Moravia is the Czech Republic’s most southern region and one that few western birders visit. Our base is a small, historic and quite enchanting town in the heart of a wine-growing district, with huge wetlands, reed beds and forested hills, which combine to produce an immensely productive birding area. The most important bird area is the Palava Biosphere reserve, which lies just two hours from Vienna and we will spend much of our time in the environs of the reserve, searching for the many specialty species. From our base in Moravia, Eurasian Eagle Owl is possible before dinner and early morning birders may be rewarded with views of Syrian Woodpecker, Hawfinch and Black Redstart near to our hotel. We will also visit a Long-eared Owl roost. In some winters one or two Wallcreeper winter on buildings and in quarries, before departing for their high altitude breeding grounds and we will of course check these sites. The large wetland of Nove Mlyny hosts thousands of Bean, Greylag and European White-fronted Geese. In recent years a few Red-breasted Geese have been seen with the grey geese flocks at this time. Ducks include Goosander, Common Goldeneye, Red Crested Pochard and Smew. Yellow-legged Gulls are also here. This is also a good time for grebes, divers and Great White Egrets. The real prize, however, is White-tailed Eagle, with more than a dozen likely. The lowland flood-plain forests and meadows in this part of Moravia are of international importance. At this time of year they are the home to Eastern Imperial Eagle, Saker, Merlin, Northern Goshawk, Red Kite and Hen Harrier. There are several woodpecker species here, too, with Middle Spotted being quite common in areas of oak, as is Short-toed Treecreeper. We shall also visit a nearby fishpond system for further chances of wetland birds and old stone quarries for Eagle Owl. A short drive from our base is a stunning chateau. The surrounding gardens, parkland and ponds offer quality birding in a cultural setting. Again, woodpeckers abound with Black and a chance to compare Lesser and Middle Spotted, Grey-headed and Green, Syrian and Great Spotted. Other birds could include Bohemian Waxwing, Great Grey Shrike, Brambling and possibly Rough-legged Buzzard. This again is an example of an area inadvertently preserved by its former strategic importance and which is probably unrivalled in Western Europe. Depending on the time of our return flight, there may be time to do some more local birding or visit the town's historical sites before making the short drive south into Austria and the airport at Vienna.
|
Introduction
