My first trip like this — instead of a one-day hike, a three-day expedition with a full backpack, a sleeping bag, and nights spent in mountain huts. The goal: to see marmots in the Tatras. Until now I'd only heard them here (I'd only ever seen them before in the Alps).
Dolina Roztoki
The route through Dolina Roztoki to Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich. My backpack was heavier than usual, since besides my photography gear I was also carrying a sleeping bag, food, and clothes for three days — a different pace than on a typical few-hour outing.
Almost right from the start of the trail I come across birds begging for food — nutcrackers, chaffinches, thrushes, all accustomed to people at the rest spots. It's the result of tourists feeding them, a growing problem in the Tatra National Park (TPN). An animal that approaches without fear looks striking in a photo, but this isn't natural behavior — it's a habit that, as we know, can end badly.
A bit further on, wrens were singing so loudly that it was hard to keep walking without stopping for a moment. It's hard to believe such a tiny bird can have such a powerful voice.
Dolina Pięciu Stawów
I set up near a "certain" marmot colony. I waited. Nothing. Not one showed up — maybe the weather didn't suit them, the conditions weren't great for basking in the sun.
The day was saved by deer that showed up in the area toward evening. A doe, a young stag, and finally a mighty stag who emerged as if he knew he was the star of the evening.
This is probably my favorite shot from that day. You'll admit it's a rather "unconventional" way of showing a deer.
Krzyżne
The crossing over Krzyżne to Hala Gąsienicowa. Rain, hail (or maybe graupel — I'm not too knowledgeable about that), temperatures close to zero despite it being summer. The toughest day of the whole trip — a test for both me and my gear. The gear passed, but just barely. I think some investments will be needed before the next trip like this.
Czarny Staw and Mały Kościelec
From the summit of Karb I finally spotted marmots in Dolina Gąsienicowa.
Along the way, an encounter I'd secretly been hoping for — a water pipit. A bird that in Poland can really only be found in the highest parts of the Tatras.
Marmots
Marmots are large ground squirrels in the genus Marmota, with 15 species living in Asia, Europe, and North America. These herbivores are active during the summer, when they can often be found in groups, but are not seen during the winter, when they hibernate underground. They are the heaviest and…
I went down into the valley, set up, and spent several hours keeping watch. Eventually a few individuals were kind enough to show themselves, if only for a moment.
And one final shot — a behind-the-scenes look — this is what my "hunt" for marmots actually looked like.
I really enjoyed this trip. I think similar outings will start appearing on my calendar more often.