Eagle Week

Mass migration

The Eagle week takes place at the peak of Steppe Buzzard migration, when up to 100,000 raptors regularly pass through on a single day!  Moreover, this is also the best time to observe a stunning diversity of eagles, including Lesser and Great Spotted, Steppe, Imperial, Short-toed, Booted and White-tailed Eagle! Red-footed Falcon is another numerous guest during this period, while many beautiful male Pallid Harriers pass through. In the nearby wetlands large flocks of Black-winged Pratincoles come down to rest, and they are often joined by Sociable Lapwings. During thunderstorms, massive falls of Warblers, Flycatchers, Pipits and Wheatears are common, and even the smallest bushes and grassy patches along the coast are heaving with birds.

A program of daily excursions to birding hotspots

Every day, you have a choice between standing on the raptor watchpoint, or taking part in one of the excursions to the excellent birding sites in the region.

Chorokhi Delta & Batumi Seaside

We start by exploring the Chorokhi Delta on foot during the early morning, passing through the reedbeds, mudflats, bushy areas and the gravel beach. The area is great for waders, and in late September Sociable Plovers and Black-winged Pratincoles are likely to turn up. The meadows often hold Corncrakes and Great Snipes. At this time of the year, almost anything can turn up - several Daurian Shrikes and a Black-crowned Sparrow-lark in 2015. From there we continue to the Batumi Boulevard, a great spot for passerines, which may include Moustached, Blyth's, Paddyfield and River Warbler. A last stop is foreseen at the botanical garden, notorious for its Krueper's Nuthatches.

Mtirala National Park

When it gets too hot in Batumi, you can cool off in the lush Mtirala forest. The excursion takes you deep into the park, which features a nice waterfall, a small lake and a picturesque village. The area is great for Woodpeckers, including White-backed, Grey-headed, Black and Lesser and Middle Spotted, and rich in endemic amphibians and reptiles.

Kolkheti Wetlands

This huge wetland is of crucial importance for migratory birds following the eastern flyway. The excursion includes a 3-hour boat trip on the Paleostomi lake and into the marshes and peatlands of the National Park. This usually involves very close encounters with the resident White-tailed Eagles. The afternoon will be devoted to waders and terns along the seashore. In 2014 we had Lesser and Greater Sand Plover here, together with Broad-billed and Terek Sandpiper!

Svaneti Extension

Just before the Eagle Festival Week (September 21 to 23)  you can join an extension to the fabulous mountain region of Svaneti, where all the Greater Caucasus endemics are found. A newly constructed road takes us up to 3000m, from where only a short walk is required to observeCaucasian Black Grouse, Caucasian Snowcock, Great Rosefinch and Guldenstadt's Redstart. For more information, check out this page.

Accommodation

You will stay in the area of Batumi or Chakvi, where stations and other birding destinations are not far. One step away from cultural activities and sites, which Georgia's tourist capital offers. These come with the full board, traditional but varied meals with vegetarian options.

When

24 Sep to 1 Oct 2025

Price & Booking

Please contact us for the detailed information about the prices using the form below or by sending an email to info@batumibirding.com.