Birding in Hungary 2026 - Day 7

Birding in Hungary VII

23 July 2026

Szabadkígyós

Today, we went cycling with our grandpa, down to the village of Szabadkígyós. We saw a few Buzzards and Marsh Harriers on the way, as well as loads of what might be the most common bird in the area: Red-backed Shirke. Our first stop was the Wenckheim-kastély, where we saw a Song Thrush fledgeling, and a family of Spotted Flycatchers.

Song Thrush

Adult and juvenile Spotted Flucatchers

We then climbed up one of the towers to see the view from the top. To the top of the castle, there were between 170 and 190 steps (both my sisters and I got completely different numbers!). We then saw a few Black Redstarts and a very tame Woodpigeon. 

Woodpigeon

We then quickly stopped at the nearby grassland, where we were looking for Roller. We soon found a male Roller perched, as it was 2 years ago, on one of the hay bales. We then had to head home, since it starting raining.

Roller

Birding in Hungary 2026 - Day 6

Birding in Hungary VI

22 July 2026

Csaba-tó

Today, we woke up at 6:00am, to have a wonder around Csaba-tó and the surroundings. We started by seeing a flock of Black-headed Gulls, which contained 3 Whiskered Terns, a patch tick for me here.

Whiskered Tern

We then also saw a Night Heron, perched on a branch near one of the pools.

Night Heron

We kept walking, spotting Marsh Harriers, Red-backed Shrikes, and a mystery falcon species.

As we continued walking, we spotted a very rare sight in Hungary, other birders. They didn't seem as social as Aberdeenshire birders however, and didn't stop for a chat.

We kept walking, spotting a couple Crested Larks, and a Great Reed Warbler.

Great Reed Warbler

Crested Lark

While walking around, we found many butterflies, which we later identified as Lesser Fiery Coppers, a lifer!

Lesser Fiery Copper

While watching the butterflies, I noticed a couple birds on a distant mound, that had very long legs - Tawny Pipits, a lifer!

Tawny Pipit

We also saw a few Bee-Eaters, and, a highlight for the day, a juvenile Little Bittern, proving they're breeding at the site.

Little Bittern

We then started walking back, hearing Golden Orioles, and seeing the falcon, which we idenitfied as a Peregrine Falcon, again.

Birding in Hungary 2026 - Day 5

Birding in Hungary V

21 July 2026

Békéscsaba

Today, we didn't do too much birding, but I did see some butterflies in and around my grandparents' garden.

There were a few Scarce Swallowtails and Mallow Skippers

Mallow Skipper

We did however also see a Holly Blue and an Eastern Bath White, the latter being a lifer for me.

Holly Blue

Eastern Bath White