Chasing Wings Over the Black Sea: My 21-Day Raptor Watch & Birding Journey in Batumi, Georgia (Sept 2025)

Part II – Euro birds

Exploring Beyond the Raptor Skies: Birding Around Batumi

Although the raptor migration was the heart of our trip, our days in Batumi didn’t end on the observation platform. Whenever the sky quieted or when we needed a change of scenery, we ventured out to explore new birding locations around the region.
Finding good birding spots in Batumi wasn’t easy. Information online was limited, local guides were rare, and many areas were either difficult to access or not well marked.
But with experience, instinct, and plenty of patience, we slowly uncovered a handful of places that rewarded us with beautiful birds — and unforgettable moments.
Here are the highlights of our birding adventures around Batumi.

Batumi Botanical Garden — A Green Paradise by the Sea

One of our best discoveries was the Batumi Botanical Garden, a vast, peaceful haven overlooking the Black Sea. The air here felt fresher, and the forested paths carried the soft sounds of songbirds hidden among the leaves. It was the perfect break from scanning the sky — a gentle reminder that Batumi holds beauty at every level, from treetops to forest floor.
This was one of the locations where we finally felt surrounded by birds again. Among the trees and gardens, we encountered: Common Chiffchaff, Common Redstart, Eurasian Blackbird, Eurasian Blackcap, European Robin, Garden Warbler, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Hooded Crow, Marsh Warbler, Short-toed Treecreeper, Spotted Flycatcher, Willow Warbler … etc

Mtirala National Park — Misty Mountains and Quiet Trails

Mtirala National Park was a completely different world. The morning air was cold and crisp, and the thick forest was wrapped in mist. It was peaceful, almost mystical… but bit quiet when it came to bird activity.
Although Mtirala didn’t give us many birds, the serene atmosphere and wild landscape made the visit memorable. Walking through the cool forest felt like stepping into another world — one ruled by moss, waterfalls, and silence.
Even so, the few species we managed to see were absolute gems, the highlights are …

• White-throated Dipper, dancing along the fast-flowing streams




• Eurasian Blue Tit, small but full of personality


We also spotted: Eurasian Chaffinch and Wren

Black Sea Coastal Area & Chorokhi River Delta — Where Land Meets Sea

For seabirds and coastal species, we spent a morning exploring the Chorokhi River Delta, one of the region’s well-known hotspots.
The landscape opened wide here — mudflats, shallow pools, grassy fields, and the endless Black Sea. Gulls filled the air with their calls, and the rising sun gave the whole scene a soft golden glow.
We photographed a wonderful mix of species: Western Yellow Wagtail, Whinchat, White Wagtail, Armenian Gull, Black-headed Gull, Caspian Gull, Little Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull and Large gull flocks drifting like white waves along the coast
Standing at the edge of the Black Sea with birds all around us — it was a morning to remember.

Kolkheti National Park — A Boat Journey into Wild Wetlands

Kolkheti National Park was one of the most unique experiences of the entire trip. Instead of trekking or scanning the sky, we boarded a small boat and drifted into a vast wetland system full of calm waters, reeds, and quiet surprises.
The slow movement of the boat gave us time to truly absorb the scenery — peaceful water, distant mountains, and the sounds of nature echoing across the lake.
Birdlife here was rich and exciting. We spotted: White-tailed Eagle, Black Tern, Black-necked Grebe, Horned Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Common Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling …etc
Seeing so many species from the comfort of a boat felt like a reward — a peaceful, beautiful contrast to the intensity of raptor watching.

White-tailed Eagle — the majestic king of the wetlands

Going Home, but Leaving a Part of My Heart Behind

Watching hundred thousands of raptors migrate overhead in one day reminded me how incredible, ancient, and fragile the natural world truly is. Exploring forests, rivers, wetlands, and seas added depth to the journey — showing me how diverse and beautiful Georgia can be.

After 21 days of watching the sky and sea, saying goodbye was surprisingly hard. On our last morning, as we walked down from the platform for the final time, a single raptor circled above us — almost like a farewell gesture. We looked up, smiled, and silently promised ourselves:

We’ll be back.

Batumi gave us more than photographs. It gave us memories, friendships, and emotions that will stay with us forever.



By Nelson Khor ( nelson.khor@gmail.com )