Hungary Bee-eater Bonanza 2018

The Bee-eater Bonanza this year brought something different. It is something that will be present from now on and the reason is that the garden at the villa now is grown-up. That means there is plenty of insects seeking food during daytime. That is the reason we spent much time between the bird photography sessions hunting the small life in the garden.

Insect photography

We could find many different types of insects from the smallest bee to big butterflies. We had three different that I would call the stars of the show. The Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Carpenter Bee and Scarce Swallowtail. At times we had plenty of work to do in the garden and I think everyone came home with some nice insect photos.

I think this will be a nice addition to the Bee-eater Bonanza in the coming years. I think insect photography is a great way of getting to know your equipment better. Often you to push both yourself and your equipment when you work with insects.

ummingbird Hawk-moth

Bird photography

If I look at the photo album from this year I see the usual suspects. We could work with most target species. The one that I miss is the Golden Oriole and I sadly think it now on is more about luck. Still you have a good chance of seeing them, definitely hear them, but to photograph will be harder.

The Bee-eater site will hopefully be revamped for next season to bring more birds there. We tried both morning and evening sessions this year and they bring different things. The plan with the rebuild of the site is to offer something new for the coming season. I hope that can push the possibilities to work with the Bee-eaters both in the morning and evening.

European Roller

Lake Tisza

There was a new set of rules at Lake Tisza this year. It means we need to keep more of a distance to the Whiskered tern colony when we work with them. The new rules are of course for the best of the terns and they didn’t hinder us from coming back with good photos.

There were more dragonflies and damselflies at the lake this year, but sadly we didn’t see any mayflies. All in all the lake still is one of the favorite parts of the Bee-eater Bonanza to most participants.

Whiskered Tern flying low

The Bee-eater Bonanza

If you have an interest in joining me to Hungary next summer then don’t hesitate to contact me. You will find info about the trip in the Workshop menu.

Please enjoy the album form the Bee-eater Bonanza 2018.

Photo Album: Hungary Bee-eater Bonanza 2018