A curly pelican was identified in the mountainous region of Sochi
Article Title: Sochi Resort Becomes a Hotspot for Unique Bird Migration
Sochi, known for its picturesque mountain resorts and the 2014 Winter Olympics, is now attracting attention for a different reason - birdwatching. The Krasnodar region, where Sochi is located, is becoming increasingly popular among tourists seeking to spot rare birds and capture them on camera.
Autumn in Sochi is marked by a mass migration of birds moving from the Russian plains, crossing the Caucasus Mountains, and heading to their wintering grounds in the Middle East and Africa. One of the most remarkable sights during this migration is the Dalmatian pelican, a red-listed bird, which was recently spotted in the Upper Lake of a Sochi resort at an altitude of around 1000 meters above sea level.
In bad weather, Dalmatian pelicans may deviate from their usual coastal flight path and seek shelter behind mountain ranges. This could explain the unusual appearance of the Dalmatian pelican in a mountain lake. Ornithologist Petr Tilba noted that the bird may have wanted to rest and regain strength for the rest of its journey.
The head of the resort's ecological service, Denis Ryltsov, stated that these nests are installed at elevations ranging from 1150 to 2000 meters above sea level to ensure the safety of bird offspring. Over 150 heated artificial nests have been installed at various elevations in the Sochi resort.
The Sochi ornithological park is home to over 200 bird species. Tourists can observe a variety of bird species, including heron, swan, quail, corncrake, snipe, woodcock, and shoveler, in the Kuban. Many birds can be spotted in the Temryuk district, often during excursions to the Indian lotus plantations.
Nature enthusiasts can also birdwatch in the Sochi mountains. The skies above Sochi's mountain resorts are currently hosting golden plovers, hoopoes, larks, yellow and white wagtails, common and sand martins, as well as diurnal raptors like hen harriers, hobbies, black kites, and white-tailed eagles.
The Primorsko-Akhtarsk district hosts 15-17 different bird species at the Kirpilyanskoye lagoon. A rest base for tourists is available, and visitors are taken to the nesting grounds by special boats at the Kirpilyanskoye lagoon.
Ecotourism attractions in the Krasnodar region are increasingly popular for tourists seeking to spot rare birds and capture them on camera. Birdwatching requires a pair of binoculars, a camera, and some free time for visitors interested in nature.
The Dalmatian pelicans from the Kuban delta region typically migrate south to Abkhazia or Georgia during autumn. The sight of a Dalmatian pelican on the shore of a mountain lake is considered remarkable and unique, adding to the allure of Sochi as a birdwatching destination.
