The Czech Republic sits at a crossroads of Central European flyways, which means that even a landlocked country with no coastline can offer remarkable birding variety throughout the year. After eight years of systematic visits to locations across Bohemia and Moravia, here is what I have found works best for each season.
Spring: March Through May
Spring migration is the highlight of the Czech birding calendar. The fishpond systems of South Bohemia and South Moravia act as natural rest stops for birds moving north from Africa and the Mediterranean.
The Lednице-Valtice area in South Moravia is my top recommendation for April. The ponds near Lednice Castle regularly host arriving White Storks, Marsh Harriers quartering over reedbeds, and mixed flocks of warblers filtering through the riverside vegetation. I have recorded over 60 species here in a single April morning.
Further north, the Trebonsko Biosphere Reserve in South Bohemia centers around an interconnected system of medieval fishponds. Great Crested Grebes perform their courtship displays from late March, and Black-necked Grebes appear in small numbers on some of the quieter ponds. The reserve covers a wide area, so I recommend starting at Velky Tisy pond for waterbirds and then walking the forest trail toward Opatovicky pond for woodland species.
The BirdLife International Important Bird Areas database lists both Trebonsko and Lednице-Valtice as internationally significant sites, which aligns with what I see on the ground.
Summer: June and July
Summer birding in the Czech Republic requires a shift in strategy. Migration slows and breeding behavior takes center stage. This is when knowing specific nesting locations matters most.
The sand quarries near Hodonin in South Moravia host a breeding colony of European Bee-eaters, one of the most colorful birds on the continent. Watching them hunt dragonflies from exposed perches above their nesting burrows is genuinely spectacular. The colony has been active for several years, though exact nest locations shift slightly each season. Arrive before 8am for the best activity.
In the Sumava Mountains along the Bavarian border, summer brings breeding Three-toed Woodpeckers and Hazel Grouse in the old-growth spruce forests. These are demanding species to find, so I suggest hiring a local guide through the Sumava National Park visitor center. The park staff can direct you to currently active territories without disturbing sensitive nesting areas.
Kingfishers breed along most Czech rivers and larger streams. The Dyje River between Znojmo and the Austrian border offers particularly good sightings from the cycling path that parallels the riverbank.
Autumn: August Through October
Autumn migration reverses the spring pattern, with birds heading south through the same flyway corridors. However, the species mix shifts, with waders becoming much more prominent.
The drained fishponds around Namest nad Oslavou provide exposed mudflats that attract migrating waders during August and September. Common Snipe, Wood Sandpiper, and Green Sandpiper are regular, with occasional Spotted Redshank and Ruff. The key is checking which ponds are being drained each year, as Czech fishpond managers rotate their schedules.
Raptor passage peaks in October along the hills of the Palava region near Mikulov. From the limestone ridge above the Nove Mlyny reservoirs, I have watched streams of Common Buzzards, Sparrowhawks, and occasional Red Kites moving southwest on strong thermal days. The EURING bird ringing network data confirms this as a significant raptor corridor.
Winter: November Through February
Czech winters are cold, and most waterbirds move to milder regions. The species that remain tend to be hardy residents concentrated at reliable food sources.
The Nove Mlyny Reservoirs maintain open water even in harsh winters and attract significant numbers of wintering ducks: Goldeneye, Goosander, and Smew are annual visitors. On good days in January, I have counted over 2,000 waterbirds here. The dam infrastructure creates sheltered areas where birds concentrate predictably.
Forest birding in winter is underrated. A morning walk through the beech-oak forests near Brno can yield five woodpecker species (Great Spotted, Middle Spotted, Lesser Spotted, Green, and Black), along with Nuthatch, Treecreeper, and mixed tit flocks. The birds are more visible with leaves down, and they respond well to spishing in cold weather.
Practical Tips
- Czech fishponds are often managed for carp production, so access rules vary. Always check for signs and respect private land boundaries.
- Dawn starts are essential in spring and summer. Bird activity drops dramatically after 10am in warm weather.
- The eBird hotspot system increasingly covers Czech locations. Checking recent sightings before a trip saves time and helps you target active areas.
- Public transport reaches many birding sites in South Moravia. Train connections from Brno to Lednice, Mikulov, and Hodonin are reliable.