(with Kasia, July 2020)

We threw our bikes into the bushes and began to wade through reeds and overgrown meadows along and across. This reserve, officially a part of the Białowieża Forest (in Hajnówka Forest District) for several years, was designed to recreate the natural valley of the Chwiszczej and is sometimes a great refuge for birds. But I have never seen this place so dry. What is strange, because the flooding of this area is artificially controlled on one of the culverts. Although it took us almost 3 hours to walk 6km through wild meadows and thickets, we did it almost with a dry foot. The observation tower (although apparently renovated 5 years ago) is more and more in total disarray. After the promised nature trail, there is hardly a trace. But we met many winged ones anyway, including two beautiful cranes, but we also woke up one doe from an afternoon nap under a bush.