Once a great rarity it started to expand in 90's with first breeding cases in Biebrza Marshes. Nowadays an annual visitor staying in the region from early spring till November. Biggest numbers and regular roosts in Siemianowka Reservoir (eastern part), Biebrza Marshes but also smaller fish-pond complexes where observed in groups with Grey Heron and Black Stork.

fot Jan Niziołek 

Breeding bird of Biebrza Marshes and several other large river valleys eg Suprasl or Nurzec. Previously shot in big numbers, currently seems to be slowly builiding up the population in NE Poland (fot Jan Niziolek)

fot Grzegorz Leśniewski 

Mysterious dancer of Polish swamps and meadows. Its lekking habits are one of most spectacular bird rituals. Some well-known leks (eg near Barwik, Biebrza Marshes) are pilgrimaged by numerous birders. Great Snipe is most active in the evening, starting ca 1 hour before sunset. Arrives beginning of April. Population rather stable though difficult to estimate. Best places are located in Biebrza Valley near Barwik and Kuligi (fot Grzegorz Leśniewski)

One of the three "black" terns occuring in Poland on a regular basis. WWB Tern prefers wide, flooded meadows with sedge/tussock grass and some small pools. It's most numerous in May, when thousands of birds arrive to valleys of Biebrza nd Narew. Depending on water conditions birds stay as breeders or pass further north-east. Thus breeding population may be estimated at 100-2000 pairs. Easiest to see in Biebrza Marshes, Siemianowka Reservoir in May-June.

fot Irek Masłowski

This southern bird of sunny Mediterranean still may be found in north-east Poland. Local unspoiled countryside holds some tens of pairs of Roller. They are still breeding south of Bialystok town (Kudrycze, Kozliki village), north of Siemianowka (Szymki) or SW of Hajnowka (Czeremcha-Kleszczele). It is, sadly, decreasing and endangered by chemicals in agruculture as well as loss of suitable, old breeding trees (fot Irek Maslowski)

Elusive bird staying in wet spruce-moss forests with numerous dead trees. Avoids managed woods. It's feeding marks are a good way to look for the bird sites. Best time for this species is April (drumming) and June (fledglings). It may be found in Bialowieza Forest along Zebra Zubra or Strict Reserve, but also in Knyszynska Forest and Biebrza Marshes. (fot Tomek Kulakowski)

fot Piotr Tałałaj

Since early 90's Citrine Wagtails begun their colonisation of Poland starting from the east and north. Several pairs succesfully bred at Siemianowka Reservoir and Biebrza Marshes and nowadays those small populations seem to be spreading into other locations. Those colourful birds arrive in April and choose marshy meadows with some bushes and tussocks. Well known breeding areas: Siemianowka Reservoir (SE, NE), Biebrza Marshes (Mscichy, Kopytkowo)