For some of the best bird photography in Europe a springtime visit to Hungary is sure to provide many close up photographic opportunities with bird species that are scare in the UK. You will be transported to a different hide each day and experience a huge variety of bird life. This ranges from kestrel and red-footed falcon taken at tree top level from a tower hide to a pool packed with fish that attracts herons, egrets, spoonbill and black stork. Woodland species are brought within camera range to drink and bathe at specially constructed pools and can include 5 woodpecker species, collared flycatcher, hawfinch and raptors.
Hides positioned close to hoopoes, rollers, shrikes, and bee-eaters offer chances for images of behaviour as well as portraits.
Ducks, pygmy cormorant and reed bed birds such as bearded tit, bluethroat, savi's and great reed warbler are possible at another hide.
Dates yet to be decided but this tour is expected to run in May 2024 offering 5 full days in the hide system for a maximum of 8 photographers, all spread out in different hides so it will be max of 3 in any one hide. Estimated cost 1700 Euros based on room share. It covers all transport from Budapest to Budapest, accommodation, all meals, use of hides. Not covered: return flights (approx £180), alcohol, tips to guides and services of personal nature(laundry, phone calls etc.) single room supplement 150 Euros.

Equipment: The birds can be very close, often just a few feet away so lenses of between 300mm and 400mm should achieve great results for most of the hides especially when coupled with a body with a crop factor eg. APS-C sensor. Larger lenses can be used and I switched between my 100-400mm and 600mm on a full frame body on my previous visits.