November 2 - 7 Sun - Fri
Group Size: 8
Starting Point: Inverness
Based: Farr (Strathnairn)
Walking: Easy
Description :
Situated near the Ukraine border, 280 km. south of the capital Minsk, Pripiatsky National Park ranks among Europe's top wildlife destinations. Annual spring flooding of the Pripiat River is the great essence of the region, promoting characteristic land/waterscapes, extensive raised bogs and unique wetland oak forests.
The sheer volume of birdlife on and around the river is quite staggering, including numerous Terek Sandpipers (highest breeding populations in Europe) and the greatest concentrations of displaying Ruffs to be seen anywhere. Black, White-winged Black and Whiskered Terns are also well represented, together with Black-tailed Godwit, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Green and Wood Sandpipers, Little Ringed Plover, Corncrake, Spotted Crake and great numbers of ducks.
Typical forest birds include Capercaillie and Hazel Grouse; woodpeckers (Black, Grey-headed and White backed) and Eagle Owl. All four species of Eurasian harriers are possible, also Honey Buzzard, Goshawk, Crane, Black Grouse, Wryneck, Collared and Red-breasted Flycatchers, Icterine Warbler, Black Redstart, Bluethroat, Hawfinch, Common Rosefinch, Hoopoe and Golden Oriole.
A top ranking bird is the exquisite Azure Tit, this being one its few strongholds in Europe.
A significant list of mammals includes Eastern Hedgehog, European Beaver, Wild Boar, Elk, European Bison, Raccoon Dog, European Mink, Wolf and Lynx.
Boat excursions take us into breeding habitats of White-tailed and Lesser Spotted Eagles. White Storks nest throughout, with Black Storks frequently seen foraging along the river. Thrush Nightingales are everywhere, their rich song pouring from the depths of riparian cover.
A diversity of other wildlife includes Green and Fire-bellied Toads; Common Tree, Moor, Marsh and Edible Frogs; Swallowtail, Fenton's Wood White and Camberwell Beauty butterflies; Blue-tailed Damselfly, Downy Emerald, Four-spotted Chaser and White-faced Darter dragonflies. Wild flowers include Pasque Flower, Yellow Anemone, Bulbous Corydalis, Spring Pea, Bog Rosemary, Labrador Tea, Leatherleaf, Lungwort, Toothwort, May Lily and Bog Arum.
The Pripiatsky experience is also notable for its rural village scenes, presenting a way of life fast disappearing from the European scene. The overall tour is a photographers dream.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Sun...Midday Rendezvous:
We fly out to the capital Minsk to be met by our escort and interpreter, then travel by minibus (4 hours) to Pripiatsky.
Days 2 – 7 Mon - Sat:
Opening walks along the Pripiat River present White Stork, Little, Black and White-winged Black Terns, lekking Ruffs, displaying Black-tailed Godwits, Terek and Wood Sandpipers and Blue-headed Wagtails, against a background chorus of Marsh Frogs and Fire-bellied Toads. Lunch one day is taken on the river bank, including a delicious fish soup prepared over an open fire using Pike, Catfish and Zander caught as we arrive.
River excursions lead into Azure Tit habitat, where Black Storks forage in flooded meadows, Garganey lift from quiet lagoons, and White-tailed and Lesser Spotted Eagles, Hobby, Great Grey and Red-backed Shrikes, Thrush Nightingale and Golden Oriole are other birds to appear.
Ancient forest is explored for European Bison, where birds include Green Sandpiper, Grey-headed and White-backed Woodpeckers, Wryneck, Collared and Red-breasted Flycatchers, Hawfinch and Bluethroat. In open country Crane, Montagu's Harrier, Black Kite and Hoopoe are seen.
An evening boat excursion takes us into quiet lagoons where, using a spotlight, we see Beavers at close quarters. Daubenton's Bats hawk insects over the water while Corncrakes and Spotted Crakes are often heard.
Day 8 Sun...08:00 Departure:
Return to Minsk for the midday flight to London. En route we shall check a breeding site for Pallid Harrier and Savi's Warbler.
Cost: £795...includes:
Seven nights dinner, b&b in twin rooms; lunches days 2-7; all excursions plus transfers in Belarus; tips (if tour is fully subscribed).
Excludes:
Air travel; visa (£19).
Deposit:
No Single Room Supplement