Bulletin / Ornithological Society of the Middle East

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OF THE MIDDLE EAST

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BULLETIN 34
SPRING 1995

OSME Bulletin 34

Spring 1995

Editor: H.D.V. Prendergast
Designer: H.I. Scott

All records in this Bulletin are subject to acceptance by the
relevant records committees of the country concerned.

Any articles, announcements or requests to do with birds in the
Middle East are welcome, and may be published free of charge, sub-
ject to the discretion of the Editor. Accompanying photographs and
line-drawings are welcome. Bird names generally follow those of
Birds of the Middle East and North Africa.

Contributions to the next Bulletin should be received by 15
July 1995. They should preferably be double-spaced and
typed. Articles on disk (3.5 or 5.25 inch only please) are wel-
come. Please include both formatted and ASCII files and a
paper copy as well.

Illustrations
We are grateful to the following artists for the illustrations
used in this Bulletin:

D. Powell: Pomarine, Long-tailed and Actic Skuas (Cover) Shag 33;
Audouin’s Gulls 34; Black-throated Thrush 38; Spotted Crake 41;
Brambling 43.

B. Wright: Green Warbler 7; Crab Plover 14/15.

per Ish Bb:
J Busby: Great-crested Grebe 37; Red-necked Phalarope 42.

The status of Warblers
in Kuwait

B. K. Wright

It is interesting to note that both The Birds of the Western Palearctic
(Cramp 1992) and the recent Guide to the Warblers of the Western
Palearctic (Parmenter and Byers 1991), provide misleading, if not inac-
curate, information on the status of certain species of warblers in
Kuwait. The apparent blanket coverage of species listed as accidental
or vagrant often belies their true status. The author counted c.78
Meadow Pipits Anthus pratensis on 12 January 1994 at one roost near
to Kuwait City, yet even this species is listed as accidental (Cramp
1992). The situation regarding the family Sylvidae in Kuwait is more
subtle but just as misleading.

The small Emirate of Kuwait has been firmly included within the
somewhat artificially constructed Western Palearctic region by the
editors of the Birds of the Western Palearctic; and in view of this I
would like to update the status of the Sylvidae, based on personal
observation, both after and prior to the Gulf war. The problems of
birds exhibiting extremes of variation and intergrades may have
caused confusion in identification in the past. The author is aware of
the danger of attempting visual identification at subspecific level with
this group, but awareness of the various races will save the observer
much time and frustration when consulting field guides.

Short-term visitors, with an interest in birding, who have a lot of
potentially valuable information to give have been frustrated by not
being able to obtain initial information on status. I believe the follow-
ing paper gives a more accurate picture of warblers and their status in
Kuwait at the present time.

Unless otherwise stated, all records are by the author.

Cetti’s Warbler (Cettia cetti). Has wintered but no singing birds in favoured
reed bed habitat in recent years. Listed as status uncertain (Cramp 1992).

Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis). One has been ringed in Kuwait in recent
years (C. Pilcher pers. comm.), but not detailed (Cramp 1992).

Graceful Warbler (Prinia gracilis). Breeding recorded and migrant birds seen
in recent years. It could become a regular breeder in post Gulf War habitat. A
spring/summer 1994 record of several birds suggests a post-breeding disper-
sal or increased colonisation.

Scrub Warbler (Scotocerca inquieta). One small party of either this or the pre-
ceding species recorded in April 1985. It is interesting to note that this record
precedes confirmed breeding records of P. gracilis.

Grasshopper Warbler (Locustella naevia). Probably overlooked and under
recorded, frequently occurring in bizarre situations or habitats. Most recent
records are of two birds in spring 1994 (A Ross, T Spencer pers. comm.).

River Warbler (Locustella fluviatilis). Listed as accidental (Cramp 1992). Birds
thought to be this species have been photographed by the author.

Savi’s Warbler (Locustella lusciniodes). One in winter 1984/1985. Listed as acci-
dental (Cramp 1992).

Moustached Warbler (Acrocephalus melanopogon). An annual winter visitor
first confirmed over a decade ago. Birds appear to belong to the sub-species
mimica. Birds in March 1994 ceased singing and appeared to depart by the
time the first migrant Sedge Warblers appeared. There is possible breeding
potential if the spread of this species in other parts of the Arabian Peninsula is
anything to go by.

Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola). No recent records though old
Ahmadi Natural History Society records may exist.

_ Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus). A regular passage migrant, per-
haps commoner in autumn than spring.

Paddyfield Warbler (Acrocephalus agricola). No recent records though old
records may exist in the Ahmadi Natural History Society transactions. Status
not described with regard to Kuwait (Cramp 1992).

OL
~ — ee

Blyth’s Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum). A fairly frequent passage
migrant, frequently associated with acacia, though migrant birds are not habi-
tat specific. A single bird in May 1994 was later found shot, while in
September 1984 an individual was exceptionally tame and confiding.

Marsh Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris). A common, fairly widespread passage
migrant at times extremely numerous eg. May 1993. Forages at all levels, par-
ticularly in acacia on migration. Listed as accidental (Cramp 1992).

Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus). A fairly scarce but regular passage
migrant, in some years with singing males concentrated in favoured locations
such as Jahra Pool. Breeding at present not confirmed. Most individuals exam-
ined in May 1994 can be safely attributed to the race fuscus. Conversely birds
present at Jahra Pool in 1993 were very rufescent by comparison and some
engaged in aerial chases through the reed beds, against the background of
several males in full song. Interestingly, video of the fuscus birds revealed pale
webs to the outer tail feathers, inviting confusion with Booted Warbler
Hippolais caligata in atypical habitat.

Clamorous Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus stentoreus). A widespread and regular
Passage migrant especially in late spring, often in the company of A arundi-
naceus. Probably less frequent in autumn but more confirmation of this is
needed. The writer admits to some confusion between A s. brunnescens and A
arundinaceus griseldis in the past, but the darker examples of A stentoreus have
never been suspected in Kuwait.

Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus). A widespread and abundant
passage migrant in both spring and autumn. It has wintered, with singing
males encountered in most months except July and August. There is no con-
clusive evidence of breeding in Kuwait and there appears to be little subspe-
cific variation. The Basra Reed Warbler A a. griseldis is listed for Kuwait, as the
close proximity of the Iraq marshes to Kuwait might suggest. The author
would not like to speculate on what impact the Gulf War and drainage
schemes currently in progress will have on the occurrence of A a. griseldis in
Kuwait. An example of A a. griseldis examined by the writer had an almost
identical wing shape and coloration to the nominate race, but the primary pro-
jection was 20 mm on griseldis as opposed to 32 mm on arundinaceus. The dif-
ference in size was not immediately apparent in the field, hence the possible
confusion with the structurally similar A s. brunnescens.

Olivaceous Warbler (Hippolais pallida). Present in small numbers in favoured
acacia habitat with at least three singing males into early summer. It does not
winter regularly, perhaps breeds.

Booted Warbler (Hippolais caligata). A scarce migrant, usually in autumn, and
an irregular winter visitor. Most birds appear to belong to the subspecies
rama. Confusion with H. pallida is less likely in Kuwait than further south in
Arabia, because of less likelihood of habitat overlap.

Upcher’s Warbler (Hippolais languida). A regular late spring migrant to
favoured acacia habitat. Occurs in the same habitat as H. pallida with both
species singing in the same area.

Olive-tree Warbler (Hippolais olivetorum). Easily overlooked and under
recorded due to skulking habits. Should be looked for amongst large falls of
warblers. Most recent record is from May 1994, but older Ahmadi Natural
History Society records lack complete descriptions. Listed as accidental
(Cramp 1992). Past records from the Ahmadi Natural History Societytransac-
tions of H. languida, H. pallida and H. olivetorum do not correlate well with pre-
sent trends.

Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina). A regular spring passage migrant and
definitely more common than accidental as listed (Cramp 1992). Most birds
observed lack lemon yellow underparts, even in spring (apart from a pale yel-
low suffusion observable at close range). Subsong heard from some birds on
migration in Kuwait.

Melodious Warbler (Hippolais polygotta). One exceptional record from August
1984. What was assumed to be this individual was later found shot.

Subalpine Warbler (Sylvia cantillans). Old Ahmadi Natural History Society
records lacking a complete description may need to be revised. Listed as acci-
dental (Cramp 1992).

Ménétries’ Warbler (Sylvia mystacea). A regular and widespread passage
migrant in small numbers, with wintering individuals particularly obvious in
1992/3 in scattered locations throughout the country. Listed as accidental
(Cramp 1992). In four years of observation only one adult male Ménétries’
Warbler was recorded, in May 1985.

Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala). Old records lacking a complete
description need to be revised. Listed as accidental (Cramp 1992). Race
momus with upperparts similar to S. rueppelli could lead to confusion in identi-
fication.

Cyprus Warbler (Sylvia melanothorax). A possible contender for the Kuwaiti
list. Past taxonomic status and lumping with S. melanocephala may obscure
records of melanothorax in the Ahmadi Natural History Society transactions.

Ruppell’s Warbler (Sylvia rueppelli). No recent records and no specific men-
tion with regards to Kuwait (Cramp 1992). One record of an adult female in
May 1985.

Desert Warbler (Sylvia nana). A regular winter visitor and, along with Desert
Wheatear, one of the most commonly encountered wintering small birds in
Kuwait. Birds with singing display flights have been seen near to Kuwait
City, particularly during February 1994.

Orphean Warbler (Sylvia hortensis). A scarce but regular migrant in very small
numbers. Easily overlooked in some plumages amongst large falls of warbler,
particularly S. nisoria and S. curruca.

Barred Warbler (Sylvia nisoria). A very common and widespread migrant in
both spring and autumn in most years, but particularly May 1993. Wide but
subtle variation can be noticed amongst groups of adults especially in the
amount of crescentic scalloping on the underparts of adult males.

Hume’s Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca althea). Status uncertain, but birds
showing characters of this species have been tentatively identified by the
author in the field, but unfortunately not in the hand.

Desert Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca minula). Claimed in small numbers
by the author. Birds in the winter of 1984/85 were particularly noticeable and
in evidence in the southern border areas of Kuwait. Certainly this
species/subspecies is not as common and obvious in Kuwait as it is further
south in the Arabian Peninsula during the winter.

Whitethroat (Sylvia communis). A common and widespread migrant particu-
larly in spring, though very few adult males of the species seem to be record-
ed in Kuwait. Adult females appear very pallid and washed out in the field,
but this could be in part due to the intense light. Adult males are generally
easy to recognise in the field hence the suspicion that old Ahmadi Natural
History Society records of S. conspicillata, S. cantillans and S. melanocephala, if
referring only to females or immatures, must be considered dubious.

Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin). Regular and widespread passage migrant in
both spring and autumn.

Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla). A regular and locally abundant passage migrant
in both spring and autumn.

The Sylvia genus requires a complete revision with regard to Kuwait. It is not
known if any or all the old past records from the Ahmadi Natural History
Society transactions refer to males. It is difficult to believe that previous
observers would attribute and submit as firm records female or immatures of

5

this genus given the knowledge available to them at the time, without justifi-
able reason. It is hoped that records and descriptions will be available for the
rarities committee to evaluate and that the records were not irretrievably lost
during the Gulf War.

Green Warbler (Phylloscopus nitidus). Recently recorded, but formal confirma-
tion required (T Spencer, B Wright) May 1994.

Greenish Warbler (Phylloscopus trochiloides). No recent records but old records
from the Ahmadi Natural History Society do exist.

Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus). Both historical and recent
records exist (C Pilcher pers. comm.), but not recorded by the author.

Dusky Warbler (Phylloscopus fuscatus). Old records exist in the Ahmadi
Natural History Society transactions. A bird believed to be this species was
photographed by the author.

Bonelli’s Warbler (Phylloscopus bonelli). A possible in March 1994. More infor-
mation on this species and its status in Kuwait is required. Status at present
must be considered accidental, but no specific mention for Kuwait (Cramp
1992).

Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix). A regular migrant, albeit in much
smaller numbers than other Phylloscopus species. No real justification for
being listed as accidental (Cramp 1992).

Mountain Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus sindianus). Birds showing the characters of
P. s. lorenzit were observed during February/March 1994. One individual was
ringed, and appeared in the field closer to Dusky Warbler P. fuscatus than
Chiffchaff P. c. tristis.

Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita). A very common and widespread winter
resident, as much at home in reed-beds as in acacia and tamarisk. Singing
birds confirm collybita/abietinus but tristis equally apparent with distinctive
whistle call note.

‘Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus). A common and widespread migrant
with the racial variation almost as extreme as P. collybita in some years. A
May 1994 individual videod was buff olive on the upperparts with a distinct
greyish head and off-white underparts, while structurally it was identical to a
nearby individual with very conspicuous lemon-yellow underparts. Birds
showing some if not all the characters of yakutensis were particularly abun-
dant in May/June 1994; but in most years the majority of birds observed are
closer to acredula. An exceptional concentration of ¢.150 birds in one small

area of fodder cultivation at Abu Halifa was recorded in April 1993.

6

References:
CRAMP, S (ed) (1992). The Birds of the Western Palearctic Volume VI. Oxford

University Press.

PARMENTER, T. AND BYERS, C. (1991). A Guide to the Warblers of the
Western Palearctic. Bruce Coleman Books, Uxbridge.

B. K. Wright, c/o The New English School, Box 60156, Hawalli Kuwait.

Green Warbler

Si See
(Phylloscopus nitidus) <—

Raptor migration in the north-east of
Turkey, September 1990

Marcel Kok & Jean Paul Ongenae

In autumn huge numbers of migrating raptors concentrate in the
Hopa, Borcka and Arhavi region of north-east Turkey, having been
converged by the Black Sea and the Caucasus. They originate mainly
from the former U.S.S.R. west of the Urals, north up to Fenno-
Scandinavia and up to and including parts of eastern Europe (Bijlsma,
1987). The only relatively complete count in this area, in 1976
(Andrews et al., 1977), produced some 380,000 migrating raptors.
Experiences at other sites, however, show that first censuses at ‘new’
sites hardly ever produce optimal results because of the time taken to
locate the best spots for censusing (Bijlsma, 1987).

According to Kasparek and Kasparek (1990) the best spots are around
Hopa and Borcka in the Coruh Valley and Arhavi. Because relatively
little is known about this fly-way, we consider it worthwhile to report
our observations from 16 to 28 September 1990 and to compare them
with previous observations. A full report can be obtained from the
first author.

Census sites

Arhavi

From 16 to 20 September we counted on the south-west side of the
large valley south of Arhavi. To the north there was an excellent view
through the valley at Arhavi and towards the Black Sea coast. Most
birds on this route flew apparently rather close to the coast-line. Many
birds soared up around a hill east of this valley. To the south there
was a good view of some other hills, but it was our impression that
not many birds flew past there.

Borcka

We counted above the little village of Tarakli (point number 5 in
- Kasparek and Kasparek (1990) close to the woods on top of the hill.
There was a good view of the Coruh Valley and the transverse valley.
Many birds, mainly in the morning, did not follow the Coruh, but dis-
appeared into this transverse valley to the south-west.

8

Table 1. Observation dates, times and weather at Arhavi and Borcgka.

DATE OBSERVATION TIME

(Sept.) (hours)

WEATHER

Arhavi
16 1100-1600 100% cloud, no wind
17 0900-1600 50% cloud, 50% sun, no wind
18 1300-1700 rain in the morning, 100% cloud in the
afternoon
19 0900-1300 100% sun, no wind
20 0900-1200 100% cloud, windy; heavy rain in the afternoon
21 no systematic 100% sun, no wind
observations

Total observation time = 23 h.

DATE OBSERVATION TIME WEATHER
(Sept.) (hours)

Borcka

no systematic
observations
1000-1400
1000-1200
1300-1700
0900-1600
1000-1600
1530-1700

100% sun no wind

100% sun, no wind

100% sun, no wind

100% sun, no wind

100% sun, no wind

heavy cloud and some rain in the morning,
bright after 1430, windy

100% cloud, some mist in the valleys

40% cloud, 60% sun, no wind

0900-1700
0900-1600

Total observation time = 41.5 h.

Results
Observations at Arhavi and Borc¢ka are summarised in Table 2. This also

shows data collected by other observers, during roughly the same period in
1978 and 1980.

Table 2
Species counts at Arhavi and Borcka (separately) September 1990, and
September 1978 and September and early October 1980 (combined).

Arhavi__ Borcka Both Both! Both?
1990 1990 1990 1978 1980
16-20 22-28 16-27 18-27 20-2

Species |
Ciconia ciconia 0 0 0 0 4
C. nigra 25 58 83 Qieide: 45
Pernis apivorus 3352 104 3456 2300 259
Milvus migrans 1208 478 1686 3800 257
Neophron percnopterus 1 3 4 5 18
Gyps fulvus 0 0 0 1 5
Circaetus gallicus 0 6 6 23 53
Circus aeruginosus 71 25 96 41 79
C. cyaneus 2 3 5 0 1
C. macrourus 5 2 7 a a Peek 23
C. pygargus 2 0 2 4 6
C. macrourus/pygargus 27, 4 31 0 1
Circus spp. 7 13 20 70 29
Accipiter gentilis 2 i 3 9 16
A. nisus 352 401 753 168 591
A. brevipes 0 4 & 3 iz
Buteo buteo vulpinus 3244 16003 19247 146000 162351
B. rufinus 0 0 0 1 2
Aquila pomarina 58 207 265 130 687
A. clanga 2 6 8 1 8
| A. nipalensis i 32 33 7 85
A. heliaca 0 0 0 2 3
A. chrysaetos 0 0 0 2 13
A. spp. 0 0 0 69 47
Hieraaetus pennatus 94 She 127, 35 40
A. fasciatus 0 0 0 1 1
Pandion haliaetus 1 0 1 0 1
Falco naumanni 0 0 0 4 11
F. tinnunculus 3 6 9 2 20
F. vespertinus 5 5 10 0 0
F. columbarius 1 0 1 0 0
F. subbuteo WD ah as) 1 et
F. spp. (small) 4 8 2 29 1
F. cherrug 0 0 0 0 3
F. peregrinus 1 0 1 2 5
F. spp. (large) 2 0 2 0 3

1 Unpublished data: A. Broom and P. Doherty
2 Unpublished data: P. Heathcote

10

Discussion

The most striking data are the low numbers of Buzzards seen in 1990 com-
pared with 1978 and 1980. Furthermore, Andrews et al. (Andrews et al., 1977)
observed 205,000 Buzzards between 17 August and 10 October 1977. A reason-
able explanation for this might be that migrating birds follow different routes
in the area, according to prevailing weather conditions. During bad weather
conditions and when the Coruh Valley is filled with clouds, the birds are sup-
posed to follow the coastline (Andrews et al., 1977); in bright weather they fol-
low roughly the Coruh River.

In very good weather conditions we observed hardly any passage on 19
September in the Arhavi area. On 21 September there was similarly little pas-
sage so we left at 1100 h.. At c. 1300 h. we arrived at Borcka where many rap-
tors were migrating and this went on until the end of the afternoon. We sup-
pose that on these two or three days (19, 20 and 21 September) with good
weather a substantial proportion of Buzzards passed by Borcka, following the
Coruh route. Note that we had bad weather on 20 September at Arhavi, but
this does not necessarily suggest there was bad weather further inland (at
Borcka). Counting at Hopa might solve the problem of choosing an observa-
tion point.

For the other species some differences in numbers can be seen, but it is hard to
compare these data since there are more than ten years between different cen-
suses. It is also clear that to obtain reliable data simultaneous observations at
Borcka and Arhavi are needed. This would also provide an opportunity to
find out whether some species prefer the coastal route (e.g. Black Kite?) or the
Coruh route (e.g. eagle spp.?) irrespective of the weather.

References
ANDREWS, J. et al. (1977) A ‘new’ raptor migration route through the North
of East Turkey. Bull. Orn. Soc. Turkey 14: 2-5.

BIJLSMA, R.G. (1987) Bottleneck areas for migratory birds in the Mediteranean
region. ICBP study-report 18. International Council for Bird Protection.
Cambridge.

KASPAREK, A. and KASPAREK, M. (1990) Reisefuhrer Natur Turket.
Springer. Munich.

Marcel Kok, Van Essenstraat 93, 7203 DK, Zutphen, The Netherlands.
Jean Paul Ongenae,Mozartlaan 541, 5011 SM, Tilburg, The Netherlands.

11

Foraging behaviour of Arctic,
Pomarine and Long-tailed Skua on
migration in the Red Sea

Reuven Yosef

Skuas from the Arctic region are seen on migration in Eilat, at the
northernmost point of the Gulf of Eilat (Aqaba) on the Red Sea, mainly
in late spring when they are migrating north to their breeding
grounds (PAZ 1987). On 26, 27 and 28 May 1994, from 0700-0900 h, I
observed a Pomarine Skua Stercorartus pomarinus, a Long-tailed Skua
S. longicaudus, and a pair of Arctic Skuas S. parasiticus foraging along
the North Beach of Eilat. Observations were made at these times only
because later tourist activity drove the skuas too far away from the
shoreline for behavioural observations. The skuas foraged about 20-
800 m from the shoreline enabling observation with binoculars (10 x
40) and telescope (x30).

I divided the observed foraging strategies of the individual birds into
three categories: strikes on fish from the surface of the sea, scavenging
and kleptoparasitism. Because distances were sometimes too great, no
attempt was made to evaluate the size or species of prey taken. A
great proportion of the fish however, might have been Tilapia
Oreochromis mozambicus, which escape from the mariculture pens that
cover over 100 m2 of the bay adjacent to the shoreline.

Pomarine and Long-tailed Skuas were always observed singly and the
Arctic Skuas together. They were conspicuous with their fast flight,
erratic chases across the skies, often skimming the waves for short dis-
tances prior to gaining height. Initially this flight behaviour appeared
to be random searching, however, in some cases birds were observed
to suddenly drop onto prey near the surface, grasping such items with
the bill. If successful most prey was eaten at sea, brought to a buoy
near the shoreline for consumption (7 cases), or brought to the shore
for eating (3 cases).

During 4.3 h of observation of the Pomarine Skua it made four suc-

cessful catches of fish from the surface, scavenged seven fished tossed
out by fisherman at the wharf and kleptoparasitized fish, once each,

12

EE

from an Armenian Gull Larus armenicus and a Little Tern Sterna alb-

ifrons.

During almost 5.5 h of observation, the Long-tailed Skua, captured 11
fish at the surface, scavenged three dead fish at the beach and klep-
toparasitized Little and Common terns S. hirundo 21 times. The indi-
vidual also caught and ate a male House Sparrow Passer domesticus
that was entangled in a fishing net on the beach.

The two Arctic Skuas were observed for a cumulative 3.76 h. They
were observed to hunt in proximity to each other but no intentional
co-operative hunting occurred. Neither were they observed to skim
the surface in search of prey, but appeared to get their food almost
exclusively by kleptoparasitizing Armenian Gulls (11 cases), Little (14
cases) and Common Terns (9 cases) and once each for Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carbo and Osprey Pandion haliaetus.

The foraging at sea strategies of the Pomarine and Long-tailed Skuas
were not very different(surface: 4 to 11 prey; scavenging: 7 to 4 prey),
however the Long-tailed Skua differed in that it resorted heavily to
kleptoparasitizing other birds for additional prey. This is similar to the
strategy adopted by the Arctic Skuas that were observed to feed exclu-
sively on kleptoparasitized food. My observations concur with those
of Cramp and Simmons (1983) who described Pomarine Skuas as a
species that “out of the breeding season, takes mainly fish, and occa-
sionally feeds by scavenging and kleptoparasitizing”. However out-
side the breeding season very little data are available for Long-tailed
Skuas. Similar to this study, Cramp and Simmons (1983) describe the
Arctic Skuas as feeding mainly on “fish obtained by food-piracy fol-
lowing aerial pursuit of other seabirds.”

References
CRAMP, S. AND SIMMONS, K. E. L. (eds) (1983) The birds of the Western
Palearctic Vol. Ill. Oxford University Press.

PAZ, U. (1987) The birds of Israel. Ministry of Defence Publishing, Tel Aviv.

Reuven Yosef, Director, International Birding Centre, P. O. Box 774, Eilat
88000, Israel.

13

Observations on copulating Crab
Plovers Dromas ardeola in Kuwait

B. K. Wright

On 14th March 1994, I was fortunate to witness what seemed to be the
courtship behaviour of Crab Plover (Dromas ardeola). | have been
watching and counting roosting Crab Plovers at Doha, Kuwait,
Arabian Gulf, regularly since 1992.

The section on social pattern and behaviour (Cramp and Simmons
1983) states” studied in winter quarters, Aldabra [M. J. Penny] little
known otherwise”.

Adult Crab Plovers were seen along the shoreline, widely spread, but
occasionally in concentrated flocks of up to forty, especially at one
high tide. Other species present and mixed with the flocks included
Curlew Numenius arquata, Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolicus
and Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans.

One pair of Crab Plovers began to walk side by side with an exagger-
ated upright stance. One bird (sex uncertain at this stage) would jump
up into the air, making an abrupt arc flight. On landing, uttering the
typical ki-ki-kew-ki kee notes, the bird
would initiate a short forward run
to be joined by another bird in a dis- y ay
tinct strut walk with both birds : \
walking side by side in tandem (see _
fig 1). Whilst walking in this man-
ner, the pair would pass through
the main group and emerge only to
be followed by other Crab Plovers
and the group would often con-
verge and crowd together, some- Y
times using wings and bills to effect Figure 1 Se ae
contact. Strutting in tandem

_ Once separated the pair made contact with their bills as if trying to
solicit food (see fig 2). The group interaction caused much excitement
within the flocks, with most birds uttering the call notes previously

14

—

eS ”
Figure 2 f =

Bill touching |
pied |

described. A Curlew within the group was lunged at by one individ-
ual but it remained in the same position, with necked outstretched,
bill open and wings half outstretched.

Walking out of the main group again as in (fig 1), the male mounted
the female, lying with tarsi flat along

Figure 3
its back for several seconds before Copulation and
coition coitus took place. Although vox interjection by a

extended wings helped to maintain third individual
balance, at times this position was aad IN

similar to the typical resting position | a “a
of the species (see fig 3).

Even at this stage interruptions by
other individuals leaving the main
flock occurred. The male tilted off
centre to reach the female’s ventral
region. Contact persisted for five sec-
onds before the male dismounted.

It seems likely that flocks of Crab Plovers (in a social aggregation)
were a necessary stimulus to induce this behaviour. It was also partic-
ularly interesting to note such behaviour so far from the known breed-
ing grounds in other areas of the Arabian Gulf. Historically, the Crab
Plover bred on Bubiyan Island, Kuwait and in view of the observed
behaviour, may still do so.

References
CRAMP, S. AND SIMMONS, K. E. L. (eds) (1982). The Birds of the Western
Palearctic, Vol.II. Oxford University Press.

B. K. Wright, c/o The New English School, Box 60156, Hawalli Kuwait.

15

News and Information

February 1995 Compiled by Simon Albrecht

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 any information concerning birds, conserva-
tion or development issues 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 net intended as a definitive report or write up of the projects
concerned. Many of the projects are sponsored; such support is appreciated
but is not generally acknowledged here.

EGYPT

An Important Bird Area directory for Egypt is due to be produced in
August 1995. A poster which included a map showing the location of
the IBAs was displayed at the World Conference in Germany last
August. (Source: Network News 2(3).)

IRAQ MARSHES

A 224 page report entitled An environmental and nomen study of the
marshlands of Mesopotamia has recently been edited by Exeter
University and published by the AMAR Appeal. The report has used
data from the Important Bird Area inventory for the sections on
wildlife. The drainage of these marshes in southern Iraq has seriously
affected many species of bird. The report is available from: The
AMAR Appeal, c/o Emma Nicholson M.P., The House of Commons,
London SW1A OAA, England. Price: £30.00.

ISRAEL (Information from: UKSPNI newsletter December 1994).
Public campaign to protect open landscapes from road building - the Society
for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) has expressed its opposi-
tion to the construction of a Trans-Israel Super Highway (Road No.6)
planned to cover the 300 kilometres from Shlomi in the north to Beer
- Sheva in the south. The total area of land that the road will take is the
same as the size of an average city (3,000 hectares) and will irre-
versibly damage the few remaining open areas and scenic land
resources left in central Israel.

16

SPNI has demanded a thorough assessment on the environment
impact of the road and an examination of alternative ways of solving
present traffic problems. Although these demands have recently been
rejected, SPNI see this as one of their most crucial campaigns. The
Society is fighting to preserve the remnants of Israel’s open land-
scapes; for prudent and reasoned planning processes; and for a ratio-
nal balance between development and conservation. i

SPNI’s position is that the benefits gained from Road No.6 are
unproved and controversial; there is no proof that the road will solve
Israel’s transportation crisis; transportation policies need an emphasis
on diverse and efficient public transport; and agricultural lands,
forests and open spaces along the proposed route must be protected to
avoid the coastal plain becoming continuously urbanised and to pre-
serve the remaining “green lungs” in the coastal plain.

SPNI 40 years old - 1994 saw a number of events celebrating the foun-
dation of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel in the sum-
mer of 1954. 7

Free the dolphins (and the alligators) - SPNI has objected to the display of
dolphins in amusement parks and to staged combat between humans
and alligators at Hammat Gader. They sent a message to Israel’s
Environment Minister Yossi Sarid stating: “As an organisation special-
ising in education for nature conservation, we consider the transfer of
these animals to an amusement park .... uneducational, lacking in con-
cern for the environment, and inhumane.”

There is a debate world-wide on the use of wildlife in zoos and
amusement parks. There seems to be a thin line between the use of
zoos for education and conservation (e.g. the captive breeding of
endangered species) and inhumane exploitation of our wildlife
resource.

Planning decisions - Plans to build 5,000 hotel rooms at the mouth of
Nahel Hever, north of Massada, are being opposed. The development
will cause the loss of the last segment of untouched shore around the
Dead Sea and sever the connection between the Judean Desert and the
Dead Sea.

17

Israel’s last sand dune on the outskirts of Ashdod has been saved from
the bulldozer. Following an outcry the Ashdod municipality is seek-
ing a different site for the expansion of the city and the Knesset is con-
sidering turning the dune into a “Sand Park”.

The Sharon Park in the centre of the Coast Plain between Hadera and
the river bed known as Nahal Alexander is threatened by developers.
Although the Park is the remnant of an ancient forest that once cov-
ered the entire Sharon Plain it has not yet been designated as a nature
reserve. There are plans for a traffic intersection, an expansion of
Hadera and a series of tourist resort sites.

The hills of Beit Oved, west of Ness Ziona, have had their status as a
national park upheld following a long battle against building propos-
als made in 1985 for the 375 acre (152 hectare) site. The hills, made of a
type of sandstone known as kurkur, mark an ancient coastline of the

Mediterranean Sea and present a profussion of wild flowers in spring.

LEBANON

The Lebanese Government has signed a new law banning the hunting
of (all) birds in Lebanon for three years from 1 January 1995. Lebanon
has a reputation for the indiscriminate shooting of wildlife and this
legislation is hailed as a great success for conservation. (Source:
Network News 2(3).)

ABU DHABI

A major ringing project was under way in Abu Dhabi from 20 August
to 30 September 1994, organised by Erik Hirschfeld. A team of eight
ringers from France and Poland took part in the study which co-oper-
ated closely with the National Avian Research Centre in Abu Dhabi.
Among the many objectives were a study of turn-over and species
composition among waders on the Abu Dhabi coastline, feeding
strategies of Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus and Greater Sand
Plover C. leschenaulti, moult strategies and utilisation of mudflats at
night by migrant waders. Studies of dispersal among local popula-
tions of Crab Plovers Dromas ardeola and the newly discovered congre-
gations of Great Knots Calidris tenuirostris were also planned. During
this period it was planned to have organised high tide counts
throughout the United Arab Emirates in order to understand the
- importance of the countries coastal sites during migration. It was also
planned to extend the studies to Broad-billed Sandpipers Limicola fal-
cinellus later in the autumn if possible. The project was sponsored by

18

the Avian Research Centre in Abu Dhabi, Office National de la Chasse
in France, the French petroleum company Total, Polish Airlines, the Al
Fahim Group in Abu Dhabi, local oil companies ADMA-OPCO and
ADNOC, the Hilton Hotel and the Union National Bank.

ATLAS OF THE BREEDING BIRDS OF ARABIA (ABBA)

ABBA Surveys 11 & 12 - Last September we received a copy of the
report of these surveys to Oman, UAE and Northern Saudi Arabia car-
ried out from February to May 1992. The ABBA project aims to deter-
mine the distribution and occurrence of all breeding birds in the
Arabian Peninsula. Survey 11 visited the UAE and Oman from 18
February to 2 March 1992 while Survey 12 was to Northern Saudi
Arabia from 11 April to 3 May 1992. The report gives information on
the topography and bird habitats of the areas visited as well as breed-
ing bird distribution maps and details of all birds seen including
migrants. The authors of the report, which was commissioned by
Saudi Arabia’s National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and
Development (NCWCD), have produced a valuable document for
anyone interested in the distribution of birds in Arabia. A further
report is in preparation on Surveys 13 to 16 which visited Oman and
Saudi Arabia between December 1992 and April 1994.

Copies of the report Results of Ornithological Surveys to Oman,
UAE and northern Saudi Arabia: February - May 1992 are available
from: Michael Jennings, 1 Warners Farm, Warners Drove, Somersham,
Cambridgeshire PE17 3HW, England. Price £12.00 including postage.

BIODIVERSITY CONVENTION

Under the Biodiversity Convention, countries are required to produce
National Environmental Strategies. In the Middle East these have now
been completed by Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman and Saudi
Arabia. (Source: Network News 2(3).)

IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF THE MIDDLE EAST
The English edition of Important Bird Areas in the Middle East was pub-
lished last autumn and is available from OSME sales.

An Arabic edition is in preparation by the National Committee for

Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) of Saudi Arabia.
It is hoped that it will be launched during 1995.

19

MARINE PROTECTED AREAS FOR ARABIAN SEAS

A review is currently underway to identify priority areas for conser-
vation in the Arabian Sea region. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Authority is carrying out the review using data from all the IBAs in
these biologically rich waters. (Source: Network News 2(3).)

MEDMARAVIS

The Convention on Coastal and Marine Biodiversity in the Mediterranean
was held at Alghero in Sardinia, Italy from 19 - 22 January 1995. The
main objective was to agree a list of biological criteria to be imple-
mented for the creation of new coastal and marine parks or reserves in
the Mediterranean. It is hoped that this incentive will lead to the legal
protection of priority habitats to guarantee sustainable populations of
rare and endangered species including seabirds, seaturtles and
Meditteranean Monk Seal Monachus monachus. There were workshops
on both the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. We hope to
report further in our next bulletin. Further information may be
obtained from: Medmaravis, BP2 - 83470 Saint-Maximin, France. Fax:
(33) 94-59-47-38.

MIDDLE EAST COMMITTEE

BirdLife International established a Middle East Committee during the
International World Conference in August 1994. It is hoped that the
committee, chaired by Mr Assad Serhal of Lebanon, will facilitate co-
operation between countries, help promote the IBA book to key deci-
sion-makers in the region and establish an on-going BirdLife conser-
vation programme. A newsletter will be produced regularly from the
region. ;

The Highlands, Islands and Flyways Project is the first project initiated by
the Middle East Committee. It will address the conservation of three
broad geographic zones in the Middle East, rich in IBAs:

Flylways: the migration systems centred on the Rift Valley in the
west of the region.

Highlands: the endemic-rich mountains of south-west Arabia,
Socotra and Oman.

Islands: the huge, globally important seabird colonies in the Gulf
and Red Sea.

20

PAR AVIAN PENFRIEND SCHEME

Last November the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in
Britain launched Par Avian, a penfriend scheme for young people
interested in wildlife and the environment. The scheme links people
aged 8 to 18 who share this interest. Participants from some 40 coun-
tries have already joined.

Anyone interested should send their name, address, age, interests,
whether they are a girl or boy, whether they want their penfriend to
be a girl a boy or do not mind and what languages they speak/write
to: Par Avian, YOC/RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL,
UK. Also send if possible a recent photograph of yourself and if you
live in the UK a stamped self-addressed envelope (23.5cm x 16cm).
You should hear within 6 weeks. You should be matched with some-
one with similar interests and will get their name and address - the
rest is up to you.

SLENDER-BILLED CURLEW SURVEY

A 3,000 km2/two week survey of the Novosibirsk and Omsk regions
of Siberia last summer failed to locate any Slender-billed Curlews
Numenius tenutrostris. (Source: Network News 2(3).)

COLOUR-RINGED GULLS
The Voorne Bird Observatory in the Netherlands is collecting informa-
tion on a number of colour-ring projects.

In LATVIA, Yellow-legged Gulls Larus omissus have been ringed with
a single engraved black ring.

In UKRAINE, Yellow-legged Gulls Larus cachinnans have been ringed
with a single engraved red ring.

In SIBERIA (RUSSIA), Siberian Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus
heuglini have been ringed with a single engraved white ring.

Gulls and Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta carrying rings with different
colours may originate from the Netherlands.

Please send full details of any sightings to: Voorne Bird Observatory,

PO Box 305, 3233 ZG Oostvoorne, The Netherlands.
Tel: (0) 1815-4816.

a

LESSER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE WITH COLOURED NECK
BANDS

The Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus is an endangered
species in Fennoscandia the population having fallen from at least
10,000 in the 1940s to about 100 in the 1990s.

Lesser White-fronted Geese in Finnish Lapland have been fitted with
coloured neck bands with two numbers or letters. Some geese also
have coloured ankle rings. The aim is to find out the most important
resting and wintering areas of this Nordic population so that these
areas can be protected in cooperation with local authorities and nature
protection organisations.

Please send details of any observations of Lesser White-fronted
Geese including the date, time, and location of observation with any
details of other species with which the species is associated to: Juha
Markkola, WWF Lesser White-fronted Goose Project, Marssytie 1 F 6,
FIN-90560 OULU, Finland. Tel: +358-81-341 363. Fax: +358-81-553
1227. On receipt of the information you will be sent facts about the his-
tory of the bird.

RINGING IN SPAIN

Volunteers (expert ringers and assistant ringers) are needed to help in
passerine ringing programme in The Coto Donana in 1995 and 1996.
Relevant months are: February, March to April, May and September
to November. Those interested should write to: J.J. Chans, Estacion
Biologica de Donana, Pabellon del Peru, Avda. Ma Luisa, S/N. 41013
Sevilla, Spain. Tel: 959-440032. Fax: 959-440033.

1994: ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR THE TURKISH
IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS PROJECT

The Important Bird Areas Project has been carried out in Turkey by
the Society for the Protection of Nature (DHKD) since 1991 under the
framework of BirdLife International’s European IBA Programme. In
the past, the project had received financial support from RSPB,
Vogelbescherming Netherlands and DOF.

Since 1994, Garanti Bank, a major Turkish bank, has given full finan-
cial support to the project. The bank will continue funding activities in

~ 1995, which includes the preparation of the new Turkish IBA invento-

ry, planned to be published by the end of the year.

22

In 1994, the Turkish IBA Project was actively involved in the conserva-
tion of the 79 IBAs in Turkey, carrying out activities in the following
fields: Network Building, Information and Awareness, Research,
Advocacy and Campaigning.

The ratification of the Ramsar Convention by the Turkish Parliament
and the campaign for the protection of Burdur Lake, one of the origi-
nal five Turkish Ramsar sites, were amongst the highlights of the year
1994. ©

The court case opened against the airport development on the shores
of Burdar lake, the single most important wintering site for the global-
ly threatened White-headed Duck on earth, has already become a
milestone in the history of Turkish nature conservation. After two
injunctions issued by the Council of State, the case was dismissed due
to a procedural shortcoming, but DHKD applied again to the council
on appeal. Other plans concerning the construction of an industrial
complex in the area were successfully countered by DHKD and have
now been shelved. For the time being Burdur Lake and its White-
headed Ducks are safe. |

We believe that with the support of the Garanti Bank and the BirdLife
network, 1995, the 20th anniversary of DHKD, will be another success-
ful year for the conservation of birds and their habitats in Turkey.

For further details contact: Murat Yarar, DHKD Bird and Wetland
Section Co-ordinator, Society for the Protection of Nature, P.K. 18,
Bebek 80810 Istanbul, Turkey. Tel:(+90) 212-279 01 39/40

Fax: (+90) 212-279 55 44

OSME News

1995 Summer Meeting. This will be held on Saturday 15 July at the
School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Russell Square,
London - see accompanying programme for full details and directions.

aS

Letter to the Editor

Sir,

As a keen ornithologist resident in Egypt I was interested to find no
less than three new species for Egypt reported in Sandgrouse 14 part 2.
I was disappointed and concerned that two of these species, the
Woodpigeon Columba palumbus (110) and Great Bustard Otis tarda
(111) were ‘described’ from shot specimens collected and reported in a
manner that might kindly be described as Victorian.

My first concern is the fact that records based on specimens thus col-
lected are treated as equally valid as records of live birds meticulously
observed in the field and subsequently recorded in detail with critical
analysis such as the Pin-tailed Snipe Gallinago stenura in the same
issue. Neither of the Egyptian articles offered any critical evaluation of
the circumstances in which the corpses were obtained or discussion of
the possibility of escapes. The assumption seems to be the dangerous
one that if there is a cadaver then the record must be valid, an impres-
sion enforced by the articles’ titles. .

My second concern is for the way in which the notes were published.
By printing, with no editorial comment or censure phrases such as
‘Discovering a large bird he [Dr Essam Hamdy] had never seen
before, he decided to shoot it for his collection...’ OSME gives the
impression of endorsing such behaviour. Is OSME aware, for instance,
that all Columba species, and thus the Woodpigeon, are protected
under Egyptian Law 28 for 1963. This is especially galling when the
bird in question is as rare, and declining, as the Great Bustard. Even
more worrying is the fact that the only bird that the Great Bustard
could realistically be confused with in Egypt is the Houbara, also pro-
tected under Egyptian Law and under CITES Appendix 2. Egypt is a
signatory of the Bonn Convention covering migratory species. If it is
Dr Hamdy’s normal practice to blast away at any bird larger than nor-
mal I dread to think what his collection consists of. Surely this cannot
be in line with OSME’s objective to ‘promote an interest in ornithology
and bird conservation throughout the Middle East’. I am surprised
that Giza Zoo provides a taxidermy service for such rare species, and
even more surprised it should be stated so explicitly.

Unfortunately the two articles provide a fairly accurate reflection of

_ the state of natural history in Egypt, with certain notable exceptions.

While I clearly recognise the importance of publishing first records I
find it disappointing that this antiquated shoot first, identify later

24

approach should find uncritical acceptance within the pages of
Sandgrouse.

Richard Hoath
The American University in Cairo, Egypt

OSME would agree that the manner in which these records for Egypt were
discovered is regrettable: the birds in question were shot by local hunters and
then came to the notice of ornithologists who identified and described them.
However, by publishing them in Sandgrouse the records have been brought
to the attention of the ornithological community instead of being lost forever.
Each year millions of birds are killed in Egypt by this type of uncontrolled
hunting. We suggest that Mr Hoath write to the Egyptian authorities to
express his indignation and ask them to control hunting in order to protect
these and other birds. The validity of records such as these ts left to the appro-
priate rarities committees.

SITUATIONS

VACANT

Have you got spare time which you would like to
spend doing something useful? Do you feel OSME
could be more active and effective? Do you have lots
of ideas which you have long wanted to put into
practice? Do you have a good sense of humour and a
commitment to OSME? Are you happy to work on
your own initiative? Or are you just keen on the
Middle East and its birds? - read on!

Arising from OSME’s recent Development
Workshops, a range of new and exciting posts have
been identified for which volunteers are invited.

26

SITUATION S

VACANT

Principal Editor

As from 1996 it has been decided to merge the Bulletin and Sandgrouse
into one biannual publication, the development and production of which
will be overseen by a Principal Editor. As head of an editorial team the edi-
tor must be a good communicator, and will have the challenge of develop-
ing the new publication’s editorial style, quality and content. Key tasks will
include assuming overall editorial responsibility; liaising with authors
regarding submissions; planning future issues; devising and maintaining
production schedules, both short and long term; and developing guide-
lines for authors. Previous editorial experience is essential and a knowl-
edge of Middle Eastern birds is desirable. Some knowledge of journal pro-
duction methods would be an advantage but working closely with the
Editor will be a designer who will handle design, desktop publishing and
arrange printing. A good editor is seen as a vital to the development of
OSME. A small honorarium is being considered for this post.

Events Officer

One of the key areas where Council is keen to expand OSME’s activities is
that of organising events and meetings for members both in the UK and
| overseas, to give members more opportunity to meet, and to promote
OSME’s profile. Working closely with other members of Council, the
| Events Officer will be responsible for developing and organising all of
OSME’s events; identifying those UK regional ornithological events at
which OSME should be present; liaising with overseas organisations, both
in Europe and the Middle East, to identify opportunities for joint meetings;
and to research other types of events relating to the region at which OSME
should have a presence. The post calls for someone who enjoys meeting
people, has sound organisational skills, and is a good correspondent.

Publicity Officer

Fundamental to the development of OSME is the role of Publicity Officer, a
wide-ranging role encompassing all aspects of the promotion of the
Society. Key areas of work include arranging OSME promotional adver-
tisements/exchanges with appropriate journals; identifying and liaising
with companies wishing to advertise in OSME publications; promoting
OSME meetings; and capitalising on opportunities to promote the Society
through press releases etc. This position requires someone with the ability
to write good copy, sound organisational skills, initiative and flair, and an
outgoing personality.

26

SITUATION §S
Sales Development Officer
At present OSME sales consist primarily of journals and reports plus a
small range of membership items. Whilst providing a valuable service to
members, Council recognises that there is potential to develop a wider
range of items both to benefit members and promote the Society. This new |

post is aimed at achieving this expansion. As with all publicity and promo-
tional activity, this post requires someone with flair and initiative.

Secretary
Due to a job opportunity overseas, the current Secretary is having to resign
from Council in July, therefore OSME is seeking a replacement for this key
position. The Secretary is responsible for arranging and taking minutes at
Council meetings, arranging the Summer meeting and much of the general |
day to day running of the Society. The post requires someone with good
administrative and organisational skills who is a good communicator.

All these posts will run for 5 years, and the ability regular-
ly to attend Council meetings will be desirable - Council
meets 4-5 times per year, currently on a weekday evening,
in London. However, whilst the majority of Council is
presently based in south and east England, over the com-
ing months, as OSME develops, it is envisaged that more
opportunities for members to become involved in the
operation of the Society will arise and a more flexible
approach to running the Society will be adopted. OSME
remains a volunteer-run organisation and relies on the
commitment and involvement of its members to function.
If you would like to see a more active, dynamic, progres-
Sive society, this is your opportunity to make things hap-
pen! If any of these posts appeals to you or you feel you
have another special skill to bring to OSME, then contact
the Chairman, Geoff Welch (tel (0)1728 648298, fax (0)1728
648529 or write c/o OSME).

27

Recently Received

Recently received
RICHARDSON, C. ASPINALL, S. HIRSCHFELD, E. & BANNON, J.
(1994) Emirates Bird Report 18. Emirates Bird Records Committee.
131 pages, black and white illustrations, diagrams and four pages of colour
lates.
oe again, a well produced and intensely readable United Arab
Emirates bird report, covering 1993. This item is available through
OSME’s sales list.

KIVIT, H. NIJIMEIJER, H. & OVAA, A. (1994) Wader And Waterfowl
Migration In the Cukurova deltas, South Turkey, spring 1990. WIWO
report 48. 2
164 pages with maps and graphs throughout.
Available from WIWO, c/o Driebergseweg 16c, NL-3708 JB, Zeist,
Netherlands - enclose cash or a Eurocheque for 25 Dutch guilders. If
paying by giro (to account 2 666 009) or by bank transfer (to ABN-AMRO
account 57 02 16 613 at Stichting WIWO, Lindengracht 9, 3633 AS
Vreeland, Netherlands) please add 15 guilders to cover administration
costs.

BAILEY, T. & HORNBY, R. (1994). National Avian Research Centre
Annual Report, 1993 UAE |
56 pages, printed in full colour throughout with diagrams, a map

and many photographs, Arabic and English texts.

A lavish publication documenting the first operational year of this new _
centre in the United Arab Emirates, dedicated to studying and breeding
bustards (particularly Houbara) and falcons.

. Arabian Wildlife Vol 2 number 1 (1995)

42 pages, full colour magazine
Now in its second year of publication, this issue covers subjects as
diverse as the consequences of the Gulf War, birds of Western Saudi
Arabia, Arabia’s hedgehogs and tracking houbaras by satellite. The
magazine is available by subscription (£16.00 for four issues) from
Arabian Wildlife, Dept S, Planet Publishing Ltd, 20 Berkeley Street,
Berkeley Square, London W1X 5AE, England.

28

a

WINKLER, H. CHRISTIE, D. A. & NURNEY, D. (1995). Woodpeckers,
Piculets and Wrynecks of the World. Pica Press, Mountfield Sussex. Hard
Cover, 406 pages, 64 colour plates: £30.00.
All 214 species of woodpecker are described and illustrated in colour.
Each species account has paragraphs on identification, distribution
(with map), movements, habitat, detailed description, geographical
variation, measurements, voice, habits, food, breeding and
bibliographic references.

Requests for Information

Egyptian Bird Report |

Records are being compiled for the publication of the Egyptian Bird
Report which will summarise records since the last major study on
Egyptian birds in 1989. The editors would greatly appreciate all
records of Egyptian birds (including trip reports) for their files. All
contributions would be suitably credited in the report. Descriptions of
first records are also welcome for publication. Please send informa-
tion to: Sherif Baha El Din, 4, Ismail El Mazni St., Apt. 8, Heliopolis,
Cairo, Egypt or fax: 20-2-3457234.

29

Reviews

Nightingale, T. & Hill, M. (1993) Birds of Bahrain. Immel Publishing
Ltd, London, pp 283 price £45

For those of us who enthuse over Middle Eastern ornithology this
publication represents another landmark in the somewhat sparse
range of literature available for the region. Although the large size and
price of the Birds of Bahrain may initially be off-putting - look closer.
The whole book is lavishly illustrated with a superb collection of
colour photographs many of which capture truly the hot, humid,
migrant-laden air of this, the smallest Gulf State. In particular the pic-
ture of the Grey Hypocolius coming into roost brings back rich memo-
ries of my occasional birding trips to Bahrain. There are very few
places in the world where one can witness this much sought-after
Middle Eastern speciality in such numbers.

The book does not delve into bird identification (we'll all still need a
copy of Hollom et al. for this) but focuses on the status and distribu-
tion of all species recorded in Bahrain. These are thoroughly covered
in chapters five (Migrants), nine (The Breeding Birds) and ten (The
Systematic List) the latter including breeding, migrant and wintering
species in a final list. In addition the authors describe the range of bio-
geographical features found on the group of islands, its ornithologists
(past and present), and give the reader a review of Bahrain’s top bird-
ing sites. It is a pity that some of the information is not more graphi-
cally displayed (migration charts and distribution maps for each
species for example) however this minor point detracts little from this
distinguished book. Those lucky enough to have seen the authors
speak at last years’ OSME summer meeting will appreciate the work
that went into this publication.

Rob Morris

ou

Due for publication in February 1995

The BIRDS of the Hashemite
Kingdom of JORDAN
by Ian J. Andrews

The Birds of the Hashemite a of Jordan is the first comprehensive summary
of the status and distribution of all 374 bird species recorded in Jordan.

Foreword by His Majesty King Hussein I

Romp ee to all habitat types deoompauied by 30 pholesapts
bird photographs by the author, Tim Loseby and others
Detailed species accounts, giving up-to-date information on where and when
each species occurs

Breeding distribution maps

Migration timing charts

Detailed birdwatching sites guide, with maps

Full Jordan checklist

Illustrations by John Busby

ISBN O 9524978 0 8 (Softback), 200 pages

Price £18.50 (plus £1.50 P&P UK, £2.50 Europe, £4.35 elsewhere, per copy)
Enquiries and orders to the author / publisher:

LJ. Andrews, 39 Clavius Drive, Musselburgh,
Midlothian EH21 6UW, Scotland @ 0131-665 0236

‘ So Around the Region

<4

Records in Around the Region are published for interest only, and their
inclusion does not imply acceptance by the records committee of the relevant
country. To submit records for OSME Bulletin 35, covering mainly the peri-
od March to September 1995, please write to Around the Region, OSME, c/o
The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DI1, U.K.

Compiled by Pete Davidson and Guy Kirwan

Records refer to 1994 and to single birds unless otherwise stated.

32

CYPRUS

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus
Spiros Pool, 5 December. Third
record for Cyprus. per C D R Heard.

White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala
Bishop’s Pool, 9 December. per C D
R Heard.

EGYPT
Unless otherwise stated all records
submitted by Mindy & Sherif
Baha el Din.

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
5,811, southern Lake Nasser, 30
January to 3 February 1995. Largest
wintering concentration since 1980.

Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis
five on islet off Ras El Hikma, 1
October. Conversation with local
residents indicate that the species
breeds in the area representing a
new breeding species for Egypt. A
Grieve, W Salama, M & S Baha el Din.

5

White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
1,157, southern Lake Nasser, 30
January to 3 February 1995. Largest
wintering concentration since
Meinertzhagen (1930).

Bittern Botaurus stellavis
Wadi el Rayan, 28 January 1995. M
Evans, S Baha el Din.

Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber
over 6,500, El Malaha, 30 December.

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina _
male, Wadi el Rayan, 28 January
1995. S Baha e! Din, M Evans.

Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca
130 between Old and New Aswan
Dams, 5 February 1995.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
19,281, southern Lake Nasser, 30
January to 3 February 1995. Largest
wintering concentration since 1981.

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator
Lake Qarun, El Fayoum, 3
December; female, E] Malaha, 30
December. Second and third record
since 1953.

Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
female, Sheikh Zeweid, 27
December. Rare winter visitor.

Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca
adult, Lake Nasser, 31 January 1995.

Golden Eagle Agutla chrysaetos
Quseima, 9 October.

Sooty Falcon Falco concolor
c150 pairs found breeding, Zabargat
Island, Red Sea. Largest concentra-
tion recorded in Egypt. T& AM
Moore.

Houbara Chlamydotis undulata
Ras El Nabgq, 29 October. Rare win-
ter visitor. W Salama.

Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus
adult and immature, Sheikh
Zeweid, 27 December. Second
record for Northern Sinai. Also 8,
Lake Qarun, 20 January 1995; 17,
Wadi el Rayan, 27 & 28 January
1995; 22, Lake Nasser, 31 January to
3 February 1995. M & S Baha el Din,
R Hoath, M Evans.

Audouin’s Gull Larus audouinti
adult, Port Said, 20 September. Rare
passage migrant. A Grieve, M Baha el
Din.

Armenian Gull Larus (argentatus) armenicus
many wintering North Sinai coast,
December & January 1995.5 &M
Baha el Din, L Fishpool, W Salama.

Stock Dove Columba oenas
Zaranik Protected Area, 26
December; several flocks totalling
over 100, Wadi El Arish, 16 January
1995. Rare winter visitor. S &M
Baha el Din, W Salama, L Fishpool.

African Collared Dove Streptopelia roseogrisea

seven, Abu Simbel, 30 January 1995;
eight, Abu Simbel, 3 February 1995.

Presumed resident.

Namaqua Dove Oena capensis
Zaranik Protected Area, North
Sinai, 11 October. A Grieve, M Baha

el Din.

Scops Owl Otus scops
Quseima, 9 October.

Hume’s Tawny Owl Strix butleri
pair, Wadi Mukattab, 25 November.
A new location for the species. S
Baha el Din.

Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopos syriacus
Rafah, 18 September. Rare breeding
resident. M Baha el Din, A Grieve.

Dunn’s Lark Eremalauda dunni
three Wadi Gerafi, 21 December.

Dupont’s Lark Chersophilus duponti
small numbers on the road to Siwa
(52 km south of Marsa Matruh) 2
October; one heard 35 km east of
Matruh, 3 October.

Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae
Sharm E] Sheikh, 14 and 25 October.
F Wong.

a es See

Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka
three, Wadi El Arish, 9 October;
two, Abu Simbel, 30 January to 3
February 1995.

Cyprus Pied Wheatear Oenanthe cypriaca
two, 10th of Ramadan, 23 October;
five, Abu Simbel, 30 January to 3
February 1995. M & S Baha el Din, F
Wong.

Finsch’s Wheatear Oenanthe finschit
female, El Arish, 28 December and
16 January 1995. Rare winter visitor.
S & M Baha el Dim, L Fishpool, W
Salama.

Red-rumped Wheatear Oenanthe moesta
two males, E] Omayed Protected

Area, near El Alamein, the only area —

from which the species is now
recorded.

Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti
Sidi Abd E] Rahman Hotel, El
Alamein, 4 October. Former
vagrant, now considered a rare win-
ter visitor.

Desert Warbler Sylvia nana
two, Wadi Mukattab and two near
Sarabit el Khadim, 25 November;
three, Wadi Gerafi, 21 December;
three, 45km southwest of El Arish,
17 January 1995. Rare winter visitor.
S & M Baha el Din, W Salama, L
Fishpool.

Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus
Taba, 20 December. First winter
record.

Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva
10th of Ramadan, 19 October.
Second known record for Eastern
Desert. S & M Baha el Din, S Eccles.

Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus
male, Abu Simbel, 3 February 1995.
First known record since 1984.

Steppe Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor pallidrostris
Wadi Gerafi, 21 December 1994.
Third record.

Scarlet Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus
juvenile, El Arish, 11 October. A
Grieve, M Baha el Din.

House Bunting Emberiza striolata
over six, Taba, 16 October.
Uncommon south Sinai resident. S
Eccles, M Baha el Din, A Grieve.

ISRAEL
Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus
Eilat North Beach, 19 December.

Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus
two, Gonen fishponds, north of
Hula, 28 March. Presumed same as
those previously reported (OSME
Bull.33). Dr D Hummel.

Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus
Eilat, 14 May. First record for Israel
and the Western Palearctic (cf.
Shirihai 1994). H Shirihai.

White-eyed Gull Larus leucopthalmus
four, Eilat, 29 November-5
December. H R Harrop.

Striated Scops Owl Otus brucei
Eilat, 29 November-5 December at
least. Regular at this locality in win-
ter, during past three years. H R
Harrop.

African Collared Dove Streptopelia roseogrisea
Eilat, 27 September. H Shirihai.

Dunn’s Lark Eremalauda dunni
km 33, north of Eilat: five, 20
October, two, 1 December; nine, 2
December. J Barclay et al, H R
Harrop.

Small Skylark Alauda gugula
Eilat, 19-21 October at least. J
Barclay et al.

Black Bush Robin Cercotrichas podobe
near Eilat airport, 7 April. Dr D
Hummel.

Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva
Yotvata, 29 December 1993-1
January 1994. Exceptionally late
migrant, or a wintering bird. I C
Whitehouse.

Indian Silverbill Lonchura malabarica
200, east of Haifa, September-
October. Unusually large numbers.
N Dingemanse.

Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola
Eilat, 5 November. J Barclay et al.

JORDAN
White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
130 flew south, Azraq, 9 November.
First record at this locality since the
1960s. RSCN.

Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca
three, Aqaba sewage works, 9
October. I J Andrews, T & I Loseby.

Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca
three, Dana Wildlife Reserve,
October-November; Disi area, 9
October; Shaumari, 2 November.
RSCN. |

Spotted Eagle Aguila clanga
Dana Wildlife Reserve, 5 October.
RSCN.

Verreaux’s Eagle Aquila verreauxti
adult, Wadi Rum, 8 October; Wadi
Araba: juvenile, 22 October; adult,
14 November. I ] Andrews, T & I
Loseby, RSCN.

Sooty Falcon Falco concolor
recorded on six days in October at
Dana Wildlife Reserve and Wadi
Araba, including a pair with juve-
niles; pair, Petra, 6 October; Disi, 7
October. I J Andrews, T & I Loseby,
RSCN.

Corncrake Crex crex

Amman, 28 September. RSCN.

White-eyed Gull Larus leucopthalmus
three, Aqaba, 8-9 October. I J
Andrews, T & I Loseby.

Crowned Sandgrouse Pterocles coronatus
recorded regularly in Wadi Araba,
October-November, daily maxi-
mum 68. Apparently first records
for Jordan. RSCN.

Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata
nine, Wadi Araba, 13 November.
Very few records for Jordan. RSCN.

Hume’s Tawny Owl Strix butleri
heard, Wadi Dana and Wadi Finan,
October. I J Andrews, T & I Loseby,
RSCN.

Dunn’s Lark Eremalauda dunni
maximum nine, Wadi Araba, 23
October. RSCN.

Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra
1,800, east of Qadisiyya, 5 October.
Unusually large numbers. RSCN.

Robin Erithacus rubecula
up to 60 daily, Dana Wildlife
Reserve, late November. Large
numbers. RSCN.

36

ee

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris
100, Dana Wildlife Reserve, 23
November. Large flock. RSCN.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
up to 113 daily, Dana Wildlife
Reserve, late November. RSCN.

Redwing Turdus iliacus
Dana Wildlife Reserve, 23
November. Second record for
Jordan. RSCN.

Red-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna
male of nominate race, Wadi Araba,
14 November. Third record for
Jordan. RSCN.

Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens

birds of the dark morph recorded as _

follows: Safawi area: five, 29
September; two, 9 November; two,
32 km west of Mugat, 29 September.
IJ Andrews, T & I Loseby, RSCN.

Cyprus Warbler Sylvia melanothorax
‘three males, Dana Wildlife Reserve,
17 November onwards. Apparently
first record for Jordan. RSCN.

Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva
Shaumari, 28 September; Wadi
Finan, 21 October. Former is unusu-
ally early. I J Andrews, T & I Loseby,
RSCN.

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus
Amman, 11 October. First for this
area, and most southerly record
ever. I] Andrews, T & I Loseby.

Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus
up to 135 daily, South Shuneh,
November. RSCN.

Syrian Serin Serinus syriacus
up to 15 daily, Dana Wildlife
Reserve, October-November. I J
Andrews, T & I Loseby, RSCN.

Sinai Rosefinch Carpodacus synoicus
50-100, Wadi Dana, 3-5 October;
130, Dana Wildlife Reserve, 12
October. Unusually large numbers.
I J] Andrews, T & I Loseby, RSCN.

OMAN
Records were submitted by Hanne
and Jens Eriksen, on behalf of the
Oman Bird Records Committee.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
Qurm Nature Reserve, 20 December
1994 - 1 January 1995. Sixth record.
R.Midgley, A Brown, H & J Eriksen.

Black Heron Egreita ardesiaca
khawrs near Salalah, 9 September -
25 October. First record. I ] A Brown,
W F Simpson, H & J Eriksen.

African Spoonbill Platalea alba
Correction of dates: adult at khawrs
near Salalah 21 January until at
least 1 December, and a second
adult there 23 July to at least 1
December. Second record. S
Aspinall, 1] A Brown, H & J Eriksen,
CH Fry, M & W F Simpson, M
Ullman.

Greylag Goose Anser anser

ten Masirah, 3 January 1995. J Bryan.

Corncrake Crex crex
Dauka, 1 October. C H Fry.

White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
juvenile Wadi Bani Umar, 6
January; Ain Razat, 15 November;
Sultan Qaboos University Botanic
Gardens, 28 December until at least
10 January 1995. H & J Eriksen, C H
Fry, M C Jennings, M Ullman.

Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo
Sun Farms, Salalah, 29 September -
6 October. Tenth record. W F
Simpson, H & J Eriksen.

Spotted Thick-Knee Burhinus capensis
pair at nest with two eggs Haylat
Khalifa, 9-15 May, nest empty 25
May. M W Lawrence.

Great Stone Plover Esacus recuruitrostris
Schnass, 1 December. Fourth
record. R Midgley, A Brown.

Little Pratincole Glareola lactea
Sultan Qaboos University, 3
November; Khawr Rouri and
Khawr Taqah, 14 November. H & J
Eriksen, M Ullman.

Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregaria
four Sun Farms, Sohar, 4
November, two still there 8 January
1995. H & J Eriksen, CH Fry, M
Ullman.

Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri
274 at roost Intercontinental Hotel,
Muscat, 25 December. M D
Gallagher.

Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus
Dauka, 16 November 1994. M
Ullman.

Alpine Swift Apus melba
Wadi Hinna, 23 July. S Aspinall.

Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
male of race samamisicus Dauka, 6
October. H & J Eriksen.

Black-throated Thrush Turdus ruftcollis
near Sunub, 5 November. H & J
Eriksen.

Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus
juvenile Dauka, 6 October. H & J
Eriksen.

Common Mynah Acridotheres tristis
355 at roost Intercontinental Hotel,
Muscat, 25 December. M D
Gallagher.

SAUDI ARABIA

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
‘Jeddah corniche, 4 March. J-O
Hedin.

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena
two, Jeddah corniche, 4 March. J-O
Hedin.

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
four or five, Jeddah corniche, 4
March. J-O Hedin.

Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris
34, in three flocks, 24 km south of
Malaki Dam, 28 April. J-O Hedin.

Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus
adult, Salsalah, 13 May. J-O Hedin.

Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo
1000, central Jeddah, 16 September;
150, Mecca ringroad, 9 September;
38, Jeddah corniche, 7 September;
300, Jeddah Pools, 11 September,
one, Jeddah Pools, 19-20 September;
25, Shoaiba area, 15 September.
Large numbers have only recently
been proven to pass through west-
ern Saudi Arabia. P Maton.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
two, Medina Airport damlake, 7 &
15 July. J-O Hedin.

Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis
Malaki Dam, 28 April. J-O Hedin.

Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni
five, Medina Airport damlake, 14
April. Scarce passage migrant. J-O
Hedin.

White-tailed Plover Vanellus leucura
200, Jeddah corniche, 4 March. Very
large numbers. two, Jeddah Pools,
15 September; one same place, 18
September. J-O Hedin, P Maton.

Caspian Piover Charadrius asiaticus
Jeddah Pools, 30 July & 1
September. P Maton.

Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus
two, east of Edabe, 29 April. j-O
Hedin.

Dunn’s Lark Eremalauda dunni
three or four, 290 km east of
Medina, 25 March; two, 150 km
north of Medina, 8 April. J-O Hedin.

Grey Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus
19, Riyadh, 28 October. Good num-
ber and early at this locality. I
Saville.

Pale Rock Sparrow Carpospiza brachydactyla
35-40, Medina Airport damlake, 7
April. J-O Hedin.

Arabian Waxbill Estrilda rufibarba
seven or eight, 24 km east of Malaki
Dam, 28 April; ten, east of Edabe, 29
April. J-O Hedin.

Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea
Wadi Three Gazal-Ash Shafa, 16
September. Status in south-west
Arabia uncertain. P Maton.

TURKEY

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
120, Goksu Delta, 9 September.
Large count. J Taylor.

Demoiselle Crane Anthropotdes virgo
eight, Eregli Marshes, 2 September.
Scarce on passage through central
and western Turkey. / Taylor.

Cream-coloured Courser Cusorius cursor
pair, with two juveniles, plus a sin-
gleton, Birecik, 7 September. Few
Turkish records, the species may
only breed sporadically. J Taylor.

Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni
Cukurova Deltas: 28, 19 September;
60, 21 September. Scarce passage
migrant. R Thorpe, J] Young.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops superciliosus
three, including a juvenile, flew
west, Cukurova Deltas, 27
September. R Thorpe, J Young.

Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae
four, Akyatan Gol, Cukurova
Deltas, 12 October. Scarce passage
migrant, most recently recorded in
Kizilirmak Delta in spring 1992. R
Thorpe, J Young.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Records were submitted by Colin
Richardson on behalf of the UAE
Bird Records Committee.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps crisiatus
off Abu Dhabi corniche, mid
January.

_ Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes
off Dibba, 9 October. First record.

White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
Das Island, 26 December. Fifth con-
firmed record, and the first since
1981. L Reaney.

Bittern Botaurus stellaris
Emirates Golf Club, 14 September,
and Khor al Beidah, 4 December.
Rare migrant.

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
25 Abu al Abyadh, mid September.
Largest flock recorded.

Intermediate Egret Egretia intermedia
Ramtha lagoons, 23 December-13
January 1995. First record for UAE.

S Aspinall.

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
Ramtha, late November-late
January 1995, seven Al Ghar lake,
Abu Dhabi, 25 January 1995. 12th
and 13th records. A Topp, S James.

Cotton Teal Nettapus coromandelianus
female, Emirates Golf Course, 24-25
November. Fourth record.

Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca
up to nine at five different sites
between 28 November and end of
December. A noteworthy influx.

Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus
dark morph adult male, Ras al
Khaimah, 16 December 1992. First
record for UAE and Arabia, (photo-
graph published in Birding World
7:403). M Saarinen.

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
Dibba dairy farm, 15-16 September.
Third record. E Hirschfeld et al.

Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga
six Khor Dubai, 28 November, and
over 20 reported northern Emirates,
over several days in early
December.

Imperial Eagle Aguila heliaca
Hamraniyah, 5 December, Ramtha,
31 December, Khor Dubai, 29
December-6 January 1995.

Lanner Falco biarmicus
Dibba, 16 September, Khor Dubai,
15 December.

LL... a a

Spotted Crake Porzana porzana
Zabeel, 19 December. Rare winter
record.

Little Crake Porzana parva
three Emirates Golf Course 17-20
September. 5th UAE record. C
Richardson.

-White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
Jebel Ali, 20 January 1995. Third
record. S James.

Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius
Mirawah Island, Abu Dhabi, 10
September. First record for UAE,
and second for Arabia. M Skakuj.
First. was in Bahrain in August 1992
(cf. Nightingale & Hill 1993).

Caspian Plover Charadrius asiatica
three Al Wathba, 3 November.

Sociable Plover Vanellus gregaria
Fujairah, 11 November. Eighth
record. S Aspinall.

White-tailed Plover Vanellus leucura
up to seven Al Ain, from 1
December, up to eight Ramtha, 6
December-February 1995.

‘as Nay), okt ae
<i iG a PAP es "s
ar Uae
4, 4. wt "
oh ete Gilat
tie a Soe

pe

Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris
regular passage, Mirawah Island,
Abu Dhabi, late August-late
September; maximum 603, 18
September. Highest ever numbers
in UAE and Arabia. One, Khor
Kalba, 15 September. Unusual
locality.

Red Knot Calidris canutus
Mirawah Island, Abu Dhabi, 23
August. Third record. J Lontowski

Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis
Dhabiya, 9 September. First record
for UAE. I Lycett

Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta
Ramtha Tip, 16 September, six Al
Ain camel track, 28 September.
Ninth and tenth records. E
Hirschfeld, S Aspinall.

Great Snipe Gallinago media
Al Ghar lake, 2 February 1995.

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
40 Emirates Golf Course, 8
September. A very high inland
count.

Sooty Gull Larus hemprichit
1,600 Qarnain Island, 19 January.
Extraordinarily high winter count.

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
incubating eggs, Jazirat Na’itah, 22
January. First confirmed breeding
in UAE.

Lesser Noddy Anous tenutrostris
two, off Ras Dibba, Fujairah, 14-19
September, one remaining until 14
- October. First record for UAE.

Namaqua Dove Oena capensis
Dibba, Fujairah, 14 September.
Ninth record.

Striated Scops Owl Otus brucei
Hamraniyah, 18 September. The
status of this species in UAE is only
presently being clarified.

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
Das Island, 12 October, Dibba, 13
January 1995, and Al Wathba camel
track, 3 February 1995.

Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius
three reported in the Abu Dhabi
area, 7-15 October.

42

Alpine Swift Apus melba
Al Ain, 6 September. Eigth record.
S Aspinall.

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
Zabeel fish ponds, 21 January-at
least 7 February 1995. Eigth record.
K Drissner.

Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra
Al Wathba camel track, 2-5
February. First record for UAE.
S. James.

Bimaculated Lark Melanocorypha bimacuiata
12 Al Ain, 1 December, up to 35 Al
Wathba 3 November-early
February 1995.

Small Skylark Alauda gulgula
two Al Wathba, 16 December and
subsequent dates until early
February 1995. S james et al.

Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens
ten Al Ain, 1 December, 13 Kalba, 3
December, at least 20, perhaps resi-
dent, near Jazeerah al Hamrah,
July-December, 40 Khor al Beidah,
20 January 1995, and 40 Al Ghar
lake from 2 February 1995. Usually
a very rare migrant.

Forest Wagtail Dendroanthus indicus
Emirates Golf Course, 10-21
October; Mirawah Island, 16
October. Fifth and sixth records. C
Richardson, S Aspinall.

Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni
Al Wathba camel track, 23
September, at least two Abu Dhabi
for several days from 15 October.
13th and 14th records. S. James.

Blyth’s Pipit Anthus godlewskii
trapped and ringed, Mirawah
Island, Abu Dhabi, 18-24
September; Al Wathba, 27
September & 3 November, then
from 16 December-early February
1995. Eighth to eleven records,
although possibly some of the same
birds.

Grey Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus
two, Emirates Golf Course, 25
October; eight, Das Island, 30
October. Only records of the
autumn.

Robin Erithacus rubecula
Bateen Wood, 26 August. A very
early record of a rare species.

Eversmann’s Redstart Phoenicurus erythronotus
Dubai, 14-15 November; Mirawah
Island, 21 November, and on Zirca
Island 23 January 1995. 18th-20th
records.

Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens
Zirca Island, 23 January and Qarn
Nazwa, 30 January, perhaps early
migrants. A very rare migrant.

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus
Emirates Golf Course, 22
November, and Das Island, 11
December. Seventh and eighth
records. C Richardson, L Reaney.

Black-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis
male, Das Island, 13 October.

River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis
trapped on Mirawah Island, 29
August. First UAE record. T
Stawarczyk.

Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon
Mirawah Island, 28 August. 7th
record for UAE. E Hirschfeld.

Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum
ten trapped and ringed, Mirawah
Island, Abu Dhabi, 23 August-11
September. Only one previous
record, in May 1994.

Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata
three of the race rama at Khor Kalba,
3 January 1995. E Hirschfeld.

Hume’s Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia althaea
Zirca Island, 23 January 1995.

Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus
Das Island, 11-16 October.

Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus
17, Emirates Golf Course, 25
October-24 November.

Spanish Sparrow Passer hispantolensis
180 Hamraniyah, 4 December.
Highest ever count.

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla
Jebel Ali, 16 September. 14th record
for UAE, and the earliest ever.

Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos
Das Island, 8 November. First
record for UAE. L Reaney.

Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea
female, Emirates Golf Course, 17

September. Scarce passage migrant.

Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla
two, Das Island, 20-27 October.
Eighth record. L Reaney.

We are most grateful to the following for
their help in compiling this review: Ian
Andrews, Mindy & Sherif Baha el Din,
Richard Bashford, Arnoud B van den Berg
(Dutch Birding), Hanne & Jens Eriksen, Steve
Gantlett (Birding World), Jan-Olov Hedin,
Hugh Harrop, Dr D Hummel, Peter Maton,
Colin Richardson, R Thorpe, Geoff and
Hilary Welch, I C Whitehouse, John Young.

ISSN 0959-6739

Ornithological Society of the Middle East
c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, U.K.

The Ornithological Society of the Middle East was formed in April 1978 as a
successor to the Ornithological Society of Turkey. Its aims are as follows:

To collect, collate and publish ornithological data on the birds of
the Middle East.

To encourage an interest in and conservation of birds of the Middle East.

To develop a mutually beneficial working relationship with all
environmental and conservation bodies and natural history societies in
and concerned with the Middle East.

Membership is open to all and spans over 40 countries. Membership sub-
scriptions are: £10 individual, £15 family; airmail supplement £1.50 Europe,
£3 rest of the world. Life membership £200.

Publications. Sandgrouse is the Society’s journal and contains scientific
papers on all aspects of the ornithology of the Middle East. The OSME
Bulletin, issued twice yearly to all members, covers all aspects of birdwatch-
ing and conservation within the Middle East.

For further details, please write to:
The Secretary, OSME, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, U.K.

Charitable registration number 282938.

Avertising rates: Full page £60; half page £40; quarter page £25. Inserts from £75.

Contents

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The Status of Warblers in Kuwait B. K. Wright

Raptor migration in the north-east of Turkey, September 1990
M. Kok & J. P. Ongenae

Foraging behaviour of Arctic, Pomarine and Long-tailed Skua on
migration in the Red Sea R. Yosef

Observations on copulating Crab Plovers Dromas ardeola in Kuwait
B. K. Wright

News & Information Compiled by Simon Albrecht
OSME News

1995 Summer Meeting

Letter to the Editor

OSME Situations Vacant
Recently Received

Requests for Information

Reviews
Birds of Bahrain

Around the Region Compiled by Pete Davidson & Guy Kirwan

OSME C/O THE LODGE, SANDY, BEDFORDSHIRE SG19 219L, Uae