Hungary's Great Mayfly Emergence

Summary

Hungary still preserves some of the best natural areas in Europe due to less intensive farming practices and relatively little industrial development. Mayflies used to be abundant all over Europe, but river pollution and habitat destruction depleted them. Hungary however, still preserves a good population and the mass emergence which takes place along Tisza River in the second half of June is one of the most wonderful spectacles of nature. Hungary also offers an abundance of other wildlife including butterflies in large numbers, dragonflies, amphibians and reptiles. The birdlife in the visited areas is also extremely rich and we are likely to see such enigmatic birds as European Bee-eater, European Roller, Great Bustard, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Saker and Red-footed Falcon, Black Woodpecker among many others.

This two centre, 7-night tour is timed to witness a truly spectacular emergence of millions of the mayflies and other abundant wildlife along the Tisza River before driving to the Bükk Hills to explore the woodlands and meadows that are home to a wealth of nesting birds and butterflies on the wing. The opportunity to enjoy flower meadows and conduct small mammal and moth traps makes this a great tour for the all-round naturalist.

• Witness the emergence of millions of mayflies
• Breeding birds including Bee-eaters, Rollers and Golden Oriole 
• Great Bustards on the Plains
• Rich butterfly fauna & flower-filled meadows  
• A potential for 15 species of bats & three species of dormouse
• Expertly led by a local naturalist and Oliver Smart an accomplished wildlife photographer from the UK