Bears:
As the snow on the high slopes disappears the grass starts to grow and these sugar rich shoots tempt the bears
onto the open alpine meadows and avalanche slopes. Mid-May to the end of June is a great time to watch the bears
as they are generally visible grazing.
In July and August the bears concentrate on anthills, wasp nests, rowan berries, strawberries and then raspberries.
All of these are found in the forest so bear sightings are less. There is still a good chance of seeing them but
more patience is needed.
From September to early November the bears return to the open meadows and follow the ripening bilberries back
up the slopes. This is the other great time to spot and watch them in the open. The autumn feeding season
ends with cowberries, the hardiest of the berries found at the very tops of the mountains.
It is in November that they usually make their winter den and our bear watching activities close down until
the following Spring.
Year Planner:
January - February:
This is a good time for looking for tracks in the snow. As well as the ubiquitous Red fox there is a chance of seeing Wolf and Lynx tracks.
At this time of year the Rough-legged Buzzard and Common Buzzard are often seen in trees on roadsides waiting for unsuspecting rodents. Local lakes can contain Smew as well as other wintering ducks. Owls and woodpeckers are becoming more active as they prepare to breed.
March - April:
As the temperature gets warmer the Beavers start getting more active repairing the winter damage to their extensive dam systems.
Owls and Woodpeckers traditionally breed early in this period. From mid-April there is a chance to see the many migrants arriving and setting up their territories including the Lesser-spotted Eagle. Also there are some birds that overfly this area so there is always the chance of seeing something a little rarer as it heads to the wetlands of Poland or beyond.
Frogs can often be seen in the snow as they head towards their breeding ponds. Other amphibians are also waking up.
May - June:
Red and Roe Deer usually have their young by now and these obviously attract predators increasing chances of seeing them. Bears are up on the slopes feeing on the new grass.
The bird migrants continue to arrive until the end of May including the scarce Scarlet Rosefinch, Corncrake and many warblers. As June goes on the the countryside gets a bit quieter as many songbirds moult and hideaway from predators. Raptors on the other hand are usually very visible with Hobbies and Goshawks very active. Swifts are screaming over Poprad. By the end of June most birds will have nested and the chicks will have fledged.
Tractor ruts are filled with mating newts and toads.
The last couple of weeks of May onwards to mid June is the best time to see butterflies in this area with many of the mountain species peaking at this point.
July - August:
The Bears are busy digging up anthills and wasp nests as well as feeding on the strawberries then raspberries that line the forest paths and rivers.
The thermals provide young raptors with opportunities to practice their flying techniques. Other birds prepare for their southerly migration towards the end of this period.
These are relatively quiet months for wildlife but it is a great time to go walking in the mountains. Usually we have warm sunny days and cafe culture in Poprad is in full swing.
There are some cultural festivals in July.
Mushroom picking season begins after a few days of rain...
September - October:
The Red Deer start their rut and can be heard whilst walking the trails in the High Tatras. The concentration of prey means that this is one of the better times to see the elusive Wolves of the area. The Bears are becoming more active as the berries on the upper slopes ripen. Most other mammals, such as Beavers and Wild Boar, are taking advantage of warm evenings and the abundance of food to fatten up for the winter.
Most migrant birds are leaving now. It is possible to see large flocks flying overhead and sometimes Cranes and Storks stop in local arable and marshy fields to get a quick feed in. Birds staying for the winter locally migrate to the best areas.
November - December:
Winter sets in, the Roe Deer form larger groups in the open arable fields. The Red Deer move to lower feeding grounds, Wolves also leave the high valleys following them.
The constant chatter of Fieldfares fills Poprad.
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