Hungary has a deserved reputation for superb birding and has been a popular destination for birders of many countries for the last 20 years.
It is a nature lover's paradise and its diverse habitats include grassy plains, boggy wetlands, fishponds, wooded uplands and has numerous wildlife reserves throughout the country. Hungary lies on several migratory flightpaths so the large breeding populations are swelled by flocks of birds moving through.
The habitat and conservation policies in Hungary ensure it remains one of the richest countries for Birds. Due to this helpful environment, unlike in Britain, the majority of the resident bird populations are actually increasing.
The varied habitat ensures an equivalent variety of bird species and over our visit we should achieve around 200 species- yet this is done in a well-paced way to ensure maximum enjoyment for everyone.
Hungary has Europe's largest populations of Great Bustards and we will see them displaying on the Steppes. The wetter areas will attract species like Ferruginous Duck, Collared Pratincole, marsh terns such as White-winged Black and the Black Tern and Red throated Pipits. Europe's "colourful three" of Rollers, Bee-eaters and Golden Oriole will be seen.
In the marshier areas, there will be Little Bittern, possible Little Crake, Squacco and Purple Herons. Glossy Ibis, Spoonbills and Pygmy Cormorant are all possible.
Raptors are noted in Hungary and include Eastern Imperial Eagle, Ural Owl, Tengmalm's Owl Saker Falcon, Long legged Buzzard, White tailed Eagle and Red footed Falcon.
In the uplands, woodpeckers will be the specialities and NINE species are possible, including the White backed and the Syrian.
OI have chosen as our guides, those with over 20 years' experience taking groups through Hungary and they have a well-deserved reputation for looking after their visitors - people who are prepared to go the extra mile to ensure the holiday is not only the most productive but also the most enjoyable.
Naturally, the emphasis will be on finding and seeing birds, but the guides are also knowledgeable in many forms of nature, wildlife and the culture of Hungary.