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Kazbegi - Stepantsminda

Mtskheta-Mtianeti region  >  Georgia

The old Military road that runs from Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz passes Stepantsminda (formerly called Kazbegi), a marvellous mountain village with plenty of birds.

Added* by Christian Brinkman
Most recent update 8 October 2022

Description

The town of Stepantsminda is located along the Terek river (the one the bird is named after) at an altitude of 1700m. This means that it only takes little effort to reach higher altitudes for specialities like Caucasian Snowcock and Caucasian Grouse. The people are amazingly friendly and helpful and the food is great (though don't forget to ask 'without coriander' if you're not into that).

Mount Kazbek (5033m asl) towers above the small town and is a sight for sore eyes in the morning when it's still freezingly cold down in the village. Birds like Wallcreeper (newly created electric dam) and Red-fronted Serin (flying by) can be easily seen close to the village. Caucasian Grouse and Caucasian Snowcock require a little more effort and being an early bird pays off here. For both these species you have to watch, at dawn, from the road leading up to Ioane Natlismcemeli (small monastery on the east side of the town). Mountain Chiffchaff (Caucasian), Ring Ouzel and Red-fronted Serin can be seen here too. White-winged Redstart and Great Rosefinch (two of the star birds) can be seen wintering in the Hippophae (Sea buckthorn) bushes to the southeast and northwest of the village. The Gergeti Trinity Church is a good place to start a hike up towards the glacier, all the specialties can be seen along the route there.

Details

Access

Gergeti Trinity Church (gps: 42.662, 44.619) is a good place to start exploring the high altitude species. In spring, the dam (gps: 42.665, 44.644) and the Sea buckthorn to the north of there is interesting for wintering species. Click on a P in the map to get directions to that place.

Terrain and Habitat

Mountain , Valley , River

Conditions

Mountainous , Rocky

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

Spring , Summer

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Strenuous

Accessible by

Foot , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

A car is handy to drive up to the Trinity Church, but a walking trail is also accessible.

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Caucasian Grouse
2. Caucasian Grouse
(Tetrao mlokosiewiczi)
Caucasian Snowcock
3. Caucasian Snowcock
(Tetraogallus caucasicus)

Other birds you can see here

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