X.wild geese festival,Tata

The event
Every year, at the last Saturday of November MME (Hungary’s local Birdlife International partner) organize a spectacular bird festival at the ancient town of Tata. The town surrounds a large artificial lake on which over 40 thousand of geese roost overnight in winter. From the end of October huge flocks of birds can be watched as they fly out to the surrounding fields to forage. From about 16.00 p.m. they start to come back to the Old Lake. The returning bird's sight is so impressive that soon it became a popular event among naturalist, bird-lovers and conservationists. This is the only place in Europe where wild geese, these really cautious birds can be observed in the middle of a city, which makes this event really unique.

Programs
Besides the early morning take off, and the sunset return of the geese the day is largely occupied with a bird race for more serious birders, and information talks and demonstrations for the general public. Professional fowlers teach bird-lovers how to recognize and sort geese and make bird ringing demonstration which is a very special experience, since birds can be studied from close quarters.

Other whole day events, like showing ornithology and nature movies, bird watching with telescopes, nature photos exhibition, bird illustration exhibition and special programs for children (playhouse “Cincer”: creative environmental education tent) make the wild geese festival unforgettable. The festival is also interesting for families and children: they can have their own binoculars and look for birds or participate the various presentations.

Fair
There is also a possibility to buy products from local craftsmen like bird paintings, ceramics, wooden toys, dried fruits and other homemade delicates or refreshing hot beverages like hot tea or punch.

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