Early spring in Lithuania

OWLS, WOODPECKERS, GROUSE

BEST TIME: March 20th – April 20th
DURATION: 7 days / 6 nights
GROUP SIZE: 5-16 persons

Lithuania is highly attractive to many iconic birds of the boreal region. This tour will take you to Dzūkija National Park, in southern Lithuania an extensive area of pine forests, lakes, natural meadows and various types of bogs. Within this area, we will visit surroundings of the Čepkeliai Strict Nature Reserve, home to Capercaillie and other grouse, as well as several woodpecker and owl species. We will also have the opportunity to see translocated European Bisons, a free-living herd now resident in the area. 

TOUR FOCUS: Birds & Other Wildlife

TARGET SPECIES: Ural Owl, Pygmy Owl, Tengmalm’s Owl, Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Hazel Grouse, Three-toed Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, White-tailed Eagle, Goshawk, Common Crane, Great Grey Shrike, Nutcracker, Bohemian Waxwing. 

Potential mammal species: European Bison, Moose, Roe Deer, Red Deer, Raccoon Dog, Red Fox, Badger, Mountain Hare, outside chance of Wolf and Lynx (tracks should be seen).

WHERE WE GO

Dzūkija National Park

This tour will take you to Dzūkija National Park, in southern Lithuania an extensive area of pine forests, lakes, natural meadows and various types of bogs.
Early Spring in Lithuania
Kurtinys-Eugenijaus-Drobelio
A male Hazel grouse (Tetrastes bonasia) with a raised crest feathers in a green, lush and old boreal forest during spring breeding season in Estonia, Northern Europe.
Musteika--scaled.jpg

WHERE WE GO

Čepkeliai Strict Nature Reserve

Within this area, we will visit surroundings of the Čepkeliai Strict Nature Reserve, home to Capercaillie and other grouse, as well as several woodpecker and owl species. We will also have the opportunity to see translocated European Bisons, a free-living herd now resident in the area. 

Genys_baltnugaris_foto_R.Jakaitis
European Bison (Wisent) /Bison bonasus/ The Bieszczady Mts., Carpathians, Poland.
Tripirštis genys – Armandas Naudžius

WHERE WE GO

Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve

The nearby Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve will also be visited, this offering potential of migrating wildfowl and waders, as well as resident White-tailed Eagles and newly-arrived flocks of Cranes.
Baltakaktės žąsys – Dalia Račkauskaitė-2
Javinė lingė – Dalia Račkauskaitė
Contact

WHERE WE GO

Biržai Forest

The unique Biržai Forest stretches right along the border with Latvia. Within its botanical reserve and key forest habitats, there is an abundance of protected plants, while the forest’s biosphere polygon is a highly important area for woodland birds. Biržai Forest is perhaps the only place in Lithuania where it is difficult to visit without encountering an owl. It is often referred to as the most owl-rich forest in the country.
49131845217_176c4808f0_o
Pilkoji meleta Armando Naudžiaus
Eurasian Pigmy Owl in a fir grove in spring

BRIEF ITINERARY:
DAY 1 Vilnius – Dzūkija National Park
DAY 2 Dzūkija National Park
DAY 3 Dzūkija National Park
DAY 4 Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve
DAY 5 Dzūkija National Park – Biržai
DAY 6 Biržai Forest
DAY 7 Departure from Riga or Vilnius airport

Tours are guided by expert guides/ornithologists. 

Early spring is a perfect time to visit these places and their surroundings and to explore Lithuania’s wilderness at its best.

get in touch