ALONG THE LOWER ODRA RIVER VALLEY
This tour passes through the fascinating lowlands of north-west Poland, linking a number of sites well known to ornithologists including the Slonsk and Swidwie nature reserves [both Ramsar Sites] and Wolin National Park, together with the Odra River estuaries. Its proximity to Berlin makes this area easily accessible from the whole of Europe.
ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Arrive in Berlin, transferring directly by train or coach to Kostrzyn, just across the border. Kostrzyn lies at the confluence of the Warta and Odra rivers. If you arrive early, there will be an afternoon walk through riverside meadows. Overnight at Kostrzyn.
DAY TWO
Full day visit to one of Poland’s largest bird reserves Slonsk [4244 ha, Ramsar Site]. It supports about 130 species of birds, over 100 of which nest there, including: Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis, Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus, Black-necked Grebe P. nigricollis, Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Bittern Botaurus stellaris, Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus, Shoveler Anas clypeata, Pochard Aythya ferina, Tufted Duck A. fuligula, White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus, Black Tern Ch. niger, Little Tern Sterna albifrons, Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus, Redshank Tringa totanus, Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago, Ruff Philomachus pugnax, and Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. It is also a place where many species of bird moult, winter or halt during spring and autumn passage. Sometimes, 100000 geese can be seen here. Overnight at the same place.
DAY THREE
Transfer to Gryfino where we visit the so-called Miedzyodrze. This is a 50 square kilometre belt of water meadows and thicket situated between two parallel branches of the Odra river. In the afternoon we move just five kilometres to the east of Gryfino to Weltynskie Lakes, where the birds include: three species of Grebe, Bittern Botaurus stellaris, Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus, Black Stork Ciconia nigra, Mute Swan Cygnus olor, Greylag Goose Anser anser, Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus, Red Kite Milvus milvus, Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus, Hen Harrier C. cyaneus, Marsh Harrier C. aeruginosus, Water Rail Rallus aquaticus, Little Crake Porzana parva, Crane Grus grus, Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago, Kingfisher Alcedo atthis, Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus and Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus. Overnight stay at Gryfino.
DAY FOUR
Transfer to Kamien Pomorski [about 100km]. On the way we stop to visit swampy meadows close to Stepnica village where, for example, Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus, Black Kite Milvus migrans, Red Kite Milvus milvus, White-tailed Eagle Haliaetus albicilla, three species of Harrier, Crane Grus grus, Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola and Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor nest. In the afternoon we explore Rozwadowskie Swamps in the vicinity of Kamien Pomorski.
DAY FIVE
A dawn birdwatching excursion to the Kamienski Lagoon and to Chrzaszczewska Island where Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, Mute Swan Cygnus olor, Greylag Goose Anser anser, Shelduck Tadorna tadorna, Red Kite Milvus milvus, three species of Harrier, White-tailed Eagle Haliaetus albicilla, Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola and Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus can be seen. After breakfast we travel to Miedzyzdroje [40 km], passing through Wolinski National Park en route. After arrival at our accommodation and a short rest it will be possible to go in search of some forest birds in the ancient woodland of the National Park.
DAY SIX
Full day exploration of the Swina river delta which is a part of the Odra estuary. This area, which occupies about 4000 hectares, is full of islands, islets and natural reservoirs partly covered by vegetation. We will visit it both by boat and on foot. Over 140 species of birds nest here, amongst them: Shelduck Tadorna tadorna, Gadwall Anas strepera, Shoveler A. clypeata, Garganey A. querquedula, Pochard Aythya ferina, Goldeneye Bucephala clangula, Goosander Mergus merganser, White-tailed Eagle Haliaetus albicilla, three species of harrier, Dunlin Calidris alpina, Curlew Numenius arquata, Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola, Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus, and Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus. Overnight stay in Miedzyzdroje.
DAY SEVEN
Transfer to Szczecin [120 km] and visit Swidwie Lake, a Ramsar Site nature reserve which is surrounded by a vast forest ‘Wkrzanska Puszcza’. Amongst the birds nesting in this area are: Bittern Botaurus stellaris, Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus, Greylag Goose Anser anser, Garganey Anas querguedula, Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina, Spotted Crake Porzana porzana, Little Crake P. parva, Corncrake Crex crex, Crane Grus grus, Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago, Bluethroat Luscinia svecica, River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis, Bearded Tit Panurus biarmicus and Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus. There is also an ornithological station here. Overnight stay close to Szczecin.
DAY EIGHT
Dependent on the time, there will be an ornithological trip in the vicinity of Szczecin [Dabie Lake or Bukowa = Beech Forest] or city sight-seeing before departure by train to Berlin.
OPTIONAL VISITS
During this tour optional visits can be arranged to the following important historical monuments:- Kostrzyn - remains of the 16th century castle and fragments of the town walls
- Chojna - a small town on the route between Kostrzyn and Gryfino. There are extensive fragments of the town walls with two gates, the late gothic town hall and huge gothic church
- Gryfino - valuable gothic church
PHOTO GALLERY
