Bird paradise in Hungary May 2022

– Johnny Eriksson, Upplands Väsby

Finally, it was time for a trip I had been looking forward to for a long time. Our flight took us to Hungary and to Mr. Bence Máté and his famous hides. Bence is a multiple award-winning photographer who has created a rich and diverse natural environment around his farm in the countryside.

Staffan Widstrand from Wild Nature Photo Adventures met us at Budapest Airport, and from there we headed towards the small village of Pusztazér, a journey of about two hours to the south. Upon arrival at the farm, we were welcomed by Bence himself and his team of conservationists and guides. They immediately gave a very warm and familiar impression.

We were served a delicious Hungarian lunch and presented with a schedule for the week, including all the hides. There are 24 hides located on and around the property.

Here, you can get incredibly close to nature thanks to Bence’s specially designed hides, where you sit comfortably and photograph through a unique glass that prevents the birds from seeing you. I was initially a bit sceptical about photographing through glass in terms of image sharpness, but the glass turned out to be of the highest quality, and I only lost about one stop of light transmission.

Silkeshäger fotograferad i Ungern av Johnny Eriksson på fotoresa med Wild Nature fotoresor.

Our tour leader Staffan Widstrand gives a briefing, and then we are divided into groups of two and head out to the forest hides, also known as “drinking stations”. Here I got to see and photograph several bird species that came to drink and bathe in the afternoon sun. At times, things became very lively, with water splashing in all directions. It was almost hard to take in how relaxed the birds behaved in front of us, sitting just a few meters away behind the glass.

Returning to the farm with satisfied smiles on our faces, we say hello to the National Geographic film crew packing up their equipment after a couple of weeks documenting Bence Máté’s bee-eaters. A wonderful start to our week here, and the dinner we enjoyed outside in the garden tasted even better that evening.

Over the following days, we experience an incredible birdlife at very close range. At times, even a 70–200 mm lens was too long. We mostly photographed during the best light in early mornings and late evenings. Midday, when the light was at its harshest, we took a break for those who wanted to rest and recharge camera batteries and gear for the next session.

Svartstork fotograferad i Ungern av Johnny Eriksson på fotoresa med Wild Nature fotoresor.
Blåkråka fotograferad i Ungern av Johnny Eriksson på fotoresa med Wild Nature fotoresor.

All photos:  ©Johnny Eriksson

The hides were truly in a class of their own—highly thought out, with carefully placed branches for birds to perch on in front of, for example, nests, all at the right height and angles, with beautiful backgrounds. The positioning of the hides themselves was also carefully planned to provide the best possible backlight or front light. In some hides, you even sit below water level by a lake, with your camera positioned right at the water surface.

A big thank you to Wild Nature Photo Adventures and their representative Staffan Widstrand, who continuously shared tips and advice on photography throughout the trip. This was greatly appreciated by both beginners and more experienced photographers alike. It feels very reassuring to travel with Wild Nature Photo Adventures. I know they have always visited the destinations themselves beforehand to gain in-depth knowledge of the photographic opportunities, and I always return home with fantastic images and experiences. Thank you!