Sakhalvasho Watchpoint
Sakhalvasho Raptor Watchpoint — How to Get There
Sakhalvasho Raptor Watchpoint is located in Adjara, near the village of Sakhalvasho, north of Batumi, at approximately 324 metres above sea level. It is one of the most important locations for observing raptor migration along the Batumi migration corridor.
The watchpoint serves as Batumi Raptor Count's (BRC) first observation station, where autumn raptor migration has been counted and monitored since 2008.
The watchpoint offers wide panoramic views of the Black Sea, Batumi, the Colchic foothills and the surrounding valleys. Its location is particularly suitable for observing raptors migrating along the coast.
Birdwatching — Autumn Migration
Autumn migration begins in mid-August and continues until the second half of October. Late August and September are particularly interesting periods, when migration intensity and species diversity are high.
In late August and early September, the mass migration of European Honey-buzzards is especially impressive. During the same period, particularly in the morning, visitors can observe Western Marsh Harriers and Montagu's Harriers.
Throughout September, migration of Black Kites, Booted Eagles, Levant Sparrowhawks and other birds of prey increases. From the second half of September to early October, the passage of buzzards and various eagle species becomes particularly interesting.
Under favourable weather conditions, raptors use rising warm air currents, gather in large flocks and continue their migration after gaining altitude. On some days, tens of thousands of migrating raptors can be observed.
Spring Migration
From late March to mid-April, the area surrounding Sakhalvasho is also interesting for observing spring migration.
Pilot counts conducted by Batumi Raptor Count in 2019, 2020 and 2022 confirmed that hundreds of thousands of raptors also migrate through the Batumi migration corridor in spring. Black Kites and buzzards are particularly abundant during this period.
The pilot counts were conducted on a nearby ridge behind the first Sakhalvasho station, as visibility towards the south is limited from the autumn watchpoint itself. Regular spring monitoring is not currently conducted, but visitors can independently observe the northward migration of birds.
How to Get There
Watchpoint location: 41°41′04.1″N, 41°43′48.3″E — View on Google Maps
Sakhalvasho Raptor Watchpoint is approximately a 30-minute drive from Batumi.
From Batumi, head towards Chakvi and Kobuleti. After passing Makhinjauri, take the first right turn immediately after the tunnel, towards the village of Sakhalvasho, where road signs indicate "Sakhalvasho" and "Raptor Watchpoint".
Continue towards the village school, then follow the signs leading to the watchpoint.
The final section of the road climbs uphill and is partly unpaved. From the parking area, reaching the watchpoint requires approximately 10–15 minutes of walking. Travelling by taxi is also possible.
Useful Tips
It is recommended to allow half a day or a full day for birdwatching. Early mornings are particularly interesting, as harriers and other birds of prey often begin passing shortly after sunrise.
Bring binoculars or a spotting scope, drinking water, food, sun protection and clothing suitable for the weather. The watchpoint has an observation area and shelter, but particular care is needed during strong winds, rain and thunderstorms.
During the autumn monitoring season, please avoid disturbing the work of specialists and volunteers involved in bird counts. Respect the natural environment and enjoy the impressive spectacle of migration.