Owl nest-boxing 2010 II.
For the second time this year we were disposing owl nest-boxes. This time Tengmalm´ Owl boxes were distributed in Slovakia.
Tengmalm´s Owl boxes with Zoltán Photo: János Oláh
The Sakertour nest box scheme supplies new breeding boxes for owls every year. This year we have constructed 25 Ural Owl nest boxes and 10 Tengmalm´s Owl nest boxes.
The scheme helps us to show our tour participants these secretive birds with a higher success rate then any other company in the Carpathian region!
Eurasian Pygmy Owl Photo: János Oláh
During this nest-boxing weekend we encountered several species and individuals during both daytime and at dusk. One of the Eurasian Pygmy Owls was posing superbly for us. The best encounter was seeing Ural Owl, Eurasian Pygmy Owl and Tengmalm´s Owl from the very same spot (virtually not moving our feet) and also heard a fourth species (Tawny Owl) there.
Other highlights of the weekend were several Hazel Grouses and four White-backed Woodpeckers.
Sakertour team
Limosa Goose weekend 2010
The participants on this action packed weekend enjoyed a fantastic time! Just as we were hoping when we designed this tour, it coincided with the peak of the spring goose migration in the Hortobágy National Park. Although following the largest ever Red-breasted Goose migration in the autumn of 2009, unfortunately the spring passage was rather poor. Nevertheless the aim of this weekend was still achieved as we saw several Red-breasted and (more importantly) Lesser White-fronted Geese on the tour.
Sunset with geese Photo: János Oláh
Other highlights included a lovely pair of Sakers, up to 22 male Great Bustards in full breeding dress and a selection woodpeckers including Black, Middle-Spotted and Syrian. White-tailed Eagles were also a feature of the weekend with up 25 in a day with 14 in the same thermal.
Despite the cold weather we had a splendid tour and we hope to repeat it next March!
Sakertour team