Early Spring Birding Tour 2027
Five days in Białowieża Forest at peak woodpecker and owl activity, with early migrants, raptors and European Bison.
About this tour
This five-day early spring tour explores Białowieża Forest, one of Europe’s last great primeval lowland forests, when resident woodland birds are especially active. Woodpeckers are drumming, owls are vocal, and the forest is beginning to wake after winter.
Birding and wildlife highlights
The main focus is the forest’s specialist birds: Three-toed, White-backed, Grey-headed, Black, Middle Spotted, Lesser Spotted and Syrian Woodpeckers, together with Pygmy Owl, Tengmalm’s Owl, Hazel Grouse and Nutcracker. Excursions to Siemianówka Reservoir, the Upper Narew valley and Białystok add geese, raptors, White Stork and Syrian Woodpecker.
Mammal watching is also an important part of the tour. European Bison sightings are highly likely at this time of year, while Wolf and Lynx remain exciting possibilities.
Outline itinerary
- Day 1: Pick-up in Warsaw by 11:00, transfer to Białowieża and afternoon or evening forest exploration.
- Days 2–4: Three full days exploring Białowieża Forest and nearby open wetlands, adapting daily plans to current wildlife activity.
- Day 5: Final morning in the forest, followed by the transfer to Warsaw, arriving at approximately 14:00.
Included
- Pick-up and return transfer from Warsaw
- Daily transport by SUV or minibus
- Expert wildlife guidance
- Four nights in twin rooms with private facilities in an owner-run guesthouse
- Breakfasts, dinners and packed lunches from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 5
- Visit to the Strict Reserve of Białowieża National Park with a licensed local guide
- All entry fees
Not included
- Travel to and from Poland
- Personal expenses
- Mandatory personal health and travel insurance
Departure: 1–5 April 2027 · Group size: 3–7 participants · Price: from EUR 1,260 per person. Single-room supplement: EUR 90.
Birds you can spot
Dryocopus martius
target
Aegolius funereus
target
Grus grus
target
Regulus ignicapilla
target
Nucifraga caryocatactes
target
Glaucidium passerinum
target
Scolopax rusticola
target
Clanga clanga
target
Anser albifrons
target
Tringa ochropus
target
Picus canus
target
Coccothraustes coccothraustes
target
Tetrastes bonasia
target
Dryobates minor
target
Dendrocoptes medius
target
Buteo lagopus
target
Dendrocopos syriacus
target
Picoides tridactylus
target
Anser serrirostris
target
Ciconia ciconia
target
Dendrocopos leucotos
target
Haliaeetus albicilla
target
Itinerary ▼
Pick-up in Warsaw by 11:00, transfer to Białowieża and an afternoon or evening introduction to the forest.
Full-day birding for woodpeckers, owls, Hazel Grouse, Nutcracker and other old-growth forest species.
Flexible forest and wetland birding, with Siemianówka Reservoir or the Upper Narew Valley selected according to current conditions.
Another full day for missed targets, seasonal migrants and regional specialities, with a possible Białystok stop for Syrian Woodpecker.
Final morning birding in the forest, then transfer to Warsaw for arrival at approximately 14:00.
Locations & map
- Białowieża Forest - Podlaskie Poland (Cool and changeable early-spring conditions are possible.)
- Siemianówka Reservoir - Podlaskie Poland
- Upper Narew Valley - Podlaskie Poland
- Białystok - Podlaskie Poland
Availability & pricing
Included
- Pick-up and return transfer from Warsaw
- Daily transport by SUV or minibus
- Expert bird and wildlife guidance
- Twin-room accommodation with private facilities
- Breakfasts, dinners and packed lunches during the tour
- Licensed visit to the Strict Reserve of Białowieża National Park
- All entry fees
Not included
- Travel to and from Poland
- Personal expenses
- Personal health and travel insurance - Mandatory
Transport & stays
- SUV or minibus Ground transport throughout the itinerary is included. | Meet: Warsaw, Poland | Pickup: Pick-up in Warsaw by 11:00 and return to Warsaw at the end of the tour.
Accommodations
- Owner-run guesthouse in Białowieża (days 1-4) Twin room with private facilities Breakfast, dinner and packed lunch