Besh Barmag bird migration count finnished for autumn 2023!

Text © Zülfü Fərəcli

Concluding the Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count marks the completion of 90 days of dedicated bird observation. In the final two weeks, the counters were treated to remarkable highlights, notably on the 19th, when a staggering 749 Meadow Pipits, 16 Water Pipits and 235 pipit sp. gracefully migrated south, accompanied by an impressive total of over 1000 Reed Buntings (https://trektellen.org/count/view/1533/20231119).

On the 16th, fortunate counters achieved a noteworthy feat by successfully documenting and sound-recording the migration of an Olive-backed Pipit heading south. This observation marks the fourth (?) officially accepted record for the country. The addition of such a sighting is a testament to the dedication and skill of the counters involved, providing valuable data that enhances our understanding of avian biodiversity and migration patterns in the region (https://trektellen.org/count/view/1533/20231116)

Sonogram of Olive-backed Pipit

On 23th a total of 6941 Chaffinches gracefully winged their way southward, and over a thousand returned back (as usual). As if that weren’t enough, the day also featured the majestic presence of 76 Dalmatian Pelicans, soaring through the sky with effortless grace. Accompanying them were 14 Great White Pelicans, their majestic wingspans contributing to the overall majesty of the airborne parade (https://trektellen.org/count/view/1533/20231123).

On the 24th, the much-anticipated day for the ducks finally arrived, and our diligent counters were treated to a spectacular sight—over 15 thousand ducks gracefully graced our observation within a mere 4 hours! The avian ensemble featured an impressive array, with 4669 Shovelers, 4232 Pintails, and 4803 Teals taking center stage. Among this feathered extravaganza, we also had the pleasure of spotting hundreds of Gadwalls, Mallards, Wigeons, Tufted Ducks, and Pochards, adding a delightful diversity to the vibrant waterfowl panorama (https://trektellen.org/count/view/1533/20231124).

The past two weeks of counts have been nothing short of remarkable, marked by some truly unforgettable observations. On the 16th, the keen-eyed counters were treated to the sight of 2 Rock Buntings. Additionally, a solitary Black-throated Diver graced the scene, its distinctive appearance capturing the attention of all observers. On 25th two Kittiwakes, one in its first cycle and the other in full adult splendor, were spotted gracefully resting among a congregation of Black-Headed Gulls. Also the presence of an “not-so-shy” Arctic Skua which decided to stay boldly on the shore, providing an up-close and personal encounter for the delighted onlookers on the same day!

These moments of avian splendor have enriched our understanding of the migratory patterns in this region, underscoring the significance of continued conservation efforts. As we wrap up this season’s observations, the data collected will undoubtedly contribute valuable insights to the ongoing study of bird migration at Besh Barmag.

Throughout this season, numerous noteworthy occasions have punctuated our observations, resulting in the breaking of records for daily occurrences. Among these remarkable moments:

Species	Count	Date
Black-winged Stilt	75	08/09
Black-winged Pratincole	6050	14/09
Slender-billed Gull	372	30/09
White-winged Tern	5472	09/09
Grey Heron	3991	10/09
Purple Heron	1457	10/09
Cattle Egret	52	10/09
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater	1315	09/09
European Bee-eater	1253	10/09
Jay	356	20/09
Waxwing	39	05/11
Swallow	9273	27/09
Blackbird	76	09/11
Wheatear	27	26/09
Yellow wagtail sp.	7754	12/09
White-wagtail	6676	05/10
Tawny pipit	181	05/10
Reed bunting	2297	08/11
Shoveler	4669	24/11

Summing up the totals, 251 bird species were observed in the autumn season of 2023. The twenty counters who visited the counting station over three months tallied a total of 1,585,298 birds, with 1,330,309 individuals heading south and 254,989 going north. More than 100 visitors from Azerbaijan and abroad participated in the counting station, marking another successful count at Besh Barmag.

The Besh teams thanks all the counters, coordinators, guesthouse manager, drivers, friends, visitors and everybody else who was involved in the last three months. Furthermore, the Besh team also thanks OSME and FairWind for financial support!

Since this project is still in its pioneering stage and certainly deserves further support, the Besh team is actively seeking the necessary financial backing for future counts. If you would like to contribute to this bird migration count, you can assist us by funding the next season through either a donation or even better by making a reservation for the upcoming autumn and being part of this project.

Donation: https://birdingazerbaijan.org/donate/

Photos © Leyla Muslim

Photos © Zülfü Fərəcli

Photos © Elvin Məmmədsoy

Photos © Dennis Heynckes