Photo © Peter Alfrey
Spring migration is in full swing, eagerly awaited by lucky observers! Among the species often overlooked is the Oriental Honey Buzzard in Azerbaijan, with only two confirmed sightings in the past few decades. Despite higher populations in neighboring regions, especially noted by our friends at Batumi Raptor Count, we believe more of these birds may be passing through unnoticed due to the relatively small local birding community. Interestingly, there is also the possibility of hybrids between Oriental and European Honey Buzzards. To date, there has been only one documented instance of such an individual in Azerbaijan. Recently, a group of birders spotted another potential hybrid or intermediate bird in Absheron on 2nd of May, marking the second known instance of such a sighting in the country. We are including supportive identification comments from Dick Forsman: Although showing six-fingered primaries other features are more pro apivorus: underwing barring, rounded rather than rectangular wings, mustache rather than full gorget and rather uniformly colored carpal area (darkish but not dark).
Birding Azerbaijan 