During this tour you will have the unique possibility to observe one of nature’s most amazing phenomenons; the annual autumnal bird migration. The Baltic Flyway is among the most important bird migration routes in the world. Each autumn millions of birds pass through the Baltic states from their breeding grounds in Scandinavia and Northen Russia to wintering places in West Europe or Africa. Lithuania is located at the narrowest point of this flyway, thus, creating a ‘bottleneck’ effect for millions of passenger birds.
The Tour starts in Western Lithuania, at Ventė Cape – a location where you will find the largest ringing station in the world. This station was established back in 1929 and witnesses up to 800,000 birds fly-over the cape, each day, during the peak of migration.
Our next destination – Curonian Spit National Park. This narrow spit of sandy dunes, located between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea, is a hot-spot for migratory birds (mainly passerines and raptors), with up to 1.5 million migrants crossing on peak days. To offer some relief after the spectacle of Western Lithuania’s bird migration the route travels South to Dzukija National Park – an area possessing the largest fall of woodlands and raised-bogs in all of Lithuania and comes complete with small ancient villages representing the cultural heritage of the region. Two nights in the heart of the Dainava woodland, Marcinkonys village and visits to its surrounding countryside will allow you to feel Lithuanian nature’s purity and soothing calmness.
Golden Plovers (Pluvialis apricaria) – Marius Karlonas
Target species: Black-throaeted and Red throated Divers, Whooper and Bewick’s Swans, various geese species, Greater Scaup, Common Scoter, Velvet Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Smew, Capercaillie, Hazel Grouse, White-tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Merlin, Peregrine, Common Cranes, Golden Plovers, Barr-tailed Godwit, Caspian Gull, Little Gull, Arctic Tern, Pygmy Owl, Grey-headed woodpecker, Great Grey Shrike, Nutcracker. Together with birds moose in the Curonian Spit is always a bonus.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive to Ventė Cape
Day 2 Nemunas delta
Day 3 Nemunas delta – Curonian Lagoon – Curronian Spit
Day 4 Curonian Spit
Day 5 Curonian Spit
Day 6 Curonian Spit – South Lithuania – Dzukija National Park
Day 7 Dzukija National Park
Day 8 Departure
Period: September – October
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Group size: 8-15 persons.
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Let’s get in touch: info@birdinglithuania.com
Photos © Marius Karlonas
