Site description
The Valley of Biebrza River is the largest area of lowland marshes in Poland (almost 60000 hectares) and has a status of national park. It is divided into three "basins" - Southern/lower, Middle and Northern/upper.
The Lower Basin of Biebrza, between Wizna and Goniądz has more than 25 km in width and 20 km in length. Its landscape is specified by various zones of vegetation depending on distance from the river. Spectacular spring floods remain here since early February if the winter is mild till June. Best areas are located near Ruś, Rutkowskie, Brzostowo, Burzyn, Mścichy villages. Best views are possible from high river banks between Ruś and Brzostowo and from the road leading into marshes (E) from Mścichy.
Ruś is a group of houses located along the river (W) with a nice hill in the junction of Narew and Biebrza. From here you may look at several square km of flooded meadows with migrating and breeding waterfowl. From Rus it is possible to drive northwards to Wierciszewo village and the westwards through fields to paved road leading nortwards.
In Brzostowo there is a nice tower on the norther edge of the village as well as good access to river bank in the middle by the river-pass. Some of these places are private-owned and recently farmers take a small fee for entrance (2-5 PLN). Without any doubt Brzostowo village is worth a visit within almost a whole year with a peak season III-VI.
In Mscichy it is worth to follow a dirt road east from the village - it runs through nice swampy meadows with Aquatic Warblers, Citrine Wagtails, Redshanks, Godwots, Curlews. There are frequent cow flocks and tractors passing the road but these doesn't spoil birdwatching. At the end of the road there is a watching tower and a camping place run by national park authorities. These place is often isolated by water and floods especially during wet springs.

Getting there
From Warsaw ca 180 km (3 hours), from Bialystok ca 60 km (1 hour), from Bialowieza ca 160 km (3 hours).
Good roads between Wizna and Brzostowo-Radziłów, some bumpy tracks in the villages. On the western side good "Car Road" accessible for cars. In the middle Basin - Grzedy accesible from NW (Grajewo-Rajgrod road).

Accomodation 

Hotels in Goniadz: "Zbyszko", "Kamil & Bartek" (low standard), Lomza: "Polonez" (high standard). Good private pensions in Wizna: Zenon Borawski, Gugny: Jan Kowalski. In the middle Basin forest house in Grzedy is worth recommendation (basic, but nice).

Special birds  

Lesser Spotted and Greater Spotted Eagles, White-tailed Eagle, Eagle Owl (I-III), Aquatic Warbler (V-VI), Great Snipe (IV-VI), White-backed Woodpecker (III-IV), Ruff (IV-V), White-winged Black Tern (IV-VII).