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 315 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:
Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count 2020 cancelled!
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic we sadly have to announce the cancellation of the bird migration count at Besh Barmag in autumn 2020. Even if all shutdowns and travel restrictions will be rescinded and the infection risk lowered by the purposed start of the count in August, there are many other impacts which make… Continue reading Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count 2020 cancelled!
New paper about the Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count published in Sandgrouse
The Ornithological Society of the Middle East (OSME) just published the latest issue of Sandgrouse. This issue is online free available as PDF file owed to the extraordinary pandemic situation. Great idea! In this issue you will find the article ‘The development of the Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count in Azerbaijan and its importance for… Continue reading New paper about the Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count published in Sandgrouse
Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count 2020
As a counter you will: monitor the daily bird migration through a narrow coastal plain in Azerbaijan work closely with a mixed team of Azerbaijani and international birdwatchers learn and teach others in bird counting and bird identification enjoy a frontier bird project in a little-known part of the world The sacred Mountain Besh Barmag… Continue reading Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count 2020
Save the date for Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count 2020!
A few weeks ago members of the ‘Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count’ visited the counting site and found a suitable observation point, as the old one is now occupied by a new highway. Together with new local contacts another bird migration count will be conducted from 22 August to 5 December 2020 So, save the… Continue reading Save the date for Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count 2020!
Donation
You like what we are doing and you want to support the Besh Barmag Bird Migration Count? If so, please consider to make a donation (1 = 10 €).
€10.00
