GEORGIA superb birdwatching at the crossroads of Europe and Asia

Join us on this exciting new tour to the stunningly beautiful country of Georgia. Journey north over the Jvari Pass for a breathtaking visit to the High Caucasus mountains, where the birds complement the impossibly beautiful landscape. Majestic Golden Eagles and magnificent Lammergeiers soar across the snow covered peaks. Wallcreepers busily build their nests amongst the rocks and crevices, whilst the calls of both Chough and Alpine Chough echo off the canyon walls. In contrast, the Kakheti region of south-east Georgia is a land of rolling steppe and dry savannah. The

Caucasian Black Grouse

birds and landscapes here are similar to those found in Anatolia and specialist species include Rufous Bush Chats, Menetries’s Warblers and Isabelline Wheatears. Home to an abundance of raptors, at times the sky is filled with Eastern Imperial Eagles, Black Vultures, Sakers, Long-legged Buzzards, Levant Sparrowhawks and Lesser Kestrels. ITINERARY

CHACHUNA AND THE IORI VALLEY Our tour starts in the capital, Tbilisi. Since the dramatic Rose Revolution, a decade ago, Tbilisi has blossomed into an attractive, vibrant and cosmopolitan city. After resting overnight in a comfortable city centre hotel we will embark on our nine day tour. At first we head south-east to the Kakheti region. As we drive along, the landscape gradually changes from vineyards and orchards to rolling plains, sandstones cliffs and buttes. Our destination is the Chachuna Nature Reserve in the Iori Uplands. The birdlife here is very diverse. Long-legged Buzzards and Montagu’s Harriers hunt the open fields. Vivid blue Rollers and colonies of multi-coloured Bee-eaters occupy the sandy cliffs of the dry river beds. Lesser Grey and Woodchat Shrikes are common in the roadside scrub, whilst Isabelline Wheatears chat and scold. Calandra Larks display over the cereal fields and Black-headed Buntings seemingly occupy every weedy corner. As the landscape becomes more arid Black-eared Wheatears and Short-toed Larks appear. In the heat of the day huge Black Vultures and Griffon Vultures soar on the thermals. Tight flocks of migrating Rose-coloured Starlings flash their pink hues as they speed by. We have a two night stay at some lovely tourist bungalows alongside the Dali Reservoir, which was built in the Soviet era. Luckily the proposed irrigation project did not come to

fruition and the area still retains the delicate balance of habitats which makes the birdwatching so interesting. The reservoir is home to small numbers of Ruddy Shelduck and the occasional Pygmy Cormorant. Migrant herons drop in on their way through, as do flocks of Armenian Gulls. A colony of Lesser Kestrels occupy the deserted pump houses on the dam wall, whilst the striking Levant Sparrowhawk displays over the adjacent riparian woodland. Other breeding raptors here include Saker Falcon and Eastern Imperial Eagle - we should have an opportunity to study both species near their nest sites. Black Francolins call from the scrubby areas, whilst Rufous Bush Chats sing from prominent perches. Menetries’s and Eastern Orphean Warbler are very common. The rocky bluffs hold Chukar, Rock Nuthatch, Rock Bunting and Blue Rock Thrush. On our return journey to Tbilisi we will have another opportunity to birdwatch the transition areas between dry steppe and areas under cultivation. The species we will be looking for include Spanish Sparrow and Ortolan Bunting. Georgia is also famous for its wine and claims to be the home of viticulture. Archaeologists have traced back the production of wine in the region to 6000BC. The Georgian method of wine making utilises clay pots or kvevris in which the grape juice is fermented. We will visit the wine growing region of Signagi and do some wine tasting at the Pheasants Tears vineyard at Marani.

KAZBEGI MOUNTAIN We will then overnight in Tbilisi where our restaurant offers magnificent views over the river and the old town. After breakfast we will travel into the high Caucasus mountains, breaking the journey with some birding at the Szhinvali Reservoir. The verdant beech woods in the valley here are home to Black and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers. Both Semi-collared and Red-breasted Flycatchers should be on territory. Persian Squirrels are also found in the forest. Higher up, just before the pass, is an interesting monument erected in Soviet times. It stands atop a sheer cliff which is a nesting site for Wallcreeper, Ring Ouzel and Black Redstart. Alpine Choughs pose on the railings and we shall be on the look out for the imposing Lammergeier, as well as enjoying some simply stunning mountain scenery. As we continue over the pass we will check the roadside for Water Pipit, Snow Finch and the strikingly pale penicillata race of Shore Lark. Late in the afternoon we will reach Stepantsminda. This quaint village is nestled in the valley bottom, beneath the imposing snow covered Mount Kazbegi. We have a three night stay which gives us time to explore the valley and surrounding mountains. In the early morning we take a stroll at the base of the steep slopes. The eerie curlew-like calls of Caucasian Snowcock will soon become familiar to us as they call from high up amongst the rocky crags. Occasionally a pair will wander out in full view. The localised Caucasian Black Grouse is also found here. They prefer grassy slopes adjacent to patches of dwarf rhododendrons. At times several males can be seen doing their fluttering displays, particularly if a female deigns to wander into their lekking territory. Later in the day we shall explore the corries and abandoned farmsteads higher up the valley. Here we will find Rock Thrush, Alpine Accentor, Black Redstart, Red-fronted Serin and Twite. If the weather is clear we should witness the passage of migrating flocks of Steppe Buzzards, which are often joined by Black Kites, harriers and accipiters. On day seven we take a short drive uphill to the famous landmark sat on the ridge above Stepantsminda. The Tsminda Sameba is a 14th Century church which has become a symbol of the nation. With fierce determination it clings to its lofty isolated perch, defying the elements and the rigours of time. We will look for the scarce inhabitants of the rocky mountainside. Two sought after species breed in this beautiful and remote landscape, the Guldenstadt's Redstart and Great Rosefinch. Both can be difficult to find, but poor overnight weather may push them down to within our reach. The woodland below Tsminda Sameba holds singing Green Warblers and Mountain Chiffchaffs. The surrounding meadows harbour many Common Rosefinches whose simple whistled song carries far in the clear mountain air. Barred Warblers and Corncrakes live in the valley bottoms. DAVIT GAREJI We will then return to Tbilisi, where we spend the final two nights. From here we will visit Davit Gareji on a day trip. This is one of the most spectacular sites in Georgia, which is both a historical and wildlife attraction. The landscape has a Mediterranean feel, with low lying scrub-covered hills and reams of wildflowers. It also happens to be the site of one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. Chukars call from the arid rocky slopes. Crag Martins and Blue Rock Thrushes are common. A small wooded gulley holds singing Green Warblers, Red-breasted Flycatchers and Nightingales. On the way we will stop at a small steppe lake to look for passage waders such as Wood Sandpiper, Little

Stint and Red-necked Phalarope. White-winged Black Terns are sometimes seen in their hundreds. Back in the capital we will be treated to a typical Georgian banquet washed down with local wines and traditional beers. On the last day we will have a tour of the old town of Tbilisi and also visit a small lake just outside the capital. Great Reed Warblers shout out their raucous songs from the reedbeds. This is also a site for Paddyfield Warbler. Last year we found a Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, an overshoot from Armenia. PACE Breakfast will be taken at 8am on most mornings, allowing time for short pre-breakfast walks. At Stepantsminda we will have breakfast at 6am on at least one morning, in order to be out early to see the snowcock. Full days will be spent in the field and basic fitness is all that is required. At Stepantsminda there will be some uphill walking which we will manage according to the abilities of the group. Transport will be provided to take the group to the higher valleys and vantage points to reduce the need for any strenuous walking. ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD Full board accommodation is provided with one night at the Hotel Kopala in Tbilisi, two nights at the Chachuna Reserve, one night at the Hotel Kopala in Tbilisi, three nights at Hotel Stepantsminda in Kazbegi and a final two nights at the Hotel Kopala in Tbilisi. The hotel in Tbilisi is a lovely traditional Georgian hotel and the restaurant offers a panoramic view of the city. At Chachuna we stay in bungalows which provide simple clean accommodation with comfortable beds and hot showers. All rooms have en suite facilities. During the day we will take a picnic lunch or eat in a cafe. PRICE INCLUDES ….. All birdwatching excursions with expert leader and a local guide, full board accommodation (starting with breakfast on the 6th and ending with lunch on the 14th), wine tasting visit and a city tour in Tbilisi, soft drinks at meal times, local transport by mini coach, reserve entrance fees, international flights and airport taxes. WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED Travel insurance, personal items, alcoholic drinks, laundry, snacks and drinks in airports. Please note: UK citizens no longer require a visa to enter Georgia. INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS Return flights from London Gatwick (via Kiev) to Tbilisi using the scheduled services of Ukraine Airlines. Outbound flights depart early afternoon, return flight arrives back late evening. There are options to fly from regional airports via Amsterdam and Kiev to Tbilisi, please contact us for details.

9 nights : Principal leader: Local guide: Maximum group size: Cost with discount (if you book before 20th January 2014): Full Cost: Single supplement: Deposit:

5th to 14 th May 2014 John McLoughlin Zura Javakhishvili 10 clients with one leader and a local guide £1980 per person sharing £2080 per person sharing £190 £300