Georgian, Armenian participants showcase Caucasus as top birding destination at UK fair

Private and public sector representatives from Georgia and Armenia are promoting the South Caucasus as Europe’s premier birding destination at the ongoing Global Bird Fair in the United Kingdom.

The United States Agency for International Development's South Caucasus Regional Tourism Programme on Thursday said it was supporting the participation of Georgian and Armenian representatives at the Fair, running between Friday to Sunday in Rutland, England.

Recognised specialist Peter Nasmyth, the author of hiking publication Walking in the Caucasus, led discussions on Friday on whether the South Caucasus deserved the title of the best birding destination in Europe.

Drawing on 37 years of experience in the region, he highlighted a diverse range of raptors, endemic bird species, as well as birdwatching and hiking opportunities in the northern Georgian region of Kazbegi.

The Fair attracted birdwatching tourists, researchers, experts, conservationists, photographers and enthusiasts from across the globe for networking, knowledge-sharing and global promotion of bird conservation.