Birds Talk

Uzbekistan, situated between Europe and Asia has been an important crossroad on the Great Silk Road for centuries. Many of our feathered friends have too, used this strategic crossroads on their air travels. Numerous reserves and national parks make use of this opportunity to observe the various kinds of birds travelling to and from different climate zones.

It is summer and the group of visiting ornithologists at the Artoshsoy valley wakes up at daybreak. After washing in an icy stream and hastily downing breakfast, the guests begin to discuss their itinerary for the day. The decision rests with Oleg Mitropolsky, one of the best bird-watching guides in Uzbekistan, Doctor of Biology and Professor. He is one of the editors of the Red Book of Uzbekistan and an author of the three-volume edition "The Birds of Uzbekistan". He is the authority on when and where one can see rare kinds of birds of interest to foreign ornithologists.

Ornithological tourism can be most captivating - it is a perfect combination of relaxation with a healthy mix of mental and physical exertion. Uzbekistan`s world of birds offers 502 species, half of which is of interest from an ornithological point of view, and 10 per cent indigenous, found only in our parts.

Armed with field-binoculars, cameras and recording equipment, the tourists make their way towards the mountains. On the road they listen to the stories of Professor Mitropolsky about the 80 species of rare birds that build their nests in the Artashsay valley and observe some of them in their natural surroundings. One will agree that the difference between a hawk caged in a zoo and one nobly soaring in the clouds is enormous. Usually ornithological itineraries include the Karnabchul steppe, the Kizil-Kum desert, the Aydarkul and Tudakul Lakes, the Zaamin and Zarafshan reserves, the Takhti-Koracha and Kamchik mountains passes, the Mingchinor and Artashsay valleys and the Chimgan mountains. 

The feathered world of Uzbekistan is rich in variety. Many nesting birds from many parts of the world are attracted by the mild climate, Uzbekistan has to offer. During spring and autumn almost all the birds from the north fly through Uzbekistan when migrating. 

People from many different countries have ornithological interests in Uzbekistan. For example, English tourists are mostly interested in the hums short-toed lark and the white-breasted robin while bird-watchers from Switzerland are fascinated by unusual dancing of the black vultures during their mating-call. Ornithologists from Germany liked the brown deepe and the pugmu kormurand very much and Austrians love photographing pendulum tits in their hanging nests.

All bird-watchers eager enjoying seeing rare species of birds such as the Podoces panderi, Passer simplex and Tersiphone paradisi. Sometimes visitors request individual specialised trips to find specific species of birds. I remember an elderly German ornithologists who came to Uzbekistan only to see the Irania gutturalis which lives high in the mountains. It was not easy to help the 72-year old enthusiast realize his dream.

Lake Aydarkul, extending for 200 kilometres, is the most accessible observation point. Pelicans, swans, grey goose pheasants, grey and red herons, silver mews, sea doves and flamingos can be found here. An ever increasing hubbub of bird traffic boasting an abundance and diversity of species impress all who visit this spot.

After two weeks this ornithological tour comes to the end. Guests return home with hundreds of photos, video and sound recordings. The unforgettable close encounters with the real thing will be engraved in their memory for years to come.

All Tourist Gems of Uzbekistan