BCUG ARCHIVES

Interesting records in 2008 - Non-passerines; divers to storks

Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata) [tzithelgula ghorikhva].
Rare irregular winter visitor along the whole length of the Georgian section of
the Black Sea coast. Vagrant to inland waters.
- 8 were counted in port of Batumi on 14 January and 3 on 15 January, 17 were along Black Sea coast from Sarpi village (Turkish border) in South to Chorokhi River mouth in North on 16 January, 4 were watched from Mtsvane Kontskhi and 2 between Mtsvane Kontskhi and Chakvi village on 20 January, solitary individuals were seen on 14 January 2003 at Black sea coast near Choloki River mouth, Ajaria, SW Georgia;
- one was in port of Batumi on 22 January;
- three were near Poti on 7 February;
- died was found at Black Sea coast near Batumi on 22 October that is very early autumn record;
- at least 12 individuals were observed in mixed flocks of ducks at sea coast between Makhinjauri village and Batumi botanical garden on 16 December; high concentration.

Black-throated Diver (Gavia arctica) [shavgula ghorikhva].
Rare winter visitor to Black Sea coast. Occasionally recorded inland.
- at least 150 individuals were counted in coastal waters from 14 to 20 January in Ajaria Autonomous Republic, SW Georgia: about 30 were in mouth of Chorokhi River on 14 January, at least 21 were along Batumi beach on 14 January, 11 were counted in port of Batumi on 14 January and 14 on 15 January, 52+ were watched along Black Sea coast from Sarpi village (Turkish border) in South to Chorokhi River mouth in North on 16 January, 9 were near mouth of Kintrishi River and 12
along Kobuleti beach on 19 January, 7 were watched from Mtsvane Kontskhi and 7 between Mtsvane Kontskhi and Chakvi village on 20 January; High concentration;
- two single were observed at sea coast between Kvariati and Sarpi villages (Georgia-Turkish border) on 17 October; early autumn records;
- 17+ individuals were watched in several large mixed flocks of waterfowl at sea coast between Makhinjauri village and Batumi botanical garden on 16 December; high concentration.

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
- 62 were at Vartsikhe reservoir, Imereti Region on 29 January and at least 57 were present next day; the highest winter count for this site, where usually winters up to 10 birds.
- three pairs and and solitary individuals, totally ca.14, were seen at Khanchali and Kartsakhi lakes on 4 and 5 May and at Sagamo Lake on 12 May.

Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)
Two pairs and single were at Khanchali Lake in evening of 3 May;
Two pairs and three solitary were at Kartshaki Lake on 5 May;
Pair and two solitary were at Bugdasheni Lake on 10 May;
Pair was at Akhmaz Lake on 11 May;
Three pairs and single were observed in NW corner of Khanchali Lake in early morning of 12 May.

Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)
Seven individuals (flock of five + two solitary) were recorded in SE corner of Madatapa Lake on 4 May and singe was watched on 10 May at NE bank of Khanchali Lake.

Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
Uncommon migratory breeder at some wetlands of Javakheti Upland, occasional breeder at wetlands of Kolkheti Lowland. Uncommon to common passage and winter visitor.
- 8 were on 24 April at small lake in central part of Batumi, Ajaria, SW Georgia; very late spring record.
- three solitary were recorded at Madatapa Lake on 4 May;
- single was at Khanchali Lake (on 10 May) and single – at Bugdasheni Lake (on 10 May).

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) [didi chvama].
- at least 148 were counted on 8 October along Mtkvari River banks in central part of Tbilisi City + at least 33 were between Tbilisi and Mtskheta town; high numbers, not rare but interesting.

Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus) [mtsire chvama].
Extirpated as a breeding species in the middle of 1970s and in the middle of 1990s again became to nest in Georgia. Occasional rare breeder at Jandari Lake in SE Georgia. Rare in small numbers winter visitor to some lakes and reservoirs in SE part of country.
- seven individuals were recorded on 10 February sitting on old poplar at riverside street in central part of Tbilisi City and five were present in this district next days – on 14, 16 and 17 February, not recorded after 17 February; occasional visitor outside of traditional wintering areas, first record to urban area;
- at least 310 were in two flocks (about 200 and 110+) at Jandari Lake, Kvemo Kartli Region, SE Georgia and at least 80 was in flock in Azeri part of lake, totally ca. 400 at Jandari Lake on 2 March;
- 60-70 were in SE part of Kumisi Lake on 8 March;
- two were watched in small flock of Great Cormorant (up to 15 birds) on 6 April at bank of Khrami River near “Red bridge” at Azerbaijan-Georgian border, Kvemo Kartli Region SE Georgia, that is very late record of wintering species.

Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
Rare but regular visitor without breeding at large lakes of Javakheti Upland in Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia. The nearest site of breeding is southern, Turkish, part of Khozapini Lake ["Aktas Golu" in Turkish language] (Yarar, M.1995. Aktas Golu: a new pelican breeding site on the Turkish-Georgian border. OSME Bulletin 35: 46-48). Rare in small numbers irregular winter visitor at wethlands of coastal lowlands, vagrant to other areas.
There were the following records at wetlands of Javakheti Upland in
Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia:
- two were recorded flying near Yefremovka village on 4 May;
- at least 140 were counted at Kartsakhi Lake on 5 May: about 130 individuals were watched in telescope on- and around three small islands in Turkish part of lake, sixteen were watched flying along northern bank and four were observed near eastern bank;
- six were at Sulda wetlands on 5 May;
- 12 individuals (flock of ten and two separately) were recorded at southern bank of Khanchali Lake on 6 May;
- four in one flock and three in another flock were observed in NW corner of Khanchali Lake in early morning of 12 May;
- about 25 feeding individuals were watched near W bank of Madatapa Lake on 22 July.

Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) [khutchutcha varkhvi]
Rare but regular visitor without breeding at large lakes of Javakheti Upland in Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia. The nearest site of breeding is southern, Turkish, part of Khozapini Lake ["Aktas Golu" in Turkish language] (Yarar, M.1995. Aktas Golu: a new pelican breeding site on the Turkish-Georgian border. OSME Bulletin 35: 46-48). Rare in small numbers irregular winter visitor at wethlands of coastal lowlands, vagrant to other areas.
There were the following records at wetlands of Javakheti Upland in
Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia:
- single was watched on northern shore of Khanchali Lake in evening of 3 May;
- at least 37 individuals (34 in four flocks – 16+ 9+5+4) and 3 solitary were observed at Kartsaakhi Lake on 5 May; 33 individuals were in Turkish part of lake and 4 were in Georgian part;
- three were watched flying across Bugdasheni Lake in SE direction on 10 May;
- two were in mixed flock together with about of 25 Great White Pelicans in W part of Madatapa Lake on 22 July;
- 16 were watched on 25 September at southern shore of Khanchali Lake;
Other remarkable records were at Black Sea coastal lowlands in Ajaria, SW Georgia:
- three were at small lake at right side of mouth of Chorokhi River on 14 January and two were present two days later on 16 January;
- solitary was watched on 19 December in Chorokhi River mouth, Ajaria, SW Georgia.

Unidentified Pelican (Pelecanus spp.)
- according to reports of local inhabitants, at least seven pelicans were watched several times in the end of January-beginning of February at small coastal lakes 1-2.5 km S of Anaklia village, Guria Region, W Georgia; later, in the middle of February, freshly died was found directly at sea coast.

Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) [ghamis ghkancha]
Rare to uncommon migratory breeder and passage visitor at wetlands on lowlands (lakes, rivers with dense shrubs and trees on banks). More common in East. No data on numbers and population trends.
- 32 individuals in evening on 22 March were recorded roosting in central part of Rustavi town, E Georgia and 28 were in flock in early morning on 23 March; unusual record in urban area and large flock.

Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) [qartsi qhancha]
Uncommon on passage in Western Georgia. Rare passage migrant in eastern parts of country. Usually, it migrates by small flocks of 5-10 individuals, rarely more - up to 20-25. Dates of passages: in spring - middle-end of April; in autumn - end of August - middle of October.
- around 40 were on 9 April and 22 on 10 April in Chorokhi River mouth, Ajaria, SW Georgia; high concentration;
- solitary was recorded in early morning on 19 April in vineyard in Didvela village, Baghdadi district, Imereti Region, W Georgia; unusual location, vagrant to area.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
- three in one flock and single were seen at shore in NE corner of Kartsakhi Lake on 5 May;
- four individuals feeding at Avchalgel Lake were watched on 11 May;
Three were observed flying along bank of Sagamo Lake near mouth of Paravani River on 12 May.
Rare visitor to area in spring.

White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
99 occupied nests were found in May 2008 that is MAX(!) number since 1974.
- 76 occupied nests were found in eastern and central parts of Javakheti Upland:
36 occupied were in Gorelovka village, 11 in Ninotsminda town, 8 � in Diliti and Didi Gondrio villages, 4 � in Didi Khanchali village, 4 � in Patara Khanchali village, 3 � in Satkhe village, 2- in Mamzara village, 2 � in Zhdanovka village, 1 � in Okami village, 1- Miasnikiani village, 1 � in Arakali village, 1 � in Poka village, 1 � in Spasovka village.
- 11 occupied nests were found in western part of Javakheti Upland;
- 12 occupied nests were found in Tsalka Hollow.

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
Single was watched flying in eastern direction across Paravani Canyon between villages Khorenia and Jigrasheni on 4 May, that was only one record, noted in study area during our spring survey in May 2008.

Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) [tzitheli ikhvi]
Rare breeder. Regular, but in small numbers, passage and winter visitor. More often recorded at lakes in SE areas and at Javakheti Upland, Lesser Caucasus.
- four individuals were recorded on northern shore of Khanchali Lake in evening of 3 May;
- Seven (two pairs + three solitary) were recorded at Madatapa Lake on 4 May;
- Ten individuals (three pairs + four solitary birds were watched at banks of Kartshaki Lake on 5 May;
- Two solitary individuals were watched flying across Sulda wetlands near Myasnikyani village in NE direction on 4 May;
- Pair and single were recorded at southern bank of Khanchali Lake on 6 May;
- At least nine individuals were observed at small island at Bugdasheni Lake on 10 May.

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) [qochora kvinthia]
Tufted Duck seldom breeds at lakes of Javakheti. Rare, in some years uncommon, passage and winter visitor at sea coast. Very rare recorded at inland waters. Number on winter quarters greatly fluctuates by years. In some years practically is absent. More common at the end of winter, in February. The following records during breeding season at Javakheti Upland, S Georgia, may be considered as significant:
- about 150 individuals were recorded from 3 to 12 May 2008 at five lakes:
- about 25 were recorded at Sagamo Lake on 3 May;
- eight (3 males and 5 females) were along northern bank of Khanchali Lake in evening of 3 May;
- ten and four in two flocks and six solitary (about 2/3 were males) were at Madatapa Lake on 4 May;
- at least 66 individuals (35+, 17 and 11 in three flocks, one pair and single male) were watched at banks of Kartshaki Lake on 5 May;
- six Tufted Ducks (4 males and 2 females) were observed at small island at Bugdasheni Lake on 10 May;
- not less than 30 were counted at Sagamo Lake in evening on 12 May.

Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) [tzithelthava kvinthia]
Local breeder in small numbers on the lakes of Southern Georgia, at the Javakheti Upland, along borders with Armenia and Turkey. Regular uncommon passage migrant and winterer at coastlands and some large lakes in E Georgia.
Records in several sites during breeding season at Javakheti Upland, S Georgia, may be classified as interesting:
- nine were observed at Sagamo Lake on 3 May;
- at least 25 were watched along northern bank of Khanchali Lake in evening of 3 May;
- about 40 were in western part and seven in eastern part of Madatapa Lake on 4 May;
- 20+ individuals were watched along northen shore and four at NW bank of Kartshaki (Aktash Golu) Lake on 5 May;
- eight were observed along southern bank of Khanchali Lake on 6 May;
- about 20 were at Bugdasheni Lake on 10 May;
- six were recorded at Avchalgel Lake on 11 May;
- at least seven in western part of Sagamo Lake and at least five in mouth of Paravani River on 12 May.

Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) [thethrthvala kvinthia]
Rare breeder at some lakes of Javakheti Upland. Rare in small numbers passage and winter visitor at some lakes of at Black Sea coast and rare, irregular passage visitor and winterer on some lakes of Eastern Georgia.
There were two remarkable records during breeding season at Javakheti Upland, S Georgia:
- at least 25 individuals were seen in two flocks at Sagamo Lake on 3 May and six were watched from western shore of Madatapa Lake on 4 May;
- about 40 were recorded on 4 November in traditional wintering site of this ducks - at Japana fish-ponds, Guria Region, W Georgia on 4 November; early winter record.

White-winged Scoter =Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca) [shavi garieli]
At present breeding is known on high-altitude lakes at the Javakheti Upland in Southern Georgia (Khozapini Lake, Khanchali Lake, Madatapa Lake and at some small lakes along Armenian and Turkish borders). Vertical limits of breeding distribution - 1700-2100m a.s.l. Total number is unknown, but may be estimated as not more than 200 breeding pairs. Rare on passage and in winter along Black Sea coast. Occasionally recorded inland in winter on some lakes on plains of
country.
A total of about 180 individuals were seen during survey at Javakheti Upland in May:
- at least 34 individuals were watched along northern shore of Khanchali Lake in evening of 3 May;
- about 70 individuals were counted in four flocks at Madatapa Lake on 4 May (about 60 in western part of lake and nine in eastern part);
- about 50 individuals were observes in Georgian part of Kartshaki Lake on 5 May;
- four and single were at two small lakes near Sulda village on 5 May;
- seven individuals were recorded at Sulda wetlands lower Miasnikiani village on 5 May;
- pair and single were recorded at southern bank of Khanchali Lake on 6 May;
- at least nine individuals were observed at small island at Bugdasheni Lake on 10 May.
- pair and single were recorded at Avchalgel Lake on 11 May;
- single in western part of Sagamo Lake and at four in mouth of Paravani River were recorded on 12 May

Black Kite (Milvus migrans) [dzera]
- 14 individuals were recorded in Seaside Park of Kobuleti resort + 4 in Kintrishi River mouth + 3 in Choloki River mouth and at least 30 at garbage damp of Kobuleti, Ajaria Autonomous Republic, SW Georgia on 4 February; high concentration;
- 23+ were observed around ponds at left side of Chorokhi River mouth and at least 35 were at right side of Chorokhi River (territory of Batumi Airport,
garbage damp and Kakhaberi ponds) on 6-7 February, southern environs of Batumi, Ajaria Autonomous Republic, SW Georgia; high concentration;
- at least 220 were discovered wintering in Ajameti Nature Reserve, around Vartsikhe reservoir and in lower part of Khanistskali River, Imereti Region, W Georgia 16-19 December.

Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) [phaskunji]
Uncommon breeding summer visitor in East and rare in West. Most common vulture during the breeding season. Very rare to rare on passage. Nests along southern slopes of Main Caucasian Range and its spurs, at Likhi Ridge, Iori Table-land, Tsiv-Gombori Ridge, along valleys of large rivers in Eastern Georgia. Occurs in open, arid areas in upland, foothill, low and mid-mountain belts. Georgian
population estimated at ca. 150 breeding pairs.
- two records of solitary adult individuals were in eastern and southern parts of Javakheti Upland – first was watched flying near Mt.Biketnaya on 4 May and second near SE corner of Khanchali Lake on 6 May; interesting records, no known nest-sites in area.

Western Marsh-harrier (Circus aeroginosus) [tchaobis bolobetcheda]
Uncommon, locally common, year-round resident (probably partial migrant), widespread and fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Most widespread and common species among harriers. Breeds on reedy lakes at Kolkheti Lowland and at wetlands of Rioni River valley, at banks of lakes and surrounding marshes at Javakheti Upland, at wetlands in flood-plains of Mtkvari (Kura), Alazani,
Khrami, Iori rivers, Jandari and Kumisi lakes, rarely in other sites. Population increased during last 20 years. 110-125 pairs were in the end of 1990s, 140-150 pairs may breed in Georgia at present.
- about 120 individuals were counted at wetlands of Javakheti Upland,
Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia during field works from 3 to 12 May. Most of records, about 2/3, were near lakes; considerable numbers;
- 41 migrating individuals were counted on 21 October (34 were counted during 3 hours from 14.30 to 17.20) at coastal lowland at left side of Chorokhi River mouth between Gonio village and sea coast, southern environs of Batumi, Ajaria, SW Georgia; high count for 3 hours of observations.

Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) [velis bolobetcheda]
Rare in small numbers passage migrant. Occasional non-breeding summer visitor. Occurs mainly in arid habitats of SE Georgia, rarely in mountain steppes in S Georgia - at Javakheti Upland, Bediani Ridge, in Tsalka hollow; vagrant to other areas.
- at least 87 individuals were watched on 10-16 April (totally ca.71 hours of observations) at Kobuleti lowland near Ochkhamuri village, Black sea coastal lowland in northern part of Ajaria Autonomous Republic, SW Georgia; high count.

Lewant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes) [qortzkvita]
Extirpated, or almost extirpated as a regular breeding species in the middle of 20th Century. During 1950-1980’s the status of this species was considered as a regular but rare in small numbers passage migrant and occasional summer visitor without breeding. In the beginning of 1990’s, or probably some earlier, again became to nest in Georgia. At present may be considered as rare in small numbers migratory breeder in eastern areas. Population increased (first confirmed breeding in 1991, 15-20 pairs in the middle of 1990’s and
45-55 pairs in 2005-2008). Rare to uncommon passage visitor.
- 41+ individuals (5 flocks – 11+7+5+4+3, 3 pairs and 5 solitary individuals) were counted during 9,5 hours on 16 April at Kobuleti lowland near Ochkhamuri village, Ajaria Autonomous Republic, SW Georgia. Max day count to Georgia in spring;
- solitary was recorded on 29 April near Igoeti village, Shida Kartli Region, E Georgia; a few of breeding records for Georgia.
- pair and single individuals several times were observed in the end of April - middle of May at eastern edge of Bediani Ridge, Kvemo Kartli Region, Eastern Georgia; a few of breeding records for Georgia.
- single was recorded in Mtatsminda Park of Tbilisi City on 1 August; vagrant to area.

Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis orientalis) [velis artzivi]
Uncommon passage migrant and occasional (irregular in small numbers) winterer and summer visitor without breeding.
- 58 individuals were counted on 10-16 April (totally ca.71 hours of
observations) at Kobuleti lowland near Ochkhamuri village, Black sea coastal lowland in northern part of Ajaria Autonomous Republic, SW Georgia, that may be considered as high spring count;
- three solitary individuals were recorded between motor-road
Tbilisi-Ninotsminda and southern shore of Tsalka reservoir and one near Paravani Lake on 3 May; late spring records;
- single was in fields near Tabakhmela village in SW environs of Tbilisi on 9 October; unusual location;
- single was recorded on 6 November near Ksani village, Shida Kartli Region, E Georgia; late autumn record.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos homeyeri) [mthis artzivi]
Rare year-round resident in mountain forests of the Great Caucasus and Lesser Caucasus. For breeding prefers rocky areas in upper belts of mountain forests, deep gorges. Total number is unknown. In eastern areas estimated up to 30 pairs - solitary was observed during several minutes at eastern slope of Mt.Madatapa (2714 m a.s.l.) near border with Armenia, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia on 4 May; occasional visitor to area.

Osprey (Pandion haliaeetus) [shaki]
Former breeder. Extirpated as a regular breeder in the middle of 1950s. Last known nest was occupied in 1956 at Inkit Lake in Abkhazia.
- single was observed flying along Black Sea coast in N direction on 4 April near Makhinjauri village, 2km N of Batumi, Ajaria, SW Georgia;
- single was recorded on 21 October in Chorokhi River mouth between Gonio village, southern environs of Batumi, Ajaria, SW Georgia;

Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) [veils kirkita]
Formerly common breeder. Extirpated as a regular breeder in the middle of 1990s. At present rare passage visitor in small numbers.
- 12 individuals were counted on 10-16 April (totally ca.71 hours of
observations) at Kobuleti lowland near Ochkhamuri village, Black sea coastal lowland in northern part of Ajaria, SW Georgia;
- seven individuals (two males, four females, one unidentified sex) flying in NE direction were recorded during 4 hours (12.10-16.15) on 19 April at western edge of Kvernaki Ridge, Shida Kartli Region, E Georgia; considerable numbers;
- an adult male was watched in fields 2 km SW of Tetri-Tskaro town, Kvemo Kartli Region, E Georgia on 14 May, that is late spring record.

Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) [bari = (gavazi)]
Rare but regular passage migrant before 1980;s and very rare irregular migrant at present. Occasional winter visitor. Probably occasionally nests in semi-deserts in E Georgia.
- single was recorded on 19 April at Kobuleti lowland near Ochkhamuri village, Ajaria Autonomous Republic, SW Georgia, that was only one record at East Black
sea flyway during 14 days of observations in spring 2008.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus brookei) [shevardeni]
Pair and solitary birds several times were watched in locality Gokhnari, eastern part of Trialeti Ridge, E Georgia during first half of May; probably new breeding site;
Solitary individuals were recorded in some areas:
- in Ozurgeti town on 26 February, Guria Region, W Georgia;
- in Mtkvari River valley near Akhaldaba village, Borjomi Gorge on 28 April;
- single was observed several times flying around Avchalgel Lake at Javakheti Upland, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia on 11 May;
- near Sighnaghi town, Kakheti Region, E Georgia on 25 September;
- near Gareji cave-monastery, Kakheti Region, E Georgia on 3 November;
- in Vake Park in Tbilisi City on 7 December;
- in Kardenakhi village, Kakheti Region, E Georgia on 22 December.

Common Crane (Grus grus) [rukhi tzero]
Survey of the breeding pairs was carried out in May. As a result, nesting of at least 10 pairs (probably 11) was confirmed at Javakheti, Samsari and Trialeti ridges and at Javakheti Upland, Lesser Caucasus, Southern Georgia. 2 pairs were in Tabatskuri Lake basin and sources of Ktsia River, 5 (probably 6) pairs - around large lakes of Javakheti Upland and 3 pairs at Samsari Ridge at small
alpine lakes and wetlands within the altitudinal limits 2100-2520 m a.s.l., located around Mt.Didi Abuli (3301 m a.s.l.), Mt.Ivantepe (2934 m a s.l.), Mt.Keroghly (2921 m a.s.l.), Mt.Karaultepe (2287 m a.s.l.) and Mt.Godorebi (3189).
Some observations at Javakheti Upland are of interests:
- single individual was recorded flying along western bank of Sagamo lake to NW direction in morning on 4 May;
- single was observed feeding at wet meadow at eastern bank of Madatapa Lake about 1 km N of Kalinino village on 4 May;
- single was watched flying to western direction across Kodalasu River valley lower Miasnikiani village on 5 May;
- single was observed feeding at wet southern bank of Khanchali Lake on 6 May;
- pair was found at Abulgeli Lake on 6 May, that is significant record of rare species (!);
- single was watched flying along left side of Bugdasheni River valley lower Gorelovka village on 10 May;
- two pairs were found at Avchalgel Lake on 11 May, that may be classified as very significant record (!).
- two feeding individuals (pair?) were watched several times in evening on 13 May and in early morning on 14 May at banks of Paskia Lake and at wet meadows around lake, that is significant record of rare

Sand Martin (Riparia riparia) [menapire mertskhali]
Common summer breeder and passage visitor.
- first spring records of transit migrants were: in Black Sea basin near Kutaisi in Kvirila River valley on 8 April: in Caspian Sea basin on 10 April in Mtkvari (Kura) River flood-land lower Borjomi town and in Khashuri, next day transit migrants were seen in Gori town, Shida Kartli Region;
- five small colonies (10-20 pairs in each) were recorded in three sites of Javakheti Upland, Samyskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia: at banks of Kochki River between Madatapa Lake and Yefremovka village, at left bank of Bugdasheni River 1 km NW of Gorelovka village and at Sulda wetlands, Javakheti Upland, S Georgia;
high altitude – 1900-2105 m a.s.l. and new, unknown earlier breeding sites;
- last autumn transit migrants were recorded on 3 and 4 October in Rioni River valley between Vani and Samtredia towns, Imereti Region, W Georgia.

Eurasian Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris) [kldis mertskhali]
Common summer breeder in rocky areas. Rare, locally uncommon, passage visitor, more common on passage in pre-mountain and mountain areas of E Georgia.
- two small colonies (up to 20 pairs in each) were found in Paravani River canyon near Akhalkalaki town, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia on 5 May; new, unknown earlier colonies;
- an occupied nest with two chicks was found at rock directly at bank of Mtkvari (Rura River) near Tsnisi village, Akhaltsike district, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia on 13 September, THAT IS UNUSUALLY LATE DATES OF NESTING (!). A pair was recorded here several times feeding chicks during next three days on 14, 15 and 16 September.

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) [soplis mertskhali]
More-or-less common but not numerous bird in the most of settlements and its environs.
- first spring records of transit migrants were on 7 April at Black Sea coast in Batumi and Kobuleti, Ajaria, SW Georgia; on 9 April in Rioni River valley near Kutaisi, Imereti Region, W Georgia; on 11 April in Tbilisi and Rustavi, E Georgia;
- one nest was found on 22 May at altitude of 2312 m a.s.l in ruins of old sheep-fold at SE slope of Mt.Karatash (2858 m a.s.l.) at Samsari Ridge, Lesser Caucasus, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region Georgia. Only one nest was found, but 20-25 flying birds were observed in site; high altitude.

Northern House-martin (Delichon urbica) [qalaqis mertskhali]
Common and numerous bird species in the most of settlements and its environs
- first spring observations of transit migrants were on 4 April at Black Sea coast in Ajaria and in Rioni River valley in Kutaisi, Imereti Region, W Georgia, on 7 April in Tbilisi, Gori and and Rustavi, E Georgia;
- arrival of first local birds was recorded in evening on 11 April in Tbilisi City and Rustavi town;
- small flock flying to SW direction was observed at bank of Rioni River lower Samtredia town, Imereti Region, W Georgia on 10 October, that was an unusual late autumn record.

Radde''s Accentor (Prunella ocularis) [rades tchvintaka]
Status uncertain. Summer visitor without breeding. Based on a several tens (about 25) summer records, may be classified as rare summer breeder. Probably in small numbers sporadically breeds in stony habitats at ridges of eastern part of Javakheti Upland along Armenian and Turkish borders. Most of recorded were on stony meadows, rocky outcrops, screens at 2100-2700 m a.s.l. and more.
- solitary individual was observed at rocky outcrops at the left side of Bugdasheni River gorge about 0,5 km lower Spasovka village in morning on 11 May. Taking into account, that there are a few of spring records to Georgia, this observation may be classified as significant (!).

Rock Thrush (Monticola saxatilis) [tchreli kldis shashvi]
Uncommon migratory breeder. Rare on passage. More common in central and eastern parts of Main Great Caucasian Ridge and its southern spurs. Rare at Lesser Caucasus at Samsari and Javakheti Ridges and at highlands along Armenian and Turkish borders. Breeding habitats are located between 1600 and 2200 m a.s.l. Dates of presence: end of April - 2nd decade of September. Population is stable.
- pair and two single individuals were seen at stony southern slopes of M.Keroghly (2213 m a.s.l.) above Kartsakhi village and single was watched near military post at northern shore of Kartsakhi (Aktash Golu) Lake directly at Georgia-Turkish border on 5 May, that were only two records of this species in area.

Yellow-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus) [kvithelniskarta maghrani]
Common, in places numerous year-round resident bird species with seasonal vertical movements in subalpine and alpine belts. More common and numerous at Great Caucasus.Usually is occurred near rocks, screes, in sheep-flocks concentration sites, near roads, settlements, separate human constructions. Locally increased. Occasional visitor outside of areas of breeding distribution.
- around 25 were observed on 22 December at right side of Aragvi River and along motor-road between Zhinvali reservoir and Pasanauri village, Dusheti district, N Georgia; unusual location, caused by severe weather conditions.

Rook (Corvus frugilegus) [tchilkvavi]
Common and numerous year-round resident with local movements, passage and winter visitor. No data on total numbers of breeding pairs.
- 16 colonies (totally ca. 525+ pairs) were found at 1600-1900 m a.s.l. in southern part of Javakheti Upland, Lesser Caucasus, S Georgia, during first half of May. 11 colonies were in- or in environs of settlements: in Ninotsminda town, in Gorelovka, Didi Khanchali, Kartsakhi, Yefremovka and Sulda villages and 5 colonies were located in pine artificial plantations along motor-roads.
Additionally, 5 colonies (totally ca. 140+ pairs) were found in northern and western parts of Javakheti Upland.

White-winged Snowfinch (Montifringilla nivalis) [qathqatha mthiula]
Generally uncommon, but locally in, suitable habitats, common year-round resident with local vertical movements. Breeding range covers pre-alpine and alpine belts at Great Caucasus and Lesser Caucasus. During non-breeding period it carries out nomadic movements quite widely, forming sometimes great flocks to several hundred birds.
- large flocks, up to 100-200 individuals in each (totally c.2000) were recorded on 7 May at stony meadows (altitude 2100-2200 m a.s.l.) between southern slope of Mt.Patara Abuli (2800 m) and Avchalgelistba Lake, Samsari Ridge, S Georgia.
It should be mentioned, that only about 20 individuals were seen here during visits in previous days; unucual concentration, caused by intensive snowfall.

Great Rosefinch (Carpodacus rubicilla) [didi kochoba]
Rare and sporadic year-round resident at Main Caucasian Range and some its spurs.Typical species-indicator of sub-nival altitudinal belt, where they are nesting at the heights of 3000-3500 m a.s.l., and feeding mainly in alpine and sub-alpine belts – in summer not lower 2500-2700 m, in winter - 1900-2000 m. In foothills they appear seldom, only in the most severest winters and under unfavorable feeding. Probably several hundred pairs nests in Georgia (Loskot,
1991).
- 17 (5 males and 12 females) were recorded on Mt.Kazbegi macro-slope in the fields below the Gergeti Glacier, N Georgia on 19 May; high density;
- solitary male was watched on 17 September near meteorological station at Jvari pass, Main Caucasian Ridge, N Georgia;
- female and the juveniles were recorded on 18 September in Truso gorge, Tergi (Terek) River valley, 1,5 km west of Kobi village, northen slope of the Main Caucasian Ridge, N Georgia;
- two solitary males and one female were recorded on 22 September along motor-road from Kobi village to Jvari pass northen slope of the Main Caucasian Ridge, N Georgia;

Crimson-winged Finch (Rhodopechys sanguinea) [phrthatzithela meosphia]
Status largerly uncertain. Occasional visitor or very rare summer non-breeding visitor or very rare sporadically nesting summer breeder. Probably a small population may survive on gentle slopes with gravel or stony substrate and rocky outcrops and poor vegetation at mountain meadows in western and southern parts of Javakheti Upland, along Armenian and Turkish borders, but breeding here not confirmed by any factual materials (nests, clutches, eggs). A few of records to Georgia.
- solitary adult male was observed during several minutes on 2 May at gentle stony slope in sources of Gandzaniskhevi stream (2340 m a.s.l.), about 2km E of Paravani Lake, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, Southern Georgia; record during breeding season on the edge of species range of breeding distribution; the western-northernmost record to Georgia, South Caucasus and, probably, for species; a few of summer records to Georgia.