Wildlife calendar

Isn’t it great to know what to expect each month?

Just scroll down or use the links below.

Year round calendar

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Oct
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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Bird arrivals

The dates of arrival given here are median dates calculated for last 7 or more years for NE Poland. The data in this table has been collected by PTOP (Polish Society for the Protection of Birds) members and compiled by Tomasz Kułakowski.

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Latin English German Arrival
Podiceps cristatus Great Crested Grebe Haubentaucher 03-21
Podiceps grisegena Red-necked Grebe Rothalstaucher 04-03
Podiceps nigricollis Black-necked Grebe Schwarzhalstaucher 04-10
Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant Kormoran 03-10
Botaurus stellaris Bittern Rohrdommel 03-27
Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern Zwergdommel 06-02
Egretta alba Great White Egret Silberreiher 03-26
Ardea cinerea Grey Heron Fischreiher 03-04
Ciconia nigra Black Stork Schwarzstorch 03-28
Ciconia ciconia White Stork Weissstorch 03-15
Cygnus columbianus bewickii Bewicks Swan Zwergschwan 03-16
Anser fabalis Bean Goose Saatgans 03-11
Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose Blässgans 03-05
Anser anser Greylag Goose Graugans 02-27
Anas penelope Wigeon Pfeifente 03-10
Anas strepera Gadwall Schnatterente 03-21
Anas acuta Pintail Spiessente 03-10
Anas querquedula Garganey Knäkente 03-25
Anas clypeata Shoveler Löffelente 03-18
Aythya ferina Pochard Tafelente 03-16
Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck Reiherente 03-16
Mergus serrator Red-breasted Merganser Mittelsäger 03-19
Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard Wespenbussard 04-04
Milvus migrans Black Kite Schwarzmilan 04-09
Milvus milvus Red Kite Rotmilan 03-21
Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle Schlangenadler 04-18
Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier Rohrweihe 03-18
Circus pygargus Montagus Harrier Wiesenweihe 04-16
Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle Schreiadler 03-30
Aquila clanga Spotted Eagle Schelladler 04-11
Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle Zwergadler 04-08
Pandion haliaetus Osprey Fischadler 04-10
Falco vespertinus Red-footed Falcon Rotfussfalke 04-30
Falco subbuteo Hobby Baumfalke 04-21
Coturnix coturnix Quail Wachtel 05-01
Rallus aquaticus Water Rail Wasserralle 04-10
Porzana porzana Spotted Crake Tüpfelsumpfluhn 04-11
Porzana parva Little Crake Kleines Sumpfhuhn 04-27
Crex crex Corncrake Wachtelkönig 05-01
Gallinula chloropus Moorhen Teichhuhn 04-16
Fulica atra Coot Blässhuhn 03-14
Grus grus Crane Kranich 03-02
Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher Austernfischer 04-03
Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover Flussregenpfeifer 04-08
Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover Sandregenpfeifer 03-22
Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover Goldregenpfeifer 03-09
Vanellus vanellus Lapwing Kiebitz 02-21
Calidris minuta Little Stint Zwergstrandläufer 05-20
Calidris temminckii Temmincks Stint Temminckstrandläufer 05-13
Calidris alpina Dunlin Alpenstrandläufer 04-16
Philomachus pugnax Ruff Kampflaüfer 03-18
Lymnocryptes minimus Jack Snipe Zwergschnepfe 04-15
Gallinago gallinago Snipe Bekassine 03-13
Gallinago media Great Snipe Doppelschnepfe 04-19
Scolopax rusticola Woodcock Waldschnepfe 03-29
Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit Uferschnepfe 03-18
Numenius arquata Curlew Grosser Brachvogel 03-24
Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank Dunkler Wasserläufer 04-07
Tringa totanus Redshank Rotschenkel 03-17
Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper Teichwasserläufer 04-30
Tringa nebularia Greenshank Grünschenkel 04-16
Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper Waldwasserläufer 03-28
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper Bruchwasserläufer 04-11
Tringa hypoleucos Common Sandpiper Flussuferläufer 04-18
Larus melanocephalus Mediterranean Gull Schwarzkopfmöwe 04-15
Larus minutus Little Gull Zwergmöwe 04-25
Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull Lachmöwe 03-05
Larus canus Common Gull Sturmmöwe 03-10
Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull Heringsmöwe 03-29
Larus argentatus Herring Gull Silbermöwe 03-11
Sterna caspia Caspian Tern Raubseeschwalbe 04-13
Sterna hirundo Common Tern Flussseeschwalbe 04-14
Sterna albifrons Little Tern Zwergseeschwalbe 04-26
Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern Weissbartseeschwalbe 04-19
Chlidonias niger Black Tern Trauerseeschwalbe 04-17
Chlidonias leucopterus White-winged Black Tern Weissflügelseeschwalbe 04-23
Columba oenas Stock Dove Hohltaube 03-09
Columba palumbus Woodpigeon Ringeltaube 03-16
Streptopelia turtur Turtle Dove Turteltaube 04-21
Cuculus canorus Cuckoo Kuckuck 04-19
Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl Sumpfohreule 03-26
Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar Ziegenmelker 05-02
Apus apus Swift Mauersegler 05-01
Merops apiaster Bee-eater Hinduracke 05-14
Coracias garrulus Roller Blauracke 05-11
Upupa epops Hoopoe Wiedehopf 04-06
Jynx torquilla Wryneck Wendehals 04-13
Lullula arborea Woodlark Heidelerche 03-11
Alauda arvensis Skylark Feldlerche 02-17
Riparia riparia Sand Martin Uferschwalbe 04-22
Hirundo rustica Swallow Rauchschwalbe 04-07
Delichon urbica House Martin Mehlschwalbe 04-22
Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit Brachpieper 05-01
Anthus trivialis Tree Pipit Baumpieper 03-30
Anthus pratensis Meadow Pipit Wiesenpieper 03-13
Anthus cervinus Red-throated Pipit Rotkehlpieper 04-27
Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail Schafstelze 04-08
Motacilla citreola Citrine Wagtail Zitronenstelze 05-02
Motacilla alba White Wagtail Bachstelze 03-14
Prunella modularis Dunnock Heckenbraunelle 03-28
Erithacus rubecula Robin Rotkehlchen 03-25
Luscinia luscinia Thrush Nightingale Sprosser 04-26
Luscinia svecica Bluethroat Blaukehlchen 04-10
Phoenicurus ochruros Black Redstart Hausrotschwanz 03-24
Phoenicurus phoenicurus Redstart Gartenrotschwanz 04-09
Saxicola rubetra Whinchat Braunkehlchen 04-18
Saxicola torquata Stonechat Schwarzkehlchen 04-06
Oenanthe oenanthe Wheatear Steinschmätzer 04-02
Turdus merula Blackbird Amsel 03-10
Turdus philomelos Song Thrush Singdrossel 03-12
Turdus iliacus Redwing Rotdrossel 03-12
Locustella naevia Grasshopper Warbler Feldschwirl 04-29
Locustella fluviatilis River Warbler Schlagschwirl 05-09
Locustella luscinioides Savis Warbler Rohrschwirl 04-19
Acrocephalus paludicola Aquatic Warbler Seggenrohrsänger 04-30
Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Sedge Warbler Schilfrohrsänger 04-24
Acrocephalus dumetorum Blyths Reed Warbler Buschrohrsänger 05-27
Acrocephalus palustris Marsh Warbler Sumpfrohrsänger 05-03
Acrocephalus scirpaceus Reed Warbler Teichrohrsänger 05-03
Acrocephalus arundinaceus Great Reed Warbler Drosselrohrsänger 04-26
Hippolais icterina Icterine Warbler Gelbspötter 05-09
Sylvia nisoria Barred Warbler Sperbergrasmücke 05-12
Sylvia curruca Lesser Whitethroat Klappergrasmucke 04-14
Sylvia communis Whitethroat Dorngrasmücke 04-26
Sylvia borin Garden Warbler Gartengrasmücke 04-23
Sylvia atricapilla Blackcap Mönchsgrasmücke 04-11
Phylloscopus trochiloides Greenish Warbler Grünlaubsänger 06-10
Phylloscopus sibilatrix Wood Warbler Waldlaubsänger 04-20
Phylloscopus collybita Chiffchaff Zilpzalp 04-01
Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler Fitis 04-05
Regulus ignicapillus Firecrest Sommergoldhähnchen 04-10
Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher Grauschnäpper 04-27
Ficedula parva Red-breasted Flycatcher Zwergschnäpper 05-06
Ficedula albicollis Collared Flycatcher Halsbandschnäpper 04-18
Ficedula hypoleuca Pied Flycatcher Trauerschnäpper 04-16
Remiz pendulinus Penduline Tit Beutelmeise 03-31
Oriolus oriolus Golden Oriole Pirol 04-29
Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike Neuntöter 05-03
Lanius minor Lesser Grey Shrike Schwarzstirnwürger 05-27
Serinus serinus Serin Girlitz 04-03
Carpodacus erythrinus Scarlet Rosefinch Karmingimpel 05-11
Emberiza hortulana Ortolan Bunting Ortolan 04-29
Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting Rohrammer 02-28
       

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January

January Biebrza Marshes Białowieża Forest
Daylight
roughly
7.30 - 16.00 CET 7.30 - 16.00 CET
Landscape Beautiful snowy landscape (provided there's snow) Beautiful snowy landscape (provided there's snow)
Birds A number of northern bird species winter here and are fairly easy to watch in the fields: Rough-legged Buzzard, Horned (Shore) Lark, Twite, Snow Bunting. In the parks and villages there are usually many Waxwings, Redpolls and northern Bullfinches.
There is also a number of local wintering bird species that are fairly easy to watch at wintertime: Whooper Swan, White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Grey Partridge, Kingfisher, Great Grey Shrike, Hawfinch.
A number of northern bird species winter here and are fairly easy to watch in the fields: Rough-legged Buzzard, Horned (Shore) Lark, Twite, Snow Bunting. In the parks and villages there are usually many Waxwings, Redpolls, Bullfinches. There are also many local wintering bird species: White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Grey Partridge, Kingfisher, Goldcrests, all species of forest Tits, Great Grey Shrike, Hawfinch, Common Crossbill.
Hazelhen are easy to observe in the forest and Woodpeckers often get active so can be easy to find and watch.
Mammals Elks are in their winter habitat, very easy to watch and take great photos!
Beavers are living under ice and in a mild iceless winter can be easy to watch in the day!
Otters can also be easy to watch but only when everything is frozen. They must often go out to breathe and use few available airholes.
Wolves will be having their rutting season soon so they are quite active at nights, easy to track in the day.
Bison are gathered in large herds, easy to track and watch near feeding stations.
Beavers are living under ice and in a mild iceless winter can be easy to watch in the day!
Otters can also be easy to watch but only when everything is frozen. They must often go out to breathe and use few available airholes.
Wolves will be having their rutting season soon so they are quite active at nights, easy to track in the day.
Others It is usually the coldest month. Great time to try polish mulled wine and.. mulled beer! It is usually the coldest month. Great time to try polish mulled wine and.. mulled beer!

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February

February Biebrza Marshes Białowieża Forest
Daylight
roughly
7.00 - 17.00 CET 7.00 - 17.00 CET
Landscape Beautiful snowy landscape (provided there's snow). In warm winters the ice melts and flooding starts. Beautiful snowy landscape (provided there's snow)
Birds A number of northern bird species are still here and are fairly easy to watch in the fields: Rough-legged Buzzard, Horned (Shore) Lark, Twite, Snow Bunting. In the parks and villages there are usually many Waxwings, Redpolls, Bullfinches. Other local wintering birds include: Whooper Swan, White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Grey Partridge, Kingfisher, Great Grey Shrike, Hawfinch.
First Cranes, Geese and Whooper and Bewick's Swans arrive.
A number of northern bird species are still here and are fairly easy to watch in the fields: Rough-legged Buzzard, Horned (Shore) Lark, Twite, Snow Bunting. In the parks and villages there are usually many Waxwings, Redpolls, Bullfinches. There are also many local wintering bird species: White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Grey Partridge, Kingfisher, Goldcrests, all species of forest Tits, Great Grey Shrike, Hawfinch, Common Crossbill.
Owls start their breeding season so they get more active at nights.
Hazelhen still easy to observe.
Woodpeckers often start setting their territories so can be easy to find and watch.
Mammals Elks are still in their winter habitat, very easy to watch and take great photos!
Beavers are living under ice and in a mild iceless winter can be easy to watch in the day!
Otters can also be easy to watch but only when everything is frozen. They must often go out to breathe and use few available airholes.
Wolves are having their rutting season so they are quite active at nights, easy to track in the day.
Bison are still gathered in large herds, easy to track and watch near feeding stations.
Beavers are living under ice and in a mild iceless winter can be easy to watch in the day!
Otters can also be easy to watch but only when everything is frozen. They must often go out to breathe and use few available airholes.
Wolves are having their rutting season so they are quite active at nights, easy to track in the day.
Others Can often be the coldest month. Great time to try polish mulled wine and.. mulled beer! Can often be the coldest month. Great time to try polish mulled wine and.. mulled beer!

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March

March Biebrza Marshes Białowieża Forest
Daylight
roughly
6.00 - 17.30 CET 6.00 - 17.30 CET
Landscape The snow melts and enourmous flooding appears, however, in some years it can still be quite icy. There's usually still snow in the forest. First ground flowers may appear.
Birds Biebrza is taken over by flocks of migratory Swans: Mute, Whooper and Bewick's and Geese: White-fronted in thousands, with Bean and Greylag accompanying.
Each year there are also individuals of Pink-footed, Lesser White-fronted, Barnacle, Brent or Red-breasted Geese spotted inside those large flocks.
Cranes gather in large groups. The common pattern for both Cranes and Geese is to roost in the marshes and feed in the surrounding agricultural fields in the day.
At the end of March Storks and Eagles begin to arrive.
Owls are in their breeding season and it's a good time to see Temminck's at night.
Hazelhen are still easy to observe.
Woodpeckers start marking their territory so are very easy to find and watch. Additionally, there's no foliage yet. Might be a good idea to go for White-backed Woodpeckers as they start breeding (and get silent!) early next month.
At the end of March Storks and Eagles begin to arrive.
Mammals Elks are still in their winter habitat, easy to watch and study, providing beautiful photographic opportunities
Beavers are hungry for greens after the winter so when ice melts they can go out feeding even in the day.
Wolves are having their rutting season so they are quite active at nights, easy to track in the day when there's snow.
Bison are still gathered in large herds, easy to track and watch near feeding stations. At the end of March the winter groups can already start breaking up.
Beavers are hungry for greens after the winter so when ice melts they can go out feeding even in the day.
Wolves are having their rutting season so they are quite active at nights, easy to track in the day when there's snow.
Others The first Amphibians can wake up. The first Amphibians can wake up.

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April

April Biebrza Marshes Białowieża Forest
Daylight
roughly
5.30 - 19.30 CEST 5.30 - 19.30 CEST
Landscape Now this is flooding! Can still be snow in the forest in cold years. Many ground level flowers bloom as trees have no leaves yet.
Birds Biebrza is still taken over by large flocks of migratory swans and geese. Thousands of migratory ducks feed in the wet meadows: Mallard, Pintail, Shoveler, Wigeon and less numerous: Gadwall, Teal, Garganey, Pochard, Tufted Duck and Goldeneye. Among them, rarer species like Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Smew, Goosander or Red-breasted Merganser can often be spotted.

Waders arrive. With Lapwings, Redshanks, Black-tailed Godwits and Common Snipe that are common breeders, there are large flocks of Golden Plovers and Ruffs, smaller groups of Spotted Redshanks, Greenshanks, Curlews, Wood Sandpipers, Dunlins plus many more.

At the end of month Whiskered and White-winged Terns arrive.

Lesser and Greater Spotted Eagles as well as Harriers arrive.

Best time for woodpeckers! All of them are now marking their territories. Black and Grey-headed start incubating first, followed by White-backed and other 'spotted' woodpeckers near end of April. Wryneck and Three-toed remain active until late April/early May.

Pygmy Owl starts incubating second half of month.

Wryneck, Common and Lesser Whitethroats, Wood Warblers, Pied and Collarred Flycatchers, Black Storks, Eagles, Honey Buzzards and Harriers arrive.

Mammals Elks can still be in their winter habitat but will be slowly moving towards the marshes where the fresh greens and Marsh Marigolds sprout. At the end of April first females give birth to one or two calves. Good time to watch abandoned and confused one-year olds in the marshes.

Beavers are watchable near their lodges in the evenings or early mornings.

Bison finally leave their winter habitats and disperse into smaller groups. They feed intensively on fresh green sprouts and warm up in the first sunshine.

Beavers are watchable near their lodges in the evenings or early mornings.

Others Amphibians wake up. Great time for blue males of Moor Frogs! At the end of month Fire-bellied Toads and Tree frogs also start mating. wake up. Great time for blue males of Moor Frogs! At the end of month Fire-bellied Toads and Tree frogs also start mating. Amphibians wake up. Great time for blue males of Moor Frogs! At the end of month Fire-bellied Toads and Tree frogs also start mating. wake up. Great time for blue males of Moor Frogs! At the end of month Fire-bellied Toads and Tree frogs also start mating.

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May

May Biebrza Marshes Białowieża Forest
Daylight
roughly
4.30 - 20.30 CEST 4.30 - 20.30 CEST
Landscape Biebrza gets greener and water level drops down. In wet years can still be heavily flooded though.

First week of May is the blooming time of masses of Marsh Marigolds.

Trees green up so with each week it is more difficult to spot birds inside the forest. But no worries, it's still possible but just more fun :)
Birds The breeding month for most of the species.

Final most wanted arrive: Thrush Nightingale, Aquatic Warbler, Corncrake, Citrine Wagtail, Red-backed Shrike, Marsh, River, Icterine and Barred Warblers, Scarlet Rosefinch.

Early May is best time for large flocks of Ruffs. But note that Ruff and most of other migratory birds leave in the first half of month.

White-winged Terns form large breeding colonies in flooded meadows.

The breeding month for most of the species.

Final most wanted arrive: Thrush Nightingale, Corncrake, Citrine Wagtail, Red-backed Shrike, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Marsh, River, Icterine and Barred Warblers, Scarlet Rosefinch.

Wrynecks and Three-toed Woodpeckers start incubating. Black Woodpeckers fledge around mid May and others start feeding young at that time.

Mammals Early May Elks can be seen out in the Marsh Marigold fields in the early mornings. Females give birth to one or two calves that can be seen in the marshes later this month.

Beavers give birth as well and are only watchable near their lodges in the evenings or early mornings.

Bison give birth and feed intensively on fresh green sprouts. They don't move around much.

Beavers give birth as well and are only watchable near their lodges in the evenings or early mornings.

Others All of the amphibians are out now. Peak of mating of the Fire-bellied Toad, Tree Frog, Pool, Edible and Marsh Frogs.

Reptiles wake up and lizards, Grass Snakes and Adders can be seen.

All of the amphibians are out now. Peak of mating of the Fire-bellied Toad, Tree Frog, Pool, Edible and Marsh Frogs.

Reptiles wake up and lizards, Grass Snakes and Adders can be seen.

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June

June Biebrza Marshes Białowieża Forest
Daylight
roughly
4.15 - 21.00 CEST 4.15 - 21.00 CEST
Landscape Vegetation's totally green and many wild flowers bloom in the meadows.

Water level is usually low - the Biebrza River is in its main channel.

Vegetation is in full bloom both in the forest and in the meadows.
Birds The temperature grows so you get more restricted to the mornings and evenings when watching wildlife.

June is still good for Warblers, especially the late arrivers, but usually all of them can be spotted. Many early arrivers get their second broods and thus sing again. Birds of prey can be spotted in the mornings.

The last waders hatch and fledge. White-winged terns are feeding intensively, slowly loosing theit breeding plumage.

The temperature grows so you get more restricted to the mornings and evenings when watching wildlife.

June is still good for Warblers, especially the late arrivers, but usually all of them can be spotted. Many early arrivers get their second broods and thus sing again. Birds of prey can be spotted in the mornings.

Three-toed Woodpeckers are feeding young until last week of June. All of the other Woodpeckers have already fledged by the first week of June.

Mammals In the mornings and evenings Elks can be spotted in the marshes, it is more difficult to get a close view though. Males start growing antlers.

It is actually good time to watch Beavers as the nights are short and they start feeding early.

Bison feed inside the forest and don't move around much. Sometimes they seek shelter from mosquitos in the sunny meadows.

Beavers give birth as well and are only watchable near their lodges in the evenings or early mornings.

Others Some late amphibians can still be active.

Reptiles are more obvious with Sand Lizards, Grass Snakes and Adders in sandy places. Vegetation blooms so it is also best time for Orchids, Dragonflies, Butterflies and Moths.

Some late amphibians can still be active.

Reptiles are more obvious with Sand Lizards, Grass Snakes and Adders in sandy places. Vegetation blooms so it is also best time for Orchids, Dragonflies, Butterflies and Moths.

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July

July Biebrza Marshes Białowieża Forest
Daylight
roughly
4.30 - 20.45 CEST 4.30 - 20.45 CEST
Landscape & weather Vegetation's totally green and many wild flowers bloom in the meadows. Water level is usually low - the Biebrza River is in its main channel. The temperature grows (20-30 C) so you get more restricted to the mornings and evenings when watching wildlife. Vegetation is in full bloom both in the forest and in the meadows. The temperature grows (20-30 C) so you get more restricted to the mornings and evenings when watching wildlife.
Birds July can be still good for some Warblers (Aquatic), most of them finish feeding young and first reedy ones start migrating by the end of the month.

Birds of prey and Storks fledge and can be spotted in the air or in the freshly mown meadows.

White-winged terns finish feeding and start migrating.

July can be still good for Warblers (early morning!), most of them finish feeding young by the end of the month.

All of the Woodpeckers have already fledged and are usually feeding high in the trees.

Birds of prey and Storks fledge and can be spotted in the air or in the freshly mown meadows.

Mammals In the mornings and evenings Elks can be spotted in the marshes, it is more difficult to get a close view though. Males are growing antlers.

It is a good time to watch Beavers near their lodges in the evenings.

Bison feed inside the forest and don't move around much. Sometimes they seek shelter from mosquitos in the sunny meadows.

It is a good time to watch Beavers near their lodges in the evenings.

Others Some amphibians can still be active. Reptiles are more obvious with Sand Lizards, Grass Snakes and Adders in sandy places. Vegetation blooms so it is also best time for Orchids, Dragonflies, Butterflies and Moths. Some amphibians can still be active. Reptiles are more obvious with Sand Lizards, Grass Snakes and Adders in sandy places. Vegetation blooms so it is also best time for Orchids, Dragonflies, Butterflies and Moths.

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August

August Biebrza Marshes Białowieża Forest
Daylight
roughly
5.15 - 20.00 CEST 5.15 - 20.00 CEST
Landscape & weather Vegetation's totally green and many wild flowers bloom in the meadows. August is usually more sunny than July, it can as well be quite hot. Vegetation's totally green and many wild flowers bloom in the meadows. August is usually more sunny than July, it can as well be quite hot.
Birds Warblers definately stop singing and most of them are difficult to find.

Waders migrate south and can be seen in the muddy areas.

Birds of prey can be spotted in the air.

Storks gather in large groups and leave by the end of the month.

Warblers definately stop singing and most of them are difficult to find.

Waders migrate south and can be seen in the muddy areas.

Birds of prey can be spotted in the air.

Storks gather in large groups and leave by the end of the month.

Mammals In the mornings and evenings Elks can be spotted in the marshes, it is more difficult to get a close view though. Bulls are growing antlers.

It is a good time to watch Beavers near their lodges in the evenings.

Bison bulls join the herds of females and breeding season starts. Herds can be found on forest meadows as they seek shelter from mosquitos in the sun.

It is a good time to watch Beavers near their lodges in the evenings.

Others Some amphibians can still be active. Reptiles are more obvious with Sand Lizards, Grass Snakes and Adders in sandy places. Vegetation blooms so it is also best time for Orchids, Dragonflies, Butterflies and Moths.

In the wet and hot years there can be many fungi.

Some amphibians can still be active. Reptiles are more obvious with Sand Lizards, Grass Snakes and Adders in sandy places. Vegetation blooms so it is also best time for Orchids, Dragonflies, Butterflies and Moths.

In the wet and hot years there can be many fungi.

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September

September Biebrza Marshes Białowieża Forest
Daylight
roughly
6.15 - 18.45 CEST 6.15 - 18.45 CEST
Landscape & weather Vegetation's slowly getting red and yellow. Many flowers are still in bloom. Vegetation's slowly getting red and yellow. Many flowers are still in bloom.
Birds Migration time. Many waders can be seen in the muddy areas. Eagles, harriers and other birds of prey are a common sighting. Cranes gather in large groups.

Migration time. Many waders can be seen in the muddy areas. Eagles, harriers and other birds of prey are a common sighting.

Pygmy Owls are vocally active, Woodpeckers are usually easier to see than in the summer.

Mammals Rutting time for Red Deer and later also Elks. Bulls following females can be easily spotted in the evenings.

Beavers are active gathering food for the winter and can be spotted in the early mornings and evenings.

Bison are still difficult to see inside the forest, best to try late evenings.

Red Deer are very active when rutting starts. Wild Boar feed intensively and can easily be spotted in the evenings.

Beavers are active gathering food for the winter and can be spotted in the early mornings and evenings.

Others Many amphibians and reptiles can be spotted. In the wet and hot years there are usually many fungi in the forests.

Many amphibians and reptiles can be spotted. There are usually many colourful fungi in the forests.

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October

October Biebrza Marshes Białowieża Forest
Daylight
roughly
7.00 - 17.45 CEST 7.00 - 17.45 CEST
Landscape & weather Vegetation's going to sleep. All getting red and yellow towards the end of the month. In some dry years we get the so called 'golden autumn' with great, warm weather and beautiful colurs of nature. Fishponds are empty of water exposing flat, muddy areas for birds. Vegetation's going to sleep. All getting red and yellow towards the end of the month. In some dry years we get the so called 'golden autumn' with great, warm weather and beautiful colurs of nature.
Birds Migration time. Some waders can still be seen in the muddy areas. Cranes leave in the beginning of October. First northern passerines like twites, bramblings and redpolls, as well as Rough-legged buzzards fly in. Birds settle their winter territories. Pygmy Owls and Woodpeckers are vocally active, usually easier to see than in the summer.
Mammals Rutting time for Red Deer and Elks finishes. But animals are still quite easy to watch in the evenings.

Beavers are getting even more active - gathering food for the winter and can be spotted in the early mornings and evenings.

All animals are feeding intensively so lots of chances of seeing them while alone in the forest. Bison, Red Deer, Wild Boar can be spotted in the evenings. Beavers are active gathering food for the winter and can be spotted in the early mornings and evenings.
Others In the wet and hot years there are usually many fungi in the forests. In the wet and hot years there are usually many fungi in the forests.

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November

November Biebrza Marshes Białowieża Forest
Daylight
roughly
6.45 - 15.45 CET 6.45 - 15.45 CET
Landscape & weather Vegetation's asleep, trees are loosing the leaves and landscape is getting rough.
First snow and serious frost comes.
Vegetation's asleep, trees are loosing the leaves and landscape is getting rough.
Birds Migration finishes. Northern passerines and Rough-legged Buzzards are more common. Snow Buntings and Horned Larks arrive but are not easily and often seen.

Some northern rarities like Hawk Owl can occur.

Birds are in their winter territories. Pygmy Owls and Woodpeckers are less active now.

Some northern rarities like Snowy Owl can occur.

Mammals Elks move into their winter habitat - the dry pine forests and by the end of the month you will see none in the marshes. All animals are feeding intensively so lots of chances of seeing them while alone in the forest. Bison move into their winter feeding grounds. Red Deer, Wild Boar can be spotted more easily in the evenings.
Others The weather can be nasty but trails are totally empty of tourists and wildlife comes out.. The weather can be nasty but trails are totally empty of tourists and wildlife comes out..

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December

December Biebrza Marshes Białowieża Forest
Daylight
roughly
7.30 - 15.30 CET 7.30 - 15.30 CET
Landscape & weather Can be a beautiful snowy landscape or british rainy type as in recent years.. Can be a beautiful snowy landscape or british rainy type as in recent years..
Birds A number of northern bird species winter here and are fairly easy to watch in the fields: Rough-legged Buzzard, Horned (Shore) Lark, Twite, Snow Bunting. In the parks and villages there are usually many Waxwings, Redpolls and northern Bullfinches.
There is also a number of local wintering bird species that are fairly easy to watch at wintertime: Whooper Swan, White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Grey Partridge, Kingfisher, Great Grey Shrike, Hawfinch.
Goldcrests, all species of forest Tits, Great Grey Shrike, Hawfinch, Common Crossbill, Nutcracker and Hazelhen are easy to observe in the forest.Woodpeckers are generally less active but still possible to see.
Mammals Elks are in their winter habitat, very easy to watch and take great photos!
Beavers are living under ice and in a mild iceless winter can be easy to watch in the day!
Otters can also be easy to watch but only when everything is frozen. They must often go out to breathe and use few available airholes. Tracking Wolves is great fun in the snow.
Bison are gathered in large herds, easy to track and watch near feeding stations. Red Deer, Wild Boar can be spotted more easily in the day.
Others Can be as cold as -15 C or warm +5. Both is good to try local, warming drinks! Can be as cold as -15 C or warm +5. Both is good to try local, warming drinks!

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