Academy of Nature in Roztocze
The best experience with the Academy of Nature in Roztocze
A passion for birdwatching combined with an excellent knowledge of the terrain ensures an exciting experience every morning. Active rest in the fresh air in a group of several people is an opportunity to establish mutual relations and get to know the unique nature of Roztocze.
RegisterEnjoy bird watching with the Academy of Nature in Roztocze
Bird watching in the morning is a real emotion and positive energy for the whole day. Birdwatching combined with cycling gives wings to the mind and body. This elite hobby is achievable for all of us.
Upcoming expeditions
We offer trips Bird & Bike and Bird & Car, which provide observations of the most interesting species of birds living in Roztocze. The offer is constantly modified and takes into account changes in the number of individual bird species related to their biology and current environmental conditions.
Autumn bird migrations
Autumn bird migrations
Autumn bird migrations
Autumn bird migrations
Autumn bird migrations
Autumn bird migrations
News from Roztocze
"Birds of Western Andalusia"
"Birds of Western Andalusia" is an original presentation of photos and videos of birds living in the southern part of Spain. The region is only 14 kilometers from Africa and has a great variety of habitats. From sandy beaches and coastal wetlands, through impenetrable Mediterranean forests and thickets, vast steppes and high mountains. Among the different places for birdwatching in Andalusia, we can highlight the Doñana National Park and the Strait of Gibraltar. Doñana is the most important wetland in Western Europe and the Strait of Gibraltar is one of the most important areas for migratory birds of prey worldwide. The presentation presented 40 species of birds found in the western part of Andalusia. These are mainly charadriiformes and wading birds such as: Turnstone, Grey Plover, Spoonbill or Flamingo. We invite you to this unique event, there will be an opportunity to get to know new species of birds and Andalusian landscapes.
In photo and video Iberian Jay (Cyanopica cooki).
The Wigeon (Mareca penelope)
The Wigeon (Mareca penelope) is a medium-sized bird from the duck family. The name comes from the whistling sound of the bird. In Poland, it nests very rarely, but it is regularly found on various water reservoirs during its migrations. During migration, these birds willingly stop at coastal sea waters and river backwaters. The Wigeon winters on islands in Western Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Central and Eastern Africa, southern Asia and Japan. It happens that this species also winters in Poland. The male Wigeon in breeding plumage has a brown head with a light cream stripe running down the middle, and a dull pink breast clearly standing out from the rusty neck. Its upper body and sides are gray with fine striation, the belly is white and the undertail is black, there is a white longitudinal spot on the wings. The female is much more modestly colored, her plumage is gray-brown with numerous darker spots. The female's wings are grey-black with a green speculum. Typical of Wigeons is a blue-gray beak with a black tip. Wigeons feed on the green parts of aquatic plants. In the video, a male Wigeon feeding on the largest water reservoir in Roztocze.
Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) is already a breeding species in Roztocze. This large bird nests in the tundra over backwaters and small lakes in the Far North. However, its breeding range is gradually moving to the south of Europe. Since the 1970s, each year there are more pairs of Whooper Swans that decide to lay eggs in Poland. Another year in Roztocze, a pair of Whooper Swans achieved breeding success, as they had as many as 7 young. Whooper Swans nest in the same habitats as Mute Swans and this situation causes conflicts between species. Whooper Swans are highly territorial species and will often attack Mute Swans in the vicinity of their breeding site. At present, the family of Whooper Swans consists of 9 individuals and is in constant dispute with the family of Mute Swans (6 individuals). This is the perfect time to get to know these large birds in Roztocze and compare their construction and behavior features.
The Rought-legged Buzzard (Buteo logopus)
The Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo logopus) is a winter guest that has already arrived from northern Eurasia to our region. It is a rare species, but Roztocze, rich in birds, cannot miss it. It inhabits open spaces, such as: meadows, fields, preferably with single clumps of trees or shrubs. It is a close relative of the Common Buzzard, which we see all year round, although it is also best observed in autumn and winter, similarly to the Rough-legged Buzzard. For the birdwatcher, the question arises by what features distinguish the Rough-legged Buzzard from the Common Buzzard. Well, Rough-legged Buzzard is slightly larger than the Common Buzzard, has a light head with the "eye of Cleopatra", a dark belly, a white tail ending with one wider and several narrower stripes in adults and one wide stripe in young ones, light under the wings with square spots on the wrists and feathered jumps. Its flight is a bit calmer. These features are clearly visible in the photo and video, although they were taken on a cloudy day. Observation of Rough-legged Buzzard in Roztocze in autumn is an amazing experience for a birdwatcher.