Common Birds

Eastern Europe is a destination for many birders who wish to tick off species that are rare or absent in the west. However, there are many birds here of course that are also found in the rest of Europe, but in many cases they are more common. Here is one common, but nevertheless fine species... a Song Thrush in Hungary. 

Spring: White Stork

Spring is here in Eastern Europe ! Migrant birds are pouring back and many are already breeding, such as this White Stork Ciconia ciconia on a roadside utility pole in Hungary. Photo by Gerard Gorman, Kiskunsag, April 2013.

Special Birds: Great Grey Shrike

Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor (aka Northern Shrike) breeds in the north of the region and in scattered upland areas in the south and east. Elsewhere, it is a common visitor in winter. Photo taken in eastern Hungary, October 2012, by Gerard Gorman.

Special Birds: Black Redstart

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros is a common urban bird in much of C & E Europe. Photo of this female with food for her young taken in Hungary by Gerard Gorman, June 2012.

Special Birds: Little Owl

Little Owl is a common and widespread species in much of lowland central and eastern Europe. In some areas it is typically urban. Photo taken in Hungary by Gerard Gorman.

Special Birds: Greylag Goose

Greylag Goose Anser anser is the only breeding goose in C & E Europe. It is often common and breeds early in spring, often in March..In summer and autumn large flocks gather.

Destinations: Puise Nina - Estonia

Puise Nina (The Puise Peninsula) juts into the Batlic Sea on the very NW tip of Matsalu Bay, Estonia. This is a great spot to watch passage birds in April and early May, particularly divers, geese, sea-duck and waders.