Hello Chachuna!

Exciting times as we are to move to the Chachuna area today.

A Laughing Dove called from a telegraph pole outside our hotel - what a great alarm clock.   After a quick breakfast we were on our way.

Leaving Tblisi, we headed east and south, away from the magnificent scenery I had come to love, and to lower Savannah-like habitats with riverine forests.

Turtle Dove

The journey was great, giving us an insight into the driving mentality of the nation and thrills you would pay for at Alton towers, but all safely dealt with by Levan who is obviously well versed in his fellow countrymens' erratic decision making.

To enhance our enjoyment of traditional Georgia, Levan stopped to buy us some Churchkhela - an interesting snack that is sold from small stalls along the road.   It is basically a string of nuts covered in flour, sugar and Badagi (concentrated fresh grape juice).   Very nice, and not as sweet as you would expect, it helped to keep us going until lunch.

Evan negotiating at a roadside Churchkhela stall

We stopped at yet another delightful local restaurant for a lovely meal (which we decided was the best of the trip so far) before leaving the metalled road behind and continuing on dirt tracks.   With farmers moving their sheep and cattle along, dogs and horses in tow, the vast grassy landscape was in sharp contrast with that of the previous few days, but no less stunning.   

There were many stops for birds as we continued along, with Turtle Dove, Common Stonechat, Black-headed Bunting, European Roller and European Bee-eater, there was plenty to keep our interest.   

Close up of Churchkhela

At one stage a Red Fox was spotted running across the field at the side of the road, as Levan hooted the bus horn, it turned giving some the opportunity for a photo.   Little Owl was spotted on a derelict building, well camouflaged initially, but when it moved we all had great views.

We stopped to view a distant Eastern Imperial Eagle nest on an electricity pylon which whetted the appetite for more, and as ordered, Levan knew just where to take us for closer views.   Spanish Sparrows were nesting in the base of the Eagle's nest, such is communal living in the bird world.   When the adult left the nest to take to the skies it was a mesmerising sight, such a huge bird soaring effortlessly in the thermals was one more special Georgian moment.

Spur-thighed Tortoise Testudo graeca

A small lake appeared and I noticed a Crane - Demoiselle - which turned out to be a lifer for three of the group - we would have seen it anyway, but I accepted my initial plaudits!   Ruddy Shelduck, Mallard, Black-necked Grebe and Common Sandpiper were also present - it felt like a re-run of Doñana for a while!

Another stop for Isabelline Wheatear and then Black-eared Wheatear appeared, we got off the bus to get closer views, which were brilliant.

Demoiselle Crane

Our arrival at the accommodation was welcome after such a long day, but as the light held until well after dinner, most of us wandered off to enjoy the call of the birds as they settled for the night.

As I went to sleep Common Nightingale were calling in all directions, a Scops-owl called nearby and Golden Jackals could be heard in the distance.