Slovakia
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With a population of just five million people, the compact, unspoiled and highly scenic country of Slovakia offers a fantastic diversity of natural habitats that are rich in wildlife of all kinds. On this new and easy-paced summer tour we travel to central and southern Slovakia. The focus will be mainly on dragonflies and birds - but this is also a terrific time for butterflies as well as being one of the best for wildflowers in Slovakia, making for an outstanding all-round natural history tour.
Running at the end of June, our trip is timed to coincide with the peak of dragonfly activity. We should encounter an excellent cross-section of species, with opportunities to see those which fly early in the season as well as many emerging later, in mid-summer. Although timed to cover the highest number of species, our tour will also focus on some eastern and northern specialities. Slovakia may only be a small country but it's one with a tremendous altitudinal range, and our journey will descend from almost 4500 feet (1370m) above sea level down to around 300 feet (90m), taking in an extraordinary range of wetland habitats. Likely birds include Lesser Spotted and Eastern Imperial Eagles, Bee-eater, Golden Oriole and Scarlet Rosefinch, with Ring Ouzel, Nutcracker and Crossbill in the mountains. |
© Martin Hrouzek
Senne Ponds
Price: £ 1,595
The price is per person and includes return scheduled flights London-Budapest, all meals and accommodation, transportation by midicoach or minibus, incidental tips, airport taxes, map, checklist of birds/dragonflies/butterflies, and services of the leaders.
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The study of dragonflies is still in its infancy in Slovakia so we have an opportunity to make some valuable contributions to local knowledge as we travel from the slow-flowing rivers and marshes of the lowlands up to the glacial lakes and mires in the high Carpathians. To date, 75 species of dragonfly have been recorded in Slovakia and with representatives of eastern, southern and northern/alpine species the country makes an extremely interesting destination for dragonfly enthusiasts. Highlights could include Ornate Bluet, Alpine Emerald, Sombre Goldenring, Bog Hawker and Yellow-spotted Whiteface.
From Budapest, we cross the border into Slovakia where our tour starts amid the flat landscapes of the Turčianska Kotlina basin. From here we move into the scenic High Tatras. Descending then through a remote rural area on the Polish border, our holiday concludes in the low-lying Latorica river valley, where dozens of pools are home to 45 species of dragonflies and birds such as Spoonbill and Bearded Tit. Dušan Šácha is one of Slovakia's foremost dragonfly experts and on two evenings he will present informal lectures complemented by a screening of his documentary 'A Year in the Life of Dragonflies', and a slideshow of dragonflies and their habitats. Accommodation: We will be staying in good, 3-star hotels and pensions (guest houses), with all rooms en suite throughout. Hotels have been built or refurbished recently. Meals: All included in the price. Overall good, featuring local cuisine at times. Picnics lunches in the field, with breakfasts at the hotels as well as most dinners. Walking: Easy, with only short walks to most sites - but often in wet conditions for dragonflies, of course! On occasion, where the water is too deep this year, our guide will go to catch the dragonflies alone and return to show the group. Wear walking boots; wellington boots will be also necessary at a few places. There is an option of a couple of more strenuous walks on two days (days 3 and 4, see itinerary), for those who want to go. Our guides will brief participants the evening before so everyone can decide. Ground Transport:By midibus with local driver. Smaller groups in a people carrier with 9 seats. Leaders: Robin Chittenden and Dušan Šácha Numbers: Max. 14 clients
Click here for a full, printable itinerary |
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