Ok, so finally I'm catching up (it's been a very busy period, but more of that anon), and it's time I posted about my Transylvania trip, which I led for Yorkshire Coast Nature for ten great days in early May.
A lovely team of six clients, a brilliant and constantly entertaining expert local co-guide (thanks Bobi!), stunning landscapes and habitats, beautifully rustic, traditional accommodation and hospitality, lots of unique experiences, lots of great birds and spine-tingling experiences with Eurasian Brown Bears - a very special trip.
... which was (for the first seven nights) a 16th century lodge in the rustic village of Miklosvar
Naturally the camera stayed in the bag for much of the time, but on the occasions it came out, there was plenty to shoot at. Here's the first of several photo-posts with a selection of those shots, in no particular order. Enjoy.
Thrush Nighingale belting it out from the depths of dense foliage - a common theme
The local race of Long-tailed Tit, as seen from our horse and cart birding adventure into the hills!
Golden Oriole and Turtle Dove - two happily common species around the village....
... and Hoopoe and Common Buzzard nearby
Lesser Grey Shrike - they left it late to arrive in time, but just made it
Lesser Spotted Eagle lightening the load
Dinner time at the lodge - superb home cooking and a lot of local wine
A common breeding species anywhere near human habitation, these Black Redstarts were feeding chicks just outside our accommodation...
... which was (for the first seven nights) a 16th century lodge in the rustic village of Miklosvar
Thrush Nighingale belting it out from the depths of dense foliage - a common theme
The local race of Long-tailed Tit, as seen from our horse and cart birding adventure into the hills!
Golden Oriole and Turtle Dove - two happily common species around the village....
... and Hoopoe and Common Buzzard nearby
Lesser Grey Shrike - they left it late to arrive in time, but just made it
Lesser Spotted Eagle lightening the load
Dinner time at the lodge - superb home cooking and a lot of local wine