Wednesday, 5 September 2018

Rep of Georgia - Batumi Raptor Count - Migration Update!


The passage of Honey Buzzard has been steady but has not reached Batumi standards to date. However the numbers of Black Kite have doubled compared to counts at this stage of the season.
One possible explanation is the consistent clear sunny weather which has covered the region. The majority of streams of birds has been through the mountains testing optics and observer skills to the limit at times.

There is no time for complacency at the stations as a quiet day in Batumi terms can suddenly erupt with Honey Buzzards appearing from all areas of the transect line, some passing over the station giving excellent views. 
Yesterday (5th) was a prime example of this the morning was a slow affair with a good movement of Black Kite but Honey Buzzard numbers were lacking. The afternoon session proved that a “Big Day” may not be that far off!
Please visit the BRC link below where the full days count is shown.
A familiar and surprisingly tame species at the back of station one is a Greater Short-toed Lark who seems completely un-phased by the attentions of the papperazi. The bird appears healthy and even advanced towards me to check me out the other afternoon!

Bee Eaters are still a daily feature at both stations with several hundred birds frequenting the valleys. 


Black stork are more frequent in the streams of raptors. This particular individual took a rest in the valley before passing overhead.


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