Recently, I embarked on an unexpected, last-minute trip to Hungary that turned into a bird photography dream. My destination was Kiskunság National Park, a hidden gem for bird enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. Accompanied by my dad and my friend Miha—who runs bear hides in Slovenia. Our goal was bird photography in Hungary, we dedicated two full days to capturing stunning images of raptors and water birds. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary, as I came away with over 8,000 photos, including breathtaking shots of white-tailed eagles, imperial eagles, common kingfishers, and water rails, among others.
Kiskunság National Park
Kiskunság National Park is a beautiful nature reserve in Hungary. It is known for its diverse habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and forests. The park is a haven for birdlife, making it a top spot for bird photography. Many rare and iconic species, like eagles and kingfishers, can be seen here. The park also has well-designed bird hides, offering photographers the chance to capture amazing wildlife moments up close.
We connected with István Bártol, a dedicated park ranger at Kiskunság National Park who also runs a small lodge tailored for photographers. István has meticulously set up several bird hides, offering incredible opportunities to capture some of Europe’s most fascinating bird species. During winter, the raptor hides are especially rewarding, with regular appearances by White-tailed eagles, Eastern imperial eagles, Common buzzards, and other local birds. Photographers can also spot and photograph Kingfishers and Water rails during this season. In spring, the hides come alive with Golden orioles, Eurasian rollers, Hoopoes, various kestrel species, and an impressive array of water birds, providing an unforgettable experience for wildlife photographers.
Raptor Hide – Bird Photography in Hungary
On the first day, Istvan met us at 6 a.m. It was still dark, and the full moon illuminated the landscape. We drove to one of his raptor hides and settled in. Istvan lit the stove for warmth, scattered food for the birds, and left us to remain hidden until sunset—a crucial step to avoid scaring away the eagles.
As daylight broke, the first birds appeared—magpies and crows. Shortly after, common buzzards began arriving. We watched in awe as they fed and squabbled, perching on the ground and nearby trees. The first eagle of the day, an Eastern imperial eagle, made a cautious approach. It took several attempts before it finally gathered the courage to feed.
Throughout the day, the hide was a flurry of activity. White-tailed eagles, Eastern imperial eagles, and common buzzards came and went. At one point, eight buzzards gathered in front of us, with a striking pale individual fiercely defending its territory. By sunset, we had seen three different white-tailed eagles, two imperial eagles, a pheasant, and even a group of roe deer.
As the sun set, we were treated to a breathtaking starling murmuration against a vibrant, colorful sky. The day ended perfectly with a hearty dinner at a local restaurant, where we enjoyed fruit soup and sampled several varieties of palinka. It was an unforgettable start to our bird photography adventure!
Water Birds Hide – Kiskunság National Park
On the second day, we decided to focus on kingfishers and water rails. István took us to a different hide in Kiskunság National Park, situated by a thermal lake that doesn’t freeze in winter. This hide felt a lot more rugged—it’s partially submerged in the water to give a perfect low-angle view for photography. I couldn’t help but miss the cozy warmth of the fire stove from the previous day, but we settled in, determined to make the most of it.
Not long after, a water rail appeared. I couldn’t believe it—it was the first time I’d ever seen one in real life! Such a tiny, elegant bird, with so much character. Throughout the morning, we were treated to the sight of two water rails, coming in and out of the reeds to feed. They stayed close, and the light was just right for photography. We all managed to get some amazing shots. Still, no sign of the kingfishers.
Feeling cold, we decided to stretch our legs and warm up with a walk around the area. The day before, someone had spotted bearded tits nearby, so we went looking for them. Unfortunately, we didn’t find any, but the sunny weather and the views around the lake—with ducks and little songbirds flitting around—made the walk worthwhile.
As the sun dipped lower, we returned to the hide, and this time, luck was on our side. A vibrant common kingfisher flew in, perching by the pool. My dad pointed out it was a female because of the orange color on her lower beak. She even caught a small fish right in front of us! I wasn’t quick enough to capture her dive, but watching her was thrilling. We all got some incredible shots of her perched in various spots around the hide. It was the perfect way to end the day, and I couldn’t have been happier with the experience.
Bird Photography in Hungary – Conclusion
Our short two-day bird photography trip to Hungary was incredibly rewarding. Two species I had always hoped to see—the water rail and the Eastern imperial eagle—finally crossed my path. That alone made the trip worthwhile, and the incredible photos we captured felt like the cherry on top.
A huge thanks goes to István for his expertly designed bird hides, perfectly set up to optimize both the scene and sunlight for photography. His deep knowledge of the park and its birdlife made the experience even more special. He knows exactly which species to expect and when, ensuring every visit is productive and memorable. I already know I’ll be back in spring to capture even more bird species with his guidance!
If you’ve ever dreamed of bird photography in Hungary or are curious about Kiskunság National Park, I encourage you to plan your own adventure. Which bird species would you love to photograph? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to check out my photo gallery from this trip for inspiration!