Field updates
Our first 10,000+ day of the season!
Honey Buzzards have arrived in force: nearly 19,300 birds crossed the Batumi bottleneck during the first 10,000+ day of the 2026 season.
Field updates
The first proper Honey Buzzard day
After several drizzly days, the clouds parted and streams of Honey Buzzards carried the season to its first substantial migration day.
Field updates
The first day of the 2026 autumn count
BRC's 18th autumn raptor count is under way, with the first Honey Buzzards, eagles and storks already moving through the Batumi bottleneck.
Field updates
The 2026 season is about to start and the annual T-shirt is available!
The 2026 BRC coordinators have arrived in Batumi. Meet this year's team and find the new T-shirt.
Get Involved
Flyway Monitoring Trainees of 2026
Meet the three 2026 Flyway Monitoring Trainees joining Batumi Raptor Count through the OSME Youth Development Fund.
Get Involved
Applications open for the 2026 Flyway Monitoring Traineeship
With the preparations for the 2026 Autumn count well underway, we are happy to announce opening applications for the BRC Flyway Monitoring Traineeship.
Get Involved
Call for Counters: We’re looking for volunteers for Autumn 2026
After successfully completing another crowdfunding campaign, we’re happy to announce the call for counters. The application form is now open for Autumn 2026.
Reports & Research
New publication in Ardea: The eastern Black Sea coast as a principal raptor flyway in spring
For seventeen years, Batumi Raptor Count has tracked the legendary autumn raptor migration through the Batumi Bottleneck. Now, our first full study of spring migration along this flyway has been published open access in Ardea.
Fundraising
Something remarkable saved the Autumn Count of 2026
Many of you will be familiar with our winter crowdfunding ritual. This year our small team fell quiet at the worst possible time, but a remarkable act of generosity ensured the Autumn 2026 count can go ahead.