stopped to check another stream for dippers - no luck!



Zoli suggested we try for the Nutcracker in the morning, so back we went to Rejdova to our walnut tree. They came, but did not pose for great photos! They are large birds like jays, with strong beaks to crack nuts.



We bought some lunch supplies at a little store and headed out from the village into the forest. It had warmed up considerably so it looked like another nice day. We saw a Common Buzzard take off and grab a thermal.



We viewed some small fish in a stream and saw a Middle Spotted Woodpecker nearby. We got much better looks at Crested Tits today.



Zoli saw another Spotted Nutcracker, but it was completely backlit.



We saw a couple of beautiful butterflies by some huge logs where we sat and had a short break..



This would be our day to see the Hazel Grouse. Zoli had heard its wings flapping so knew it was nearby but it wouldn’t emerge in spite of intensive calling. Zoli launched into the bush to get behind it so it would come forward. This worked! We all saw a clear fly past.

It was impressive to watch Zoli call in woodpeckers. Click on Zoli to see the video.




For fun, Zoli made a small daisy “bunny” for Barbara.



We improvised a rock as a picnic table near a mountain stream and enjoyed a good lunch together. MA introduced us to blue cheese on a slice of apple or pear.



We had another close encounter with a Black Woodpecker. As usual, it went back and forth, never settling down for a photo op.



Near the village, we watched three Common Buzzards doing aerial acrobatics. House Martin nests were all over the village.



After we returned to Rejdova, Zoli prepared to leave for home. It was another goodbye for us. We had enjoyed our four days together on the hunt for woodpeckers, owls, nutcrackers and grouse in Hungary and in Slovakia. He has impressive calling and hearing skills – and an abundance of energy! He was looking forward to a well deserved family gathering with a fish dinner on the weekend.

Ross and Barbara checked out a field on the way back to the hotel for Fieldfare, but it was not to be.



More beautiful vistas as we returned for our final beer at our Internet bar.

Birds seen Sept 7 2012
*new birds bolded

Bird of the Day: Spotted Nutcracker

1. Jay
2. Common Buzzard
3. White Wagtail
4. Gray Wagtail
5. Spotted Nutcracker lifer#65
6. Common Kestrel
7. Middle Spotted Woodpecker
8. Common House Martin
9. Black Redstart
10. Pipit
11. Whinhat
12. Stonechat
13. Lesser Spotted Eagle
14. European Goldfinch
15. Hazel Grouse lifer#66
16. Crested Tit
17. Coal Tit
18. Firecrest
19. Wood Warbler
20. Tree Creeper (seen by Ross – not counted in total)

Trip Total: Trip Total: 153

Other Nature
1. footprints of wolf, brown hare, roe deer
2. butterflies
3. fish in stream
4. raspberries and blackberries
5. wood mouse