Monday, November 26, 2007 - Tata Bird Race

The traditional bird race at Tata was once again a great success. Many teams were competing in the race from dawn to dusk and thousands of people came from all over the country to see the spectacle of geese on the lake.

The so called Old Lake at Tata is one of the most scenic and important sites for wintering geese in Hungary. This year there were 18 000 geese spending the night on the lake. Great White-fronted Geese formed the majority of the gathering but there were many Bean Geese and some Greylag Geese as well. 9 Red-necked Geese stole the show, however, showing very well. There were also 2 Brents and a Barnacle Goose on the lake.

The forest around the lake was very productive as well with 7 species of woodpecker including Black, Grey-headed, Middle Spotted and Syrian. Flocks of Hawfinches, Bramblings and Redwings were a common sight. There were even Waxwings observed.

The fishponds on the edge of the city produced Bearded and Penduline Tits, Water Pipit and Common Redpoll among others.

You can experience this spectacle if join Ecotour's Birds and Budapest tour that also visits Tata.