Wildlife calendar
Isn’t it great to know what to expect each month?Just scroll down or use the links below.
Year round calendar
| 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 |
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! |
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! |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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.. |
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! |












