Day 1 After our morning arrival at Warsaw we met our guide Tomasz and we departed for Doniadz. Unfortunately after about an hour, our coach broke down and we had to wait a long time for the replacement to arrive. However, our guide arranged for tea, coffee and biscuits to be delivered which were very welcome. Whilst waiting, the bird list was started although the Ortolan Bunting we heard could not be found.

On the way we saw the first of many beautiful male Montagus Harriers quartering the fields and there were many White Storks either in the fields or perching on their nests by the roadside.

Despite the loss of time and the rain which had started, we managed 30 species before reaching our hotel in Goniadz where there were several Serins with their rattling calls around the hotel.
Day 2 On our first full day we toured the southern part of the Biebrza marshes as far as Mscichy and we were pleased to get a good view of a Black Stork early in the day.
"Before then though we had excellent views of a beautiful Hawfinch as it worked its way through its tree - views we are not normally granted in the UK!"
Raptors were well represented with Common Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Spotted Eagle, White tailed Eagle, Marsh and Montagus Harriers, Sparrowhawk and Peregrine Falcon. The marshes were swarming with terns, especially Black and White winged Black Terns, but there were also Common, Whiskered and a Little Tern. Near Brzostowo we saw 5 Temmincks Stints in a tiny farmyard pool (!) and from an observation tower for the marsh, a few of us watched as a Peregrine caused havoc among the terns and for a time, this bird was excitedly considered to be a Saker Falcon although later studies of photographs appeared to confirm it to be a Peregrine. A great days birding with 80 species seen.
Day 3 Today we covered the north central parts of Biebrza including areas around the villages of Osowiec and Bialogrady and were able to see a good number of Cranes across the marsh. We also had views of Elk and a family of Wild Boar. On a long track to some dunes we heard a Red breasted Flycatcher call and after a short search, found it - eventually it landed in a tree above our heads! Golden Orioles were calling everywhere and 5 were later seen flying among the poplars, their favourite trees. A Hoopoe and 2 Woodlarks were also noted along the track. A couple of close encounters were had of Red backed Shrikes although these were to become almost a daily occurrence! On a forest track we then saw a Middle Spotted Woodpecker as it kept low through the trees and by the end of the third day, we had clocked up a total of 104 species.
Day 4 We now ventured into the northern parts of Biebrza around the villages of Wrocen and Dolistowo Stare and then up to Augustowo Canal and Locks. Lots more Cranes, White Storks, a fine Lesser Spotted Eagle, a close up of a Montagus Harrier were highlights.
"There was a dawn start to hear the bird chorus in the restricted area of Bialowieza Forest where we were led by one of the wardens who clearly had a respect for and a great knowledge of the forest."
A beautiful male Golden Oriole was also spotted in a poplar while Icterine and Great Reed Warblers were also found. A lot of time was taken watching a flock of 8 Scarlet Rosefinches feeding close to us. Driving along, we then surprised a Goshawk perched by the roadside. In the evening, we went to Barwik to search for warblers - this is where the Great Snipe lekking used to take place, unfortunately the birds are no longer there. Suddenly, a flock of 47 Black throated Divers was seen flying north. Grasshopper Warblers were reeling from several places but could not be found! Then, when we were on our way back to the coach, we got an excellent view of a Grasshopper Warbler reeling away low down in a bush and this was quickly followed by an overflying Woodcock.
Day 5 Today was our move away from Biebrza and our first stop was after a short distance at Dojlidy Fishponds after our almost daily view of a gliding lesser Spotted Eagle. Here we were treated to very good views of summer plumages of both Red and Black necked Grebes and many singing Great Reed and Sedge Warblers. Small flocks of Tufted Ducks and Shovelers were also on the water. Whiskered Terns flew over and a single Common Tern was also spotted - there was a small group of Black Terns too. Booming Bitterns were heard several times although we only managed a brief sighting of one as it stretched its wings over the reeds. When we walked to the far end of the fishponds, we found a Penduline Tits nest.
"We quickly noted a young White tailed Eagle perched on a broken tree and later saw an adult male flying."
At first we wondered whether it was a new one or one of last years but we then heard the plaintive call of the bird and we were treated to fine views as it came and went to the nest with building material - a lovely bird and a real delight. Moving along further, we heard and then saw a Savis Warbler before it disappeared into the reeds. We then travelled on and, after a route which took us along the Belarus border where we saw Great Grey Shrike, reached Siemianowka Lake. We quickly noted a young White tailed Eagle perched on a broken tree and later saw an adult male flying. There we many gulls and among them was a Caspian Gull and a number of Little Gulls. However, the main target bird here was Citrine Wagtail! We searched an area for a while checking all the other wagtails carefully and waited until we eventually saw a fine male Citrine flitting from one broken tree stump to another. An excellent find and a new species for most of the group.
Day 6 There was a dawn start to hear the bird chorus in the restricted area of Bialowieza Forest where we were led by one of the wardens who clearly had a respect for and a great knowledge of the forest. Soon among the chorus was the call of the Collared Flycatcher and this was quickly located, followed soon after by a couple of more raucous calls - two Black Woodpeckers. Unfortunately good views were not obtained, a glimpse through the trees being the best, although better views of Middle Spotted Woodpecker were had. Cuckoos were calling frequently and one got closer and closer until a fine male flew directly over us. A Raven also overflew us and another sighting on a Red breasted Flycatcher. Later after breakfast, we went into the local woods as we had a report of a Three -toed Woodpecker being there. Before then though we had excellent views of a beautiful Hawfinch as it worked its way through its tree - views we are not normally granted in the UK! Then after we followed their calls, we saw both Barred and River Warblers, the latter even staying long enough to have in a scope for the group to view.
"...but we then heard the plaintive call of the Penduline Tit and we were treated to fine views as it came and went to the nest with building material - a lovely bird and a real delight."
After an unsuccessful search for the Three-toed we tried another area close by and then our guide, Tomasz, found the nest hole where the bird initially only poked its head out. However, Tomasz managed to coax the bird out and we all managed to get good views. Continuing our walk through the wood, we stopped on a bridge to view the area and Tomasz then found another nest-hole, this one occupied by a pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers and we were lucky enough to see the birds switching at the entry to the nest. The day was not over, however for Tom! Having casually mentioned that it was his birthday, the group surprised (shocked!) him at dinner when a chocolate birthday cake was presented and a well drawn card with a Citrine Wagtail on it. The happy birthday chorus was joined in by a group of Germans - a thoroughly enjoyable end to another very good birding day.
Day 7 A short morning walk before breakfast produced Hawfinch and River Warbler and our first hearing of a calling Wryneck. After breakfast another walk through the forest and the local Park where at last there was an accommodating Thrush Nightingale - singing and in full view. Red backed Shrikes were now common and caused only a minor stir while White Storks now merited hardly a mention - oh and there is another Lesser Spotted Eagle -such complacency! Our first Marsh Tit and Coal Tit were seen in the conifers and a nice pair of Bullfinches - not common birds in eastern Poland. In another Park there had been reports of a Greenish Warbler and so we went to search. Having been round the park, we settled on some benches for a rest and then in front there was a warbler behaving very strangely - it was continually flitting it wings - something for which the Greenish Warbler is well-known. The bird was clearly Chiffchaff shaped (and so similar to Greenish) but while there was no sign of a wing bar and the bird remained silent, the leg colour was not Chiffchaff and the eye stripe was too short, legs and eye stripe suggesting Greenish Warbler. After much debate it was decided that Greenish Warbler it was. In the evening most of the group went on an owl hunt looking for Pygmy Owl in particular. There was a local guide who joined us who made the calls of the owl to attract it and almost immediately one returned the call. It settled into the trees above us and quite good views were obtained of this tiny owl. Then a Woodcock flew over. By now the species total was 132.
Day 8 Again the calling Wryneck was being elusive but a nearby Black Redstart, Hawfinch and Lesser Spotted Eagle over the hotel were good starts before breakfast.
"In the evening most of the group went on an owl hunt looking for Pygmy Owl in particular. There was a local guide who joined us who made the calls of the owl to attract it and almost immediately one returned the call. It settled into the trees above us and quite good views were obtained of this tiny owl."
In the woods we saw Garden, Wood and Icterine Warblers and it was noted that the group were becoming good at recognising the calls and songs. Golden Orioles were seen again, this time a small group including a lovely male in its striking black and yellow plumage. We were then taken to another wood where White backed Woodpeckers had been seen but unfortunately we were unlucky. However, we were particularly pleased to spot a Nutcracker which was in a tree directly above us and which worked its way towards the top. Scarlet Rosefinches again provided a fine show and Spotted Flycatchers were very common but we also got our first view of a Marsh Warbler. As this was Tomasz's last day with us we said our goodbyes to him and thanked him for his guiding skills and patience. This was our last night and the presentation had to be done! At the beginning of the trip, the group members were asked to estimate the number of species seen up to the final day. The range was quite something and while everyone had the opportunity to revise their total once, the totals still remained widely varied. The winner was Bob Punchard with his estimate of 143 against an actual to date total of 138 - his prize for his "wise" choice was an RSPB Barn Owl pin badge and a small bottle of vodka, what else in Poland! His guess proved to be the winner even after a subsequent
Day 9 And so to the last day. Before breakfast Bob and Barbara Punchard were lucky enough to have spotted a Grey headed Woodpecker, a species the group had searched unsuccessfully for the last few days. As our flight back to Manchester was not until the evening, we had time for some final birdwatching and so to break the journey back to Warsaw, we stopped for a couple of hours at Dojlidy Fishponds which had rightly proved to be so popular with the group. Again, we saw the Red necked and Black necked Grebes in their splendid summer plumage. We then said our farewells to the Penduline Tit at its nest except this time we also saw another Penduline at the other end of the fishponds. An Icterine Warbler sang in front of us from a very open perch and a Marsh Harrier flew low over the reeds. While we were driving through the villages, Bob Greenwood had also spotted a Bee-eater and we saw a small group of Stock Doves in a farm field. We got to the airport in plenty of time and we relaxed on the journey back to Manchester.

The trip proved to be very enjoyable and the group had seen a wide range of the special birds of this part of Poland. They had experienced the wide expanses of the Biebrza wetlands, the undeveloped farmlands and the magnificent Bialowieza Forest in the knowledge they had probably seen eastern Poland at its best before the widely expected changes which are now forecast as a result of EU membership. The final species total for the Group trip was 142 with another 11 species heard. 12 other types of fauna were seen including the Polish specials of Elk and Wild Boar.