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 Sl Do 55 Sy 60 62 65 65 67 68 69 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