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.
Latest news of the Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count:
September summary of the Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count autumn 2022
Text © Gabi Caucal Photos © Philip Elbek, Elvin Məmmədsoy Although less present than the last season with the same methodology (2018), the Garganeys and Marsh Tens have marked the first days of the count. The nice day September 11th was definitely the peak day for these species with respectively 4214 Garganeys and 3444 Marsh Terns… Continue reading September summary of the Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count autumn 2022
Mid-September report of the Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count
Photos © Patrick Weber, Elshan Baba & Elvin Məmmədsoy Report of the second 10 days of the season at Besh! The last ten days saw more than 10.000 Garganey, 1000 Black-winged Pratincoles and days peaking at more than 90 species. The growing team is really motivated and already managed to pick up a new species… Continue reading Mid-September report of the Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count
The shelter arrived at the counting spot
Photos/video © Elvin Məmmədsoy (Camping Azerbaijan) Yesterday, the good old shelter arrived at the counting spot at Besh Barmag. This shelter will give home to about 25 counters from 10 countries until the end of November. Today’s count results here: https://trektellen.nl/count/view/1533/20220911
Report of the first 10 days of the season at Besh!
Text © Gabi Caucal Photos © Abdin Abbasov, Elvin Məmmədsoy (Camping Azerbaijan) The first days of the count were really enjoyable for the diversity with more than 70 species by session. We can mention these first day with more than 3000 Garganeys or several days with thousands of Terns! Recently, some other water birds were… Continue reading Report of the first 10 days of the season at Besh!
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