First two weeks of the Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count 2023

Text © Michael Heiß

The Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count is now in its third counting season, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing effort to document the incredible avian spectacle that unfolds here. Over the course of three months, from sunrise to sunset, we record the daily bird migration in one of the most diverse and outstanding bottlenecks for bird migration.

As in previous years, our season commenced on 1 September, coinciding with the start of the main passage of birds. The early autumn season along the Caspian shoreline provides an ideal backdrop for witnessing the passage of a multitude of bird species, including waders, herons, ducks, and terns. Notably, on 9 September, we observed a good migration of 1462 Garganeys, possibly even more among the 9480 unidentified dabbling ducks. Two Ferruginous Ducks were also counted on the same day. Additionally, we spotted small numbers of Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Pintail and Pochard.

Furthermore, our observation point along the Caspian Sea has granted us good views of White-winged Terns, with a daily maximum of 5472 individuals on 9 September leading to a current seasonal total of around 8000 birds. While other tern species, such as Gull-billed Terns and Common Terns, were less abundant, they still provided fantastic sightings during our seawatching efforts.

The heron migration at Besh Barmag never ceases to amaze our team. On 10 September, an astonishing 3988 Grey Herons and 1457 Purple Herons headed south. These numbers set new records for Besh Barmag bottleneck and the Trektellen database, showcasing the significance of this location for these species.

Bee-eaters have also put on a remarkable show this season, with the peak of Blue-checked Bee-eater migration occurring on 9 September with 1283 individuals, and European Bee-eaters reaching their peak on 10 September with 1213 individuals. These totals mark the highest daily counts ever recorded for these species at the Besh Barmag bottleneck.

A true highlight at Besh Barmag in mid-September is the passage of thousands of Black-winged Pratincoles. On 14 September no less than 5020 individuals headed south, often in circling tornados (pratnados).

Our passerine migration observations have been diverse and promising. After several rainy days, we witnessed a substantial migration of Sand Martins and Yellow Wagtails on 12 September. In just two morning hours, an astounding 7732 Yellow Wagtails migrated south, establishing a new record count for both Besh Barmag and the Trektellen database. The seasonal total for Yellow Wagtails now stands at an impressive 27,000 individuals for the season, making them the most common migrant species observed up to September. Tawny Pipit, Common Rosefinch, Citrine Wagtail, Ortolan Bunting and Greater Short-toed Lark were observed daily.

As more counters join us in the coming weeks, our team eagerly anticipates more avian wonders in September and beyond, including the possibility of spotting more Black-winged Pratincoles, Caspian Plovers, or Sociable Lapwings.

Stay connected with us by following our daily count results on Trektellen (https://trektellen.nl/count/view/1533/20230912).

If you’re interested in supporting this groundbreaking project in Azerbaijan, here are several ways to get involved:

Join Us: We still have available slots for participation in the coming autumn months, including October and November. This is an excellent opportunity to witness the diversity and abundance of eastern species. For example this day on 8 November 2022: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/1533/20221108.
Make a Donation: Even small contributions can have a significant impact on our financial stability and our ability to continue this vital work in the following year. Consider making a donation at https://birdingazerbaijan.org/donate/.
Explore Azerbaijan: Birding Azerbaijan offers tailor-made tours and collaborates with tour operators. The proceeds from these tours directly support the Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count. Why not join a spring trip in Azerbaijan in 2024? Learn more at https://birdingazerbaijan.org/travel/.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to sharing more remarkable bird migration experiences with you on this blog, Facebook and Instagram.