This tour promises be a great and completely unexpected wildlife experience. During the course of this holiday we will explore the wide range of habitats within the Pannonian Plain – one of Serbia best birding regions. Not only will we be enjoying a host of great birds but we will also get the chance to sample the very hearty Serbian hospitality.

Expect to see scenic wooded hills, farmland, grassland, lakes, rivers and marshes. The urban habitats are pretty interesting too as the parks are filled with the sight and sounds of Golden Orioles, Common Nightingales and breeding Long-eared Owls.

We will discover birds and other wildlife that reside in the small towns, villages and surrounding countryside. Birds like Syrian Woodpecker and Saker Falcon will be our targets. We will pay a visit to Lake Rusanda, a highly saline, shallow wetland in the Vojvodina region. The lake is surrounded by agricultural and pasture land plus there are orchards and vineyards that are perfect for Spotted Flycatcher, Red-backed Shrike and Turtle Dove.

The wooded hills of Vršac (pronounced: Versich) are not to be missed. The hills are covered with mixed oak, beech, hornbeam and lime woodlands along with vineyards and farmland situated some 25km northeast of the Deliblato Sands. As we wander around the woodlands we will listen to the continuous buzzing produced by millions of beating insect wings. We will also look for woodland denizens like the stunning Fire Salamander and birds like Northern Goshawk, Common Buzzard, Honey Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Eagle and Ural Owl.

Whiskered Terns, Eurasian Spoonbills and Pygmy Cormorants will be our quarry around the vast areas of marsh, riverine forest, wetlands and fishponds that we will visit around the slow flowing Tamis River. This area is among the best for birding in the whole of Serbia with Squacco Heron, Ferruginous Duck and Penduline Tit amongst its inhabitants. Plus, we will also spend time wandering the Deliblato Sands. At 33,000 hectares it is Europe’s largest sand dune system. Although we will be looking at the many nesting Sand Martins and Bee-eaters, the area also consists of grassland, farmland and mixed forest. It will be in those habitats that we will also be on the look out for Long-legged Buzzard, Tawny Pipit and Susliks – a curious ground squirrel. The Deliblato Sands are also home to European and Marbled Polecats, Golden Jackal and at least three packs of Grey Wolves.

But it’s not just about the wildlife. Having a laugh will be high on our agenda. We will visit a host of good local eateries some with good wineries with wine tasting opportunities. Transportation will be in the form of a comfortable minibus.

Serbia is a country that many will not immediately associate with great birding and wildlife watching opportunities. It has to be said that it is one of those places in which seeing really is believing!