Chachuna Senctuary

December 16th 2018 Birding trip to Chachuna Senctuary. We had sunny and warm day for December, also for few hours birding it was quite nice experience. It seems that some birds which are wintering in Chachuna are already there; such as Little Bustards (around 700 in total. We also had Seven Imperial Eagles, three Black Vultures, one Griffon Vulture. Dozens of Steppe Buzzards, one Long Leged Buzzard, Montagu’s, Hen and Pallid Harriers, Common Kastrel, Eurasian Hobby, Merlin, Little Owl. Dozens of Calandra and Sky Larks, Greenfinch, Fildfare, European Goldfinch. Also we observed on the Dali reservoir; Great Cormorants, Tufted Ducks, Great Egret, Grey Heron and some unidentified Guls. So far not much on the lake but in around one month there will be much more birds.

Birding in Chachuna and around Lagodekhi NP

East Georgia Spring 2018 Early spring had arrived in east Georgia by the last weekend of February 2018. There were plenty of lambs enjoying sunshine in Chachuna and the winter wheat was lush green at Alazani valley. Around 200 Little Bustards were sunbathing from the safety of the olive plantation in Chachuna. Several other flocks were east of Tsnori and in both cases some of the males were displaying. We found ten species of raptor including White-tailed eagle already incubating on the nest, five Imperial eagles loafing around and also one Lesser Spotted eagle. There was a displaying pair of Saker Falcon, Hen and Marsh harriers as well. A Great Grey Shrike was seen attacking a Steppe Buzzard, pretty brave and another was at its winter home by Lagodekhi Fishponds. We found Griffon and Black vultures easily. Always good birds at the Dali reservoir. Mallard and Pochard were quite numerous with a few Smew and Pintail. Little and Great egrets, Grey heron, a few grebes, Caspian gull but no remaining geese or swans. Lots of Chukar have survived the hunters this year and were already paired up. Good passerines too. Abundant Calandra larks, still in the big flocks, Crested larks singing, plenty of winter visitors including Fieldfare and Brambling. Syrian and Green Woodpeckers calling. One highlight was the flock of about 30 Hawfinch reminiscent of our massive invasion in England this winter. Thanks to Levan, Ecotours Georgia, for good guiding and driving

Weekend in Kazbegi November 2016

Weekend in Kazbegi November 2016 Clear skies, little wind and plenty of sun made for a scenic weekend in the Greater Caucasus at the end of November 2016. The road from Tbilisi is now so good that it only took a few hours to travel from Tbilisi via Goudari ski resort over the ridge to the northern slope and the first stop at Kobi. Almost immediately a Wallcreeper flew onto the vertical rock face and fluttered around in the sun. Good start! The Sea Buckthorn bushes were laden with a very heavy crop of pale orange berries and the special birds feeding there were soon located north of Stephansminda town. Great Rosefinch numbers were quite good, 20 plus seen, whereas the Guldenstadt’s Redstart number seemed lower, less than 10 seen. And both species were very skulky, just guessing the abundance of food meant they were well spaced out. The Bearded and Griffon Vultures put on a very good show, in the air in the valley most of the time looking for food. But a very long search failed to locate either the Caucasian Black Grouse or Snowcock which was disappointing; it is always harder when they are not calling or lekking. The usual big flock of Alpine Chough put on their acrobatic display and there were close views as they came in to feed on some bread. Red –billed Chough numbers were good too but they are much shyer and kept a distance away. A Ring Ouzel was a surprise, wonder if it will move on, to stay over? A few buntings, sparrows, finches and tits were around, especially several flocks of long tailed tits. The road back to Tbilisi has several nice stop off points and the beech mast seemed to be another good crop. Hawfinch and Brambling were around with the tits, finches, nuthatch and several Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers.

Birding trip to Chachuna and Lagodekhi Nature Reserve

November birding Our November trip began in misty conditions and a very muddy road to Chachuna and for a while seemed not very promising. But plenty of birds were present at the lower elevations and it was great to find a total of six Imperial Eagles. They love sitting on the disused power pylons which makes for very good viewing. A huge murmuration of 5000+ Starlings was noticeable for their noise and wheeling flights. Very close views of Whooper Swan were supplemented by the usual ducks, grebes and herons: all were trying to avoid ever-present hunters. We did see Merlin, Kestrel, Long-legged and Steppe buzzard in numbers lower than previous visits. Also, it was odd to visit Chachuna and not see any Corn Buntings – no idea where they have gone. Weather conditions, the summer drought and changes to feed supply may have combined to send them elsewhere. The next destination was the Lagodekhi National Park where a lot of forest birds were present and all active in feeding parties. The species we found included Black, Middle-spotted and Great-spotted Woodpeckers. This habitat looked suitable for white-backed, but sadly not this time. All the normal tits were seen and a group of four very bright Bullfinch had us thinking of the northern form. This winter weekend is always full of surprises and can be done with ease from Tbilisi with one night and two days. By Debby Reynolds

Spring trip to Dedoplistskaro region.

1st March 2014 was dry, sunny and warm in Taribani and Chachuna in East Kacheti beyond Dedopliskaro. Our birding group was very pleased to find Little Bustard for the 4th year running. This time we first saw a single bird briefly in flight, then a huge group of about 1000 was spotted , followed by two groups of about 100 and 80. So the total of 1181 was pretty good and the views were superb on the ground and in flight. A record 20 Cinereous (Black) vultures was notable for the very close views near the road on a corn field, accompanied by Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Common Kestrel, Merlin, Imperial Eagle, Buzzard and Griffon Vulture. As usual Calandra Lark were numerous, several thousand at least, along with abundant Goldfinch, Skylark, Crested Lark and Corn Bunting. Winter visitors at the large lake included many Fieldfares, two Great Grey Shrike, four Smew, several Goldeneye, Ruddy Shelduck and a White-tailed Eagle. This place is always full of surprises and interesting birds, its all according to the season and weather, which can be harsh in winter. This was lucky trip for us and the total list was 50 species. By Debby Reynolds.

Black-winged Kite

On 17th of September on Javakheti Plateau birdwatching group from Netherlands with our guide Levan Ninua have found unusual bird, which appeared to be Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus vociferus). After this occasion this bird was seen by other birdwatcher groups too. This picture was taken in October, after one month. It seemed that this bird was doing fine, hunting near the village and feeling comfortable, although we aren't sure if it will stay during the winter or will migrate in warmer place.

Birding trips for the Spring-Sumer season is over. We experienced rather warm spring, although end of the April was snowy. Consequently mountain birds such as great Risefinch and Guldenstads Redstart were moving up and down. Going from bushes nearby to Kazbegi up to 2500m and again were pushed down by snow. Base on feedback from different groups we think that it was successful year for our groups. Except the birds most of the groups were lucky enough to see some mammals as well: Eastern Caucasian Tur, Wolf, Brown Bear, Jackal,Fox, Hedgehog, Weasel . At the moment we are getting ready for the September to start our wonderful trips on Black see cost for raptor migration. Please visit the link below for some pictures.
https://picasaweb.google.com/111780462196673745179/SpringSumerBirdingTrips

First trip to kazbegi for the year 2013

Our first birding trip to Kazbegi was successful, group was able to see most of the target birds in two days. We had very good views of Great Rosefinch and Caucasian Snowcock, also Caucasian Black grouse. Unfortunately, due to unusual warm spring group have skipped Guldenstads Redstart, it seems that they have moved higher but some entrance roads for different gorges was still closed, so we were not able to drive there. Since we had only two mornings for this birds there was not time to do hiking. Anyway, I was informed that there was snowing in kazbegi few days ago, it is good news because snow will push down birds and will make easy to see for the groups which are coming to Georgia in couple of weeks.

March Spring birding day in East Georgia

Early spring migrant birds were found to be present in small numbers in East Georgia already on 23rd March 2013. The weather was dull and foggy to start but warmed up later, but with not much sunshine. A single Hobby, one Northern Wheatear, two Isabelline Wheatear and two Lesser Short-toed Larks were around David Gareji. The Skylark, Crested and Calandra Larks were already in full song and display. Several Chukar were calling loudly near the monastery, a safe haven from hunters. Very smart single male Rock bunting, Eastern Stonechat and Black Redstart were there too. Several Chiffchaffs were found, some singing, at a warm spot by the Mkvari River at Pontichala near Tbilisi. And one Hoopoe and 20 Garganey were at Kumisi Lake. White Wagtails were around in small numbers. Winter visitors including Fieldfare and Pintail were still present and passerines such as Linnet, Chaffinch, Goldfinch and Greenfinch were still in small flocks, proving winter is not quite over yet. Other birds including Laughing Dove, Black and Griffon vultures, Great and Little Egret and Pygmy Cormorant made up a very good day out.

 By Debby Reynolds

February winter weekend

The first winter birding weekend of February 2013 started well with a Rough-legged Buzzard outside Dedopliskaro in eastern Kacheti. This bird had a very pale head and neck, whitish iris, feathered legs and the typical white upper tail band in flight. Saker Falcon and Imperial Eagle were both seen, probably on return to breeding areas where they lay first eggs in March. Other raptors included Peregrine, Kestrel, Hen harrier, Marsh harrier and Common buzzard. Little Bustard were found eventually at Taribani on the way to Chachuna after a lot of searching. We saw one, another four and then two of our target species, they were all in flight and in the same general area as the huge flock we found during the February visit two years ago in 2011. The reservoir at Chachuna was quite full of water and held a lot of waterfowl including Smew, Red- breasted Merganser, Teal, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted duck, Great white egret, Great cormorants, grebes and gulls. However the highlight was a family of seven Whooper Swans, four adult and three juveniles, which are uncommon in Georgia. As usual hunters were active in this region, as was evident from the nervous behaviour of the bustards and also the carcase of a freshly shot Bittern. We found this casualty hanging up in a thorn tree near a small pond. Passerine flocks were impressive with many thousands of Calandra larks, which occupied all the semi-desert and cultivated areas, sometimes associated with Crested larks, Starlings, Corn bunting, Yellowhammer, Linnet and Greenfinch. There was a single Woodlark found in Vashlovani with several flocks of Mistle Thrush and Fieldfares moving through the juniper bushes. Two Western Rock Nuthatch were located in the dry valleys calling loudly. This is a great area for winter birding and it was another productive trip with fantastic views of the Caucasus mountains. Day one weather was fog with some rain, day two was sunny and bright, all the lakes were open this year. A 4WD vehicle is essential.

By Debby Reynolds

For pictures please visit the link below

 https://picasaweb.google.com/111780462196673745179/BirdingInVashlovaniNationalParkChachunaReserve?authkey=Gv1sRgCKbsiuO1zK_tCA

Exiting news, Trush Nightingale which was ringed in Georgia in August 2012 was captured by another ringing team at Ngulia, Kenya. The Belgian ringing team started project in Georgia in 2010, and every August-September team of international ringers are ringing in Chorokhi delta, near the one of the biggest city in Georgia Batumi. In the first year was ringed approximately 6000 passerines, on the next year 2011 was ringed 12 000 passerines and in 2012 20 000 passerines. We hope that in future there will be more feedbacks coming from the different countries. Congratulations to the both ringing teams, in Georgia and in Kenya.

for more information please visit; http://arochakenya.wildlifedirect.org/2012/11/20/ecstatic-excitement-around-the-ringing-table-at-430am-at-ngulia-over-a-small-dull-ring/

Caucasian Black Grouse

Our team went to check some birding places in Mountains. It seems that Caucasian Black grouse population is doing fine, since we had two three different flocks together. Still there is not much snow in the Mountains and this birds were quite high, almost on the habitat of Caucasian Snow Cocks. Team of Ecotours Georgia is looking for the new birding places to make our trips more diverse. We will update you once in a while when we will have some interesting information.

British Birdwatching Fair

Ecotours Georgia is participating on British Birdwatching Fair in August 17-19th 2012. Please if you will be near by visit our stand; Ecotours Georgia Stand Number: 29 Information about bird and wildlife holidays in Georgia. Email Address: info@ecotours.ge Website: www.ecotours.ge See all exhibitors in: Marquee 5 See all exhibitors in category: Travel & Tourism

Caspian Snow Cock

After five years exploration finally we found Caspian Snow cock on Lesser Caucasus, although during those years we used to hear call and have seen their feathers. But these mysterious birds were always hiding or in fog or high snow cover were blocking our ways. Finally we found ten birds in September 2011 and later we managed to photograph them. We hope to find them again with our birdwatcher guests sometime in May.

Batumi Raptor migration watch

On the 28th of August we had more then 50 000 Honey Buzzards, around 15 Booted Eagles, 5 Short toed Eagles, Montagu's Harriers, Pallid Harrier, Peregrine Falcone, Lesser spoted Eagle.

The Batumi bottleneck is one of the most important birdwatching sites in Eastern Europe, where migratory birds concentrate en route to Africa and southern Asia. The bottleneck occurs at the location where the mountains of the Lesser Caucasus, covered with humid relic forests, descend to the Black Sea coast. The density of migrating birds that can be watched from the site is higher than any other place in the Caucasus region. Each fall thousands of birds of prey soaring in thermals migrate through the site. Common Buzzards are the dominant species, but many Black Kites, European Honey-buzzards, Northern, Montagu’s, Pallid and Western Marsh Harriers, Eurasian and Levant Sparrowhawks, Eurasian Hobbies, Common and Lesser Kestrels, Red-footed Falcons, Merlins, Ospreys, Short-toed Snake-eagles, Lesser Spotted Eagles, Greater Spotted Eagles, Imperial Eagles, Steppe Eagles, Booted Eagles, and White-tailed Eagles could be seen as well. Smaller numbers of Northern Goshawks, Peregrine and Saker Falcons, Golden Eagles, and Rough-legged Buzzards are regularly spotted. Other species to watch for include other soaring birds like storks and pelicans as well as a good variety of waterfowl and shorebirds.

Spring 2011

Birdwatching season spring 2011 is over; all the groups had safe and successful trips. In this year we hosted individuals and groups from countries such as; UK, Netherlands, Italy, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden and USA. Furthermore, except the target birds during this season groups had chance to observe rare birds for Georgia such as: Radde’s Accentor, Crimson-Winged Finch, Blue Cheeked Bee-Eater, White-Tailed Plover and Red-Rumped Swallow.
Some mammals seen during the trips: Eastern Tur (Capra Cylindricornis), Alpine Chamois, Wolf, Red Fox, Golden Jackal, European Lynx, Roe Deer, Weasel, Jungle Cat with five kittens, European Hare, Libyan Jird.

For the pictures please visit the link:
https://picasaweb.google.com/111780462196673745179/SomePhotosFromSpringBirdingSeason

Trip to Chachuna and around Vashlovani National Park

Birdwatching season for the 2011 is opened; was made our first weekend trip for this year in one of the birding hotspots of Georgia, Chachuna and Vashlovani NP. Target bird for this trip was Little Bustard, usually those birds can be seen on wintering grounds such as Chachuna and Iori upland. This is a hilly area, with plenty of gorges, which gather into valleys or vanish into plains. The hills are composed of low ridges with naturally eroded slopes. Trip was very successful and on the first morning we found a three different flocks of this nice birds in total approximately 10 000 birds.

Furthermore there was seen other species such as: Common Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, Hen (or Northern) Harrier, Rock Dove, Stock Dove, Calandra Lark, Eurasian Skylark, Crested Lark, Grey Wagtail, Mistle Thrush, Great Tit, Corn Bunting, Chaffinch, European Goldfinch, Eurasian Siskin, Twite, Rock Sparrow, Common Starling, Red-fronted Serin, Great Crested Grebe, Dalmatian Pelican, Great Cormorant, Pygmy Cormorant, Grey Heron, Great White Egret, Ruddy Shelduck, Mallard, Common Pochard, Smew, Common Coot, Common Raven, Hooded Crow, Common Black-headed Gull.

Pictures from the trip to Trip to Chachuna and around Vashlovani National Park available at://https://picasaweb.google.com/ecotours.ge/Vash#

Birding Trips

Birdwatching spring season for 2010 is almost over, more or less all the groups had successful trips, although some groups were still missing one of the target bird Guldenstadt's Redstart.
Pictures are available at

http://picasaweb.google.com/ecotours.ge/BirdwatchingTourKazbegiChachuna28May3June#

Pictures from Grebbeberg

http://picasaweb.google.com/ecotours.ge/Grebbeberg#

“Big Five” of the Caucasian birds!

Eco Tours Georgia offers weeklong trip to enjoy so-called “Big Five” of Caucasian birds:
Caucasian Snowcock, Caucasian Black Grouse, Great Rosefinch, Guldenstad’s Redstart and Caucasian Chiffchaff.

During the trip you can also observe other specialties like; Twite (interior Asian form- a potential split), Red-fronted Serin , Wallcreeper, Citrine Wagtail, White-winged Snowfinch, Red and Yellow-billed Choughs, Chukar, Horned Lark, Water Pipit, Greenish Warbler, Barred Warbler, Alpine Accentor, Common Rosefinch and dozens of other songbirds. Common raptors are; Bearded Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon.
Great experience of our guides, great knowledge of local birds and places will ensure your satisfaction from our tours.
Our weeklong trip will be held in the scenic mountain region of Kazbegi (Stephantsminda).
Kazbegi features the beautiful peak of Mkinvartsveri (Kazbegi) and the landscape varies from high glacial mountain peaks to deep gorges and canyons cut by glacial waters banked with sub-alpine vegetation. As you drive through the high mountain peaks, Red-billed and Alpine Choughs call overhead and communities of Snowdrops, the alpine wildflower, are sprinkled in the meadows.
Local people herd their sheep and cattle along the mountain road and a spring of natural mineral water greets travelers alongside the bright red sulfur flats that border a section of the alpine pass.

for some more photos click on link http://picasaweb.google.com/ecotours.ge/Kazbegi#