EuroBirdwatch with us
We warmly invite everyone to come up to one of our two watchpoints this weekend and observe migrating birds together with us. While doing so, our count volunteers share their identification skills, but also interesting facts about bird migration and threats they face during their journeys. Everyone is welcome to join us in Sakhalvasho or Shuamta between 7am and 5pm. During this Eurobirdwatch-weekend, all over Europe people will find observation posts nearby where everyone can share the knowledge on migratory birds and their flyways. In Europe many hundreds of activities are planned.
For the migrating bird species the existence of suitable breeding areas in the north, saving stopover sites and a safe passage on the flyway, and appropriate habitats in the wintering regions are therefore vitally important. The aim of EuroBirdwatch 2015 is to raise awareness for the wonders of bird migration and the needs of the migratory birds on the breeding areas, the flyways and in the wintering areas in the Mediterranean and in Africa.
The EuroBirdwatch is an annual event organised by Birdlife International, comprising hundreds of nationally organised activities. On these observation posts the number of birds and participating people are counted and reported to the European centre in the Netherlands. Last year for example, 38 countries in Europe and Central Asia took part in organising 1.184 events, with more than 33.000 people turning out to watch and help count the birds. The numbers, when it comes to the birds, are even more staggering: almost 7,5 million birds were counted last year, the highest in the history of the event!
For further information on the EuroBirdwatch visit: www.eurobirdwatch.eu
500.000 within first 3 weeks
The first 3 weeks of raptor migration counting in Batumi are over and we can already say that the start of this season was a big surprise.
Some 511,796 had already passed by 9th September.
The Honey Buzzards came earlier than usual with the peak day of 113,737 birds already on 27th August. Moreover we've already counted a few Steppe Eagles including juveniles, immatures and even three adults. Dive into the details by following our count from home.
Regular posts with photos and sightings on
https://www.facebook.com/batumiraptorcount
Count totals till 9th September
Honey Buzzard: 471,192
Black Kite: 24,185
Hen/Montagu's/Pallid Harrier: 5,018
Marsh Harrier: 4,218
Montagu's Harrier: 3,001
Booted Eagle: 2,117
Levant Sparrowhawk: 1,056
Steppe Buzzard: 488
European Roller: 431
White Stork: 310
Pallid Harrier: 153
Short-toed Eagle: 111
Lesser Spotted Eagle: 102
Black Stork: 101
Osprey: 55
Crested Honey Buzzard: 13
Peregrine: 10
Steppe Eagle: 8
Egyptian Vulture: 6
Hen Harrier: 4
White-tailed Eagle: 3
harrier sp.: 3
Greater Spotted Eagle: 2
Red-footed Falcon: 2
Saker Falcon: 1
[...]
Total raptors: 511,796