Great Bustard – the heaviest flying bird in Europe

bird jewel of Central Europe

Great Bustard is the heaviest flying bird in Europe. This amazing bird can be spotted also very close to Bratislava. Large flocks in winter or mating display in spring could be the reason why to choose this trip.

Large flocks of wintering Great Bustards use to choose rapeseed stubble stands in the outskirts of Bratislava. Flat monotonous landscape covered with fields provide good refuge for this endangered species. Lowland sites with an outstanding agricultural management in southeastern Austria is the perfect place to witness unique mating display of Great Bustards. Wooden hides and platforms enable convenient access and observation. This slightly undulated landscape is also hunting ground of Short-eared Owl, Montagu’s Harrier or Imperial Eagle.

Great Bustard (Otis tarda) belongs to the heaviest flying birds in the world. Males could weight up to 22 kilograms. It has also large wingspan, that reaches almost 2,7 metres. Bustards usually inhabit open flat steppe or grasslands regions, but in Central Europe they live mostly in areas with agricultural landuse. Largest populations in Europe can be found in Spain. Its population in Central Europe is declining due to the intensification of agriculture and development of the net of roads and powerlines.

Trip length: 1/2 day or 1 day

Terrain difficulty: all terrains during this trip are easy walking, the area of the trip is lowland

Starting and final point Bratislava. Possibility to get an extra paid transfer from airport Vienna.

Combination possibility with trips: Birds of Danube, Neusiedler See – Seewinkel National Park

1/2 day trip

Recommended term: November – beginning of March

Prices for guiding in English for 1 person:

140,-€ / 1 participant

70,-€ / 2 participants

55,-€ / 3 – 4 participants

45,-€ / 5 – 7 participants

40,-€ / 8 – 10 participants

35,-€ / 11 and more participants

1 day trip

Recommended term: end of March – May

Prices for guiding in English for 1 person:

190,-€ / 1 participant

95,-€ / 2 participants

80,-€ / 3 – 4 participants

65,-€ / 5 – 7 participants

55,-€ / 8 – 10 participants

50,-€ / 11 and more participants

Price includes: transportation, full guiding service, binoculars and bird identification guide rental, corporate insolvency insurance

Price does NOT include: meals, individual travel insurance

If you are interested in this trip, please don’t hesitate to contact us, either by email to info@watching.sk or give us a call at +421 903 751 330. We can then discuss the date that suits your needs the best.