karavitour

ARMENIA BIRDWATCHING
10 DAYS APRIL - NOVEMBER

Despite the fact that Armenia is a small country it has a surprisingly rich diversity of flora and fauna. About 345 bird species are recorded here. By choosing our exclusive Birding Tour in Armenia you will have a great opportunity to observe many kinds of semi-desert, forest, high-mountain and water birds. At Lake Sevan, you will visit the Gull Island and observe endemic Armenian Gulls (Larus armenicus) and various migrant waders. Moreover, you will visit various ancient attractions and get in touch with ancient times!

Itinerary

Transfer and accommodation in hotel. Relax.

After breakfast we will have a trip to Dilijan, a resort town known for its lush natural landscapes and pure healing air. In the surrounding forests we will observe such forest birds as Semi-collared, Red Breasted Flycatchers, Hawfinch, Green Warbler, Chiffchaff (ssp. abietinus), Great and Medium (ssp. caucasicus) Spotted and Green Woodpeckers. We will continue to Hagartsin Monastery located in a calm wooded place. We will enjoy here the indescribable atmosphere of greatness, beauty, and asceticism and observe some of the bird species. After the picnic lunch, we will be transferred to Dilijan. Overnigh at the hotel.

The day will start with a trip to Tsaghkunyants Mountains by 4WD car. The area is known for its high-mountain bird specialists: Caucasian Black Grouse, Water Pipit (ssp. koutelii), and Horned Lark (ssp. pennicillata). After the picnic lunch we will return to Dilijan and then have a travel along the shores of Lake Sevan – one of the largest alpine freshwater lakes in the world. This area is kome to the largest colonies of endemic Armenian gulls. On the Gull Island we will see Ruddy Shellducks, Great Cormorants and various migran waders. Overnight at the hotel.

This day we will continue along the shore of Lake Sevan and visit Lichk village. This area is famous for the variety of waterfowl, shorebirds and passerines, such as Mountain Chiffchaff (ssp. lorenzi). We may also meet the resident pairs of Marsh Harrier and Goshawk flying around, searching for prey. The trip will continue through a mountain pass to Yeghegnadzor town. In the local meadows, we will try to find the black-headed subspecies of Yellow Wagtail (ssp. feldeggi). Then we will have a check-in at the local hotel and enjoy our lunch. Overnight at the hotel.

After the breakfast we will travel by 4WD wheel drive cars to Vardenis Mountains for observing Caspian Snowcock and other high mountain specialists, such as Crimson-winged Finch, Red-fronted Serin, and White-winged Snowfinch. Then we will visit the impressive valley of red rocks where is located Noravank monastery. The area is home to Eastern Rock Nuthatches. After a picnic lunch, return to Yeghegnadzor. Overnight at the hotel.

This day we will travel to Ararat Valley. On the way we will stop near Arpa River to observe Penduline Tik, Kingfisher, Marsh, and Cetti’s Warbler and the the way will continue through the mountain pass. At Armash fish farming pond we will spend the pleasant time by observing Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, European Roller and a wide variety of waterbirds including Pygmy Cormorant, Little Bittern, Purple and Squacco Herons and Black-crowned Night-heron. In the roadbeds we may look for Reed, Great Reed and Paddyfield Warbler, whilst open water have Marbled and Ferruginous Ducks and Red-crested Pochards. Over the pools we may see Whiskered, White-winged, Black and Little Terns which are flying in search of insects. In some muddy areas we may meet some nests with Glossy Ibis and White-tailed Lapwing. After a picnic lunch return to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel. 

This day we will travel to Ourts Mountains with the aim of observing semi-desert birds such as Persian Wheatears, White-throated Robins, Umpcher’s and Orphean Warblers, Short-toed and Greater Short-toed Larks, Long-legged Buzzard and Pale Rock Sparrow. At the end of the trip, we will have a picnic lunch and return to Yerevan. Overnight at the hotel.

The day will start with a trip to the amazing gorge of Azat River. The place will get you acquainted with such bird species as Egyptian Vultures, Blue Rock Thrush, Red-billed Choughs, Golden Oriole, and others. Not far from the gorge there is a unique monastery of Geghard which impresses with its rock architecture and ancient history. On its territory you will look for Golden Eagles, Peregrine Falcons (race brookei), Western Rock Nuthatches, and others. Lunch will be arranged in a cozy restaurant run by a hospitable local. Overnight at the hotel.

Most of this tour day will take part at Mount Aragats – the highest peak of Armenia. You will walk from dry steppes to alpine meadows located at an altitude of 3200 meters above sea level and look for Bimaculated Lark, Common Stonechat, Bluethroat (magna race), Radde’s Accentors. Here you may also find all species of forest raptors like Snake-Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Common Buzzard (menetriesi race), etc. Lunch will be arranged at the local restaurant not far from Amberd Fortress. Overnight at the hotel.

Transfer to the hotel, departure.

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