At dawn, as the forest’s noisiest residents awaken, the air in Sairme fills with birdsong.
Rich in birdlife, Sairme’s diverse natural zones attract nearly 150 species of birds, making it a special destination for eco-tourism. The area fascinates not only tourists, but also visitors passionate about wildlife photography.
Recently, wildlife photographer Levan Kobalia visited the area at the invitation of Sairme’s Recreational Farm, capturing its serene landscapes and vibrant life through his lens.
Levan Kobalia, wildlife photographer:
“We set out at dawn, around 5 a.m. – the perfect time to work. The light and colors at that hour allow you to capture far more striking photos than in the brightness of the day. Near the resort, I photographed a grey wagtail and a white-throated dipper.The sun began to rise just as I reached the red meadow, revealing breathtaking views all around. Almost as if on cue, a nutcracker perched nearby, it posed beautifully for the camera and even let me get quite close. Beyond the meadow, the landscape shifted from deciduous to coniferous forest, offering plenty more to photograph. Our next stop was the waterfalls, where the alpine zone begins.
Each natural zone has its own residents and distinct character. The weather changes, too, from sunny meadows we found ourselves in misty alpine heights. At about 2,300 meters above sea level, I think we captured some truly special landscapes.
The main focus of Levan Kobalia’s lens was on bird species that typically inhabit mountainous regions. In the end, his camera captured a remarkable variety including the black grouse, nutcracker, ring ouzel, red-fronted serin, coal tit, yellow-billed chough, white-throated dipper, great spotted woodpecker, grey wagtail, and white-throated dipper.
Alongside the birds, the photographer also turned his lens toward the region’s diverse flowers. Many of them were captured through macro photography, revealing intricate details, colorful petals, textures, and the tiny insects that accompanied them in each frame.
He notes that the area’s diverse landscapes and rich ecosystem create ideal conditions for both work and travel. It didn’t surprise him to come across several groups of tourists in the alpine zone. In his view, Sairme’s Recreational Farm holds great natural potential for the development of eco-tourism and with improved infrastructure, the region could become even more appealing to visitors.
Work on the large-scale project at Sairme’s Recreational Farm is progressing intensively. Over the past six months, an investment of 700,000 GEL has been directed toward restoring the ecosystem and improving safety across the territory.
One of the project’s main goals is to help repopulate endangered animal species and return them to their natural habitats.