I arrived in Rep of Georgia late Wednesday evening and was
met at the airport by Triin one of the count co-ordinators. The remainder of
the evening was spent eating a hearty meal and being introduced to Bart and
Arthur the other co-ordinators and getting to know fellow season counters.
The next day was spent at the Churockhi Delta searching for
some new birds for my pitiful Western Palearctic list. The area of scrubland
and fields supported an array of species a few including a life bird Booted
Eagle greeted us as we entered the area via an ungraded road.
Isabeline Wheatear was the next species to surrender itself
to the list. Red backed Shrike was most numerous of the shrikes with a Lesser
Grey Shrike making an appearance.
There were a few small puddles along the path which
supported a few shorebirds. A Wood Sandpiper was the most notable with Little
Ringed Plover, Common and Green Sandpiper.
Citrine Wagtail was irregularly seen feeding in the short
grass either side of the path. Rose-coloured Starling and a Short-toad Lark was
also noted. A flock of Garganey was seen in flight.
The main wetland area held Little Crake (another lifer), Squacco
Heron, Little Grebe and Snipe. The margins supported a group of Yellow Wagtail.
Lunch was taken before the afternoon walk along the beach to
the river. Gabi (France) found the species of the day a pair of Ferruginous
Duck which present but difficult to find in Georgia.
The beach was a good resting place for various ages of
Yellow-legged Gulls.
The pool before the river mouth held Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff,
Little Stint and Broad Billed Sandpiper. Further along the river a Terek Sandpiper
was found by Gabi. White winged Black Tern patrolled the margins a couple of
juvenile birds flew past the group at eye level.
The day finished with a bus ride back to the Guesthouse.
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