James
Monday 22nd September 2003, 12:21
Just having returned from Hungary I thought it might be of interest to some to read of our two days guided birding whilst there. We arranged to meet up with Gerard Gorman who seems to be THE man for guiding in Hungary and I must say I was very impressed with his skill and local knowledge. His only dubious judgement was to do with which football team he supported (Everton or somebody?). It was also handy to have his fluent Hungarian. Its not the easiest language (lets face it - its not even in the top 100) and not many people speak English outside Budapest.
Of the fourteen day holiday it only rained for one day (persisted down) - yes you guessed it - one of our birding days, the one below.
DAY ONE HORTOBAGY.
We met up at 7.30 am in pouring rain. The dust bowl appearance of Hortobagy had taken on a layer of mud which then became very slippy on the dust below (about 6 inches below!). Did this stop us? Not on you life! Within a few minutes a family of Red-footed Falcons were seen close in a tree with male, female and immature. A great start and a perfect way to see all plumages. Not long after Gerard got a call on his mobile from a warden (I think it was the head honcho Dr. Kovac?). We left the spot we were in and sped off in his direction tearing ourselves away from close sighting of a group of Stone Curlew (Eurasian thick-knee for the purists). What a decision but lets face it Great Bustard was THE bird I wanted to see. We found a man and his bicycle about 100 yards into a field. Up goes the scope and despite the rain excellent views of a group of Great Bustards were enjoyed by all! It was even worth my falling into the ditch on the way back. This day was going well considering the conditions. We continued to add good birds with close views of most including Crested Lark, Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, more Tree Sparrows than I could imagine in great flocks, Great White Egret etc. etc.
We did eventually give way to the weather (I thing about 3.30 pm) but nobody was in the least disappointed with the results! In fairness Gerard would have stayed to the bitter end if we had asked him.
Day two was even better (more later).
Postscript.
Sorry Budget but if you will hire cars to birders you must accept the odd bit of mud (odd bit!!!!!). We sneaked the cars rubber mats up to our hotel room in carrier bags to try to wash at least three or four inches of mud from them. The shower seemed the best option and to get in it with them to avoid spreading and spraying it everywhere. As we walked into the room I received a funny look from one of the staff when my wife called out "You get your clothes off and I'll bring the rubber mats!" What did they think we were doing?
James.
Of the fourteen day holiday it only rained for one day (persisted down) - yes you guessed it - one of our birding days, the one below.
DAY ONE HORTOBAGY.
We met up at 7.30 am in pouring rain. The dust bowl appearance of Hortobagy had taken on a layer of mud which then became very slippy on the dust below (about 6 inches below!). Did this stop us? Not on you life! Within a few minutes a family of Red-footed Falcons were seen close in a tree with male, female and immature. A great start and a perfect way to see all plumages. Not long after Gerard got a call on his mobile from a warden (I think it was the head honcho Dr. Kovac?). We left the spot we were in and sped off in his direction tearing ourselves away from close sighting of a group of Stone Curlew (Eurasian thick-knee for the purists). What a decision but lets face it Great Bustard was THE bird I wanted to see. We found a man and his bicycle about 100 yards into a field. Up goes the scope and despite the rain excellent views of a group of Great Bustards were enjoyed by all! It was even worth my falling into the ditch on the way back. This day was going well considering the conditions. We continued to add good birds with close views of most including Crested Lark, Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, more Tree Sparrows than I could imagine in great flocks, Great White Egret etc. etc.
We did eventually give way to the weather (I thing about 3.30 pm) but nobody was in the least disappointed with the results! In fairness Gerard would have stayed to the bitter end if we had asked him.
Day two was even better (more later).
Postscript.
Sorry Budget but if you will hire cars to birders you must accept the odd bit of mud (odd bit!!!!!). We sneaked the cars rubber mats up to our hotel room in carrier bags to try to wash at least three or four inches of mud from them. The shower seemed the best option and to get in it with them to avoid spreading and spraying it everywhere. As we walked into the room I received a funny look from one of the staff when my wife called out "You get your clothes off and I'll bring the rubber mats!" What did they think we were doing?
James.