Despite it is known for centuries that a huge number of migrating birds pass along the Caspian coast and through Azerbaijan, the area around Mount Besh Barmag (Beşbarmaq) was just recently identified as a globally important bird migration bottleneck. Here, at the easternmost foothills of the Greater Caucasus, migrating birds that avoid crossing the high mountain range and also the nearby Caspian Sea are funnelled through a narrow coastal plain. 2-3 million birds pass the counting station in autumn. On good days more than 100.000 individuals can be counted. In total, more than 320 bird species have been recorded.
Our aim is to establish the annual count of migrating birds at Besh Barmag as an efficient tool for bird conservation in a little-studied region. Furthermore, we are eager to use this count to promote environmental education and eco-tourism in Azerbaijan. The final goal of our activities will be a bird observatory, where bird lovers, nature enthusiasts and scientists get together to enjoy the miracle of bird migration.
Call for Counters: Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count 2024
We are happy to announce another bird migration counting season at Besh Barmag bottleneck for autumn 2024! After the very successful full season counts in 2018, 2022 and 2023 we are in good spirit and eager to run another long-awaited round of the epic bird migration count. With some highly motivated additions to our local…
Birding Azerbaijan Shop
Just a few days before the upcoming Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count, we’re thrilled to announce the opening of our Fan Shop! Now, all you passionate bird counters can buy of shirts, stylish baseball caps, and charming mugs adorned with our logo. Each purchase not only lets you flaunt your support but also contributes financially…
Latest news of the Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count:
Celebrating an Outstanding Week of Birding on the Caspian Coast
Every now and then a trip report comes along that does more than list species. It captures the rhythm of migration, the character of a landscape and the people who make birding in a region possible. The November 2025 Azerbaijan report by Chris Mills and Oscar Campbell is exactly that kind of contribution. Their week…
Monitoring migration at Beshbarmag, 1 – 9th November 2025
© Oscar Campbell and Chris Mills We’ve just returned from a week at Besh Barmag, basing ourselves in Siyezen town and heading up to the famous watchpoint every day. As always, it was a fantastic experience. We logged a tonne of birds and had some great moments even though the overall pace was actually rather slow…
Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count 2025
Important update! Unfortunately, we have to cancel our activities at Besh Barmag for autumn 2025. We could not find proper accommodation near the counting station, but hope to find a solution for autumn 2026. We are still busy behind the scenes and will keep you updated about future activities. Exciting update on the Besh Barmag…
Last day of the autumn count
Photos © Simon & Fred Olk, Elvin Mammadsoy and Leyla Muslim Today is a bittersweet day. After just over a month of dedication, we’ve wrapped up the Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count. Although it was a joy and privilege, financial constraints and limited counters made it unsustainable to continue without additional support. Despite the challenges,…
Please consider to make a donation to support our work in Azerbaijan and at the Besh Barmag bird migration bottleneck via PayPal.me or the donation form
Birding Azerbaijan 