Drumming with woodpeckers : the sound of spring

We invite you to get acquainted with woodpeckers: during our next ornithological expedition, you will learn how to identify different types of woodpeckers by their drumming! Find out what kind of woodpeckers are the largest, who has only three fingers and who can meet you in the aspen wood. Near the lodge, where we are staying, we will be able to observe six species of woodpeckers! And, in order to dilute the drums with other sounds, in the evenings we will listen to the spring vocalizations of owls!

Photo: A.Doroshevich, P.Alexeev, A.Sobolev

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Friday

Departure from Minsk at 16:00. After arriving to the eco-lodge we will have a tasty dinner and get acquainted with the ornithologist who will guide us during these days.

Saturday

We start the day with the bird ringing. We will observe a bird ringing station, get to know why do birds (or ornithologists) need those rings, how do the nets for catching the birds look like, etc. Then we watch how the early birds get their rings, investigate what species are caught, what are some specific features of each kind. We are going to check the nets every hour: any time a new bird can be caught!

We move to the favorite habitats of woodpeckers: wetlands, aspen forests. We will listen and watch!

Then we are going for an exciting tour to a nearby upland bog. You will get acquainted with this wonderful biosphere, its plants, birds and other inhabitants.

In the evening we go to a wildlife safari in search of deer, roe deer and moose.

Sunday

In the morning we check the nets and ring the birds. Perhaps there will be some new species, which we didn't catch the first day. We also go to the forest that to hear owls and woodpeckers that we did not meet on the first day. After a tasty lunch, we leave for Minsk. The estimated time of arrival is 19:00.

In the lodge there is one of two bird ringing stations in Belarus, where we will get acquainted with common redpoll, yellowhammer, several species of tits, jays, treecreeper and other birds. The ornithologist who accompanies us throughout the trip, will answer all questions regarding birds and other inhabitants of the local forest.

Nevertheless, we also care about comfort: we are staying in a cozy eco-lodge (double rooms with a personal bathroom) and enjoy delicious home-made food from the hostess!

Participation in the bird ringing process will answer the questions: why does a bird need a ring, how long do birds live in wildlife and what to do if you find a ringed bird. And, of course, we will have a unique opportunity to see all ringed birds from such a close distance!

On our Youtube channel you can find several bird species ringed at the station "Sasnovy Bor", and get inspired by the atmosphere of wild nature, where we will dive during the Forest Weekend!

In addition to bird ringing and wildlife safari, we will have a tour to the nearest upland bog. It will be a 3-hour walk with a guide. You will learn the distinctive features of upland, lowland and transitional bogs, explore the unique landscape and gain practical skills in moving around such area.

We will also get acquainted with wolves living in the aviary near the lodge. You will have a great opportunity to take a closer look at how wild animals look like, for sure over the weekend you will hear a real wolf howl and learn more about their behavioral characteristics and habits.

Price:

Included in the price:
  • guidance by a a professional ornithologist;
  • accommodation in the lodge (double rooms with a private bathroom);
  • delicious home-made food (Friday - dinner, Saturday - 3 meals/day, Sunday - breakfast and lunch);
  • transfer to the eco-lodge and back (please let us know if you want to join with your own car - we will tell you about possible discounts);
  • an English-speaking guide on the tour.
Adults from 400 BYN

Age 13+

Children from 380 BYN

Age 5-12

Kids FREE

Age 1-4

The listed price is relevant to a scheduled tour or a group of 10+ participants

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