Bird Migration Tour (10 days)
A 10-day September-November journey linking Besh Barmag migration watching with Caucasus mountains, Caspian wetlands and Talysh forests.
About this tour
This 10-day autumn route combines migration watching at Besh Barmag with a wider journey through Azerbaijan's mountains, steppe, wetlands and southern forests. It begins around Baku and the Absheron Peninsula, continues through the Greater Caucasus and Shahdag National Park, then turns south through Gobustan, Shirvan, Qizilagach and the Talysh Mountains.
Besh Barmag is the central migration stage, where the mix and volume of moving birds changes with date, wind and weather. Possible observations include pelicans, cormorants, egrets, Little Bustard, larks and pipits. Mountain days around Xinaliq and Qizilqaya add opportunities for Caucasian Snowcock, Güldenstädt's Redstart, Caucasian Twite, Wallcreeper and other high-altitude birds. Farther south, lagoons and shallow wetlands may hold flamingos, ducks, gulls and waders, while the forests around Lerik and the Zuvand upland bring Caspian Tit, the poelzami form of Great Spotted Woodpecker, Black-throated Thrush and dry-country passerines into the route.
The programme operates from September to November for groups of 4-12. Migration and wild-bird sightings cannot be guaranteed. Exact dates and price are arranged on request through BirdWatch.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Azerbaijan.
Birds you can spot
Francolinus francolinus
target
Turdus atrogularis
target
Tetraogallus caucasicus
target
Pelecanus crispus
target
Oenanthe deserti
target
Dendrocopos major
target
Phoenicopterus roseus
target
Tetrax tetrax
target
Carpospiza brachydactyla
target
Serinus pusillus
target
Linaria flavirostris
target
Oxyura leucocephala
target
Vanellus leucurus
target
Alauda leucoptera
target
Organizer
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Besh Barmag bottleneck birding
After the morning arrival in Baku, travel to Absheron National Park for coastal steppe, lagoon and shoreline birding. Waterfowl, waders, Greater Flamingo, Dalmatian Pelican, White-headed Duck, migrating passerines and Desert Wheatear are possible. Continue via selected stops to the accommodation near Besh Barmag, the base for the next three nights.
Day 2
Besh Barmag bottleneck birding
Spend the morning at the Besh Barmag observation point, where birds moving between the Caspian Sea and Greater Caucasus concentrate along the coastal plain. The scale and species mix vary with conditions, but pelicans, cormorants, egrets, Little Bustard, pipits and larks may pass through. Explore nearby scrub, lagoons and rocky slopes later in the day.
Day 3
Besh Barmag bottleneck birding
Return to the Besh Barmag watchpoint for another morning of migration observation. Later, visit the red-and-white slopes of the Candy Cane Mountains near Xizi. Golden Eagle, Chukar and Finsch's Wheatear are among the possible birds before returning to the hotel.
Day 4
Greater Caucasus birding
Move into the Greater Caucasus and change to four-wheel-drive vehicles for mountain birding. At lower and middle elevations, look for Golden Eagle, Wallcreeper and Red-fronted Serin, with Bearded Vulture, Ring Ouzel and Güldenstädt's Redstart also possible. Higher ground can add snowfinches, Red-billed Chough and Horned Lark. Stay at Nazli Bulaq for two nights.
Day 5
Besh Barmag bottleneck birding
Pass Xinaliq and enter Shahdag National Park, then make a short, steep birding-paced hike toward Qizilqaya. The mountain search may include Caucasian Snowcock, Güldenstädt's Redstart, Alpine Accentor, Wallcreeper, White-winged Snowfinch and Caucasian Twite. Finish with time in Xinaliq before returning to the hotel.
Day 6
Greater Caucasus birding
Travel south to Gobustan, combining its rock engravings with birding for Chukar, Western Rock Nuthatch, wheatears, Rock Sparrow and Red-billed Chough. Continue into the steppe and lake habitats of Shirvan National Park, where Black Francolin, larks, raptors, Little Bustards and wintering waterbirds are possible. Overnight near Salyan.
Day 7
Greater Caucasus birding
Visit Mahmudchala Lake and Qizilagach National Park for broad Caspian wetland birding. Possible sightings include Marbled Duck, Dalmatian Pelican, Greater Flamingo, White-tailed Lapwing, sandpipers, gulls, Merlin and Short-eared Owl. Continue into the Talysh Mountains for the southern stage of the tour.
Day 8
Talysh Mountains birding
Travel by four-wheel drive from the forest accommodation toward Lerik. Search for Caspian Tit, common woodland birds and the local poelzami form of Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Talysh forest zone. Return to the same accommodation after birding.
Day 9
Besh Barmag bottleneck birding
Climb into the Zuvand upland, where rocky slopes, dry mountain semi-desert and riverine vegetation replace the lower forest. The search includes the possibility of Black-throated Thrush and Pine Bunting. Other resident and upland birds may include Western Rock Nuthatch, Red-fronted Serin, Chukar, Ring Ouzel, Horned Lark and Rock Bunting before the evening return.
Day 10
Talysh Mountains birding
Take a final morning walk in the Talysh forest before driving back to Baku. After reaching the city-center hotel, use the remaining time for urban birding and sightseeing. Ring-necked Parakeet and Laughing Dove are possible additions before the programme ends.
Locations & map
- Besh Barmag bottleneck - Caspian migration bottleneck Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
- Greater Caucasus - Northern Azerbaijan Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
- Shirvan National Park - Salyan / Caspian lowlands Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
- Gizilagaj National Park - Lankaran / Caspian coast Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
- Talysh Mountains - Southern Azerbaijan Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
- Baku - Absheron Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
6 stops. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: September to November.
Price: Price on request
Included
- Hotel-to-hotel service in Baku - Included when confirmed in the final quotation.
- Transport service - Included when confirmed in the final quotation.
- Birding equipment if needed - Included when confirmed in the final quotation.
- Snacks and tea breaks - Included when confirmed in the final quotation.
- English-speaking bird guide - Included when confirmed in the final quotation.
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages - Excluded according to the source unless the partner confirms otherwise.
- Anything else not mentioned as included - Excluded according to the source unless the partner confirms otherwise.
Transport & stays
- Private vehicle / minibus / bus depending on group Vehicle options may include Mitsubishi Pajero, Mercedes Vito and Mercedes Sprinter options on the day tours; exact vehicle depends on group size and route. | Meet: Hotel pickup in Baku or agreed Azerbaijan meeting point | Pickup: Hotel-to-hotel in Baku where stated by the source; confirm pickup after inquiry.
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Are dates fixed?
Dates are arranged on request. Send preferred dates through BirdWatch for confirmation.
Is the price final?
No. Pricing may vary by group size, transfers and requested route.
Can the route focus on target species?
Yes. Share your target list in the BirdWatch inquiry so Birding Azerbaijan can confirm the best route and season.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.