Kite, Kite, Kite! Optics and unusual birds at the halfway mark
At the halfway mark of our 18th autumn count, unusual kites keep us looking closely. Thanks to Kite Optics, our team has the equipment to follow the flight.
We’re halfway through BRC’s 18th autumn count and in the midst of our Black Kite peak! This week has brought some exciting observations: a near-white aberrant Black Kite and a bird that looks, at least mostly, like a Red Kite (a hybrid not entirely excluded). Both have given us plenty to look at and discuss on station.
With all this Kite activity, it’s a fitting moment to thank our sponsor, Kite Optics. Alongside supporting this year’s T-shirts, they provide binoculars and scopes that make counting possible for team members who don’t have their own optics.
Access to equipment can be a barrier to joining the count. Having optics available on station means volunteers can participate regardless of whether they own binoculars or a scope. This is especially valuable for our trainees and Georgian counters, who can follow the migration and develop their identification skills alongside the rest of the team.
Their stabilised equipment has also been a welcome part of our days on station: with the flip of a switch, a shaky view becomes steady. When we’re following birds for hours, that makes a real difference!
Thank you, Kite Optics, for helping our team enjoy and monitor Batumi’s raptor migration once again this season.
As part of the BRC family, you can get 10% off equipment ordered through the Kite Optics webshop by entering BRC2500KT at checkout.