Birding Day Trip - December 19 at Apaj region
Birdwatching Trip on December 19, 2024
With sunny weather and temperatures around 4°C, we set out for a day of birdwatching in the areas around Apaj and Bugyi. The light northerly breeze added a slightly chilly.
Our first stop was a mosaic agricultural landscape near Bugyi. This diverse habitat didn't disappoint, as we spotted some remarkable species, including an Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), several White-tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla), a Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus), and a group of Great Bustards (Otis tarda). On a plowed field nearby, we were thrilled to observe a homogeneous flock of Golden Plovers (Pluvialis apricaria), a truly impressive sight.
Heading toward Apaj, we paused at a grazed steppe area near the road. Here, among a large flock of Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons), we managed to pick out two Lesser White-fronted Geese (Anser erythropus) and six Red-breasted Geese (Branta ruficollis). The lighting was excellent, and we got great views of these species—a highlight of the day, as such good observations aren't always guaranteed.
Next, we moved on to the fishponds. Unfortunately, many of the ponds had been drained, and most shorebirds had already migrated from the area. However, the most notable species here was a Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) flying overhead—an uncommon sighting in December in Hungary.
In the afternoon, we explored the quarry lakes near Bugyi. These waters held an interesting variety of waterfowl, including Goosanders (Mergus merganser), Pygmy Cormorants (Microcarbo pygmaeus), Goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula), and a Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina). The standout species here was an Red-throated Loon (Gavia arctica), which was one of the most exciting finds of the day for me personally.
In conclusion, this pre-holiday birding trip was highly rewarding, yielding a total of 64 species, including some truly exceptional observations. The diverse habitats and excellent conditions made for an unforgettable outing.