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Lake Balaton Hungary (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter petej
- Start date
DJW
Well-known member
Last edited:
I spent a week at Keszthely at the western end of Balaton last August. It wasn't a birding trip but I saw a reasonable amount. It was particularly good for woodpeckers. I saw seven species in the wooded campsites by the lake shore, including Syrian, Black, Grey-headed and all three 'Spotted' species. The wooded hills are good too and have birds like Crested Tit and Hobby. They're also very good for butterflies.
I visited the large wetland at Kisbalaton and got taken on a rather brief guided tour. You have to get a guide from the National Park to access most areas, but it's probably worth it. Species I saw included White-tailed Eagle, Squacco Heron, Pygmy Cormorant and Ferruginous Duck. In late May you should do very well for warblers and other summer visitors.
I visited the large wetland at Kisbalaton and got taken on a rather brief guided tour. You have to get a guide from the National Park to access most areas, but it's probably worth it. Species I saw included White-tailed Eagle, Squacco Heron, Pygmy Cormorant and Ferruginous Duck. In late May you should do very well for warblers and other summer visitors.
jedku
Marc
There is also moderately good birding on the Tihany peninsula. Look for the trails going by the interior lakes/ponds. The walking is pleasant and several habitats converge there. Can be heavily touristed with hikers. Try to go on a weekday and start early in the day. But certainly worthwhile!
I think Andrew is right that Kis Balaton, a few km west of the lake, is the best birding in the area. You can't just walk into the reserve there. Be sure to stop at the MME ringing station near Fenekpuszta in the Felvideki National Park, & stop at the park offices to arrange someone to take you birding there. Best to try first the ringing station for a guide who may be more enthusiastic and friendly!
The rest of Balaton is very built up for tourism & in general is not ideal for birding.
Marc
I think Andrew is right that Kis Balaton, a few km west of the lake, is the best birding in the area. You can't just walk into the reserve there. Be sure to stop at the MME ringing station near Fenekpuszta in the Felvideki National Park, & stop at the park offices to arrange someone to take you birding there. Best to try first the ringing station for a guide who may be more enthusiastic and friendly!
The rest of Balaton is very built up for tourism & in general is not ideal for birding.
Marc
