Birdwatching in Uzbekistan: In search of bluebird of happiness

Uzbekistan is one of the best spots on our Earth for birdwatching activity. This is due to the wide variety of species (502) to be found here, as well as diversity of landscapes. In Uzbekistan one can find vast deserts, grandiose mountain Ranges of the Tien-Shan and Pamir-Alai, numerous mountain and plain rivers, lakes and water reservoirs. Birdlife of Uzbekistan is rich and varied: from the wide-spread Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senega-lensis) and Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus), Common Swift (Apus apus), who have adapted themselves to the life side by side with man and can be observed in great numbers in the cities and towns, to rare ‘exotic’ species: Pander’s Ground Jay (Podoces panderi), Saxaul sparrow (Passer ammoden-dri), Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradise) who can be observed only in Central Asia and who build rather peculiar nests. The diversity and abundance of birdlife amazes even the most sophisticated ornithologist.

• DURATION: 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS

DAY 2: Early breakfast.
Walk for bird watching around Chimgan mountains.
Lunch.

In the sub-alpine zone of the Chimgan mountains and Beldersay tract as well as in the upper forest zone (1500–2200m above sea level) you can observe the following birds: Griffon Vulture, Himalayan Griffon, Bearded Vulture, Black Vulture, Saker (Falcon), Rock Bunting, Red-headed Bunting, Yellow-breast Tit, Stonechat.

In the lower spruce and deciduous woods you will most likely encounter: Short-toed Eagle, Booted Eagle, Crested Honey Buzzard, Hobby, Rufous Turtle Dove, Paradise Flycatcher, Brown Dipper, Golden Oriole, Red-capped Rosefinch, and fabulous bluebird – Bird of Happiness.

Transfer to Tashkent at 15.00. Early dinner. Transfer to the Tashkent airport. Flight HY 1327 at 19.10 to Bukhara.
Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. Dinner.

DAY 3: Early breakfast.
Transfer in the direction of the Amu-Bukhara Canal.
Lunch is planned to be there.

It’s going to be visit the Ecology Centre “Jayran” established with the purpose of preserving the unique species of gazelles – Gazella subgut-turosa – the typical habitue of deserts and semi-deserts. Following the Ecology Centre there are numerous wetlands created by water overflowing the Amu-Bukhara canal. The banks of the canal are covered by tamarisk and reed. This area is home to many small birds: Crested Lark, Isabelline Wheatear, Rufous Bush Robin, Desert Warbler, Streaked Scrub Warbler, Great Grey Shrike, Long-legged buzzard, Blue-cheeked bee-eater, etc.

Transfer back to Bukhara.

Sightseeing around Bukhara:

• Poi-Kalyan ensemble including Minaret (12 c) and Mosque (15 c),
• functioning Madrassah Miri-Arab (16 c);
• Taqi (handicraft trading domes);
• Lyab-i-Hauz ensemble – Kukeldash Madrassah (16 c),
• Nadir Divanbegi madrassah and Khanaka (17c).

Transfer to the hotel. Dinner in hotel restaurant.

• Somewhere in the region of the tour there is no mobile link
• The action period of the bird watching tour In Search of the Bluebird of Happiness is April 15 – June 15