Page 20 - Out Birding Autumn 2024

backed Shrike were in evidence. Golden Orioles were heard frequently and glimpsed rarely as were Cuckoos. Our first Woodlark of the trip was seen and a Nigh􏰀ngale was performing beau􏰀fully in a bush. Leaving this magical landscape we saw two Hoo- poes flying over the track ahead, but lost the car following our van. When it caught up we learned Josh had spo􏰁ed a Quail perched on a rock (soooo jealous!). We headed to Pivka for a lunch break, stopping briefly en-route at services, where Nick spo􏰁ed an Italian Sparrow.
At Pivka, in a bush with Red-backed Shrikes, was a Barred Warbler singing and in full breeding plumage. Whilst enjoying this bird, two Short-toed Eagles flew over quite low, giving excellent views.
Next, on to an upland forest in Zabice, for more excellent views of another Ural Owl, this 􏰀me being mobbed by a plucky Jay. Lots more interes􏰀ng birds seen throughout this produc􏰀ve day including Corn Bun􏰀ngs, Black Kite, and White Storks. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Kerry and Deb and wish them well at the airport a􏰂er Kerry became unwell.
Yorkshire Paul
We departed from our new hotel in Slovenska Bistrica to some local fishponds at Krajinski, Rače. We saw Garganey, Black Kite, Hobby, Red-crested Pochard, an unex- pected Red-necked Grebe and some deligh􏰃ul Tree Frogs among many other local speciali􏰀es. We had lunch at a Slovenian vineyard where a colleague of Jure and Nastja’s had established hides for photographers to snap garden nes􏰀ng birds. A Wryneck put in a crisp but fruity visit to its nest site, much like the delicious glasses of Slovenian white we got to drink with our packed meal.
A􏰂erwards, we visited a nearby valley where we watched a deligh􏰃ul flock of Bee- eaters ligh􏰀ng up the sky, then another short visit this 􏰀me to a lowland wood where we were able to set eyes on a stunning male Collared Flycatcher singing its heart out in the canopy. Looking in the opposite direc􏰀on, a Fire-bellied Toad con􏰀nued the amphibian theme to the day.
Our final stop was another lowland marsh grazed by water buffalo where we saw Ferruginous Duck, Marsh Harrier and most of us saw a Purple Heron.
Andy
Our target for our final day’s birding was the fearless Pygmy Owl, a bird no bigger than a Starling but which possesses a much larger personality according to the field guides. We headed for the Gozdni reserve in the Pohorje mountains. A boardwalk led us into ancient Spruce forest and on to Črno jezero, the “Black Lake.” At regular intervals our guide Jure stopped to play the calls of Pygmy Owl and Three-toed Woodpecker which shares this habitat. The forest however, remained silent in re- sponse, but we had glimpses of Crested Tits high in the canopy. On the walk back to the car we had good views of a European Treecreeper. We stopped to watch a Coal Tit that came very close to us; it was taking nes􏰀ng material into a crevice in a tree next to the boardwalk and was a lovely sight to see.
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