Day trip - Gizilagaj National Park
A long birding day from Baku through Mahmudchala Lake, Gizilagaj’s Caspian wetlands and nearby Hirkan forest for waders, waterbirds and woodland species.
About this tour
This extended day trip travels south from Baku to the wetland landscapes around Mahmudchala Lake and Gizilagaj National Park. The protected Caspian coast contains reedbeds, shallow lagoons, sandy shoreline and open water, creating productive habitat for waders, ducks, gulls, terns and other waterbirds. White-tailed Lapwing and Terek Sandpiper are among the possible shorebirds; the surrounding habitats may also produce Black Francolin, Caspian Stonechat and Black-headed Penduline Tit.
The field route begins at Mahmudchala Lake before continuing to Liman settlement and Lesser Bay, also known as Kichik Korfez. After a packed lunch near the park entrance, the programme includes birding in nearby bushes and along the coast. Bird activity and concentrations vary through the year, with particularly large movements and wintering numbers possible between autumn and spring.
The final birding section moves into the forests of Hirkan National Park. Here the focus changes to woodland birds, including Long-tailed Tit, the local form of Great Spotted Woodpecker and a possible Shikra. The tour then makes the long return journey to Baku, arriving in the evening.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Azerbaijan.
Birds you can spot
Francolinus francolinus
target
Glareola pratincola
target
Aegithalos caudatus
target
Thalasseus sandvicensis
target
Saxicola maurus
target
Xenus cinereus
target
Chlidonias hybrida
target
Vanellus leucurus
target
Organizer
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Day trip - Gizilagaj National Park
Leave Baku early and begin birding at Mahmudchala Lake before continuing to Gizilagaj National Park. From Liman settlement, explore Lesser Bay and nearby wetland edges, then have a packed lunch near the park entrance and search the surrounding bushes for Black-headed Penduline Tit, Black Francolin and other possible species. Continue to the Caspian shoreline for waders, ducks, gulls and terns, followed by a woodland session in Hirkan National Park for Great Spotted Woodpecker, Long-tailed Tit and a possible Shikra. Return to Baku in the evening.
Locations & map
- Gizilagaj National Park - Lankaran / Caspian coast Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
- Mahmudchala Lake - Caspian lowlands Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
- Hirkan National Park - Talysh Mountains Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
3 stops. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: October to May is especially strong for waterbirds; tours can be arranged by 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.
- All inclusive from - Listed inclusion.
- hotel to hotel - Listed inclusion.
- in Baku - Listed inclusion.
- Packed lunch - Listed inclusion.
- Entrance tickets to Gizilagaj National Park - Listed inclusion.
- Birding equipment (binoculars, scope and books) if needed - Listed inclusion.
- Snacks, tea breaks - Listed inclusion.
- English speaking bird guide - Listed inclusion.
- Company profit - Listed inclusion.
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.
- Anything else that is not mentioned above - Listed exclusion.
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.