Monday 16 September 2019

Batumi Botanical Gardens

Monday 16 September

Our last full day in Batumi so the morning spent at the wonderful, beautiful, century-old Botanical Gardens on the northern outskirts of Batumi.  Taxi to the top entrance then a walk down to the northern exit followed by a return trip most of the way to then walk down and exit at the southern Green Bay exit.  A cloudy, clam day but the sun breaking through for what should ave been the best time of the4 day.  However, at our mid-point a short shower (but not back in the city) and then back to a mix of cloud and sunshine.


Approaching the entrance we were welcomed by a couple of White Wagtail and as we entered our firs encounter with the local Chaffinches which we were to see again at regular intervals whilst on the upper part of the gardens.  Above us a rising, small mixed kettle of mainly Black Kite with the odd Honey Buzzard and making our way down, as well as the ever present Hooded Crows, regular sightings overhead of migrating Bee-eaters.  In addition, Marieke managed to catch a glimpse of a Sparrowhawk as it disappeared over the neighbouring trees.

And then another Hooded Crow Corvus cornix made a distant appearance
But no doubt pride of place went to these extremely well-managed gardens with plants dating back to the start of the last century.  The higher slopes contained some magnificent flower beds producing wonderful displays and, of course, gaps in the trees gave panoramic views over the Black Sea and the nearby Batumi.

Batumi seen from the higher slopes of there Botanical Garden

One of many Bee-eaters Merops apiaster passing overhead






Beautiful flowers, but please do not ask me to name them!  Now if only I could take a selection back home as a present for Jenny; looks as if the photos will have to represent the real thing.


Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information

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