The Biebrza marshes in north-eastern Poland, one of Europe’s most treasured habitats, is the place to be now if you want to have a good look at the spring migration of birds.

Huge flocks, numbering up to several thousand birds, which move from the south to the north of the continent, make a stop-over there to feed and rest. Some species, like the threatened great snipe and the aquatic warbler, mate and breed in the area. Bird experts and watchers swarm the scenic marshes to sneak a look at the geese, cranes, terns and corncrakes.

An extra attraction are spectacular courtship rituals of the moor frogs, slim, reddish-brown amphibians. The males develop a striking blue color for a few days at this time of the year and form breeding choruses, which sing out loud using their guttural vocal sacs. It is as if the swamps were gurgling, observers say.

The Biebrza National Park is the biggest in Poland, covering over 59,000 hectares, which are a habitat for many rare species of wildlife and plants.  (kk0

Source: PAP