Birding Day Trip - December 03

Birdwatching in Hungary: A December Day in the Kiskunság

On December 3, we embarked on a one-day birdwatching trip from the heart of Budapest to the upper Kiskunság region, focusing on the area around Apaj and Bugyi. The weather was typical for early December—overcast and misty but fortunately calm, with no wind to disturb the peaceful atmosphere.

The day's itinerary emphasized wetlands and grassland habitats, as we skipped the forested areas. By the end of the day, we tallied an impressive 61 bird species, a rewarding count given our focus on open landscapes.

Highlights of the Day

Several noteworthy sightings made the trip exceptional. Below are the highlights, with the species' English names in bold, followed by their Latin names:

• Great Bustard (Otis tarda) – Observed on agricultural fields near Bugyi.
• Pygmy cormorant (Microcarbo pygmaeus)- Observed in an artificial lake close to Bugyi
• Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) – Spotted soaring over the grasslands.
• White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) – Seen near the same area as the imperial eagle.
• Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) – Found roosting in a tree within the village of Apaj.
• Syrian Woodpecker (Dendrocopos syriacus) – Also seen in Apaj.
• Short-toed Treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla) – A delightful sighting in the wetter parts of the grassland edges.
• Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) – The highlight of the trip! We observed four adults among a flock of Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) on the open plains. Witnessing this endangered species in its natural habitat was truly special.

The trip offered a truly wintery birdwatching experience, capturing the essence of Hungary's grassland habitats in the colder season.