Hungary Bee-eater Bonanza 2024

Bee-eaters and macro for a week

I went back to Hungary once more in the summer of 2024 to work with the European bee-eater as usual, but also with something smaller in mind.

It was back with an intention to also work with my new macro lens. I have treasured the garden around the lodge, but never really taken a big plunge into the smaller world there.

I also wanted to check the new bee-eater site as well as the second tower hide. The setup at the new tower hide is to my liking as it is lacking the glass window meaning you get crisper photos. So, all in all, I had a loose plan but was going to take it as it came.

Common Flesh Fly

Rain and cotton soil is fun

Hungary always delivers and this time it did on many different occasions. The weather was unpredictable with heavy showers as well as fluctuating temperatures. Still, the action in front of the camera was great on most occasions. Did have a few duller sessions, particularly in the afternoon. That is normal as mornings always are more active in my opinion. The extra spice this year that we almost got stuck in the mud once. Black cotton soil is slippery as h*ll if you never experienced it.

The new bee-eater colony worked as a treat. I only did one session there but got plenty of photos as well as a video of a mating couple. The tower hide, in the falcon and kestrel colony, brings a lot of other species, but the Red-footed falcon is the prime target if you ask me. Got a few keepers from the different sessions there.

I had a lot of fun with the macro and flash. Never thought I would own a flash, but for macro photograph it is needed. I do have a lot to learn about macro photography, but hopefully this summer might be less windy so I can go out each weekend with a clear goal in mind.

Had a lovely time as always

With things in the rearview mirror I must say that I got a great portfolio from the week in Hungary. The only thing that did not work was the cuckoo setup from the previous year. I had luck with the cuckoo in 2023, but it was not worth trying this year.

Will certainly go back. The plan then is probably birds in the morning and macro in the afternoon. Mornings are sadly the best for both, so you cannot really enjoy the whole smorgasbord if you understand my reasoning. You need to pick your desire so to speak.