7th International Birdwatching Festival in Batumi

The 7th International Batumi Birdwatching Festival came to an end in Adjara, although foreign specialists will continue to monitor bird species in the region until October 16.

Representatives of the Batumi Tourism Department and NGO "Batumi Raptor Count" discussed the uniqueness of the Adjara region, results of the festival and perspectives of the migratory birds in the final event of the festival. The event was attended by two ornithologists, bird observers, ecotourists, as well as representatives of Adjara's Government and NGOs, tourist agencies and guides from 25 countries. Among them were honorary guests of the festival, William Clark from the United States and David Lindo from Great Britain.

The International Festival of Birds Observation in Adjara started on September 3 and ended on September 8. Within the frames of the festival, the attendees participated in entertainment and cognitive excursions in key bird watching locations, including on the Chorokhi Delta, in the Chaisubani and Sakhalvasho villages, Batumi seaside park, harbor and Kolkheti National Park. During the evening, invited specialists held lecutres and presentations in hotel Oasis. 

Birdwatching has become one of the most popular directions in ecotourism, and Adjara, holds great potential in this sphere. The region is considered one of the world's largest locations for migratory birds. In autumn, more than a million predatory birds fly over Adjara, and the region is visited by orphanologists, specialists and birdwatchers from different countries around the world. On average, up to 2,500 night watching is observed in the season, most of which are carried out in the local family hotels of villages Sakhalvasho and Chaisubani. Birdwatching season in Adjara started on August 16 and ends on October 16. 

By Anna Zhvania