GEORGIA in WINTER BIRDING TOUR

For most birders, a visit to Georgia in search of the Caucasus' iconic birds naturally means a spring trip. While spring is undoubtedly the premier season for birdwatching, late winter has its own remarkable appeal. This often-overlooked transitional period offers a unique combination of winter specialties, early migrants, and mountain endemics that can be far easier to observe than during the breeding season. Species that normally require strenuous hikes into the high mountains can, at this time of year, often be observed much lower down and with remarkable ease. This tour takes us from the snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus to the vineyards, steppes, and semi-deserts of Kakheti – two of Georgia's premier birdwatching regions, each offering exceptional birding throughout the year. So, what makes late winter so special? Quite simply, it offers an almost guaranteed chance to see Great Rosefinches and White-winged (Güldenstädt's) Redstarts – two species that are often surprisingly elusive during the breeding season. During winter, these birds descend from their breeding grounds in the central Greater Caucasus, particularly around Kazbegi, to the Terek River Valley near the village of Stepantsminda (1,740 m). Here they gather in flocks to feed on the abundant berries of Sea Buckthorn , their principal winter food source. Since these shrubs are widespread throughout and around Stepantsminda, birders can enjoy outstanding views of both species literally within walking distance of the village, with no demanding mountain hikes required. In contrast, the Caucasian Black Grouse and Caucasian Snowcock are highly sedentary and they remain faithful to their mountain territories throughout the year, neither migrating nor making significant seasonal movements. While they still require some effort to find, their locations are far more predictable than those of many alpine species elsewhere. Beyond the above mentioned big 4 birds, the Greater Caucasus also offers an impressive supporting cast of mountain birds, making every excursion into this spectacular landscape highly rewarding.

Leaving the snowy mountains behind, we descend into the much warmer landscapes of Kakheti, Georgia's renowned wine region in the country's easternmost corner. In 2017, archaeologists uncovered evidence confirming Georgia as the world's oldest known winemaking country, with an uninterrupted viticultural history stretching back around 8,000 years. From a wildlife perspective, however, Kakheti is equally remarkable. Together with the adjacent lowlands extending east into Azerbaijan, it forms the Eastern Transcaucasian Lowlands – one of the most important wintering areas for Little Bustard anywhere in the world. Every winter, thousands of birds gather across these vast agricultural landscapes. As the flocks move freely across the Georgian – Azerbaijani border, it is impossible to say which country hosts the larger share in any given year. The bustards begin arriving in late December and generally remain until early March. The extensive farmlands and steppes also support enormous flocks of Calandra and other larks, among which careful searching may reveal White-winged Larks. Careful checking of bunting flocks could reveal a much-wanted Pine Bunting, whilst we could also see Dalmatian Pelican, Cinereous Vulture, Armenian Gull, Wallcreeper and White-backed Woodpecker amongst many others. Visits to several steppe lakes provide excellent opportunities to observe Pallas's Gull, together with a variety of waterfowl and other wetland species, but more importantly, Kakheti consistently produces an impressive selection of high-quality target birds, making it one of the finest birding destinations in the South Caucasus during late winter.