Looking back at the Bonanza

I ran two Bee-eater Bonanza workshops this year and both were successful. We had plenty of opportunities to work with the subjects we wanted and the last group also had the pleasure to be the first to stay in the newly built Villa Aquila. The Villa will be the accomodation for the trip to Puszta next summer.

I also reserved the week for the Bee-eater Bonanza 2017. It will run from the 10th to the 17th of June. That is prime time for the usual suspects, but also a good time with for the Tisza Mayflies. This year was actually the first time we had the pleasure to see and photo swarming Mayflies. Not an easy subject from a rocking boat, but still I think we managed fairly well.

The only downside during the Bonanza was that we couldn’t work from the newly built wetland hide. That was due to the lack of rain during spring. It was of course sad for us, but even sadder for the farmers as the drought will affect their livelihood.

Instead we got to try a new Bee-eater site and it worked well. I do like the former place with the green surroundings, but this new place has potential. I already have some idea in mind for next year that I hope I can try.

The Hoopoe site had low activity. This was due to the birds incubating and not feeding the chicks like during last year. Still all four sessions where successful and I think everyone came back with nice pictures.

The tower hide produced good pictures

At the tower hide one group had the pleasure to witness the Common Kestrel chicks out of the nest box. The group therefore decided to stay for the complete day as this probably was a once in a lifetime experience. The European Rollers were also there, but like the Hoopoe they were incubating. The Roller was actually two weeks late this season so normally there should be more Roller activity.

As always the trip to Lake Tisza was a highlight. It is always nice to get out on the water and actually get some sun on your face. It is of course challenging to take photos from a boat, but the reward of stopping at the Whiskered Tern colony and witness the life there together with the possibility to work with the different types of Herons that you find in their natural environment is a pure pleasure for me. I could easily spend a couple of hours at the Whiskered Tern colony just to see what they are up to.

Next year is already up for grabs as I have booked both accommodation and guide. If you have an interest in joining me for the Bee-eater Bonanza 2017, then I suggest that you send me an email. You can find the updated itinerary here: Bee-eater Bonanza 2017

I will give you all a small sample of the different highlights from this year’s Bonanza with this small album.

I will add much more material during the coming weeks so keep tuned and don’t forget that you can sign up for updates thorough this site or thorough my Newsletter, one in Swedish and one in English.