I've spent the last five days in southern and eastern Azerbaijan, being lucky enough to join a press trip put on by the Azerbaijan Tourism Board. Despite the short length of the visit, the time of year and the fact there was a fair bit of work/non-birding activities going on, I managed a tidy 161 species (eBird trip report here). There's no doubt that this eastern extremity of the Western Palearctic is a top-tier birding destination.
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| Western Rock Nuthatch. |
The clear highlight was Caspian Tit, which was the main target of the trip. This near-mythical species was 'rediscovered' in the Talysh Mountains near the Iranian border in 2017 and an epic, muddy hike eventually resulted in decent views amid spectacular scenery.
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| Caspian Tit is found in the beautiful Talysh Mountains. |
There were plenty of other bits to be enjoyed, with standout rarities including Sociable Lapwing, Steppe Gull and Isabelline Shrike. Azeri specialities included White-tailed Lapwings and Siberian Buff-bellied Pipit, while unexpected Mountain Chiffchaff and Red-fronted Serin were lifers for me.
Throw in a few more goodies (Alpine Accentors, Western Rock Nuthatches, Black Francolins, three-figure counts of Marbled and White-headed Duck etc), a day of spectacular migration at Besh Barmag (including nearly 800 Little Bustards) and some wonderful company and food, then a recipe for a thoroughly enjoyable few days was complete.
A few photos are below. I'll write a full feature in an upcoming edition of Birdwatch.
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| Little Bustards. |
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| Alpine Accentor. |
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| Black Francolin. |
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| Syrian Woodpecker. |
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| Isabelline Shrike. |
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| Whiskered Tern. |
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| Mountain (Caucasian) Chiffchaff. |
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| Long-legged Buzzard. |
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| Bearded Tit. |
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| Marbled Duck. |
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