Belarus, anyone?

I am planning a birding trip to Belarus next spring, from 19th-27th April 2012. It is with my usual friends at Ecotours Wildlife Holidays with myself and Balazs Szigeti as guides, as previously.

The timing of the tour is to maximise the chances of seeing owls, woodpeckers and grouse, as well as such species as Azure Tit. It will also minimise the chance of mosquitoes, which can be bad there. Belarus is an exciting destination, but a fairly new one just opening up to birders. Travelling is by minibus that we pick up in Warsaw, Poland. All meals are included.

Birds to be looked for include Capercaillie, Hazel Grouse, White-backed and Grey-headed Woodpeckers, colourful Ruffs, Great Snipe, Great Grey Owl and so on. Destinations the Pripyat River area, perhaps the very last of Europe’s great wildernesses, Sporovo and Belowezhkaya, the latter being the eastern extension of Poland’s Bialowieza Forest. Mammals that could be seen include European Bison and European Beaver.

For 19-27 April inclusive, this tour will cost in the region of £1400, including flights. The final price is not yet certain. There is a single room supplement of £135.

Please do contact me if you might be interested in joining this incredibly exciting tour.