SANDGROUSE
Volume 26 (1) : 2004
ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE MIDDLE EAST,
CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA
=
ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE MIDDLE EAST,
CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA
OSME
OSME was founded in 1978
as the successor to the
Ornithological Society of
Turkey. Its primary aims are:
@ To collect, collate, and
publish data on all aspects
of the birds of the
Middle East.
# To promote an interest
in ornithology and bird
conservation throughout the
Middle East.
& To develop productive
working relationships
with other governmental
and non-governmental
organisations with an
interest in conservation
and/or natural history
in the region.
Sunbird
Corporate
Sponsor
MEMBERSHIP
OSME is open to all,
and its membership
spans over 40 countries.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
Individual
£15 (UK address)
£20 (Europe)
£20 (Surface mail outside Europe)
£25 (Airmail outside Europe)
Institutions
£30 (Add £5 for Airmail)
Write to the Membership
Secretary at the address below
for a membership form detailing
methods of payment and also
rates for Family, Supporting and
Life membership. For any other
information on the Society,
write to the Secretary at
the same address.
Publications
OSME publishes a scientific journal, Sandgrouse, containing
papers, news and features on all aspects of Middle Eastern
ornithology. Published twice yearly, it is issued free to
members. Further copies are available for sale from OSME.
Meetings: —2- ee
An Annual General Meeting is held in London at which guest
speakers provide new perspectives on ornithology in the
region. There are also occasional special meetings, some taking
place outside the UK.
Projects | 2 Ee ee Eee
OSME organises field expeditions to collect data on birds in
little-known parts of the region and in areas where OSME can
assist by teaming up with local groups.
The Conservation & Research Committee grants funds to
valuable field projects and desk studies which further
knowledge and conservation of birds in the region. Grants
have been awarded to over 45 projects since the Conservation
& Research Fund was set up in 1982.
MEBirdNet Email Discussion Group = —___"__
This is an e-mail mailing list (moderated by OSME) that
discusses birds and birdwatching in the Middle East, Caucasus
and Central Asia. Subjects include research, conservation, bird
news, recent records, identification, requests for information
and exchange of information. To join the mailing list, send an
empty e-mail to: MEBirdNet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
VICE PRESIDENTS:
Imad Atrash
Sherif Baha El Din
B. Behrouzi-Rad
Dr Ghassan & Mrs Mona
Ramadan-Jaradi
COUNCIL AS AT APRIL 2004:
Dawn Balmer
Vice Chair, Publicity & Displays
John Bartley - secretary@osme.org
Secretary
Pat Bartley
Keith Betton - chairman@osme.org
Chairman
Chris Bradshaw - c&r@osme.org
Conservation & Research
(co-opted)
Ray Daniel
Librarian
Andrew Grieve
Advertising & Website
Dr Saeed Mohamed
Dr Omar Al-Saghier
Dr Yossi Leshem
Chris Harbard
Rod Martins
Turkey Bird Report (co-opted)
Tony Morris - fundraiser@osme.org
Fundraising
David Murdoch
Mark Thomas
(co-opted)
Effie Warr - sales@osme.org
Sales & Distribution (co-opted)
John Warr - membership@osme.org
Treasurer & Membership
_ © 2004 Ornithological Society of the Middle
East, Caucasus and Central Asia
ISSN 0260-4736 Registered charity no 282938
c/o THE LODGE, SANDY, BEDFORDSHIRE SG19 2DL, UK
OSME WEs sITE - http://www.osme.org
SANDGROUSE
Volume 26 (1)
Editors
Guy M. Kirwan & Michael Blair
Features Editor
Situation Vacant
Assistant Editor
Dawn Balmer
Editorial Committee
Paul Goriup,
Mike Jennings,
Rodney Martins,
Peter L. Meininger
& Dr Stephen Newton
Photographic Editor
Paul Doherty
Design & Production
Harry |. Scott
Identification Consultants
C. G. Bradshaw,
Arnoud B. van den Berg
& Steve Madge
Cover Photograph:
Sand Partridge Ammoperdix
heyi taken by Paul Doherty in
Israel in October.
Contents
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Tis)
OSME News
NEWS AND INFORMATION
REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains, western Bulgaria
S. C. NIKOLOV AND V. P. VASSILEV
Bubiyan Island: a rich Kuwait avifauna E. RAMADAN,
K. AL-NASRALLAH AND G. GREGORY
PHotoSpot - Black Lark A. ROWLANDS
Significant bird notes from Lebanon during 2002-03 G. RAMADAN-
JARADI, T. BARA, M. ALMECIJA AND M. RAMADAN-JARADI
Breeding birds in central Arabia 1978-2003 M. C. JENNINGS
Four new bird species in Yemen from Socotra _ 5S. J. ASPINALL,
R. F. PORTER AND O. AL-SAGHIER
Another Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma monorhis at Eilat
B. GRANIT AND J. P. SMITH
The first Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis in Israel B. GRANIT AND
J. P. SMITH
Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata: a new breeding species
for Turkey G. AND H. WELCH
Ornithological observations in eastern Yemen, February—March 2002
C. TOURENQ, M. LAWRENCE, M. SALEH, J. BINOMRAN AND M. AL-KHOBANI
Range extensions and new information for some Iranian birds
A. KHALEGHIZADEH AND M. E. SEHHATI
A Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis (undulata) macqueenti caught in
Belgium and released in Saudi Arabia J. JUDAS AND C. VELTER
Breeding Striated Heron Butorides striatus in Israel Y. PERLMAN
The first Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan in Israel and the Middle East
J. P. SMITH
The first Upcher’s Warbler Hippolais languida in Cyprus A. CORSO
Gourmet corvids of the Bosphorus Dr A. KILIC
REVIEWS & RECENT LITERATURE
AROUND THE REGION DAWN BALMER AND KEITH BETTON
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2-3 2004
OSME
2004 AGM DATE AND VENUE
The 2004 OSME Summer Meeting will be held
on Saturday 10 July in central London. Once
again it will be held at the head office of the
Association of British Travel Agents, 68-71
Newman Street, London W1T 3AH. A full
programme will be distributed in May.
HELP OSME TO RECLAIM TAX WITH
GIFT AID
The Gift Aid scheme was introduced to UK-
tax-paying OSME members last year. This
enables the Society to reclaim 28% of the
value of a membership subscription in taxes
from the UK government. It costs the member
nothing more than a signature on a simple
form declaring that UK tax has been paid and
authorising OMSE to reclaim it. There are
approximately 450 UK-based members who
are eligible to sign a Gift Aid Declaration and
already some 25% have done so. Declaration
forms are readily available, if required, and
declarations may also be made by telephone
by calling the Treasurer, John Warr, on 01442
822108 or by e-mail to AJWarr@aol.com.
OSME HONOURS PHIL HOLLOM
Phil Hollom has been a prime-mover in
raising the profile of Middle Eastern
ornithology for much of his life. The Field
Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe which
he co-produced with Roger Tory Peterson and
Guy Mountfort in 1954 was a significant
milestone. In 1988 he was the major force
behind Birds of the Middle East and North Africa
and since then interest in the region’s birdlife
has grown rapidly. In addition to his skills as
an author, Phil was at the forefront of OSME’s
=
early development and he has served both as
a Council member and Vice President. As
OSME passed the milestone of its 25th
birthday Phil clocked up his 91st year! Your
Council decided that it was appropriate to
recognise Phil’s contribution, and we sent him
a small gift which, at his request, was a copy
of the field guide that Richard Porter
coordinated and succeeded Phil’s book. Phil’s
own copy has been missing somewhere for
months so he was delighted to receive a
replacement. Phil has asked to pass on his
best wishes to his many friends in the region.
OSME WELCOMES AVIFAUNA AND
WILDSOUNDS AS CORPORATE
SPONSORS
OSME is delighted to welcome two new
Corporate Sponsors. Top Swedish birding
tour operator Avifauna has been organising
birding tours for a number: of years. In recent
_years the company has organised tours to a
number of countries in the OSME region,
including Iran, Oman and Turkey. To obtain
details of Avifauna’s 2004 tours call (+46) 485-
44440 or visit their website: www.avifauna.se.
WildSounds is a leading international
supplier of bird and wildlife sound guides on
CD and cassette. Their extensive catalogue
also includes gentle atmosphere recordings,
videos, CD-ROMs and field recording
equipment. They have also successfully
launched a comprehensive natural history
mail-order book shop. To obtain details of
WildSounds’ range of goods call (+44) 1263
741100 or. visit / their website:
www.wildsounds.co.uk. Money from
Avifauna and WildSounds’ sponsorship will
be channelled into conservation projects in
the Middle East and Central Asia.
COULD YOU BE OSME’S NEXT
TREASURER?
In accordance with the Society’s constitution,
we are looking for a volunteer to succeed John
Warr as OSME Treasurer im July Une
accounts are not particularly complicated but
it is important that they are kept up to date
and in good order by someone familiar with
basic accounting. Apart from giving a verbal
report at the AGM, the Treasurer usually
attends four Council Meetings in London
(although personal appearance at every
OSME News
meeting is not a requirement). Anyone who
might be able to help OSME in this way is
invited to contact the current Treasurer, John
Warr, for an informal discussion on what the
job entails, on 01442 822108 or e-mail
AJWarr@aol.com.
COULD YOU BE OSME’S NEW
LIBRARIAN?
OSME has a significant collection of bird
books and journals covering all areas of the
Middle East and Central Asia. This collection
has been thoroughly classified and archived,
and we are looking for someone who is
prepared to care for this collection, logging
new publications and liaising with requests
for loans and information. There is no need to
attend meetings but you will need a spare
room with shelving to store the collection. It is
important that you are contactable via e-mail
so that requests can be dealt with promptly. If
you are in a position to help please contact
Keith Betton on 01252 724068 or e-mail
chairman@osme.org.
OSME SUPPORTS FIELD WORK IN
SYRIA, OMAN, ISRAEL AND
PALESTINE
During January and February 2004 OSME
assisted three groups of birdwatchers to visit
the Euphrates River valley in search of
waterbirds. The groups were brought
together by David Murdoch. Each group was
accompanied by a Syrian naturalist / guide.
Further details will be presented in Sandgrouse
eats
The aim of this section is to inform readers about
events in the OSME region. It relies on members
and others supplying relevant news and
information. If you have anything concerning birds,
conservation or development in the OSME area
please send it to News and Information, OSME, c/o
The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, U. K.
This section is not intended as a definitive report or
write-up of the projects concerned. Many of the
Dawn Balmer & Guy M. Kirwan
INFORMATION
compiled by Dawn Balmer & Guy M. Kirwan
26 (2). In particular, we thank Avifauna for
their contribution towards the cost of vehicle
hire. OSME has also supported winter field
work at Barr al Hickman in Oman. The project
has re-surveyed an Important Bird Area last
fully surveyed in 1990. The team specifically
looked for further evidence of the presence of
Slender-billed Curlew. In addition, this was
used as an initial trip to establish longer term
research and monitoring both in the Barr al
Hickman area and at other potentially
interesting areas of the Oman coast. The
future work will be a collaborative project
between the current members and Omani
nationals and institutions. Finally, OSME has
contributed to the cost of research into the
distribution of the Striated Scops Owl Otus
brucei im Israel and Ealestine being
coordinated by Susannah Lerman.
BRITISH BIRDWATCHING FAIR
20-22 AUGUST
Once again OSME will be exhibiting at the
British Birdwatching Fair at Rutland Water,
UK, on 20-22 August 2004. There are several
ways members can assist. We would welcome
any items for the tombola (books, CDs and
other birding items). These can be brought to
our AGM on 10 July. We also welcome any
assistance on the stand during the fair. Please
make any offers to Tony Morris on 01304
851943 or e-mail tonymorris@easynet.co.uk.
Keith Betton, OSME Chairman
projects are sponsored; such support is appreciated
but is not generally given acknowledgement here.
GENERAL
Second Bald Ibis newsletter We have recently
received the second issue of the electronic
newsletter (dated May 2003) of the
International Advisory Group for Northern
Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita (see Sandgrouse 24:
3). Updates for the wild Moroccan and semi-
3
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 3-6 2004
wild Birecik (Turkey) populations of the species
are provided, along with the details of the work
in central Syria concerning the recently
relocated population found there. There is also
news of recent captive-breeding and release
efforts, recent publications on the species, and a
variety of other news, including a 2002 visit to
the last-known colony site in Algeria, where
birds were most recently definitely sighted in
1986 or 1987 (although three birds were
reported 100 km further south in 1996), and the
possibility, once the political situation
improves, of searching for the species in
Somalia, from where there is an unconfirmed
report of a colony in the early 1990s. The only
confirmed report from Somalia was in 1920, but
the recent rediscovery of Bald Ibis in Syria
proves that other such, apparently surprising,
possibilities cannot be eliminated. The
newsletter, which is issued in PDF format, is
available on request from Chris Bowden, e-
mail: chris.bowden@rspb.org.uk. (Source: Chris
Bowden.)
Saker Symposium Details of this symposium,
held on 23 September 2003 in Abu Dhabi, can
now be found at www.erwda.gov.ae.
Colin Harrison Dr Colin Harrison, OSME
member since the Society’s inception, died
recently. He was the author of An atlas of the
birds of the Western Palearctic and A field guide
to the nests, eggs and nestlings of British and
European birds, and co-author of Birds of the
Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
KAZAKHSTAN
The Kazakhstan Ornithological Bulletin 2002
is a most welcome new ornithological
publication. Edited by Oleg Beliov and
Victoria Kovshar, it brings together all recent
status changes and notable records of rare
and interesting species. The only drawback
for most OSME members will be that it is
entirely in Russian, but it is possible to scan —
small sections of the text with a Russian-
reading computer progamme, such as ABBYY
FineReader, and then translate these at one of
the following internet sites: www.
translate.ru/text.asp?lang=en; www.t-mail.
com/t-text.shtml; or babelfish.altavista.com /
babelfish/tr. There are 154 pages covering
important records from expeditions, surveys,
trip reports and casual observations made by
professional ornithologists in Kazakhstan and
=
also by many visiting birdwatchers and
groups. Extensive information and full details
are presented for 105 species including
Siberian White Crane Grus leucogeranus,
Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii, Relict Gull
Larus relictus, Yellow-eyed Stock Dove
Columba eversmanni, Pander’s Ground Jay
Podoces pander1, and the vittata form of Pied
Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka, amongst many
other rare and globally threatened species.
This is a major development in ornithological
recording in Central Asia and is a superb
publication. It deserves wider recognition and
acknowledgement for its editors. Further
information and details concerning purchase
can be obtained from Victoria Kovshar, e-mail
vitkovshar@nursat.kz. (Source: Andrew
Grieve in litt. August 2003.)
KUWAIT
New website A new internet site for the Bird
~Monitoring and Protection Team in Kuwait
has been developed and can be found at
www.bmapt.com.
TURKEY
Flamingo ringing Two hundred Greater
Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber chicks were
colour ringed in Turkey in August 2003.
More than 60 people participated in the field
work in the Gediz Delta (near Izmir), one of
the two main breeding colonies in Turkey.
This was part of a project being undertaken
by Doga Dernegi (Nature Society), Erciyes
University and Tour du Valat, which aims to
improve our understanding of the flamingo
population through a transnational study in
the Mediterranean basin, and to identify
priority breeding and wintering sites, their
habitat characteristics and anthropogenic
threats. Turkey has one of the largest
flamingo population in the Mediterranean.
Approximately 15,000 pairs breed in Turkey,
although numbers fluctuate annually. More
than 30,000 flamingos regularly winter in
the country.
Colour ringing of flamingos has been carried
out since the 1970s in France (Camargue), and
the 1980s in Spain and Italy, to understand
the species’ population dynamics. The
resighting data have demonstrated that
flamingos, especially young birds, move great
distances around the Mediterranean. French
+
Dawn Balmer & Guy M. Kirwan
flamingos are often observed in Spain,
Morocco, Tunisia, Sardinia and even Turkey.
However, data on the movements of
flamingos within and between the eastern
-Mediterranean and Caspian basin are yet
unknown. Hopefully, the colour-ringed
flamingos from Turkey will help address
these questions. If you see a colour-ringed
flamingo in the Mediterranean, please contact
Hour du Valat , (e-mail: germain@
tourduvalat.org) or Doga Dernegi (e-mail:
ozge@kustr.org). (Source: J. Tavares in litt.
September 2003.)
New Caucasian Black
Grouse project The
Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds
(BirdLife partner in the /
UK), Dosa Dernegi and BirdLife
International are commencing an exciting
new project that aims to map the Caucasian
Black Grouse Tetrao mloksiweiczi populations
and habitat throughout its range in Turkey.
The species is one of the few Data Deficient
birds in Europe; almost nothing is known
concerning its abundance and distribution,
and therefore its conservation status and
threats. It is endemic to the Caucasus,
occurring in Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia,
Iran, Georgia and Turkey.
The new project aims to improve our
knowledge of the species in Turkey by
producing a computer model to predict its
distribution and population size in the country.
These data will then be used to assess the
effectiveness of the current protected areas
network for the species and its habitat,
- recommending new protected areas or
boundary changes. where appropriate, and
developing a demonstration management plan
for the ‘best’ site. An ecotourism project
focused on the species will also be developed
in the region. All of this work will be brought
together for the production of a National
Species Action Plan, which, it is hoped, the
Turkish government will support. The research
side of the project will focus on collecting bird
and habitat data from known sites, then
analysing this information in GIS together with
appropriate physical data, to produce a
predicted distribution model. Predicted sites
will be visited to determine whether the
species is present, more data collected and the
News & Information
model refined to provide more accurate
assessments of distribution and population.
The project will significantly contribute to the
long-term conservation of the species in the
country, and will develop methodologies and
processes that can be used in other range states.
Funding for the two-year project was obtained
from BTC, as part of their Environmental
Investment Programme in Turkey. (Source: J.
Tavares in litt. February 2004.)
YEMEN
The Socotra Archipelago was named as the
first UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in
Yemen in July 2003. This worldwide network
of reserves covers examples of the major
ecological regions and human-use systems of
the earth.
ihe programme 2for. Sustammable
Development and Biodiversity Conservation
for the People of Socotra Islands’ has been
signed by UNDP and key stakeholders, and
the programme will continue to support the
people of Socotra through conservation and
sustainable use of the islands’ special
biodiversity and natural resources over the
next five years. Plans include the implemen-
tation of the Zoning Plan, management of
protected areas and support for the local
economy through ecotourism and sustainable
fisheries. Further details can be found at
www.socotraisland.org. (Source: World
Birdwatch 25:(3))
Yemeni student heads Socotra conservation
programme Nadim Taleb, who recently
obtained his M.Sc. in Applied Ecology and
Conservation at UK’s University of East
Anglia (UEA), has now returned to his native
Yemen to take the lead role in managing the
Socotra conservation programme. The new
position, funded by UNDP, will see Nadim
act as the National Site Coordinator of the
Socotra Conservation and Development
Programme (SCDP). He will be responsible
for implementing the entire project’s aims and
objectives. Nadim has been involved with the
Socotra biodiversity project since 1998
undertaking a variety of tasks, chiefly the
implementation of biodiversity surveys for
the island’s Zoning Plan. He also received
training from BirdLife International in bird
identification and census techniques, during
Dawn Balmer & Guy M. Kirwan
5
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 6 2004
the Darwin Initiative programme of
1999-2001. It was as a result of this that he
gained a place at UEA. In his new role he will
be responsible for the supervision of all
national and international project staff and
consultants in Socotra, and for providing
formal and informal training to national staff,
in particular providing support and advice to
the heads of sections (terrestrial, marine,
environmental awareness and education,
protected areas and ecotourism) in the
development and implementation of annual
work plans, progress and technical reports.
He will also assist the local team in the
development and production of specific
awareness and education materials for distri-
bution at local and national levels. (Source:
Richard Porter in litt. December 2003).
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
New address for ENHG Note that the
Emirates Natural History Group address is
now c/o P. O. Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, United
Arab Emirates (changed from P. O. Box 2380).
(Source: Simon Aspinall in litt. January 2004.)
RED KITE IN THE CAUCASUS
Alexander Abuladze is reviewing the status
of Red Kite Milvus milvus in the Caucasus,
including historical records. Sightings or any
other information are requested from the
following areas: the Caucasian part of the
Russian Federation, the Transcaucasian states
of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, north-_
east Turkey and north Iran. Please send
details to Alexander Abuladze, Chairman of
the Bird Conservation Union of Georgia,
Georgian Academy of Science, Chavchavadze
pr. 31, Tbilisi 380070, Georgia; e-mail
lesser7kestrel@yahoo.com.
~
WING-TAGGED IMPERIAL EAGLES
For the past two years young Imperial Eagles
Aquila heliaca have been wing-tagged in
northern Kazakhstan. Last winter one of the
marked birds was observed at a dump in
Oman. The wing tags are a variety of colours
and each has a unique letter-number
combination painted on the tag, which should
be visible regardless of the bird’s posture. A
smaller number of Steppe Eagles A. nipalensis
have also been marked in each year with a
similar-style tag. If you see a marked bird,
please contact either Todd Katzner (e-mail:
tkatzner@imperial.ac.uk) or Evgeny Bragin
(naurzum@mail.kz), and inform them of the
details, particularly the date, location, time of
day, species, tag colour, tag letter and tag
number. If you can age the bird by its plumage,
this information would also be useful.
~WING-TAGGED BLACK VULTURES
IN ARMENIA
In 2002, through sponsorship by BirdLife
International, members of the Armenian
Society for the Protection of Birds launched a
one-year project entitled the Black Vulture
Aegypius monachus Conservation Project in
Armenia. Research found that Black Vulture
breeding grounds in Armenia have contracted
and that only a small breeding population
survives in the State Khosrov Preserve (only
seven of the known 17 nests were occupied
and only six juveniles fledged). During 2003,
monitoring of these nest sites continued
through funding from Hawk Mountain
panctuary. local residents feceived
information concerning the project and were
made aware of the value of the research. By
the end of the 2003 breeding season three
Black Vultures were wing-tagged. The tags
are blue with white letters and a pale blue pin,
and are coded: AR (for Armenia), XI (for
Khosrov preserve, and I, II etc. are the
numbers). To report sightings please contact
Mamikon Ghasabian, Chairman, Armenian
Society for the Protection of Birds (ASPB),
Gareein Njdeh 27/2, 10, Yerevan 375026,
Armenia. Tel: (3741) 35 25 71, e-mail:
armbirds@yahoo.com, or mghasabian@
yahoo.com.
Dawn Balmer & Guy M. Kirwan
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains, western Bulgaria
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains,
western Bulgaria
STOYAN CHAVDAROV NIKOLOV AND VASSIL PETROV VASSILEV
During the breeding seasons of 2000-2002, 115 species were observed in the
Ponor Mountains, north of Sofia. Distribution maps based on 2 x 2 km grid
squares are presented for each. Breeding was confirmed for 71 species, 24
probably bred and 20 possibly did so. The maximum number of bird species
recorded in any square was 48 and the minimum just five. Squares holding
11-30 species comprised over 60% of the total. During the study nine species
previously unrecorded in the area were located (Booted Eagle Hieraaetus
pennatus, Moorhen Gallinula chloropus, Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolius funereus,
Pallid Swift Apus pallidus, European Bee-eater Merops apiaster, Tawny Pipit
Anthus campestris, Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina, Nutcracker Nucifraga
caryocatactes and Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra), but eight (White
Stork Ciconia ciconia, Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius, Collared Dove
Streptopelia decaocto, Crested Lark Galerida cristata, Black-eared Wheatear
Oenanthe hispanica, Olivaceous Hippolais pallida and Garden Warblers Sylvia
borin, and Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor) may have been lost since the most
recent work (Stoyanov 2001). Five species are apparently in decline (Imperial
Eagle Aquila heliaca, Saker Falcon Falco cherrug, Rock Dove Columba livia,
Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus and Ortolan Bunting Emberiza
hortulana), and two (Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus and Red-rumped
Swallow Hirundo daurica) are increasing in numbers and range.
HE PONOR MOUNTAINS are situated 60 km north of the Bulgarian capital Sofia
but have been comparatively poorly studied by ornithologists. Although
fragmentary data for the area exist (Reiser 1894, Harrison 1933, Patev 1950, Simeonov
1967, Donchev 1970, Baumgart et al. 1973, Fisher et al. 1975, Simeonov & Michev 1980,
Michev & Petrov 1985, Simeonov & Michev 1985, Stoyanov & Kocev 1985, Michev et
al. 1986, Baumgart 1987, Michev et al. 1989, Delov 1995, Petrov et al. 1996, Milchev &
Georgiev 1998), there is only one (recent) work describing the general avifauna of the
mountains (Stoyanov 2001), and no detailed research into breeding bird distributions
has been undertaken. Such a survey would serve as a baseline for future comparisons
of the avifauna at local level, broaden our knowledge of the general distribution of
birds in Bulgaria, and also contribute to the conservation of several rare species.
STUDY AREA
Ponor forms part of the Western Balkan
Mountains, and is abutted to the north by
Mount Koznica, to the west by Mount
Berkovska, to the south by Mount Mala
and to the east by Mount Sofiyska (Fig. 1).
The western boundary of the region is
further demarcated by the Ginska River in
the west, the Iskrecka River to the south
and the Iskar River to the east. The study
areas comprises a total of 272 km7?, and the
highest parts are in the north-west and the
lowest in the south-east (Fig. 2).
ROMANIA
ra AmMM
/ .
& Ponor Mountain
BULGARIA
rMmn Aorrw
TURKEY
rm ZOOMAPS
GREECE
Figure 1. Location of Ponor Mountain, in western Bulgaria.
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev 7
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 7-22 2004
Elevation (m) a
Wm 280—s00 ¥
Be 600-800
fe 800-1000 2
|_| 1000~—1200
[| 1200-1400,
[| 1400-1600
a
Vegetation cover types:
WB Norway Spruce forests
Norway Spruce-dominant forests
===} Scots and Austrian Pine plantations
== Beech-dominant forests
AA Oak-dominant forests
Mixed forests
-. Meadows up to 1100 m elevation
:.:} Meadows above 1100 m elevation
Border
J
CC. edi ees rdee ap
Figure 3. Map showing vegetation cover in the Ponor Mountains.
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains, western Bulgaria
Streams
Rivers
Houses
Villages
Towns
Border
ee L | ’ ,
enn See oi
|
LJ FN8S6 poe
{ } a
T t |
Figure 4. Map of settlements and rivers in the Ponor Mountains.
Following Vulev (1997), Ponor has a moderate continental climate, with warm
summers (mean 23°C) and cold winters (mean —2°C), and maximum rainfall in spring
and early summer (900 mm in May and June). Snow cover varies according to
elevation (below 1000 metres there is usually less than 80 days with cover and it
reaches depths of only 20 cm, but at 1000-1600 metres snow lies for 80-120 days and is
20-180 cm deep.
Vegetation comprises 548 plant species in 301 genera and 77 families (Jordanova
1999). The major communities are dominated by tree species such as oak, hornbeam
and beech. The oak belt occurs up to 600 metres, with an oak—hornbeam zone at
600-1000 metres, and above this beech with mountain meadows (see Figs. 3-4).
METHODS
Mapping breeding distributions is one of the best methods for determining the variety
of bird species in a given region, their occurrence, conservation status, and targets for
future conservation action (Sharrock 1976, Yeatman 1976, Bibby et al. 1992). In
Bulgaria, local breeding bird atlases are available only for the Strandja Mountains
(Milchev 1994), Vratza Mountains (Georgiev & Milchev 2000) and part of the Elenski
Balkan Mountains (Spasov 2002).
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid with 10 x 10 km squares (Lerer &
Delchev 1978) was applied to 1:25,000 military topographic maps. Eight such squares
are found in the study area (one complete and the others partial). Each 10 x 10 km
square was divided into 25 2 x 2 km squares. Breeding distributions were mapped for
each of the 50 complete and 37 partial squares (Fig. 5). The survey was made during
the breeding seasons of 2000-2002, for a total of 67 days. Each square was visited 1-9
times, depending on habitat diversity (Fig. 6). Bird identifications were made by aural
and visual contacts, and by using information provided by G. Stoyanov and D.
Domuschiev, and some local people.
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev g
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
fees eel +p eae — = ‘ a = 3
ia See GS a bt
e1-2 @34 x, 6 a 7-9
Figure 5. UTM grid of the Ponor Mountains. Figure 6. Number of visits to each square.
Breeding evidence codes follow Sharrock (1976), Yeatman (1976) and Milchev (1994).
Possible. 01 = adult in suitable nesting habitat during the breeding season; 02 =
singing male.
@ Probable. 03 = pair; 04 = bird holding territory; 05 = courtship display; 06 =
adult visiting probable nest; 07 = anxious adults; 08 = bird observed incubating; 09:=
nest-building.
@® Confirmed. 10 = distraction display; 11 = used nest, e. g. broken eggshells,
droppings, food remains, etc.; 12 = fledged young; 13 = occupied nest, contents
unknown; 14 = adult carrying fecal sac or food; 15 = nest with eggs found; 16 = = nest
with chicks found.
Precise breeding localities for some globally threatened or otherwise rare species are
not indicated on the maps. In these cases, the breeding evidence symbols are placed
centrally and the UTM grid omitted. Michev & Petrov (1985), Milchev (1994) and
Georgiev & Milchev (2000) followed similar methodology.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
During the breeding seasons of 2000-2002, 115 species were observed in the study
area, for which distribution maps are presented for all. Breeding was confirmed for 71
species, considered probable for 24 and possible for 20. The maximum number of bird
species in one square was 48, and the minimum five. Squares with 11-30 species
comprise over 60% of the total (Fig. 7). Highest breeding bird diversity was around
the villages of Breze and Dobravica, and in the valley of the Zimevishka River.
Table 1. Percentages and numbers of squares recorded in different squares.
Number of species Number of squares
5-10 : 8
11-20 Se 34
21-30 24
31-40 = 42
41-48 ; 9
Total. 87
Species not previously recorded in the Ponor region observed during the present
study were: Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus, Moorhen Gallinula chloropus,
Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolius funereus, Pallid Swift Apus pallidus, European Bee-eater
Merops apiaster, Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris, Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina,
Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes and Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra. Moorhen,
European Bee-eater, Nutcracker and Common Crossbill were all confirmed to breed.
10 Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains, western Bulgaria
- S-—10 breeding bird species
11-20 breeding bird species
e 21-30 breeding bird species
31—40 breeding bird species
@® 41-48 breeding bird species
bec de a. b c de a bec
Figure 7. Number of breeding bird species in each square.
According to Stoyanov (2001), prior to 1981 121 species nested in the region, but in
1981-2001 he found only 114. Egyptian Neophron percnopterus and Griffon Vultures
Gyps fulvus, Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes, Hazel Grouse Bonasa bonasia,
Woodcock Scolopax rusticola and Stock Dove Columba oenas had disappeared in the
interim. Of the 114 mentioned by Stoyanov (2001), eight were not observed during my
study: White Stork Ciconia ciconia, Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius, Collared
Dove Streptopelia decaocto, Crested Lark Galerida cristata, Black-eared Wheatear
Oenanthe hispanica, Olivaceous Hippolais pallida and Garden Warblers Sylvia borin, and
Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor. White Stork and Collared Dove have almost certainly
disappeared, but the others may still be present in very small numbers, as e.g. Crested
Lark and Black-eared Wheatear were observed in 1996 (G. Stoyanov in litt.), and
Garden Warbler in 1998 (L. Profirov in litt.).
Given the previous lack of detailed breeding-bird distribution data for the study area
it is impossible to compare former and current populations. However, past data
suggest that five have declined: Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, Saker Falcon Falco
cherrug, Rock Dove Columba livia, Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus and Ortolan
Bunting Emberiza hortulana. In 1890, Reiser (1894) found two nests of Imperial Eagle in
the study area and, in 1965-67, Donchev (1970) also found two. Petrov et al. (1996) did
not find any evidence of the species breeding in 1980-1993, but Stoyanov (2001) found
some evidence in 1981-2001. Two nesting localities of Saker Falcon were formerly
known (Baumgart 1987, Michev & Petrov 1985). During this study Imperial Eagle and
Saker Falcon were not confirmed to breed, but classified as probable and possible. In
some years, it is possible that just one pair of each breeds in the study area. As
European Susliks Spermophilus citellus are widespread and comparatively common,
the reason for decreasing numbers of Saker Falcon, is probably poaching, and for
Imperial Eagle competition for nest sites and food with Long-legged Buzzard Buteo
rufinus and Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos. Prior to 1960 Rock Doves bred in natural
cliff sites in the region (Simeonov 1967, Stoyanov & Kocev 1985), but in 2000-2002 it
was found only in settlements. Six nesting sites of Alpine Chough were known to
Stoyanov (2001), but we found just one. Reiser (1894) considered Ortolan Bunting to
be common in Ponor, but it is now rather scarce.
Species that are obviously expanding are just two: Long-legged Buzzard and Red-
rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica. Prior to 1984, few nesting localities for either
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev el
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
species in the study region were known (Simeonov & Michev 1980, Michev et al. 1984).
Both are now widespread and occupy a range of habitats. We noted six nests of Long-
legged Buzzard, three on cliffs and the others in trees. Red-rumped Swallow masts
rocky areas as well as most settlements.
Other interesting discoveries included the first Bulgarian population of Tengmalm’s
Owl in beech forest, and one of the few below 1000 metres elevation (Nikolov 2003).
Based on Kouzmanov et al. (1996), our discovery of a Golden Eagle nest, just 7 m
above ground, is the lowest to date in Bulgaria. All the nests of Common Redstart we
found were in settlements, but in neighbouring Vrachanski Balkan this species is
restricted to beech forests (Milchev & Georgiev 1998).
DISTRIBUTION MAPS
1. Black Stork 2. Honey Buzzard 3. Short-toed Eagle
Ciconia nigra Pernis apivorus eteacts gailicus
i a et tee ae EP a SE Se Ee ee. g
Sp cTae abc die wb en!” Spe ad et a bela ele Eb Go Supine ener lai enn Cmae eREEIEN EC
No. of 2-km squares No. of 2-km squares No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence: with breeding evidence: with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =0 Possible = 0 Confirmed =2 Possible = 0 Confirmed = 0 Possible = 0
Probable = 1. Total= 1 (1.1%) Probable = 1. Total = 3 (3.4%) Probable = 2. Total = 2 (2.3%)
4. Goshawk 5. Sparrowhawk 6. Common Buzzard
Accipiter CORE Accipiter 1 nisus- Buteo buteo
i—
se ate Lee ie ae fa : Easy 5 Seman ae a =e ee x cae
No. of 2-km squares No. of 2-km squares No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence: with breeding evidence: with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 2 Possible = 0 Confirmed =2 Possible = 7 Confirmed = 5 Possible = 2
Probable = 1. Total = 3 (3.4%) Probable = 1. Total=10(11.5%) Probable = 5. Total = 12 (13.8%)
7. Long-legged Buzzard 8. Imperial Eagle 9. Golden Eagle
poe ES eine pelece Age ce eal
1 \ !
iho q- a
3- 3- rH
ry 7) = | 1
2- 2- =
v Te e¢ d@ se abed ¢ a b ce Nemes doe sal banC ntl el ath ac 2h c dove a bee ode la obs ¢
No. of 2-km squares No. of 2-km squares No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence: with breeding evidence: with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =6 Possible = 0 Confirmed =0 Possible = 0 Confirmed = 2 Possible = 0
Probable = 2. Total = 8 (9.2%) Probable = 1. Totali=1) (li: 1\7o) Probable = 0. Total = 2 (2.3%)
WV Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains, western Bulgaria
9. Booted Eagle
Hieraaetus pennatus-
= SSS EEE SE RE CNR Ra MARIN grommet oo
)
q }
5 b c “d c roa = eee” c ab C
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 1
Probable = 0. Total = 1 (1.1%)
13. Saker Falcon
pace enereg
bc de a a5 c de a be
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 1
Probable = 0. Total = 1 (1.1%)
16. Grey Partridge
perk perdix
fh me fF SS Fe Lit
= A :
No. of 2-km squares
-with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 0
Probable = 1. Total = 1 (1.1%)
19. Moorhen
Gallinula eHoropus’
EP
28
i
pod
H
Wome ee
Bees j d
bo fe ah 6 de ab
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 0
Probable = 0. Total = 1 (1.1%)
11. Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 4 Possible = 2
Probable = 4. Total = 10 (11.5%)
14. Peregrine
Bic peregnnes |
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 0
Probable = 1. Total = 2 (2.3%)
17. Quail
Coturnix ey
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 14
Probable = 14. Total = 29 (33.3%)
20. Rock Dove
Columba livia
{
i
LA owt RS OW
;
i
\
\
\
\
\
N
\
{
Amt ‘ eae |
{
3 feel +
fh §
) \ \
a th os
\ \
\ \
y y
i
5 ates eu [oneal im Sater N i
“hb oe od eo ob oe a 8 he Ub
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 0
Probable = 1. Total = 2 (2.3%)
12. Hobby
neO subbuteo . .
ar. ees
t
i
Boy] ;
a ae San enn eens aeerene, See nee
" ‘ec de
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 0
Probable = Total = 1 (1.1%)
15. Rock Partridge
Alectoris gece
eee ee
boc dea be de ai be
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 0
Probable = 2. Total = 3 (3.4%)
18. Corncrake
Crex ¢ crex
i
eee een ae -
t ‘ nae
{ é
ae | i
4 t $
oe Soe
§ y
f |
“ob “C ¥ os . a 5 . “dd i. © a ay: Cc
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 12
Probable = 3. Total = 15 (17.2%)
21. Woodpigeon
Columba pads
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 17
Probable = 6. Total = 23 (26.4%)
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
13
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
22. Turtle Dove
sienionela turtur
4g
{=
pe we = ed ee ae
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 3
Probable = 0. Total = 3 (3.4%)
25. Eagie Owl
Bubo bubo
imi eee
tA et Of
7
1
ee ee eee) See
a
eae ee
ee Se ere oe ccna ome esac
b c d e¢ a bi c d &@ a b Cc
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 3
Probable = 0. Total = 3 (3.4%)
.
5
5
5
Bf as fp Us
:
e
¢
28. Long-eared Owl
AST otus —
go et sas
a
Ar wt fk
fi P Es
tA ae OR OGD CE
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 3
5 (5.7%)
Probable = 1. Total =
31. Alpine Swift
pus 2 melba
49
th wee DD = iets)
b c “4 ie Red ee bc
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 2
Probable = 6. Total = 8 (9.2%)
23. Common Cuckoo
Cuculus canorus
4
24. Scops Owl
Otus SCOpS —
A oss f3 WW
bc de a bc d 6 a 6
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =0 Possible = 3
Probable = 0. Total = 3 (3.4%)
eg ea ib cd &
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 20
Probable = 22. Total = 42 (48.3%)
26. Little Owl
Athene noctua
27. Tawny Owl
Strix aluco
pp fos
bc de a ae ce Od e a b c
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 23
Probable = 3. Total = 26 (29.9%)
ae Se: a b “cd e a bc
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =1 Possible = 2
Probable = 0. Total = 3 (3.4%)
30. Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeus
29. Tengmalm’s Owl
Aegolius funereus
tr owt OD
en es
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =0 Possible = 1
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =0 Possible = 2
Probable = 1. Total = 3 (3.4%) Probable = 0. Total =1 (1.1%)
32. Swift 33. Pallid Swift
Apus gets nite palius
4 4 +
|- i
5 5-
4- 4
|
; : ees ae! is ae ees a
° “bh ¢ @ 8 @ b ¢ @ © @ bee
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =O Possible = 0
Probable = 1. Total =1 (1.1%)
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =0 Possible = 2
Probable = 2. Total = 4 (4.6%)
14
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains, western Bulgaria
34. Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
S% ¢ de a bo cd ie a bc
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 1
Probable = 0. Total = 1 (1.1%)
37. Wryneck
Jynx torquilla’
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 11
Probable = 0. Total = 11 (12.6%)
40. Black Woodpecker
pe cconus martius
eee be
i
| eee One
ae eee eee
35. European Bee-eater
Merops cai
S.. e eeee |
4
ae ene: Snes nnn
ade
{
eh ee
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 0
Probable = 0. Total = 1 (1.1%)
38. Grey-headed Woodpecker
Picus canus
oh ees eee eee
i
oe ee
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 5
Probable = 0. Total = 5 (5.7%)
41. Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos major
36. Hoopoe
pues: Shope
bc dt e¢ a b cs d © a@ b ¢
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 11
Probable = 0. Total = 11 (12.6%)
39. Green Woodpecker
Picus viridis
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 20
Probable = 4. Total = 24 (27.6%)
42. Syrian Woodpecker
Dendrocopos syriacus
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 6
Probable = 1 Total = 8 (9.2%)
43. Middle Spotted Woodpecker
pen ccopee medius
i
{
| \
i
ae |
3
; H
ee
No. of 2- km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 2 Possible = 3
Probable = 0. Total = 5 (5.7%)
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 11 Possible = 15
Probable = 0. Total = 26 (29.9%)
44. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
eS oreyepes minor
No. of 2- km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 4
Probable = 1. Total = 6 (6.9%)
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
No. et 2. km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 5 Possible = 5
Probable = 5. Total = 15 (17.2%)
45. Woodlark
Lullula arborea
La
a
No. of 2- km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 20
Probable = 2. Total = 22 (25.3%)
15
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
46. Skylark
Alauda arvensis
47. Horned Lark
Eremophila alpestris
48. Crag Martin
Hirundo rupestris
A> Sas Sears Tae
mg
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 3 Possible = 9
Probable = 40. Total = 52 (59.8%)
49. Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
SSS
ar i H
4 { }
>- | i
x i {
} {
==
' | f 5
4- 4 } Eee d No
i; ‘ j i | '
z emo Les a
3 he
< H f
; 3 j {
3 & +
5 |
H
pd ps | Mae ra a
hs j
it
th we RY GO dh th
1 ;
i
57 cw ab cod © a wb
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 2 Possible = 11
Probable = 37. Total = 50 (57.5%)
80. Goldcrest
Regulus regulus
4 P=;
1 Pa, Koga ER Ps
to
+f
4
WW ba
A oe FD GD et
t 4
| {
v ee ae a ee c d < a Bee
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 16
Probable = 44. Total = 60 (69%)
Nw & BB th we
i
)
a te
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 1
Probable = 0. Total = 2 (2.3%)
18
Phylloscopus sibilatrix
4 A ——————
a Gacic means fe
3+ one a bc ad ema sb ee
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =O Possible = 1
Probable = 0. Total = 1 (1.1%)
81. Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa Striata
4A— oa < TR GRRE SEE
SI Se eon fe ae a
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =O Possible = 11
Probable = 1. Total = 12 (17.8%)
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassileo
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains
, western Bulgaria
82. Long-tailed Tit
Aegiinalos caudatus
3 os
Lo ee a ee 2 ee?)
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 5 Possible = 7
Probable = 4. Total = 16 (18.4%)
85. Willow Tit
Parus: montanus
ge : ame ea Caner alae
83. Marsh Tit
nee palustris
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 11 Possible = 17
Probable = 4. Total = 32 (36.8%)
86. Coal Tit
Parus ater
Sr eet DD
Ui =e DD wD a
b ¢
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 2 Possible = 2
Probable = 1. Total = 5 (5.7%)
88. Great Tit
Parus major
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 33 Possible = 23
Probable = 6. Total = 62 (71.3%)
91. Golden Oriole
Oriolus oriolus
ti ome =F
i
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 3
Probable = 4. Total = 8 (9.2%)
a LS hen cael eee a eee aE |
aq esa bc @d € @ bc
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 28
Probable = 1. Total = 30 (34.5%)
89. Nuthatch
Sitta popes
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 9 Possible = 30
Probable = 4. Total = 40 (49.4%)
92. Red-backed Shrike
Lanius collurio
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 16 Possible = 16
Probable = 32. Total =
q
i
‘i
i ; N | Rr i i
assets nerve — ee ee See Meer rete een erin —s
“bh ¢. doe a bc de aibe¢
64 (73.6%)
84. Sombre Tit
Parus aus.
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 7 Possible = 5
Probable = 4. Total = 16 (18.4%)
87. Blue Tit
Parus caeruleus
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 18 Possible = 16
Probable = 3. Total = 37 (42.5%)
90. Treecreeper
Certhia familiaris
. aa
b £ is
i !
Pa Gas
. ;
“ae
i
See ee
i Fy
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 2
Probable = 0. Total = 2 (2.3%)
93. Jay
ears glandarius
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 7 Possible = 13
Probable = 37. Total = 57 (65.5%)
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
19
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
94. Magpie
Pica pica
95. Nutcracker
Nucifraga caryocatactes
1% of a distinct population of a
congregatory species other than a waterbird or seabird). It is suggested that full protection be
applied to all areas of the mountain above 1700 metres.
Threats
On the summit there is a military outpost and a transmission station for Turkish television, and
on the plateau immediately below a small winter ski resort. At the time of the surveys there
were at least six temporary camps of local people with sheep and goats grazing the area, and in
addition several unexplored tracks indicating other camps in the area; it is likely that the
number of camps increases as the summer progresses. A management strategy is thus needed
to control all potentially damaging activities. These include grazing, uprooting of Astragalus
(used for winter fuel and animal feed; Ertekin 2002, Bakar et al. 2002), forestation, tourism
development (skiing and other possible recreational activities such as off-road driving), and all
operational and maintenance work relating to the antenna.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Field work was carried out as part of the South-east Anatolia Biodiversity Assessment Project, commis-
sioned by the GAP (South-east Anatolia Project) Regional Development Administration, implemented by
the former DHKD (the Turkish Society for the Conservation of Nature) and funded by UNDP. HW acted as
Project Officer for the project and GW’s participation was made possible by the East Anglia Regional Office
of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (BirdLife International partner in the U.K.). Our thanks go to
Omer Faruk Ozmen (from the GAP-RDA) for his company and organisational assistance.
REFERENCES
BAKAR, Z., SEN, L. AND UstUNDAG, N. (2002) [Plant diversity in Karacadag area socio-economic baseline
survey]. Siirdtirtilebilir Kirsal & Kentsel Kalkinma Dernegi, Ankara. [In Turkish.]
ERTEKIN, S. (2002) [Plant diversity in Karacadag area]. Stirdiirtilebilir Kirsal & Kentsel Kalkinma Derne®i,
Ankara. [In Turkish. |
HEATH, M. F. AND EVANS, M. I. (EDS.) (2000) Important Bird Areas in Europe: priority sites for conservation.
BirdLife International (BirdLife Conservation Series No. 8), Cambridge.
KIRWAN, G. M., MARTINS, R. P., EKEN, G. AND DAVIDSON, P. (1998) A checklist of the birds of Turkey.
Sandgrouse Suppl. 1: 1-32.
SHIRIHAI, H., GARGALLO, G., HELBIG, A. J., HARRIS, A. AND COTTRIDGE, D. (2001) Sylvia warblers: identification,
taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus Sylvia. A. & C. Black, London.
Geoff and Hilary Welch, Minsmere Reserve, Westleton, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 3BY, U. K.
58
Notes
Ornithological observations in eastern Yemen,
February—March 2002
CHRISTOPHE TOURENQ, MARK LAWRENCE, MOHAMMED SALEH, JASSIM BIN
OMRAN AND MUTEYIE AL-KHOBANI
UE TO INSECURITY caused by past civil unrest in the Republic of Yemen, several areas of
the country have still only been subject to very incomplete ornithological coverage (see Ash
1988, Porter & Martins 1996). We visited Yemen from 28 February to 21 March 2002, focusing on
the region corresponding to the former South Yemen (Fig. 1). Only species of interest are
reported here.
Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis (undulata) macqueenit
A female near Azzan, on 11 March, and a female and a male on the Durw Plateau, Mahrah
province, on 17 and 18 March respectively. Old tracks were found near Shebwa and Haswyn.
Houbara presence was reported by local people in the Thumood, Mukalla and Al Ghayda areas,
but the species was not recorded by Porter et al. (1996), who only mentioned reports by local
people in the Mahrah region. According to Porter et al. (1996), the species’ status is uncertain,
but it is probably a very rare visitor, which possibly bred in the 19th century. Notwithstanding
that Houbara populations have declined dramatically throughout Arabia because of
overhunting during recent decades, the species is apparently still present year-round in Yemen
(Porter et al. 1996, National Avian Research Center unpubl.).
White-checked Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys
One in Azzan town, on 8 March. There is one previous record for Yemen, from Aden, in March
1961, which is considered to refer to an escape (Martins et al. 1996), as might the present record
(R. F. Porter pers. comm.).
Red-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna
Singles in rocky montane areas between Bir Ali and Mukalla, on 12 March, between Sayhut and
Haswyn, on 14 March, near Haswyn and between Haswyn and Al Ghayda, on 15 March.
Martins et al. (1996) considered the species to be a vagrant or scarce winter visitor, with only
two previous records in the eastern part of the country.
7
| - | \,
| Lf. | \,
| SAUDIA ARABIA. v ‘
Eee ft THUMOOD | 3
' eo e ;
i i, 4 Mahrats %
ee Va region
i a .
ve SHIBAM |
| rif ® |
| \
|
ft
i
NN ANN NNN
Figure 1. Localities in eastern Yemen mentioned in the text.
59
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monacha
Two males at the base of montane slopes near Shebwa, on 4 March. Martins et al. (1996)
considered the species to be apparently resident, although recorded only from the Al. Mukalla
and Hadramawt regions.
Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica
An adult male near Azzan, on 8 March. Martins et al. (1996) did not mention the species for eastern
Yemen, but J. van der Woude (unpubl.) noticed several around Shebwa ruins in autumn 1992.
Yemen Serin Serinus menachensis
Five on slopes between Bir Ali and Mukalla, on 12 March. Martins et al. (1996) considered the
species’ status to be unclear in eastern Yemen, given the availability of only two records, both
Meinertzhagen specimens, whereas in north Yemen, Brooks et al. (1987) considered it to be
widespread and common.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are grateful to H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman
of the Environmental Research Wildlife Development Agency governing board, and H. H. Sheikh Hamdan
bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the governing board, for supporting this trip. We thank Mr M.
Al-Bowardi and Mr M. Al-Mansouri for their invaluable support, as well as our field companions, A. Al-
Mazrowi, M. Al-Wahidi, M. Ali (Mathmoon, army liaison officer), and guides, S. Ali Flake, M. Batees, S.
Mubarak Ali and M. Saleh Mohsen Al-Guwaibi, who accompanied us throughout. Thanks to G. M. Kirwan
and R. F. Porter for their comments on an early draft of this note.
REFERENCES
ASH, J. S. (1988) Some observations in South Yemen in 1984 and a selected bibliography of the region.
Sandgrouse 10: 85-90.
Brooks, D. J., EVANS, M. I., MARTINS, R. P. AND PorRTER, R. F. (1987) The status of birds in North Yemen and
the records of the OSME expedition in autumn 1985. Sandgrouse 9: 4-66.
MARTINS, R. P., BRADSHAW, C. G., BROWN, A., KIRWAN, G. M. AND PORTER, R. F. (1996) The status of passerines
in southern Yemen and records of the OSME survey in spring 1993. Sandgrouse 17: 54-72.
PORTER, R. F. AND MARTINS, R. P. (eds.) (1996) Southern Yemen and Socotra: the report of the OSME survey
in spring 1993. Sandgrouse 17: 1-188.
Porter, R. F., MARTINS, R. P., SHAW, K. D. AND SORENSEN, U. (1996) The status of non-passerines in 1 southern
Yemen and the records of the OSME survey in spring 1993. Sandgrouse 17: 22-53.
Christophe Toureng, Mark Lawrence, Mohammed Saleh and Jassim bin Omran, National Avian
Research Center, Environmental Research Wildlife Development Agency, P. O. Box 45553, Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates.
Muteyie Al-Khobant, University of Mukalla, Mukalla, Republic of Yemen.
Range extensions and new information for
some Iranian birds
ABOLGHASEM KHALEGHIZADEH AND MOHAMMAD E. SEHHATI
N RECENT YEARS we have made ornithological observations in many parts of Iran,
including the Behshahr area, in Mazandaran province, and Gilan province (since 1990),
Tehran (since 1997), the Noor (in 1998-2000), Arasbaran (July 2003), and Amol and Sari areas,
also in Mazandaran province (in 1998-2002), the Moghan plain, Ardabil province, and areas in
Golestan province (2001-2002) and in Zanjan and Yazd provinces (in April 2003). Here we
report a number of observations that add to our knowledge of bird distributions in Iran.
60
Notes
Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata
Seven were adjacent to the game guard quarters in Boujagh National Park, Gilan province, in
the south-west Caspian region, on 20 January 2003, and the guards also observed the species
there in winter 2002. Huge numbers, at least formerly, wintered on the Turkmen steppes, near
the south-east corner of ihe Caspian. Severe winter weather presumably forced small numbers
further west, and was responsible for the records in Gilan.
Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis
Since autumn 1997, the species has been noted at Sowmae-Sara, Gilan province, and since 2000,
in Rostamkola and Behshahr, in Mazandaran province, representing extensions of the species’
range to the north and west (Scott et al. 1975, Mansoori 2000).
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
In June 2001, several were observed at Pars-Abad, on the Moghan plain, Ardabil province; in
June-August 2002 the species was also discovered in Gonbad and Incheh-Boroun, in Golestan
province; two were at Behshahr, in Mazandaran province, on 5 July 2003; and four were north
of Arasbaran, at the same time, and according to local people the species has been present there
34 years, representing extensions of the species’ range (Scott et al. 1975, Mansoori 2000).
Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri
This species is now much more widespread in Tehran than in the 1970s, presumably as a result
of escaped cagebirds (Mansoori 2000, Darreh-Shoori et al. 2001). For example, a population was
discovered in summer 1997, at Niavaran Palace, north of Tehran.
Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria
Up to 25 individuals were observed between autumn 2002 and spring 2003, in the Keshavarzi
Gardens, Evin, in Tehran, where they were frequently seen feeding on pine cones. On 17
March 2003, two were recorded at the Natural Resources Faculty, Karaj, in Tehran province.
This species appears to be a relatively recent arrival in the Tehran region (see, e.g., Sturhan
1972, Scott et al. 1975) presumably as a result of escapes from captivity (Mansoori 2000, Darreh-
Shoori et al. 2001). ;
Barn Owl Tyto alba
On 27 April 2003, one was captured and released in Harat, Yazd province. In Iran, the species
was previously known only from the extreme south-west (Scott et al. 1975), but it has
presumably always occurred in other areas, albeit very scarcely and has been overlooked due to
its strictly nocturnal habits (D. A. Scott in litt. 2003).
White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
One was observed on the Noor coastal plain, in Mazandaran province, in spring 1999. There are
no previous records from the north of the country. Although this species is not thought to
perform regular migrations, short-distance movements are known (see Woodall in del Hoyo et
al. 2001), and there is a recent winter record in Turkey from well north of its usual range in the
country (Balmer & Betton 2002).
White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys
In winter 2000, the species was repeatedly observed in the Noor coastal plain, on the south
Caspian shore, Mazandaran province. In addition, we have many observations of the species
from the period 2000-2003 in Tehran, and 2002-2003 in Karaj, demonstrating that the species is
now well established in these cities, as a result of escaped cagebirds. As recently as the early
1970s the species was unknown in Tehran (Sturhan 1972). Whether the species has spread to the
south Caspian region naturally or whether additional deliberate or unplanned releases have
occurred is unknown.
61
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
Common Mynah Acridotheres tristis
On 1 April 2002 one was singing in Tehran, where another was observed on 11 December 2002,
and at a different site one was seen on 24 June 2003. This species has spread from south-east
Iran (Scott et al. 1975), both north and west, as a result of escaped cagebirds (Mansoori 2000).
The natural range of this species in Iran is confined to the extreme south-east, although there is
now a population outside the gates of the main port in Bandar Abbas (D. A. Scott in litt. 2003).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Weare very grateful to Dr Bahram H. Kiabi and D. A. Scott for his assistance with the English text.
REFERENCES
BALMER, D. AND BETTON, K. (2002) Around the region. Sandgrouse 24: 156-160.
DARREH-SHOORI, B., TOURENQ, C., ZEHZAD, B., TATIN, L., TATIN, D. AND AZMAYESH, B. (2001) Notes on three
bird species in Iran. Sandgrouse 23: 139.
Mansoor, J. (2000) [A field guide to the birds of Iran.| Zehn-aviz Publishing, Tehran. [In Farsi.]
Scott, D. A., MORAVVEJ, H. AND ADHAMI, A. (1975) [Birds of Iran.] Department of the Environment,
Tehran. [In Farsi.]
STURHAN, D. (1972) Birds observed at the Plant Pests and Diseases Research Institute in Tehran-Evin.
Unpubl. report.
WOoobDALL, P. F. (2001) Alcedinidae (kingfishers). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. and Sargatal, J. (eds.) Handbook of
the birds of the world. Vol. 6. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.
Abolghasem Khaleghizadeh, Ornithology Laboratory, Agricultural Zoology Research Department, Plant
Pests & Diseases Research Institute, P. O. 1454, Tehran 19395, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Mohammad E. Sehhati, Ornithology Unit, Wildlife & Aquatic Organisms Bureau, Department e the
Environment (DOE), Islamic Republic of Iran.
A Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis (undulata)
macqueenti caught in Belgium and released in
Saudi Arabia
JACKY JUDAS AND CLAUDE VELTER
N 20 JANUARY 2003, an exhausted Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis (undulata) macqueenii
was discovered at Nieuwpoort near the mouth of the Yser River, on the North Sea coast of
Belgium (Plate 1). Norbert Rootaert and Gunther De Smet identified it as being of the Asian
form macqueenii, which is now generally accorded specific status (Gaucher et al. 1996). Due to its
state, the bird was taken to an avian rescue centre in Oostende (Belgium), under the care of
Claude Velter (Plate 2). Very shy, the bird had to be kept in complete isolation. Subsequently, in
early March, Peter Symens approached the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation &
Development (NCWCD) in Riyadh to propose the transfer of the bird to Saudi Arabia for
release into the wild (in either the Mahazat as-Sayd or Harrat al-Harrah Protected Areas). Prof.
Abuzinada, NCWCD Secretary General, transferred the request to the National Wildlife
Research Center and, following a positive answer, sanctioned the translocation.
On the assumption that the Houbara was a migrant which had arrived in Belgium unassisted,
the idea was to transfer the bird to within its normal range, so that it could survive and return to
its breeding area more easily. To maximise the bird’s chances of achieving this, release needed to
coincide with its normal migration period, i.e. in February—April. Thus, transfer was urgent.
62
Notes
Because Houbara Bustard is listed under CITES (Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species) Appendix I, birds can not be transported as registered baggage, but must
travel as freight, in a box specifically designed in accordance with the agreement governing the
transportation of wild birds (Plate 3), and under strict customs formalities. In mid-March,
arrangements were made to transfer the bird from Belgium to Saudi Arabia, via Paris. The
Saudi Arabian authorities quickly provided the CITES importation certificate. Sylvie Mazure
provided a veterinary certificate after she had thoroughly examined the bird. The issue of a
signed CITES export certificate, which usually takes several weeks, was rapid. The CITES
scientific committee gave its approval in 2-3 days so that Belgian CITES administrative
clearance (through the Ministry of Public Health and Environment, Brussels) could be
obtained on 18 March.
The same day, the Houbara was transferred by car to Paris. Dr Claude-Anne Gautier, director of
Vincennes Zoo, National Museum of Natural History (Paris), had agreed to care for the bird
prior to it being registered on a flight to Saudi Arabia (transport and administrative paperwork
being undertaken by Cargo Logistic in Roissy). Initially planned for 21 March, the Houbara’s
departure was delayed by the commencement of hostilities in Iraq. The bird finally arrived in
Jeddah on 25 March. Abdulrahman Khoja (the NWRC Administrative Director) collected the
bird, completed the final customs formalities and took the Houbara to the NWRC station in
Taif, where it was kept in quarantine for several days. Veterinarian Stéphane Ostrowski took
blood samples to test for Newcastle Disease: the analyses, performed by the Fakieh Poultry
Laboratory in Taif, were negative. Thus, on 7 April, the Houbara was transferred to Mahazat as-
Sayd Protected Area, measured, equipped with a solar-powered radio-transmitter (Plate 4) and
AN NS
Plate 1 (top left). Asian Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis (undulata) macqueenii, Nieuwpoort, Belgium,
January 2003. (Johan Buckens) Plate 2 (top middle). Claude Velter cared for the bustard at the Oostende
bird rescue centre. (Roland Francois) Plate 3 (top right). Box designed in accordance with international
regulations to transport the bird. (Roland Francois) Plate 4 (bottom left). The Asian Houbara Bustard
Chlamydotis (undulata) macqueenii is ringed, measured and equipped with a solar-powered radio-
transmitter. (Olivier Couppey) Plate 5 (bottom right). Jacky Judas releasing the bird within the pre-release
enclosure at Mahazat as-Sayd Protected Area, Saudi Arabia, 7 April 2003. (Olivier Couppey)
Nel
63
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004 ;
released before dusk into a 4-km? pre-release enclosure free of terrestrial predators (Plate 5).
The bird remained for a month in the pre-release enclosure, before it left the area and its
transmitter signal was lost.
Post- and pre-breeding long-distance migrations of Asian Houbara Bustards are extended,
through July-November and February—April Johnsgard 1991, del Hoyo et al. 1996, Osborne et
al. 1997, Combreau et al. 1999). This bird’s presence in Belgium in January was outside the
normal migration period, but given that it was very shy, untagged and exhibited no obvious
signs of captivity, natural origin cannot be eliminated. If so, its arrival was probably through
misorientation (Berthold 2001). There are over 50 documented records of Houbara in Europe.
This record is the fourth in Belgium; previous occurrences were all in the 1840s, when the Asian
Houbara Bustard population was considerably larger, suitable staging habitats more extensive
and the probability of vagrancy presumably also much stronger. However, JJ was informed that
a small group of Asian Houbara Bustards had been smuggled from Pakistan to a private
collection in Belgium, in 2002, via the United Arab Emirates, under falsified CITES certificates
in which they were described as captive-bred birds, being listed as Appendix II, rather than I.
Should this be the case, the Houbara discovered in Belgium must, in the absence of other
information, be regarded as not of natural origin.
Each year, thousands of Houbara are smuggled from Asian countries ‘to supply the illegal
market in the Middle East. Arab falconers use these bustards to train their falcons (Goriup 1997,
Bailey et al. 2001). Overhunting and smuggling related to falconry are the main causes of the
alarming decline in Asian Houbara populations (Combreau & Launay 2001, Combreau et al.
2001). Though the species does not yet face extinction, individual losses are important to its
survival. The procedures and costs entailed in saving this one bird might appear dispropor-
tionate, but not when the fate of a species is at stake; the effort and money spent was tiny
compared to the huge amounts spent in large-scale capturing and smuggling.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are grateful to Prof. Abuzinada, Secretary General of NCWCD, who. permitted the bird’s transfer to
Saudi Arabia; Mike Ratcliffe of the NWRC for his improvements to the manuscript; Peter Symens for
additional comments; and Roland Francois, Johan Buckens and Olivier Couppey for providing photographs.
REFERENCES
BAILEY, T., HOWLETT, J., MARIANO, M., SUDHANAN, M. AND COMBREAU, O. (2001) Review of the Houbara
Bustard confiscation and rehabilitation program of the National Avian Research Center, 1998-2001.
Houbara News 4: 2.
BERTHOLD, P. (2001) Bird migration: a general survey. Second edn. Oxford University Press.
COMBREAU, O., LAUNAY, F. AND AL BOWARDI, M. (1999) Outward migration of Houbara Bustards from two
breeding areas in Kazakhstan. Condor 101: 159-164.
COMBREAU, O. AND LAUNAY, F. (2001) Alarming drop in the Asian Houbara populations in the last 4 years.
Houbara News 4: 2-3.
COMBREAU, O., LAUNAY, F. AND LAWRENCE, M. (2001) An assessment of annual mortality rates in adult-sized
migrant houbara bustards (Chlamydotis [undulata] macqueenii). Anim. Conserv. 4: 133-141.
DEL Hoyo, J., ELLIOTT, A. AND SARGATAL J. (EDS.) (1996) Handbook of the birds of the world. Vol. 3. Lynx
Edicions, Barcelona. ;
GAUCHER, P., PAILLAT, P., CHAPPUIS, C., SAINT JALME, M., LOTFIKHAH, F. AND WINK, M. (1996) Taxonomy of the
Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata subspecies considered on the basis of sexual display and peneue
divergence. Ibis 138: 273-282.
GoriuP P. (1997) The world status of the Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata. Bird Conserv. Intern.
7: 373-397.
JOHNSGARD, P. A. (1991) Bustards, hemipodes and sandgrouse. Birds of dry places. Oxford University Press.
OSBORNE P. E., AL BOWARDI, M. AND BaILey, T. A. (1997) Migration of the Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata
from Abu Dhabi to Turkmenistan: the first results from satellite tracking studies. Ibis 139: 192-196.
Jacky Judas, National Wildlife Research Center, PO Box 1086, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Claude Velter, Vogelopvangcentrum, Langestraat 99, 8400 Oostende, Belgium.
64
Notes
Breeding Striated Heron Butorides striatus
in Israel
YOAV PERLMAN
OSEF ET AL. (2002) reported on Striated Herons Butorides striatus breeding at Eilat, Israel,
the first such record in the country. It is worth remaking that there is earlier evidence of this
species breeding on the mariculture platforms, 1 km offshore from Eilat, in summer 2000. The
phenomenon was first noted in July 2000 (E. Nevo pers. comm.), and Nir Sapir and myself
noted at least three pairs and their young in August 2000. According to the staff of these farms,
breeding also occurred in 1999.
REFERENCE
YOSEF, R., RYDBERG-HEDAEN, M., MITCHELL, L. AND SMIT, H. (2002) The first breeding record of Striated Heron
Butorides striatus in Israel. Sandgrouse 24: 134-135.
Yoav Perlman, Israeli Ornithological Centre, Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, 23 Bet
Ha‘arava Street, Jerusalem 93389, Israel.
The first Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan in
Israel and the Middle East
JAMES P. SMITH
N 3 JUNE 2003, while birding at Ein Evrona salt pools (adjacent to km post 20) north of
Eilat, I discovered a Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan among several hundred Slender-billed
Gulls L. genei. It was an adult in full-summer plumage and, as such, presented no identification
problems, especially given that it was a species with which I was very familiar from numerous
trips to North America and Mexico. Though the hour was rather late for birding at the salt
pools (11.30), viewing conditions were excellent and a northerly breeze offered some relief from
the summer heat. I documented the occurrence with a series of digital images taken through my
telescope, and alerted a number of Israel’s leading birders via a general telephone text message.
By that evening, at least nine observers had reached Ein Evrona to see the bird, including Yoav
Perlman and Nir Sapir of the Israel Rarities & Distribution Committee (IRDC). The gull was
seen regularly at Ein Evrona until 6 June, when it was last observed by Ido Tsurim, Barak
Granit and Rami Mizrachi.
Description. A rather small gull, similar in size to Slender-billed but differing in proportions, being overall
more compact, less rakish and shorter winged. Outstanding plumage features included the complete
blackish hood, with broad and prominent white eye-crescents visible even at considerable range. The
upperparts were deep grey, approaching Siberian (Heuglin’s) Gull Larus (fuscus) heuglini in tone and much
darker than the other small gulls present. It also lacked the brown tones of White-eyed Gull L. leucoph-
thalmus (which was present at nearby Eilat). The upperwings exhibited considerable white in the primary
tips, extending along the trailing edge of the wing, a feature that was extremely obvious in flight. Black
subterminal bands to the primaries were equally obvious, with a clear white band separating the black band
from the rest of the deep grey upperwing. Later, in the afternoon, together with other birders, | noted that
the central rectrices were characteristically a pale, smudgy grey. The bare parts were bright deep red. These
distinctive features, the excellent viewing conditions and a very cooperative bird eliminated all other small
to medium-sized dark-hooded gulls at a very early stage in the observation.
65
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
\
. : A
Plates 1-2. Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan, Ein Evrona, north of Eilat, Israel, 3 June 2003. (James p. Smith)
i
Franklin’s Gull is a highly migratory species, which principally winters along the west coast of
South America. It is an inland breeder, being found on prairie lakes and wetlands in the
central/northern United States and southern Canada (Harrison 1983). Vagrants have reached
north-west Europe, especially the U. K. (40 records by the of end of 2001; Rogers et al. 2002), as
well as Morocco (Thévenot et al. 2003), Senegambia (Borrow & Demey 2001), South Africa,
Australia and Japan. It has even reached some remote islands in the Southern Ocean, namely
South Georgia (Prince & Croxall 1996), Tristan da Cunha and Prince Edward Island (Shirihai
2002), but there are no previous records for the Middle East (Porter et al. 1996), and, indeed, this
is the first Nearctic gull of any species to be recorded in Israel (Shirihai 1996). The record awaits
ratification by the IRDC. : bates
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Special thanks to the Kibbutz Lotan Centre for Birdwatching and Dan Alon of the Israel Ornithological
Centre for their continued and generous support. Philip Griffin and Guy Kirwan provided information
used in the preparation of this note.
REFERENCES
Borrow, N. AND DEMEY, R. (2001) Birds of western Africa. A. & C. Black, London.
HARRISON, P. (1983) Seabirds: an identification guide. Croom Helm, Beckenham.
Porter, R. F., CHRISTENSEN, S. AND SCHIERMACKER-HANSEN, P. (1996) Field guide to the birds of the Middle East.
T. & A. D. Poyser, London.
PRINCE, P. A. AND CROXALL, J. P. (1996) The birds of South Georgia. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club 116: 81-104.
ROGERS, M. J. AND THE RARITIES COMMITTEE (2002) Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 2001. Brit. Birds 95:
476-528.
SHIRIHAI, H. (1996) The birds of Israel. Academic Press, London.
SHIRIHAI, H. (2002) The complete guide to Antarctic wildlife. Alula Press Oy, Degerby.
66
Notes
THEVENOT, M., VERNON, R. AND BERGIER, P. (2003) The birds of Morocco: an annotated checklist. BOU checklist
series 21. British Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.
James P. Smith, 157 Standon Road, Sheffield S9 1PH, South Yorkshire, U. K. (permanent address), or
Kibbutz Lotan, D. N. Chevel, Eilot, 88855, Israel.
The first Upcher’s Warbler Hippolais languida
in Cyprus
ANDREA CORSO
ETWEEN AUGUST AND EARLY NOVEMBER 2002, I was based in Cyprus as part of a
project combating illegal bird trapping on the island, on behalf of BirdLife International, the
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Cyprus Ornithological Society (COS) (1975).
During this period I made a number of interesting observations of birds considered rare in
Cyprus, but the undoubted highlight was my discovery of an Upcher’s Warbler Hippolais languida.
On 4 September, while Andrew Stronach and myself were checking a compound near Avgorou (in
the south-east of the island) for evidence of illegal bird trapping, I noticed a Hippolais warbler
feeding in a tree. However, rather than the expected Olivaceous Warbler H. pallida (a common
species on the island), it appeared larger and heavier, causing me to study the bird very carefully. I
soon realised that it was an Upcher’s Warbler. Having spent ten days on Cyprus without having
encountered this species, I realised that it was an interesting record, but I was unaware of the full
significance of the observation. Nevertheless, I took detailed field sketches and notes.
Upon returning to my accommodation, I sent a text message to Jeff Gordon, who soon
responded with the amazing news that I had discovered a new bird for Cyprus, which came as
a real surprise given the breeding distribution and migration routes taken by this warbler. The
record was subsequently accepted by the COS (1957) rarities committee.
Description
The following is a summary of the most important aspects of my field notes submitted to the rarities
committee. First noted as being larger and chunkier than Eastern Olivaceous Warbler H. p. elaeica (hereafter
referred to as elaeica). The bill appeared longer and deeper based than on elaeica, the tail was longer and,
especially, broader, as also were the wings and the legs. The supercilium was rather similar to elacica, but
seemed fractionally better defined. The upperparts were purer grey, with the tail and wings darker, almost
blackish (especially the primaries, which contrasted strongly with the rest of the upperparts). The
underparts were pure white, except for a slight buff wash on the flanks. The strong bill was darker on the
upper mandible and paler on the lower; the legs were quite darkish. Very obvious were frequent sideways
and partially circular tail movements, similar to those performed by an alarmed Red-backed Shrike Lanio
collurio, swinging the tail and occasionally rapidly fanning it.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks to Jeff Gordon and the members of the COS (1957) records committee for their assistance with this
record. Jeff and his wife, Olga, also helped me in many other respects during my time in Cyprus, as did
Judy Dawes and David Whaley, who were most gracious in their welcome. Andy Stronach was an excellent
companion during the project, Melis Charalambides and his family played ‘godfather’, and Robert Jones
also joined me in the field. Guy Shorrock, Graham Elliott and Kevin Strandring organised and assisted the
project, and proved to be admirable ‘bosses’ in what is a very important mission, eliminating the threat
posed by illegal bird trappers to many thousands of migrant birds.
Andrea Corso, Via Camastra10, 96100 Siracusa. Italy.
67
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
Gourmet corvids of the Bosphorus
DR AHMET KILIC
IRDS USUALLY OBTAIN THEIR FOOD without recourse to tool use, but there are
exceptions. For example, in parts of its range Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus will
attempt to hit fresh ostrich eggs with stones it has picked up in its bill, and if successful eat the
contents (van Lawick-Goodall & van Lawick-Goodall 1966). Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus
takes bones from stripped carcases and drops them onto rocks, then eating the contents,
including bone fragments (Fischer 1974). Some American Crows Corvus brachyrhynchos break
open two species of walnuts by dropping them to eat the contents (Cristol & Switzer 1999).
Hooded Crow Corvus corone is widespread in Turkey, taking many kinds of food. Being full of
curiosity, it examines everything that might be edible. Some individual Hooded Crows C. c.
pallescens in Istanbul have discovered how to eat mussels, whose calcium-rich shells act as
armour, despite this food source being strongly secured to rocks, and exposed only at low tide.
Having freed a mussel from its anchor-point, the crow will seize it firmly in its bill and drop it
repeatediy on to rocks from c. 3 metres, in order to break the shell at the hinge or to smash the
shell so the contents can be consumed (Barnes 1987). Mussels are rich in vitamins, the egg white,
mineral salts and other important nutrients (Salvini-Plawen 1970), and are found along shallow
and stony coasts of the Bosphorus. Sometimes the mussel beds are unreachable due to wave
action or high tides. When they are accessible, Hooded Crows pick up mussels and walk or hop
to a nearby stone or a concrete block. Being unable to break an intact mussel shell with its bill, a
crow will place the mussel in its bill and drop it. Terne (1978) reported that Hooded Crows (in
Sweden) let mussels fall from a height of 15-20 metres. |
Between 11.00 and 14.00, on 27 July 2001, I observed (at ranges of 8-10 metres) 15 Hooded
Crows indulging in such behaviour. I noted that the waves can prevent them from reaching the
mussels, and that the birds found it difficult to detach mussels from the rocks. Successful crows
would repeat their behaviour several times. A Hooded Crow mussel feast consists of c. 100
mussels, the shells being scattered along some 15 metres of shore. The crows are easily
disturbed by human approach.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Ibrahim Tunik translated the manuscript into English.
REFERENCES
BARNES, R. D. (1987) Invertebrate zoology. Fifth edn. Sounders College Publishing, Philadelphia.
CRISTOL, D. A. AND SWITZER, P. V. (1999) Avian prey-dropping behavior. I]. American Crows and walnuts.
Behav. Ecol. 10: 220-226. .
FISCHER, W. (1974) Die Geier. A. Ziemsen Verlag, Wittenberg Lutherstadt.
VAN LAWICK-GOODALL, J. AND LAWICK-GOODALL, H. VAN (1966) Use of tools by the Egyptian Vulture,
Neophron percnopterus. Nature 212: 1468-1469.
SALVINI-PLAWEN, L. VON (1970) Weichtiere, 6. Kapitel. In: Grzimek, B. (ed.) Grzimeks Tierleben. Bd. 3.
Kindler Verlag, Zurich.
TERNE, T. (1978) Kraka forséker krossa musslor pa gratrutsmaner. Var Fagelvdrld 37: 255-256.
Ahmet Kilic, Dicle University, Science Faculty, Biology, TR 21280 Diyarbakir, Turkey.
68
Reviews & Recent Literature
BRM erature
Alstrom, P., Mild, K. & Zetterstrom, B.
(2003) Pipits and wagtails of Europe, Asia
and North America. A. & C. Black, London.
pp 496, 30 colour plates, 240 colour
photographs, many colour maps, £48.
There are some books in recent times that
have almost become the stuff of legend before
they are published. Either through projected
publication dates, tasters provided by identi-
fication articles in birding journals or just by
word of mouth, expectation grows. Recent
examples include James Ferguson Lees &
David Christie’s Raptors of the world, the
monumental Handbook of bird identification and
the superb Collins bird guide. With the
publication of Pipits and wagtails another
mythical tome has finally become reality,
although we will have to wait for the larks
that originally were also to have been
included. The authors’ idea of a book on the
identification of pipits and wagtails dates
from the early 1980s. The identification
articles they produced in the late 1980s and
early 1990s helped remove a significant
proportion of the confusion that surrounded
the identification of the more difficult pipits.
This book goes significantly further. It is quite
simply excellent and well worth the wait.
The book broadly follows the by now familiar
format of Helm Identification Guides, with an
introductory section, followed by plates and
the species accounts. However, it also
features 240 photographs at the end of the
species accounts, selected to illustrate
important plumage and structural features,
which augment the text and plates well.
Every element of the book is a mine of
information. The introduction includes partic-
ularly detailed sections on moult and also a
well-argued explanation of species concepts,
and a rational for the taxonomic treatment of
the species and subspecies in the book. The
authors favour a Monophlyletic Species
Concept (MSC), but also illustrate that this
approach can support various classifications
of species (e.g. a rather traditional Biological
Species Concept approach recognising nine
species of wagtail, with an additional 23
subspecies, or a Phylogenetic Species Concept
approach resulting in 24 species). The authors
follow what may be regarded by some as the
more conservative species and subspecies
arrangement, but highlight their determi-
nation to detail and describe the least-
inclusive taxa, and recommend that all field
workers adopt similar methodology.
Therefore, the important issue is whether a
taxon is diagnosable and not especially
whether it has achieved specific status or not.
The plates are extremely accurate and are
arranged to permit direct comparison of
critical differences between species that are
difficult to separate. All relevant plumages
and taxa are illustrated and the careful
approach to illustrate all useful aspects of
plumage leads to numerous depictions of the
same species (e.g. 13 individual Richard’s
Pipits Anthus novaeseelandiae across three
plates). The only problem with this critical
and analytical approach is that the plates do
not look quite as lifelike or attractive as in
some recent works. However, this is relieved
by the final plate, where a delightful Forest
Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus, approaching
head-on, looks like it could just walk out of
the page and captures the species perfectly.
The individual species accounts really set a
new high standard for guides of this sort. A
number of recent titles have shown that this
series can feature valuable first-hand data from
the author’s researches and do not necessarily
need to form a compilation of the existing
literature. This is not to say that these titles (the
present one included) are not meticulously
researched, but also demonstrate that a
significant proportion of the information has
been collected during the book’s preparation.
In this case, however, the text is full of
observations, comments and queries of
existing literature. So rather than publish that
Yellow Wagtails of the form iberiae and cinereo-
capilla occur in the Middle East, they propose
69
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 69-74 2004
that such claims should only be accepted if
proved by ringing recoveries or some other
evidence that excludes white-throated flava,
thunbergi or intergrades between flava and
feldegg. Another example of this thorough and
critical approach is the questioning of the
regular breeding of M. f. Iutea within the range
of beema in Kazakhstan, supported by the
authors observations and correspondence with
field workers active in the region. The text is
full of valuable observations of this nature,
confirming the title as an essential reference.
Voice, another valuable component to the
separation of pipits and wagtails, is well
covered and the authors have managed to
transcribe calls in a manner that translates well
for English readers, obviously no mean feat for
Scandinavians (a point the authors’ draw
attention to themselves). These written
transcriptions are accompanied by numerous
sonograms, which are helpfully annotated in
many instances.
I simply cannot recommend this book highly
enough as it really does set the standard by
which all similar works should be compared.
Here’s looking forward to the larks!
Adam Rowlands
Richardson, C. (ed.) (2003) Emirates Bird
Report No. 20. Emirates Bird Records
Committee, Dubai. UK price £15.00
including p&p if ordered from PO Box
50394, Dubai).
This long-awaited catch-up volume restores
the series to an annual event. It covers rare
birds in the United Arab Emirates, January
1995-June 2003, and includes a systematic list
and a table of monthly sightings for the
period 1995-2000, but most important (my
prejudices are showing) are the Asian
Waterfowl Census results for UAE wetlands.
There are also well-documented first-record
accounts for nine species, including Shikra
Accipiter badius, Amur Falcon Falco amurensis
and Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithit.
It has clearly been a huge, almost obsessive
effort. The contributions by Simon Aspinall
and David Diskin have been absolutely vital,
but Colin’s task is exemplified by his need to
reduce the checklist manuscript from 180,500
70
words to 20,000! Even so, the whole book
benefits from every editing trick used to fit
vast amounts of data into a tidy paperback;
margins are narrow and line-spacing is varied
cunningly. Almost all of the many difficult
editing decisions have worked very well; it
simply isn’t realistic to complain that the
census tables exclude scientific names leaving
just common names, for their addition would
have expanded the tables by a line each time!
The checklist follows the taxonomic order of
Porter et al. (1996), but it would have been
useful if authorities had been cited for the
nomenclature used.
An unexpected benefit from such an inclusive
work as this volume is that species’ trends are
apparent to the reader of the checklist and
census, e.g. Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus
indicus going from vagrant to almost annual
and Little Stint Calidris minutus apparently
declining. Such data are related to observer
effort and regular presence, of course, but I
draw some comfort from the phenology of the
monthly sightings, where few species show
obvious declines with time, save perhaps
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla. Despite the pressure
on space, there is an ample scattering of useful
tables, graphs and fine illustrations. The
comprehensive lists of introduced and
escaped species give much food for thought.
This book rises high in the canon of
publications vital within the OSME region,
particularly because the UAE is close to the
boundary of so many regional avifaunas. Not
only of intrinsic interest, being a delight to dip
into, it will also be a useful reference for
birders and authors alike for years. Colin
Richardson deserves an award for his services
to Middle Eastern ornithology.
Mike Blair
Whaley, D. J. & Dawes, J. C. (2003)
Cyprus breeding birds atlas. Privately
published, Paphos. pp 39. UKE£7.50, from
David Whaley, P. O. Box 62710, 8068
Paphos, Cyprus; e-mail: whaleydawes@
spidernet.com.cy. )
Eight years of dogged pursuit of an almost -
impossible aim by David Whaley and Judy
Dawes has produced the first Cyprus breeding
bird atlas. Beforehand, they decided to record
Reviews & Recent Literature
data based on the UTM 100 km x 100 km grid
datum (which has since changed for Cyprus!),
using the 10 km x 10 km square as a base unit
comprised of four 5 km x 5 km quadrants, in
line with the European Bird Census Council
(EBCC) standard. This means that future work
can be added in a straightforward manner.
They also adopted the EBCC criteria for proof
of breeding, but some of these are not simple
to apply this far along a migration route.
A superficial examination of the maps
reveals a bias of effort towards the west,
south of the ‘Green Line’ (although many
records came from the rest of Cyprus), but
this disguises the immense amount of work
carried out, largely by the authors. Although
many surveys and records came from
elsewhere, the birdwatchers were reluctant
to participate for two reasons; local ways of
recording birds and breeding criteria had
developed very differently, and
birdwatchers visiting the island either failed
to pass on their records (possibly because
their identification of sites was inadequate)
or largely declined to participate.
All bird atlases are faced with the dilemma of
when to stop gathering data and publish, and
much credit is due to the authors for making
a timely practical decision. Maps are confined
mostly to those species with a reasonable
history of breeding or not under direct threat.
Maps and texts tell of recent declines and
increases, examples being Griffon Vulture
Gyps fulvus in the first category and Black
Francolin Francolinus francolinus and
Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata in the.
second. Doubtless some of the increases are
due to the atlas observer effort. There is a
useful UTM Cyprus map and an excellent
gazetteer giving a 10 km-square reference for
all place names appearing in the text.
It would be easy to nit-pick this pioneering
work, but its faults are insignificant beside its
achievement. I think a useful addition to each
breeding species account would be the
months of the breeding season in Cyprus;
such data could well persuade birdwatchers
to go to Cyprus in order to search for species
and pass on their data. Like all bird atlas
projects, the data provided subsequent to
publication are invaluable for the database,
which can be used to help conservation work
in so many ways. Heed your conscience and
send your records to the authors!
Mike Blair
ALSO RECEIVED
Kasparek, M. & Kinzelbach, R. (eds.)
(2003) Zoology in the Middle East Volume
28. Kasparek Verlag, Heidelberg. €25
(reduced price €14).
There are no bird papers in the latest (128-
page) volume but a contribution on the status
of the Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus
monachus in a pilot conservation area, at Foga,
in Aegean Turkey, is likely to be of some
interest to OSME members.
Guy M. Kirwan
RECENT LITERATURE
Compiled by Adrian Pitches & Effie Warr
This review, which is produced annually,
principally covers papers in the West European
literature considered to be most relevant to
birders resident in the region. All were
published in 2003 unless otherwise stated.
Regional
Alstrom, P. et al. Identification of Black-
headed Wagtail. Birdwatch 131: 30-32.
Barton, N. W. H. (2002) Recent data on Saker
trapping pressure. Falco 20: 5-8.
Barton, N. W. H. The microchipping scheme.
Falco 22: 8-9 [monitoring falcons].
Belik, V. P. et al. (2000) [Catastrophic decline
in North Caucasus population of the
Nordmann’s Pratincole Glareola nordmanni.|
Inf. Materials Working Group on Waders 13:
36-38. [In Russian with English summary. ]
Berthold, P. et al. (2002) Long-term satellite
tracking sheds light upon variable migration
strategies of White Storks (Ciconia ciconia). J.
Orn. 143: 489-493.
Bolshakov, C. V. (2001) Specific composition
and spatial distribution of passerine
nocturnal migrants in the arid and highland
zone of western Central Asia: the results of
large-scale trapping at daytime stopovers.
Avian Ecol. Behav. 6: 15-16.
Bolshakov, C. V. (2002) The Palaearctic—
African bird migration system: the role of ©
71
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
desert and highland barrier of western Asia.
Ardea 90: 515-523.
Broders, O. et al. A mtDNA phylogeny of
bustards (family Otididae) based on
nucleotide sequences of the cytochrome b-
gene. J. Orn. 144: 176-185.
Bruderer, B. (2001) Recent studies modifying
current views of nocturnal bird migration in
the Mediterranean. Avian Ecol. Behav. 7: 11-25.
Busse, P. (2001) European passerine
migration system—what is known and what
is lacking. Ring 23: 3-36.
Collinson, M. et al. Specific status of taxa
within the Greenish Warbler complex. Brit.
Birds 96: 327-331.
Corso, A. & Catley, G. P. Separation of transi-
tional second calendar-year Red-footed
Falcon from Amur Falcon. Dutch Birding 25:
153-158.
Crochet, P.-A. et al. (2002) Systematics of
large white-headed gulls: patterns of
mitochondrial DNA variation in western
European taxa. Auk 119: 603-620.
Ebels, E. B. Speciation in Pica magpies. Dutch
Birding 25: 103-116.
Forsman, D. Identification of Black-eared
Kite. Birding World 16: 150-160.
Gantlett, S. Photo-forum—identification of
orange-billed terns. Birding World 16: 285-304.
Garner, M. et al. Mongolian and Lesser Sand
Plovers: an identification overview. Birding
World 16: 377-385.
Klausewitz, W. (2002) Frankfurt versus
Berlin: the Red Sea explorers Wilhelm
Hemprich, Christian Ehrenberg and Eduard
Ruippell. Zool. Middle East 27: 7-12.
Leader, P. J. & Carey, G. J. Identification of
Pintail Snipe and Swinhoe’s Snipe. Brit. Birds
96: 178-198 [questions the Israel record of
Swinhoe’s Snipe Gallinago stenura in early-
spring 1998].
Loskot, V. M. (2001) Taxonomic revision of
the Hume’s Whitethroat Sylvia althaea Hume,
1878. Avian Ecol. Behav. 6: 41-42. |
Loskot, V. M. Distribution and breeding
biology of the Radde’s Accentor Prunella
ocularis (Radde). Avian Ecol. Behav. 10: 33-66.
Meyburg, B.-U. et al. (2000) Migration and
wintering of the Lesser Spotted Eagle Aguila
pomarina: a study by means of satellite
telemetry. Global Environ. Res. 4: 183-193.
Meyburg, B.-U. et al. Migration routes of
Steppe Eagles between Asia and Africa: a
study by means of satellite telemetry. Condor
105: 219-227,
72
Occhiato, D. Identification of Pine Bunting.
Dutch Birding 25: 1-16.
Parkin, D. T. et al. The taxonomic status of
Carrion and Hooded Crows. Brit. Birds 96:
274-290.
Svensson, L. Hippolais update: identification
of Booted Warbler and Sykes’s Warbler.
Birding World 16: 470-474.
Ullman, M. Separation of Western and
Eastern Black-eared Wheatear. Dutch Birding
20: (7-97.
Vinicombe, K. Red-headed Bunting revisited.
Birdwatch 137: 32.
Wilson, M. G. & Korovin, V. A. Oriental
Turtle Dove breeding in the Western
Palearctic. Brit. Birds 96: 234-241.
Yésou, P. Les goélands du complexe Larus
argentatus—cachinnans—fuscus; ou en est la
systématique? Ornithos 10: 144-181 [updated
translation of original published in Dutch
Birding in 2002].
Armenia
Manaseryan, N. & Balyan, L. (2002) The birds
of ancient Armenia. Acta zool. Cracoviensia 45
(special issue): 405-414 [archaeological].
Cyprus
Blair, M. Green hills far away....Cyprus 14-27
March 2002. Koy. Airy Force Or Soc
Newsletter 75: 36-49.
Paton, A. S. Survey of the Eleonora’s Falcon
breeding sites in Cyprus—2002. Roy. Air
Force Orn. Soc. Newsletter 75: 4—7.
Dagestan
Vilkov, E. V. (2001) Saker Falcon in Dagestan.
Falco 18: 6-7.
Egypt |
Barritt, M. K. (2002) A north-bound transit of
the Suez Canal in March 2002. Sea Swallow
51: 30-32.
Georgia
Tucker, G. Birding Georgia. Birdwatch 138:
34-37.
Iran
Aye, R. & Schweizer, M. Wintering hybrids
Pine Bunting x Yellowhammer in northern
Iran. Dutch Birding 25: 40-43. :
Ullman, M. & Breider, J.-M. Resan till Iran.
Var Fagelviirld 62 (7): 12-17.
Reviews & Recent Literature
Israel
Budden, A. E. & Wright, J. (2000) Nestling
diet, chick growth and breeding success in
the. Southern’ .Grey Shrike (Lanius
meridionalis). Ring 22: 165-172.
Comi, E. et al. (2002) Componente vegetale
dell’alimentazione di Silvidi in sosta migratoria
ad Eilat (Israele). Riv. Ital. Orn. 72: 276-280.
Paz, U. & Eshbol, Y. (2002) Adoption of
Black-winged Stilt chicks by Common Terns.
Wilson Bull. 114: 409-412.
Shamoun-Baranes, J. ef al. Differential use of
thermal convection by soaring birds over
central Israel. Condor 105: 208-218.
Smith, J. A Franklin’s Gull at Eilat—new to
Israel and the Middle East. Birding World
16: 281.
Tryjanowski, P. & Yosef, R. (2002)
Differences between the spring and autumn
migration of the Red-backed Shrike Lanius
collurio: record from the Eilat stopover
(Israel). Acta Orn. 37(2): 85-90.
Yosef, R. (2001) Advantages of migratory bird
research at the Eilat bottleneck: a case study
of the Levant Sparrowhawk. Avian Ecol.
Behav. 6: 29-30.
Yosef, R. Nocturnal arrival at a roost by
migrating Levant Sparrowhawks. J. Raptor
Res. 37: 64-67.
Yosef, R. & Tryjanowski, P. (2000)
Phenology and biometric measurements of
migratory Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator)
at Eilat, Israel. Ring 22: 213-217.
Yosef, R. & Tryjanowski, P. (2002)
Differential spring migration of Ortolan
Bunting Emberiza hortulana by sex and age at
Eilat, Israel. Ornis Fennica 79: 173-180.
Yosef, R. & Tryjanowski, P. (2002) Spring
migration ecology of Cretzschmar’s Bunting
(Emberiza caesia) through Eilat, Israel. Israel J.
Zool. 48: 149-153.
Yosef, R. et al. (2000) Soaring migrants and
the 1% principle. Ring 22: 79-84.
Yosef, R. et al. (2002) Migration character-
istics of the Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
at Eilat (Israel). Ring 24: 51-69.
Yosef, R. et al. Differential spring migration
of adult and juvenile Levant Sparrowhawks
(Accipiter brevipes) through Eilat, Israel. J.
Raptor Res. 37: 31-36.
Kazakhstan
Berezovikov, N. N. (2002) [Breeding
population decline of Nordmann’s Pratincole
Glareola nordmanni in Eastern Kazakhstan. ]
Inf. Materials Working Group on Waders 15:
46-49. [In Russian with English summary. ]
Duquet, M. & Olioso, G. Les oiseaux du
Kazakhstan: des montagnes du Tien Shan aux
vastes steppes d’Astana. Ornithos 10: 212-229.
Eriksson, J. & Eriksson, L. B. Chokpak:
Mytomspunnen Fagelstation i Kazakstan.
Var Fagelvarld 62 (2): 6-13.
Gavrilov, E. I. et al. (2002) Long-term fluctu-
ations in numbers of swallows Hirundo
rustica on seasonal migration in the foothills
of west Tien Shan (south Kazakhstan). Avian
Ecol. Behav. 8: 1-22.
Grachev, V. A. (2002) [On nesting of the
Azure Tit Parus cyanus at Ili delta.) Russian J.
Orn. 11 (204): 1075-1076. [In Russian. ]
Karpov, F. F. et al. [Notes on behaviour of
Sociable Lapwing Chettusia gregaria in
southeastern Kazakhstan.] Inf. Materials
Working Group on Waders 16: 57-58. [In
Russian with English summary. ]
Katzner, T. E. et al. Coexistence in a
multispecies assemblage of eagles in Central
Asia. Condor 105: 538-551.
Khrokov, V. V. (2002) [Kazakstan.] Inf.
Materials Working Group on Waders 15: 16-17.
[In Russian with English summary.]
Levin, A. Sakers in Kazakhstan 2002. Falco
2178-9.
Navarro, J. et al. Diet of three sympatric owls
in steppe habitats of eastern Kazakhstan. J.
Raptor Res. 37: 256-258.
Sklyarenko, S. et al. (2002) Migratory
flyways of raptors and owls in Kazakhstan
according to ringing data. Vogelwarte 41:
263-268.
Oman
Olioso, G. (2002) Curieux comportement de
péche d’une Aigrette garzette Egretta garzetta
et dune Aigrette des récifs E. gularis.
Ornithos 9: 218-219. [English summary. ]
Smith, N. 4 months in Oman. Pt.1—the
northern coastal area. Roy. Air Force Orn. Soc.
Newsletter 75: 30-35.
Wallace, D. I. M. Shortish or long shot at
snipe? Brit. Birds 96: 406-407,
Wallace, D. I. M. Saunders’ Tern: different in
jizz & call? Birding World 16: 391.
Saudi Arabia :
Meadows, B. S. Additional distributional
records from the central Hejaz, western
Arabia—an addendum to Baldwin &-
Meadows (1988). Bull. Brit. Orn. Club 123:
73
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
154-177.
Shobrak, M. Vultures in Saudi Arabia.
Vulture News 48: 20-48.
Syria
Murdoch, D. Syrian Bald Ibises—on the
brink. Birding World 16: 306.
Serra, G. The discovery of Northern Bald
Ibises in Syria. World Birdwatch 25 (1): 10-13.
Turkey
Kilic, A. ef al. Observations on a newly
detected breeding site of Bonelli’s Eagle,
Hieraaetus fasciatus in south-eastern Anatolia.
Zool. Middle East 30: 37-41.
United Arab Emirates
Aspinall, S. Collared Pratincoles feeding at
night. Brit. Birds 96: 302-303.
Aspinall, S. & Hellyer, P. Requiem for a
desert oasis [Dubai]. Brit. Birds 96: 411.
Uzbekistan
Lanovenko, E. N. et al. [New records of the
Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenutrostris
from Uzbekistan.] Inf. Materials Working
Group on Waders 16: 58-60. [In Russian with
English summary. ]
Yemen
Buck, H. Two (and a half) days in Yemen.
Cyprus Orn. Soc. (1957) Newsletter 11: 9-13.
Porter, R. Socotra and its unique wildlife.
World Birdwatch 25 (2): 22-25.
Quarter ae, 400mm tall x 61 wide £ 40
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Full page: 210mm tall x 135 wide
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Around the Region
—_— —_
AVOUT LITE
IS e910n
compiled by
Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton
Records in Around the Region are published for interest
only; their inclusion does not imply acceptance by the
records committee of the relevant country. All records
relate to 2003 unless otherwise stated.
Records and photographs for Sandgrouse 26 (2)
should be sent by 15 July 2904, to Around the Region,
OSME, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire
SG19 2DL, U.K.; or aroundtheregion@osme.org
atten
feomwe
Bee-eaters
Merops apiaster
by D. Powell
ARMENTA
Some 95 Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis
at Armash fish ponds on 9 August
was an impressive total. Forty
Whooper Swans Cygnus cygnus,
mostly adults, were at Armash fish
farm on 17 December. On the same
date, 25 White-fronted Geese
Anser albifrons were at the nearby
fish ponds, a significant count of
this rare migrant and winter
visitor, and a male Wigeon Anas
penelope was also there. At least
four See-see Partridge Ammoperdix
griseogularis were at Meghri on 25
May and 6 August, the first records
for Armenia.
Visits to Armash fish ponds during
autumn and winter produced many
notable records. A late Quail
Coturnix coturnix was present on 17
December. There were several
Broad-billed Sandpipers Limicola
falcinellus: one on 9 August, four
adults and a juvenile on 30 August
and at least five on 6 September
(the 10-12th records). The 8-10th
records of Temminck’s Stint
Calidris temminckii involved one on
9 August, four on 30 August and
three Om, 6G September. Two
Greenshanks Tringa nebularia on 26
September were unusual; another
was present on 17 December. Three
Spotted Redshanks T. erythropus
on the latter date was a rare record
and seven Red-necked Phalaropes
Phalaropus lobatus on 6 September
were notable. Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponica is a rare passage
migrant, thus one on 26 August
was significant. A total of 102
Slender-billed Gulls Larus genei on
9 August was the highest count for
the country. Three Whiskered
Terns Chlidonias hybridus on 17
December was the latest record for
Armenia. The fifth record of Pied
Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka
involved one on 6 August. A pure
albino Bearded Tit Panurus
biarmicus on 17 November was
unusual. A flock of c. 40 Spanish
Sparrows Passer hispaniolensis on
the same date was an excellent
count of this irregular winter visitor
to the fish farm.
Bahrain
A Barn Owl Tyto alba was in the
Budaiyah area on 16 December.
[—Aa
75
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 75-80 2004
Cyprus
Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris
diomedea was regular off Kyrenia in
mid-October with a maximum of
210 on 16 October. Twenty-five
Yelkouan Shearwaters Puffinus
yelkouan flew west past Korucam
Burnu (Cape Kormakiti) on 9
November. A Gannet Morus
bassanus passed close by Zafer
Burnu (Cape Andreas). At least
three nests of Night Heron
Nycticorax nycticorax with ten
juveniles (eight certainly fledged)
at Polmidhia Dam is the second
confirmed breeding record (the
first was in 1982). A Spoonbill
Platalea leucorodia at Asprokremnos
Dam on 3 July was unusually early
and a flock of 20 at Larnaca sewage
works on 13 October was rather
late. Around 250 Greater
Flamingos Phoenicopterus ruber
were attracted to the presence of
early water at Larnaca sewage
works on 8 August, with c. 110 at
Akrotiri Salt Lake on 5 August.
Three adult Lesser White-fronted
Geese Anser albifrons were at
Akhna ~Dam on 1 and: 26
November, the first record. 2003
was probably the best breeding
season for Mallard Anas
platyrhynchos with hundreds of
fledged young at reservoirs in
North Cyprus in summer and
autumn. At Larnaca sewage works
five Scaup Aythya marila were
present on 15 November, the sixth
record. A late Honey Buzzard
Pernis apivorus was over
Asprokremnos Dam on _ 15
November and another at Mandria
on 30 November. An early Hen
Harrier Circus cyaneus was at
Akrotiti Salt Wake on 20
September. A pair of Lanners Falco
biarmicus was reported displaying
at Akamas on 30 April. Black
Francolin Francolinus francolinus
continues to spread west along the
northern coastal plain and slopes
of the Kyrenia Mountains. Spur-
winged Plovers Hoplopterus
spinosus were present in some
numbers, with 35 at Nicosia
sewage farm on 22 November and
60 at Haspolat sewage farm on 11
December. On 26 August the first
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus
lobatus in North Cyprus for more
than 30 years was at Akova.
76
An Arctic Skua Stercorarius
parasiticus flew west at Korugcam
Burnu on 21 November. At least
ten European Nightjars
Caprimulgus europaeus were near
Paphos on 4 and 15 July, including
some juveniles. An exceptional
count of seven Lesser Short-toed
Larks Calandrella rufescens was
made at Mandria on 5 November
(with three there on 3 November),
and a late Sand Martin Riparia
riparia was at Larnaca sewage
works on 15 November. A
juvenile Citrine Wagtail Motacilla
citreola was at Akova on 11 and 13
September, the third North
Cyprus record.
A very late Northern Wheatear
Oenanthe oenanthe was at Korucam
Burnu on 29 November and an
exceptional count of 43 Finsch’s
Wheatears O. finschii was made
along the Kaynakkéy-—Lachin track
on 27 November. Two Pale Rock
Sparrows Carpospiza brachydactyla
were reported near Agros
(Troodos) on 1 May. Three Rock
Buntings Emberiza cia were at
Lachin Valley on 27 November,
which is a regular wintering site in
the Kyrenia Mountains.
Egypt
Three Ruddy Shelducks Tadorna
ferruginea and a Greater Spotted
Eagle Aguila clanga were at
Dashour Lake, near Cairo, on 6
December. A Verreaux’s Eagle A.
verreauxil was observed in Wadi
Gamel on 28 October, representing
one of the most northerly records
in Egypt. In the same area were a
pair of Bonelli’s Eagles Hieraaetus
fasciatus and two Lappet-faced
Vultures Torgos_ tracheliotos.
Caspian Plovers Charadrius
asiaticus were near Shalateen and at
Wadi Adieb on 15 December. A
Namaqua Dove Oena cavensis was
in the garden of the Shams Allam
Hotel on 26 October. On the same
date an Eastern Stonechat Saxicola
maurus was at the Bedouin Village
Lodge, a Red-breasted Flycatcher
Ficedula parva was at Wadi El
Gemal Marsh (with another there
on 28 October), and an Isabelline
Shrike Lanius isabellinus was at the
checkpoint south of Marsa Allam.
Another Isabelline Shrike was at
Qalun village on 11 December and
three were wintering at Gebel Elba. ©
A House Crow Corvus splendens at
Qalun village on 11 December had
reportedly been in the area for a
year. Approximately ten Red
Avadavats Amandava amandava
were at Lake Qarun, just east of
Shakshuk village in _ early
November.
Georgia
Two Black-throated Divers Gavia
arctica at Vartsikhe Reservoir, west
Georgia, on 12 January was an
unusual inland record and 42
Little Grebes Tachybaptus ruficollis
there on the same date was a
record count for the site. On 11-12
January, at least 143 Great Crested
Grebes Podiceps cristatus were on
the Rioni River between Vani and
Samtredia. A flock of 35 Dalmatian
Pelicans Pelecanus crispus at
Madatapa Lake, Ninotsminda
district, on 24 May was a high
concentration. On 28 September at
least 22 Spoonbills Platalea
leucorodia were near Patara
Paleostomi Lake. Forty-two Smew
Mergus albellus at Tbilisi Reservoir
on 11 December was a very high
count of this uncommon passage
and winter visitor.
Five Pallid Harriers Circus
macrourus were recorded near
Leghva village, Kobuleti district,
on 21 April; this is a rare passage
migrant. Also unusual were seven
Levant Sparrowhawks Accipiter
brevipes in two hours on 23 April
near Mukhestate village, Kobuleti
district. Two Bonelli’s Eagles
Hieraaetus fasciatus were observed
from the Choloki River, near
Tikeri, on 22 April, the first spring
record on the Black Sea migration
route. A few unusually late Quail
Coturnix coturnix were recorded
including one near Kobuleti,
Ajaria, on 22 November, and one
found dead near Khelvachauri
village, Ajaria, on 9 November. A
flock of seven Common Cranes
Grus grus on 12 September was an
early autumn record.
A single White-tailed Plover
Chettusia leucura was at Madatapa
Lake, Ninotsminda district, on 24°
May. It is interesting to note that
the number of wintering Armenian
Gulls Larus armenicus in eastern
Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton
Georgia has increased in the last
few, years. At) Kumisi’ lake,
Marneuli district, a remarkable
count of 20+ Whiskered Terns
Chlidonias hybridus was made on 30
October; this is also an unusually
late record. Eight White-winged
Black Terns C. leucopterus were
present on the late date of 17
November at a small lake near
Batumi. Four Wallicreepers
Tichodroma muraria at Narikala
fortress, Tbilisi, on 11 January was
a high count. On 6 November, 20
Snowfinches Montifringilla nivalis
were recorded between Ananuri
Castle and Zhinvali Reservoir,
Dusheti district, a very early
autumn record at this altitude and
an unusual location.
Iran
On 22 September a flock of 50
Kestrels Falco tinnunculus were at
Aziz-Abad, Golestan province.
Four Siberian White Cranes Grus
leucogeranus arrived on their
wintering grounds in Fereydoon
Kenar, Mazandaran, in early
November; a male on 1 November
was followed by three (one
juvenile) on 13 November. A
juvenile was last recorded three
years ago. A Woodpigeon
Columba palumbus was at Bidak,
adjacent to Golestan National
Park, on 23 September, and on the
same date a Raven Corvus corax
was in the Dasht region, east of
Golestan National Park.
Israel
A Gannet Morus bassanus at
Ma’agan Michael on 2 August was
am’ unseasonal «record. An
incredible passage of White Storks
Ciconia' ciconia occurred on 8
September at Kfar Ruppin, in the
Bet Shean Valley, with c. 88,000
passing during the morning. Two
Scaup Aythya marila at Kfar
Ruppin on 12-27 December was
the 17th record for Israel and the
first since 1990.
An adult Black-winged Kite
Elanus caeruleus near Kfar Ruppin
on 18-23 November was the
seventh record. The first Amur
Falcon Falco amurensis in Israel (if
accepted) involved an adult male
over Afula on 3 October. The
Northern Valleys autumn
Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton
Around the Region
migration survey produced the
following totals: White Stork
Ciconia ciconia 203,684, Honey
Buzzard Pernis apivorus 311,316,
Crested Honey Buzzard P.
ptilorhynchus 11, Short-toed Eagle
Circaetus gallicus 6363 (a record),
Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
2054 (an autumn record), Pallid
Harrier C. macrourus 137 (an
autumn record), Levant
Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes
60,479 (highest-ever count in
Israel), Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila
pomarina 81,797 and Eleonora’s
Falcon Falco eleonorae 12.
Nine Sociable Plovers Chettusia
gregaria at Kfar Ruffin, the Golan
Heights and in the Hula Valley in
September / October were
significant. A Pintail Gallinago
stenura or Swinhoe’s Snipe G.
megala was at Kfar Ruppin on 2-11
September. A Bridled Tern Sterna
anaethetus at Atlit and Ma’agan
Michael on 7 August remained
until 6 September, the first
Mediterranean record for the
country.
It was an exceptional autumn for
Oriental Turtle Doves Streptopelia
orientalis meena, with an adult at
Kfar Ruppin on 2 September, the
same or another on 8 September, a
first-winter there on 12 October
and another first-winter in the
Hula Valley on 6 November (5-7th
records if accepted).
Space prevents (us) from
mentioning the large number of
records recently accepted by the
Israel Records & Distribution
Committee; these can be viewed
at: www.geocities.com/birdingis
rael/RC/Rarities_Committee.htm.
Jordan
Two Ferruginous Ducks Aythya
nyroca were at Aqaba sewage
works on 15 February. A Lesser
Kestrel Falco naumanni at Muqawir
on 28 March represents a new site
fon, the, species, seventy-five
Spotted Sandgrouse Pterocles
senegallus at Wadi Araba on 13
February were significant. A Little
Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis at
Alkaramah Dam on 12 April was
unusually far north; another was at
Sweimeh/Dead Sea on 26 April
and 29 May. A flock of 12 Thick-
billed Larks Ramphocoris clotbey
was in Wadi Araba on 13 February.
Also there, a Black Bush Robin
Cercotrichas podobe on 30 May was
the second country record. Four
Indian Silverbills Euodice
malabarica were at Wadi Al-
Bahhath on 14 November, a further
range expansion. A flock of c. 40
Syrian Serins Serinus syriacus at
Mugawir on 28 March was the
largest concentration away from
the south-west highlands.
Kuwait
Red-wattled Plover Vanellus
indicus has been proved breeding
in northern Kuwait; a chick was
found with a pair at Yaqoub
Boodai Farm in southern Abdali.
The. first. confirmed: breeding
record of Quail Coturnix coturnix
was also made there when seven
chicks were seen.
Lebanon
A European’ Storm-petrel
Hydrobates pelagicus at Naqoura, on
the southern border, on. 21
December was the third record. A
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis at
Aammigq on 25 December was the
second record, and six were at the
mouth of the Beirut River on 6
January 2004, on which date there
was also a Siberian Gull Larus
heuglini there (perhaps only the
second record). Raptors at Aammiq
marsh in the early 2003/04 winter
period included up to five Pallid
Harriers Circus macrourus. There
were no previous winter records of
this species in Lebanon. Early-
winter visits to Aammigq and its
surroundings produced up to 23
Common Buzzards Buteo buteo (no
previous winter records), the fifth
record of Rough-legged Buzzard
B. lagopus on 29 November and at
least five Merlins Falco columbarius
(no previous winter records). Three
Broad-billed Sandpipers Limicola
falcinellus at Qaraoun Lake on 4
October were the tenth record. A
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus
lobatus near’ Aana,. south’ of
Aammigq, on 2 October was the
sixth record. Two Little Terns
Sterna albifrons at Qaraoun Lake on
27 September were the sixth record
since 1996 and the first in autumn.
The species bred on Palm island in
ie
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
the late-19th century. An Alpine
Accentor Prunella collaris was above
Kefraya on 29 November, and
another was at Lagloug the same
day, bringing the number of
records to five. A Semi-collared
Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata at
Mlikh of Jabal Rihane on 13 October
was the tenth record. Common
Mynah Acridotheres tristis continues
to increase, with 23 in Beirut in July
and two were at the American
University campus there from at
least 11 December to the year end.
Two Rustic Buntings Emberiza
rustica at Aammig on 25 December
were the second record. Visits to the
Nahr Ibrahim Valley produced 21
Greater Flamingos Phoenicopterus
ruber on 3 September, 52 Grey
Herons Ardea cinerea and 28 Little
Egrets Egretta garzetta on 6
September (52 of the latter three
days later). By 13 September
numbers had increased to 66 and 81
Plate 1. Lesser Yellowlegs
‘78
respectively. A Terek Sandpiper
Xenus cinereus was at Cheikh
Zennad on 6 September and a Red-
necked Phalarope there on 21
September. A group of White
Pelicans Pelecanus onocrotalus was
at Nahr Ibrahim on 5 November.
Common Cranes Grus_ grus
included a group of 45 at Lagloug
on 14 October and 160 at Nahr
Ibrahim on 17 October.
Oman
An impressive 175 Cattle Egrets
Bubulcus ibis were at Sohar Sun
Farms on 16 October. The only
sighting of Yellow Bittern
Ixobrychus sinensis was of three at
Khawr Taqgah on 4 September. A
Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis
ptilorhynchus was over Salalah
airport on 25 October, the sixth
record if accepted. Griffon Vulture
Gyps fulvus is a scarce passage
migrant and winter visitor, thus
Octobe fo
singles at Jabal Harim on 17
October and at Ibra on 26 October
were noteworthy. Shikras Accipiter
badius were at Sall Ala on 16
October and Qatbit on 20 October,
the 9-10th records if accepted. A
Black-winged Pratincole Glareola
nordmanni was at Salalah on 23
October, the. tenth record: 1f
accepted. Kentish Plover
Charadrius alexandrinus is a resident
breeder, winter visitor and passage
migrant, but 286 at East Khawr on
24 October was an unprecedented
total. Following records at Sohar
Sun Farms in the winters of 2001/2
and 2002/3, a Dotterel Eudromias
morinellus was there on 8
November, the sixth record if
accepted. A Woodcock Scolopax
rusticola was reported from Hilf on
18 November, only the second
record if accepted. A Great Snipe
Gallinago media was at Dawkah on
22 September, the 11th record. A
(Hanne & Jens Eriksen)
Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes at
Al Qurm Park on 13-14 October
was photographed and has been
accepted as the first record in
Oman and the Middle East. Single
Pectoral Sandpipers Calidris
melanotos were at Salalah on 21
October and East Khawr next day,
the 6-7th records if accepted.
Reports of South Polar Skuas
Catharacta maccormicki from Ras al
Hadd on 5 September and 18
November have been accepted as
the 2—3rd records. A Black Tern
Chlidonias niger in full breeding
plumage at Khawr Sallan on 2 July
was the sixth record. Following
sightings of at least one Pin-tailed
Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata at
Sohar Sun Farms in winter 2001/2,
a single was present there on 18
October. A Plaintive Cuckoo
Cacomantis (merulinus) passerinus
was at Sur on 28 October, the third
record if accepted. European Roller
Coracias garrulus is a regular
passage migrant, but 25 at Sohar on
16 September was an impressive
number. The run of winter records
of Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula
from Sohar continued, with 12
there on 19 October and one on 8
November. A Forest Wagtail
Dendronanthus indicus was reported
from Hilf on 18 November, the
third record if accepted. Following
the first Little Rock Thrush
- Monticola rufocinereus in November
2002, singles were reported at Ayn
Razat on 17 and 19 October, Qatbit
on 20 October and Al Beed farm on
23 October. There were four Olive-
tree Warblers Hippolais olivetorum
_at Al Beed Farm on 14 October, the
second record if accepted. A total of
250 Common Whitethroats Sylvia
communis at Qatbit on 22 September
was a record for the country. Eight
Oriental White-eyes Zosterops
palpebrosus were at Mahawt Island
on 19 June. A Long-tailed Shrike
Lanius schach was at Bayah,
Musandam, on 24 October, the
tenth record if accepted. Common
Mynahs Acridotheres tristis are
becoming more common in several
areas of the country, with 700 at
Sohar on 24 July, increasing to 2500
(a new maximum count) on 16
September. A Brahminy Starling
Sturnus pagodarum at Ras Janjari on
16 October will be the fourth record
if accepted.
Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton
Around the Region
Qatar
At Al Rakkiyah Farm, Mukainas, a
juvenile Long-legged Buzzard
Buteo rufinus was seen on 18
January. This record was included
in the last report but under Bahrain
in error. On 13 January a Plain Leaf
Warbler Phylloscopus neglectus was
at Trainah.
Saudi Arabia
Records were only received from
Dhahran, in eastern Saudi Arabia.
A Little Bittern [xobrychus minutus
was an unusual winter record as
this is usually an autumn migrant.
Two Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna
ferruginea were present on 28
February. A Short-toed Eagle
Circaetus gallicus on 9-10 January
was possibly the same as that in
December 2002. Another was
present on 9 May in a different
area. An adult Lesser Spotted
Eagle Aquila pomarina was seen well
on 23 October. Single Greater
Spotted Eagles A. clanga were seen
on 9 January, 1 October, 24 October,
29 November, 5 December and 11
December. A Corncrake Crex crex
was present on 20 September. A
Spur-winged Plover Hoplopterus
spinosus was at the sewage effluent
lake on 2 November, the third
record.in Eastern Province. Twelve
Lapwings Vanellus vanellus were
present om 16-19 December. A
Black-winged Pratincole Glareola
nordmanni was observed on 26
April. An Alexandrine Parakeet
Psitticula eupatria was present on 29
December. An Eagle Owl Bubo bubo
desertorum was seen in a residential
area on 1 December following
several nights of thunder and
heavy rain. A Common Cuckoo
Cuculus canorus was observed on 28
April and two Little Swifts Apus
affinis on 30 May. A European
Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus on
25 September was unusual. Blue-
cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus
occurred between 19 October and 2
November, peaking at 40 on 1
November. A Wryneck Jynx
torquilla was seen on 5 December.
Single European Rollers Coracias
garrulus were present on 20 and 28
September. Two Barn Swallows
Hirundo rustica of the race transitiva
were seen on 27 May, three Booted
Warblers Hippolais caligata on 2
May and a Basra Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus griseldis on 2 October.
A male Red-breasted Flycatcher
Ficedula parva was seen on 24 April
and two Golden Orioles Oriolus
oriolus on 3 October. A singing
adult male Streaked Weaver
Ploceus manyar was at the sewage
effluent lake on 2 October. A male
Red Avadavat Amandava amandava:
was seen on 27 April, thereafter a
male and two juveniles /females on
2 May, raising the possibility of
breeding in the area.
Turkey
Recent reports include two winter
records of White Stork Ciconia
ciconia (only occasionally recorded
at this season), a late central
Anatolian report of Quail Coturnix
coturnix (at Seyfe Gédli on 26
November), a June record of Little
Bustard Tetrax tetrax from Bulanik,
three Sociable Plovers Chettusia
gregaria at Kayseri on 12 October,
ten Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa
lapponica at Gediz Delta on 20
December, and the third Blyth’s
Reed Warbler Acrocepahlus
dumetorum in the country, at
Akyatan Golti on 24 September.
United Arab Emirates
An amazing 1320 Little Grebes
Tachybaptus ruficollis (mostly
juveniles) were at Wimpey Pits on
31 July, nearly ten times the
previous country record and
probably Arabia’s largest-ever
flock. A Masked Booby Sula
dactylatra was at Ras Dibba on 19
December, the fifth record, whilst a
Brown Booby S. leucogaster there
on 31 October was the ninth record.
A pelican sp. Pelecanus sp. was
reported over Abu Dhabi Island on
6 October, there are only eight
previous records of pelicans. Six
Cotton Teal Nettapus coroman-
delianus at Wimpey Pits on 22
November (with one still present
on 28 November) were the ninth
record. Numbers of Ferruginous
Duck Aythya nyroca at Wimpey Pits
increased to a record 32 (with
another four nearby) on 20 October.
A pair of Shikras Accipiter badius in
Safa Park, Dubai, raised young in
July and a second brood in August,
the first confirmed breeding
records. A Black-winged Kite
Elanus caeruleus was in Abu Dhabi
city on 31 January. A Lappet-faced
79
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
Vulture Torgos tracheliotos was at
Huwaylat, near Hatta, on 14
November, the first report in the
area for nearly 20 years. Two
Crested Honey Buzzards Pernis
ptilorhynchus were in Abu Dhabi on
6 November, with one still present
on 11 December. A Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis was at Mushref
National Park, Dubai, on, 26
December, the fourth record if
accepted. An Amur Falcon Falco
amurensis was reported at Shahama
on 7 April and another at Abu
Dhabi airport on 8 June, the 4-5th
records. Single Merlins Falco
columbarius were at Al Wathba
camel racetrack on 7-10 February,
28 March and 18 April. White-
breasted Waterhens Amaurornis
phoenicurus were at Wimpey pits on
19 September, Emirates Hills golf
course on 16-27 November and
Jumeirah Beach Park on 18
December. Single Little Crakes
Porzana parva were at Jebel Ali on
10-11 September and in Abu Dhabi
on 13-15 September. A Corncrake
Crex crex was in Jumeirah Beach
Park, Dubai, on 27 October. The
Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata
was still present at Wimpey Pits on
19 August, with two more at
Wimpey Pits on 10 November, the
second record. A Purple Gallinule
Porphyrio porphyrio was still at
Wimpey Pits on 31 July, and three
were there on 10 October]
November, two remaining until late
November. The first Spotted Thick-
knee Burhinus capensis was at Abu
Dhabi Island on 25 October-3
December. An Oriental Pratincole
Glareola maldivarum at Al Wathba
camel racetrack on 22 August will
be the fourth record if accepted,
and a Black-winged Pratincole G.
nordmanni there on 28 August will
be the tenth. A Sociable Plover
Chettusia gregaria was at Fujeirah
National Dairy Farm-on 12-26
December. A Common Noddy
Anous stolidus at Dibba on 31 July
was the sixth record. An Oriental
Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis
was at Fujeirah National Dairy
Farm on 30 October-—2 November,
the seventh record. At least two
(possibly three) Long-eared Owls
Asio otus were at Mushref National
Park, Dubai (the same location as
in 2002), the 11th record. Brown-
throated Martins Riparia paludicola
included one at Jebel Hafit on 16
October, two at Al Wathba camel
racetrack on 24 October—7
November, with one on 28
November, and two near Dubai
sewage treatment plant on 28
November. There are only four
previous accepted records. A Buff-
bellied Pipit Anthus rubescens at
Dubar pivot fields,on, 6-21
December was the eighth record.
Forest Wagtails Dendronanthus
indicus included one at Mushref
Palace Gardens on 22 October, two
on 11 November and three on
24-30 November. This species is
now annual in winter in Abu
Dhabi. A male Pied Stonechat
Saxicola caprata at Fujeirah National
Dairy Farm on 22 September was
the eighth record. A Red-tailed
Wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna
xanthoprymna was on Jebel Hafit on
18-19 December, the first record of
this form. A River Warbler
Locustella fluviatilis was at Mushref
Palace Gardens, Abu Dhabi, on 9
October, the eighth record. Three
Taiga/Red-throated Flycatchers
Ficedula (parva) albicilla were in Abu
Dhabi from 25 November and one
at Safa Park, Dubai, on 10-14
December. This form may have
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
been overlooked in the past. A
Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach
was at Fujeirah National Dairy
Farm on 24 October—26 December
at least, the third record. A Bay-
backed Shrike L. vittatus there on
26 December was the 11th record.
A Wattled Starling Creatophora
cineracea at Al Wathba camel
racetrack on 28 November-19
December was the fourth record. A
first-winter Goldfinch Carduelis
carduelis was in Abu Dhabi on 8
November (another arrived two
years ago and has since become
resident in a nearby gaiden), the
fifth record. Single Trumpeter
Finches: Bucanetes githagineus were
at Al Wathba camel racetrack on
4-8 November and at Fujeirah
Dairy Farm on 21 November. A
Red-headed Bunting Emberiza
bruniceps was at Al Mamzar Park,
Dubai, on 13 September, the fifth
record if accepted, but the escape
potential is high.
Yemen
The text concerning the following
record was accidentally cropped by
a photograph in the last report. Ten
Olive Pigeons Columba arquatrix
were found at c. 1500-1800 metres
near Mahwit on 22 May 2002.
The following assisted in the compilation of this review: Alexander Abuladze, Mohammad AlI-Shamlih,
Marc Almécija, Vasil Ananian, Ian Andrews, Sherif & Mindy Baha El Din, Thierry Bara, Jamie Buchan, Tom
Coles, Judy Dawes, Barbaros Demirci, Hugues Dufourny, Marc Duquet, Peter Flint, Benoit Gauquie, George
Gregory, Andrew Grieve, Richard Hoath, Abolghasem Khaleghizadeh, Fares Khoury, Graham Lobley,
Mark Moore, Hilary Nash, Yoav Perlman, Ian Philip, Ghassan & Mona Ramadan-Jaradi, Colin Richardson
(on behalf of the Emirates Bird Records Committee), James P. Smith, Guilhem Tightens, Andreas & Maria
Wenger, David Whaley and Sadegh Sadeghi Zadegan. Records were also taken from the BirdLife Cyprus
Newsletter and North Cyprus Birds website.
Dawn Balmer, 39 Station Road, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 1AW, U. K.
Keith Betton, 8 Dukes Close, Folly Hill, Farnham, Surrey GU9 ODR, U. K.
80
Dawn Balmer and Keith Benion
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