[ampersand]

I'm off to Siofok, on the south side of Balaton in a couple of days. Will be there for a week. Anyone know of any good spots in the region. I've heard that Kis-Balaton (Little Balaton) is the place to go. I may well get a visit there. Wondering if there are any suggestions for somewhere a bit closer to Siofok (or other must-visit places in the region).

Thanks in advance

John

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Kis-Balaton is good, although there were access restrictions when I visited it about four years ago. You might still need to obtain permission to visit the best areas. On a short visit to the restricted area I managed to see White-tailed Eagle, Squacco Heron, Pygmy Cormorant and Ferruginous Duck. I also spent time in Keszthely, which was good for woodpeckers in particular. I saw Syrian, Black, Middle and Lesser-spotted and Grey-hooded all within a small area on the shores of the lake.

[Mono]

As Andrew said Kis-Balaton is great. Access is restricted but the rangers do run guided trips and boat rides into the most protected bit of the reserve. Unfortunatly most of these tourist trips don't start until 1st June. The public access bit at "Great Crested Grebe" island is well worth a trip as is a drive around and through the reserve on public roads.

If you can get to Tihany, where I was based, there are some good wetland areas that have free acess.

[ampersand]

Thanks Mono and Andrew,

Looks like we will be taking the boat over to Tihany for sure.

Cheers

John