A recipe for spectacular migration — Batumi Raptor Count 2017
Here is the first of a few sets of photos (and videos) of this year's Batumi Raptor Count that I will upload in the upcoming months. And what better way than to start off with some Honey Buzzards? After all, this is by far the most numerous raptor species counted in the Batumi bottleneck, where more than 500,000 Honey Buzzards will pass in just a few weeks. That's a recipe for some very spectacular migration.
Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus). Unfortunately a significant share of the birds get shot on various spots along their migratory route. It is incredible, however, how they just keep going despite the damage…
A kettle of Honey Buzzards (Pernis apivorus).
A stream of mostly Honey Buzzards (Pernis apivorus).
A stream of mostly Honey Buzzards (Pernis apivorus). Yes, these are actual birds, not dust on my lens/sensor.