Farewell to the Mountains!

Day four dawned, bright and sunny but chilly as we scanned for Caucasian Snowcock once again.   We met some Swiss birders who were on the same game.   Luckily for us we were led by Nico who found not one, but two calling from a ridge in the mid-distance.   We all had great telescope views and much digi-scoping took place - thanks to our local guide Levan who is a dab hand with almost any telephone!   We, of course, called our Swiss friends over to enjoy the fun.

Farewell to the Mountains

Caucasian Snowcock thanks to Levan!

Lower down the slope and more sightings of Great Rosefinch, Ehrenburg's Redstart and Güldenstädt's Redstart before breakfast.   

Once packed we made for the Jvari Pass on our way to Tblisi for the night.   

One of the roads leading into Russia had been blocked and we passed by a very orderly queue of European Lorries which reminded me of  Operation Stack.   

Snow on the pass prevented our stopping too often, but with lunch on the road in a restaurant that conveniently had Semicollared Flycatcher nesting in the wood behind, and some excellent food, the journey was a pleasure.

Once we had booked in at our hotel, some of us decided to take in the delights of Georgia's capital and go for a wander.

Kartvlis Deda

Tbilisi is overlooked by Kartvlis Deda, a statute of a lady with wine to welcome friends and a sword to welcome enemies - (must get one for the porch) - this 20 metre aluminium statue sits high over the town marking Georgia's 1500th anniversary.

Tblisi is a mix of old and very modern architecture and very interesting to wander around - a return trip is required!