This was our last day in the Zemplen Hills. We were to leave early afternoon for the 1 1/2 hour drive to the Hortobagy for the rest of the trip.

Daniel, our guide, still had some more ideas to keep us interested during the morning. First a drive though the vineyard area that produces the Tokaj white wine, not to sample the wine but to see the Woodlarks that sing from the grape vines. Well, we found one, but rather distant for a decent shot.

And then a surprise, a Serin singing closer to the track.

We visited the wetlands that I missed out on the previous morning but the wind was too strong for anything of real interest to show.

Just after lunch, Daniel noticed a Short-toed Eagle circling so we stopped to watch. It came close so that decent shots became possible - another first for me.

Then the drive to the Hortbagy and checking in to the Bibic Nature Lodge that was to be our base for the rest of the trip. Daniel then took us to a large open area to look for a Saker Falcon that regularly hunts there late afternoon. On the way, a Crested Lark showed well by the track side.

Then the wait for the Saker. It showed but never came close so it was a case of making the best of the opportunities to photograph a largish bird 300/400 metres away.

Another first for me so worth posting here although the quality of the photos leave much to be desired.

Tomorrow we start the hide photography so an early start.

Overall, the special extension to the Zemplen Hills that we had booked prior to the main trip was very worthwhile and produced species that I had never seen before. An area that has loads of potential for the future.