Get in touch
Contact us
We'd love to hear from you, whether you're planning a visit, thinking about volunteering, or simply curious about the raptors of Batumi.
Photo: Video: Bart Hoekstra
Ways to reach us
Who to contact
We are a volunteer-run organisation, so replies can sometimes take a little while. Before you write, please have a look through the resources on this page: the answer to your question may already be here. When you do need us, pick the address that fits best.
Volunteering & counting
Everything about joining the count as a volunteer is spelled out on our volunteering pages. Specific questions can go straight to our volunteer coordinators.
Birding around Batumi
Planning to bird around Batumi, or looking for activities beyond the raptor count itself? Our birding pages are the place to start.
Conservation across Georgia
Questions about nature conservation elsewhere in Georgia? Several organisations are active across the country and better placed to help:
General enquiries
Anything that doesn't fit the boxes above? Send us a message and we'll make sure it reaches the right person. Do check the FAQ further down first.
Planning a visit
Where to find us
Both count stations are publicly accessible. Open either location in Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions. For the full travel guide, from flights and trains to visas, see how to get to us.
Station 1 · Office · Guesthouses
Sakhalvasho
A small village just north of Batumi, close to Makhinjauri. Most volunteer residences and guesthouses are here, and our office sits in the middle of the village near the school, all within walking distance of the watchpoint.
Station 2 · Guesthouses
Shuamta
Our second count station, a little further inland near Shuamta (Chaisubani). A few guesthouses are available here too. BRC runs a regular bus from Sakhalvasho to this station; ask the day before at the Sakhalvasho station about seats and timing.
Looking for somewhere to stay? See guesthouses in the bottleneck.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often
Can we visit the count stations?
Yes! Both count stations are publicly accessible. Follow the signs up the hill to the stations of Sakhalvasho and Shuamta, and you are welcome to spend the whole day with us. Just bear in mind that we will usually be busy scanning and counting, so we may not be very chatty, and please avoid standing between the counters, as we need a clear line of sight and communication.
When is the best time to visit for a particular species?
Our British Birds article (PDF) includes a migration phenology figure for many of our species and describes an "average" season, which makes a great guide for planning your trip. For the day-to-day dynamics, browse our daily count results.
How do I get to Batumi?
Most visitors fly in: Batumi is the closest airport, Kutaisi is often cheaper, and Tbilisi usually has the widest choice of international flights, with onward trains and buses to Batumi. You can also travel overland via Turkey, or even by car, bike or cargo ferry. Our how to get to us page has the full rundown of flights, trains, buses and visas.
How do I get up to Sakhalvasho?
We do not run a taxi or shuttle service to the count sites. The easiest way up is by taxi: install Bolt (or Maxim if you have a Georgian SIM) to arrange a ride. Take the taxi to the recommended drop-off point and continue up the hill on foot, following the signs.
Can you pick me up when I arrive?
For BRC volunteers, a paid pick-up can be arranged in advance: let us know when and where you will arrive and a regular BRC driver will collect you, usually from Batumi airport, the Batumi International Bus station, or the square in front of Makhinjauri train station. We do not run a general shuttle for other visitors.
Do I need a visa for Georgia?
It depends on your nationality; many visitors do not need one for a stay of this length, but always check with the Georgian embassy in your country before travelling. While you are at it, confirm that any medicines you bring are allowed: some that are common in Europe, such as those containing codeine, are forbidden in Georgia.
Where can we stay near the count stations?
Local guesthouses right beside the stations are the best option, and staying there directly supports the local community. To keep things fair between hosts, we do not handle bookings or single out particular guesthouses, but you will find everything you need on our guesthouses in the bottleneck page.