Chachuna in all its glory

Today I was woken up by Common Nightingale, Common Cuckoo and Barn Swallow calling.  What a way to start the day!

Riverine habitat

Our only full day in Chachuna started at 6 am with a Black Francolin search, although we could hear them all around us it took some time before some of the group caught movement and a head popping above a ridge - later we had a female feeding in front of the vehicle which gave us all great views.

The old buildings along the dam were originally built by the Russians who planned an atomic power station here - luckily it did not go through and the Lesser Kestrels and House Martins have taken it over - eerie echoes of their calls can be heard!

We spent most of our pre-breakfast time wandering through lovely riverine forest and with birdsong all around us it was a great way to start the day.    Amongst others Common Nightingale sang constantly, such a wonderful experience.   House Martin and Barn Swallow had their first feed of the day taking food back to hungry youngsters.   Some were still building nests.   Great Crested Grebe were feeding in the reservoir.   A Common Kingfisher was surprised by our presence as it flew along the small river, so we moved away to allow it to carry on its day.

Nine-spotted Moth

After breakfast we were off towards a gorge where Nico found Western Rock Nuthatch, more Larks shot up in front of us.   Saker Falcon shot through at one point, causing a stir.

Time for some to catch up on Black-headed Bunting, and also a great opportunity to sort out the Larks with Crested showing really well on the dam, Calandra displaying and Lesser Short-toed finally calling and giving us a searching challenge, but we got there eventually!

Ménétries' Warbler gave us problems all day, singing from bushes in front of us but giving no hint of whereabouts.   I was lucky enough to be next to Nico when he found one, but it had moved by the time the rest of the group arrived and it took until our journey back to the cottages at the end of the day before another was seen, this time a male flying from a low bush in display and repeating. 

Sheep being moved to fresh grazing

After a lovely rabbit stew for lunch we went back to the furthest area we had reached this morning to carry on our quest for Ménétries' warbler.   I found a spider hole and with a little gentle teasing we got the inhabitant to the edge of the hole but no further.    Short-toed Eagle put in an appearance, Common Whitethroat and Garden Warbler were seen before we returned to base.

Dramatic scenery

With only a couple of hours of electricity produced by a generator each evening, we were keen to sort things out for the morning before the light dimmed, and also to get an evening walk in after dinner.