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Spring Birding in Azerbaijan
Tour Code: AZE01An 11-day birding tour of Azerbaijan in search of the passage visitor, summer migrant and resident birds of this exciting destination.
£4,495
£3,995
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Straddling the boundary between East and West, Azerbaijan remains a relatively unexplored destination for international birdwatchers, making it an especially exciting prospect for the keen naturalist. Short travelling distances link an impressive variety of habitats, from arid steppes and wetlands to subtropical forests and dramatic mountain scenery. Among the country’s most remarkable landscapes are the striking ‘Candy Cane Mountains’, their vivid bands of colour created by oxidised iron-rich sediments.
In spring, Azerbaijan truly comes to life. Wildflowers brighten the countryside, temperatures are pleasantly mild, and breeding birds in fresh summer plumage join the resident species in abundance. At this season, birds are at their most conspicuous, singing and displaying as they compete for mates and territories. At the same time, vast numbers of northbound migrants pass through the country en route to the immense steppes, taiga and tundra of Siberia, creating a remarkable spectacle for visiting birdwatchers.
On an itinerary crafted by expert local ornithologists, we'll explore Azerbaijan for its stunning landscapes and the region's most exciting species including Caucasian Snowcock, Caucasian Black Grouse, Black Francolin, Shikra, White-tailed Lapwing, Terek Sandpiper, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Great Spotted Woodpecker (ssp. poelzami), Bimaculated Lark, Western and Eastern Rock Nuthatch, Wallcreeper, Rosy Starling, Güldenstädt's Redstart, Raddes’ Accentor, Red-fronted Serin, Caucasian Twite, Great Rosefinch, Crimson-winged, Trumpeter, Desert and Mongolian Finch, Grey-necked Bunting and more!
- Superb Western Palearctic birding; Caspian Tit, Finsch’s Wheatear, Shikra, Black Francolin, Semi-collared Flycatcher, Pallas’s Gull, Chukar and more
- The alpine birdlife includes such species as Asian Crimson-winged Finch, Caucasian Snowcock, Güldenstädt's Redstart, Great Rosefinch, Mountain Chiffchaff, Caucasian Grouse, Steppe Eagle
- Search for the birdlife of a range of habitats, breathtaking landscapes and varied climate zones within a short distance of one another
- Participation in this tour supports scientific research, young ornithologist capacity building, and bird conservation.
- Led by an expert local ornithologist
Grading
Slow-paced day walks but in this mountainous country some of the walking will inevitably be on paths of varying steepness at over 3000m. Some remote areas are only accessible by 4x4 (Ladas) and therefore this tour is not suitable for any person who has underlying health conditions that may be agitated by travelling using this method away from tarmacked roads.
Outline Itinerary
Dates & Prices
2027
Tour Leader: Zulfu Farajli
Zulfu was born in the Nakhchivan enclave of Azerbaijan and has a degree in Environmental Economics. He has been passionate about nature, especially birds, since childhood. He is especially fond of local enigmatic species of his hometown including Desert Finches, Red-tailed Wheatear, and Radde’s Accentor. Along with his passion for birds, he is into snakes of his home country as well as wild felines. Being fluent in English, he is one of the local coordinators of Beshbarmag Migratory Bird Counts and looks forward to showing Naturetrek clients this amazing spectacle!
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
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Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
