BIEBRZA MARSHES
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 probably the most popular birding destination in Poland. 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.
The Middle Basin of Biebrza is widest and creates large "plate" of moss/peat bogs covered by birch and alderwoods. Best sites located near Grzedy-forest house. There are several signed track, some of which are often really wet (wellingtons!). Good chances to see Short-toed Eagle or Greater Spotted Eagle at local meadows and dunes. The upper basin of Biebrza is smallest and rather narrow. Between Sztabin and Lipsk several small rivers join Biebrza so the valley is like a network of wet meadows and bogs. Nice view points south of Lipsk (tower on the hill). Very good meadows are located north, in the neighbourhood of Augustow Forest.
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
There are currently several hotel of various (but not top) standards in the area. The ones in Goniadz town are nice located by the river and between southern and middle parts of Biebrza. Try to book "Bartlowizna" but early in advance. They respond emails and speak english, too.
Good private pensions are located in Wizna: Zenon Borawski or Gugny: Jan Kowalski.
In the middle Basin there is a new hotel "Kuwasy".
Special birds
Ruff - annual numerous migrant, especially in April and May
Aquatic Warbler - breeding in Biebrza Marshes, over 3000 singing males. They arrive late May and are active till July
Greater Spotted Eagle
White-tailed Eagle, Eagle Owl (I-III), , Great Snipe (IV-VI), White-backed Woodpecker (III-IV), Ruff (IV-V), White-winged Black Tern (IV-VII).
Rarities recorded
There are many records of vagrants as Biebrza Valley is a migration corridor for Siberian birds and attracts overshooted birds from south.
- Lesser White-fronted Goose - hard to separate in large flocks of White-fronted Geese but still some birds recorded almost every spring
- Steppe Eagle - recorded several times in the valley near Dolistowo village as well as in lower Basin
- Pallid Harrier - one pair attempted breeding in 2008. Few records every year in XXI century.
- Imperial Eagle - recorded once in lower Basin
- Buff-breasted Sandpiper - one record from Brzostowo village
- Slender-billed Gull - one record from Brzostowo village
- Little Bunting - one bird singing in 2009 and one in 90s
- Hawk Owl - one bird remaining during winter 2006-2007
