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SANDGROUSE

Volume 28 (2) 2006

ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE MIDDLE EAST,
CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA

OSME

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 ornith-
ology and bird conservation
throughout the Middle East.

= To develop productive working
relationships with other govern-
mental and non-governmental
organisations with an interest in
conservation and/or natural
history in the region.

OSME CORPORATE
SPONSORS

‘

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Ge By
Sana oe

Sunbird

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WildSounds (4)

www.wildsounds.com +27

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 = EEE Eee
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: 2s eae
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:

Ali bin Amer Al-Kiyumi
Imad Atrash

Sherif Baha El Din
Ramaz Gokhelashvili

Dr Ghassan & Mrs Mona
Ramadan-Jaradi

Dr Omar Al-Saghier

Dr Yossi Leshem

Samer Mouasher

COUNCIL AS AT AUGUST 2006:

John Bartley - secretary@osme.org
Secretary

Dominic Mitchell
David Murdoch
Colin Richardson
Steve Rooke

Mark Thomas - ads@osme.org
Advertising

Pat Bartley - crf@osme.org
Conservation & Research

Keith Betton - chairman@osme.org
Chairman

Andrew Grieve ;
Effie Warr - sales@osme.org

Chris Harbard Sales & Distribution (co-opted)
Webmaster
John Warr - treasurer@osme.org
Sharif Al Jbour Treasurer & Membership
Chris Lamsdell

BR OF PE PO POTD

ISSN 0260-4736 Registered charity no 282938

clo THE LODGE, SANDY, BEDFORDSHIRE SG19 2DL, UK
OSME Wes site - http://www.osme.org

SANDGROUSE

Volume 28 (2)

Editor

Michael Blair - ed@osme.org

Features Editor
Situation Vacant

Assistant Editor
Dawn Balmer

Editorial Committee
Paul Goriup
Mike Jennings
Simon Aspinall
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:

Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles
alchata wing-stretching, near
Kibbutz Revivim in the Negev,

Israel, 1 Mar 06. © Rony Livne.

Contents

114

142

146

156

161

163

164

165

167

168

171

173

174

176
IW)

180
181
182
183
184

EDITORIAL
OSME News
NEWS AND INFORMATION

Ringing four breeding waterbird species at Lake Tashk MOHAMMAD E
SEHHATISABET, MOHAMMAD BALOUCH, ARASH BAHMAN-POUR, ABOLGHASEM
KHALEGHIZADEH & ZAHRA ELAHI-RAD

Autumn 2004 raptor migration in the Novosibirsk region and the
Kuznetsky Alatau, Russia REMO PROBST AND MIHAELA PAVLICEV

Observations on the avifauna of the eastern Jordan Valley, during
July-August 2005. FARES KHOURY*, KHALDUN AL-OMARI, JOSEPH AZAR
AND IBRAHIM AL-HASANI

Sabkhat al-Jabbul, a Threatened Ramsar Wetland in Syria GIANLUCA
SERRA, DAVID MURDOCH, FRANCIS TURKELBOOM, FRANCOIS. TRAVERT, YASEEN
MUJAWER AND DEREK A SCOTT

Distribution and population size of Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca in
Iran JAMSHID MANSOORI

Further significant extensions of migrant distribution and breeding and
wintering ranges in Iran for over sixty species MOHAMMAD E. SEHHATISABET,
SEYED BABAK MUSAVI, PARVIZ BAKHTIARI, DARYOUSH MOGHADDAS, NADER
HAMIDI, BAGHER NEZAMI AND ABOLGHASEM KHALEGHIZADEH

Status and distribution of selected bird species on the Russia-Kazakhstan
border northwest of the Caspian Sea VLADIMIR YU. ARKHIPOV

A note on predatory and parasitic behaviour of Stercorarius skuas
migrating off Muscat, Oman. KOLBJORN SCHJOLBERG

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos nesting on Mount Erciyes, Kayseri
Province, Turkey TIMOTHY BRUSH

The first record of Barn Owl Tyto alba north of Mount Alburz, northern
Iran DARIOSH MOGHADAS AND KorOS RABIEE

First confirmed breeding record of Eagle Owl Bubo bubo for Lebanon, 2004
RICHARD PRIOR AND PATRICK BAYLE

Prey species of Eagle Owl Bubo bubo in Lebanon PATRICK BAYLE AND
RICHARD PRIOR

Prey-exchange and hunting techniques of Sooty Falcons Falco concolor in
Muscat, Oman KOLBJORN SCHJOLBEG

The first Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea in Kuwait
KHALED AL-GHANEM

The first Black-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis atrogularis in Turkey
EMIN YOGURTCOUGLU

First breeding record of Trumpeter Finch Rhodopechys [Bucanetes]
githagineus in Syria GIANLUCA SERRA MAHMUD ABDALLAH, GHAZY AL QAIM

Some notes on raptors and other birds from Afghanistan in autumn 2005
PETER KOWATSCH AND REMO PROBST

Bird Sites of the OSME Region - 1 and 2, Nick MORAN

Possible first Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica in Iran and
the Middle East MOHAMMAD EBRAHIM SEHHATISABET

PHoToSpot: Georgia Kris DE ROUCK

Dark finches found at Ilam, Iran SEYED BABAK MUSAVI
REVIEWS & RECENT LITERATURE

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - COLIN RICHARDSON

AROUND THE REGION DAWN BALMER AND KEITH BETTON

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 98 2006

EDITORIAL

There are three separate subjects warranting
editorial comment for this issue.

Firstly, this issue contains an Iranian theme,
much along the lines of the recent Syrian
theme that was spread over several issues. It is
timely to remind ourselves that not only does
‘Ramsar’ come from the seminal conservation
meeting in that city, but that Iran possesses
and manages a huge number of important
reserves, many of which are IBAs of long
standing. On the world political scene, Iran
has experienced a great deal of international
and internal turbulence over the last 40 years,
but despite that, it is entirely to its credit that
conservation work continued throughout that
period. Difficulties there certainly have been,
particularly in conservation funding and
policy implementation, but the nature of these
has been typical rather of the bureaucratic
delays and lack of understanding familiar to

anyone in Europe rather than due to factors -

specific to Iran. Iran has a vital part to play as
a leader in conservation generally within the
OSME Region, being at its heart. Its role in
research into and protection of the many
migrant bird species will be of continuing
interest to Sandgrouse readers. The next issue
of Sandgrouse will also contain Iranian paper.

Secondly, OSME is launching an Internet
companion to Sandgrouse, called Webgrouse,
and it will appear on the OSME website at
www.osme.org. Webgrouse is intended to help
OSME accommodate the increased number of
papers submitted, but primarily will be aimed
at those papers whose urgency or immediacy
would benefit from prompt publication.
News items may also appear in Webgrouse,
but under the caveat that they should not be
treated as formal references for citation.
However, all papers appearing in Webgrouse
will be subject to the same editorial and
refereeing process as those in Sandgrouse.
Authors may request a preference for
publication in Sandgrouse or Webgrouse, but as
it is the Editor’s decision whether or nor to
accept a paper, it is also the Editor’s final
decision as to where it should be published.
Webgrouse item numbers will follow consecu-
tively throughout the year and so a paper
could be described thus, ‘2006-01’. There will
be a constantly updated Contents page.

Thirdly, there is increased interest in having
material of interest to OSME translated into
languages from the OSME Region (see OSME
News, this issue). OSME supports this concept
whole-heartedly, but the extent to which it can
be achieved depends greatly on the willingness
of volunteers who are capable of translating
material to do so in their spare time. OSME can
fund only a few of the more important projects,
and these depend in turn on sponsorship.
Anyone who considers a Sandgrouse paper
important enough to have it translated into a
language from the OSME Region is welcome to
contact us at any of the addresses given
elsewhere, for initial discussion. Authors
should note that OSME reserves the right to
authorise translation of any Sandgrouse paper
into another language, but does not intend to
do so without consultation!

Mike Blair

ERRATA

1. Our apologies go to Assad Serhal, who has
just been appointed to the BirdLife Council,
for describing his appointment incorrectly in
Around the Region in Sandgrouse 28 (1). He is
of course Director General of the Society for
Protection of Nature in Lebanon. We also
apologise to any individual or organisation
affected by our error.

2. A picture was duplicated in Sandgrouse 28
(1). Plate 1 on page 77 illustrating the ‘First
documented case of Lesser Kestrel Falco
naumanni breeding in an open nest in Israel’
(© Ronen Vaturi), by Motti Charter and Yossi
Leshem was also printed as Plate 1 on page
45, in the paper ‘Colonisation of the Middle
East by the invasive Common Myna
Acridotheres tristis L., with special reference to
Israel’, by Claus Holzapfel, Noam Levin,
Ohad Hatzofe and Salit Kark. The latter
picture should have been of a Common
Myna in Park HaYarkon (© Martina Petrw).
We apologise to the authors and photog-
raphers concerned. The Myna picture is
reproduced here.

Mike Blair

OSME News

74 / he

Plate 1

. This picture was incorrectly superseded by

duplicated picture in Sandgrouse 28 (1). Common

Myna Acridotheres tristis in Park HaYarkon, Tel Aviv, Israel. © Martina Petru, 12 December 2003.

OSME SUMMER MEETING

OSME’s Summer Meeting and 28th Annual
General Meeting was held in London on 29
July. About 40 members attended the meeting
to hear a variety of talks. David Murdoch
updated members on bird conservation
initiatives in Syria following his sixth visit
there in the spring. In particular he focused on
the need to encourage more people to visit
Syria and use local guides, and the
importance of providing materials to local

Dawn Balmer

people within the country. Roy Beddard
spoke about Armenia, a destination not
covered in previous Summer Meetings. Being
located in the Lower Caucasus Mountains and
situated between the Black and Caspian Seas,
Armenia is an extremely important area for
migratory and breeding species of high
mountains and sub-desert habitats. Roy’s talk
covered a number of key sites including Lake
Arpi, Lake Sevan, Mount Aragats and Armash
Fishponds. Another new destination was
Turkmenistan, and Mark Calderbank shared
his experiences having lived and worked
there for many years. In particular he focused
on the Kopetdagh region. After lunch and the
AGM, George Gregory gave us a tour of
Kuwait. With approximately 550km of
coastline, Kuwait has important islands for
breeding seabirds. Most famous amongst
these is Bubiyan, the largest island. Steve
Rooke talked about birding the Silk Road
through Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan — two
increasingly popular destinations. Finally Paul
Doherty showed video footage from several
recent autumn trips to northern Israel.

NEW OSME VICE PRESIDENTS

We are delighted to welcome four new Vice
Presidents. Sherif Baha el Din of Egypt has
kindly agreed to a second spell, having

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 99-100 2006

previously been a Vice President from
1994-2004. Apart from being a respected
ornithologist he is also leading Egypt’s
research to conserve the country’s endangered
reptiles. Samer Mouasher is a prominent
ornithologist in Jordan and runs a tour
operation. His late father, Anis Mouasher was
President of the Royal Society for Nature
Conservation and was an OSME Vice
President, from, 1993 to. 200K) WwaniaZz
Gokhelashvili is Director of the Georgian
Centre for the Conservation of Wildlife and is
developing many projects to engage local
people in wildlife conservation with books,
posters and leaflets, aiming particularly at
students. Ali bin Amer Al Kiyumi is Director
General of Nature Conservation in the
Ministry of Regional Municipalities and
Environment in Oman. In particular he is
renowned for his initiatives to help protect
nesting turtles. We are very grateful to these
people — and indeed all our Vice Presidents —
for their advice and guidance on conservation
issues within the region.

CHANGES TO OSME COUNCIL

At the 2006 AGM Dawn Balmer came to the
end of her term of office. Having joined
Council in 2000, Dawn took on responsibility
for OSME’s publicity the following year. She
subsequently agreed to act as Vice Chairman
as well. While we are sorry to see Dawn leave
the Council, we wish her well, particularly as
just weeks after the AGM she was due to give
birth! We are pleased to welcome Chris
Lamsdell, Dominic Mitchell, Richard Prior
and Steve Rooke as new members of Council.
Chris, a forensic scientist by profession, has
been particularly active with BirdLife Cyprus
and currently runs their website. Dominic is
well-known as the Editor of the monthly
magazine Birdwatch, and Steve is Managing
Director of leading UK bird tour operator
(and OSME Corporate Member), Sunbird.
They bring a wealth of birding experience and
enthusiasm to Council. As no volunteers have

stepped forward to take the role of Treasurer,

John Warr has again agreed to continue in this
important role which he first took on in 1999.

100

NEW OSME COUNTRY CONTACT
IN TAJIKISTAN

We are very pleased that Raffaél Ayé has
agreed to act as our country contact in
Tajikistan. He is based in Dushanbe and is
happy to hear from visiting birders. He can be
contacted by email: raffael.aye@birding.ch

NEW ARABIC FIELD GUIDE
NOW PUBLISHED

The Arabic version of Birds of the Middle
East has had a long gestation period. Since
the translation into Arabic by Saeed
Mohamed, an OSME Vice President, the
problem has been in finding sponsors for the
publication’s production and printing. This
was finally achieved and in July 2006 (exactly
ten years after the English version was
published) the book was to be launched in
Beirut by its publisher’s the Society for the
Protection of Nature in Lebanon. The recent
crisis in the country has delayed the launch
indefinitely. 5000 copies have been printed
and 2500 will be distributed free to schools,
universities, conservation bodies and
government departments in the Middle East.
The remainder will be sold with the profits
going towards conservation in the Middle
East. The major funding for the book has
come from the Dutch Embassy in Beirut and
from the World Land Trust. With generous
support from Swedish tour operator
Avifauna, OSME was pleased to pay for the
plates and other artwork in the book to be
digitised. The sale price is $40 and copies will
at some time in the future be obtainable from
OSME via our website.

LATE NEWS

Steve Moldovan has agreed to become the
OSME Country Contact in Egypt. His e-mail
address is idegenvezeto@yahoo.com. OSME
Council thanks Mindy Baha el Din for her
time in this role.

Keith Betton

Dawn Balmer

og elale

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, UK, or
send it to the appropriate e-mail address shown
inside the front cover.

This section is not 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 given acknowledgement here.

ARABIA

ABBA records for 2006

It is likely that 2006 will be the last breeding
season that is added to the Atlas of the
Breeding Birds of Arabia database before
publication in late 2007. It is planned that the
atlas will be published with a CD, which will
provide full details of every record on the
database including all published sources and
observers. This will allow readers to drill
down in the data to find a record to support
every location on a map or obtain the actual
records that support a remark in the text.

Please make a special effort this year to
submit records for this current season
promptly (by the end of August) and all other
outstanding records. Records can either be
submitted on the ABBA report forms
(http: / / dspace.dial.pipex.com/arabian.birds /
) or by post with details of species, location,
date and observations to Michael C Jennings,
Co-ordinator, Atlas of the Breeding Birds of
Arabia project, Warners Farm House, Warners
Drove, Somersham, Cambridgeshire, PE28
3WD, UK. Further details can be obtained by
email: ArabianBirds@dsl.pipex.com
(Contributed by Michael Jennings).

News & Information

INFORMATION

compiled by Dawn Balmer & Keith Betton

at,
;

a pe

BAHRAIN

Threat to Grey Hypocolius

The Bahrain Natural History Society (BNHS)
has sounded the alarm over the destruction of
prime roosting grounds of the Grey
Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus. The Grey
Hypocolius breeds in Iran and Iraq, both
difficult areas to visit, so the area in the date
palm thickets of Saar has proved a popular
location for birders to see this species.

A project, led by Dr Brendan Kavanagh,
started during the winter to catch and ring the
birds to study their movements, habits and
survival. Thirty birds were caught over the
winter and detailed morphometric data were
collected. A DNA sample was also sent to the
Swedish Museum of Natural History to try to
cast light on the exact phylogeny of the
species. More details of the ringing can be
seen on the Hawar Islands website:
http://www.hawar-islands.com/
brendan.html

Members of BHNS were shocked to find that
illegal dumping of construction waste in Saar,
near the Saraya Villas complex, had all but
destroyed the roosting site of the Grey
Hypocolius. Following complaints to the
Northern Municipality the site was largely
cleared up although adjacent development
sites still used the area as a dump ona smaller
scale and the local municipality is monitoring
it to try and prevent any further dumping.

The birds did return to use the site for the
balance of the season after the majority of
waste was removed. The site at Saar remains
under threat from development as it is
privately owned and zoned for building by
the planning authorities. It was part of a green
belt but has now been rezoned based on
water supply. The site was never a natural
one - the current vegetation grew as a
consequence of it being abandoned as an
active farm and date plantation when the

Dawn Balmer & Keith Betton

101

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 101-104 2006

ground water levels dropped and became
more saline many years ago. (Source: Bahrain
Tribune, Howard King, Brendan Kavanagh).

IRAQ

Photo exhibition on Iraqi marshlands

Two photographic exhibitions have recently
taken place, showing portraits of Marsh
Arabs, village life, wildlife and landscapes
taken during a Biodiversity Survey organised
in 2005. The photographer, Mr Mudhafar
Salim, participated in the Survey undertaken
as part of a Canada-lraq Marshlands Initiative
(CIMI) to restore the wetland. The first
exhibition was at the new
BIRDscapes Gallery in Glandford, near Cley in
North Norfolk and ran from 22 April to 2 May
2006. The second, entitled ‘Eden: Marshlands
of Mesopotamia’, was jointly organised by
MedWet and the Embassy of Canada. It took
place during the Ecofilms Rodos International
Film + Audio Visual Arts Festival (20-25 June
2006) on Rodos, Greece. For more information
see http:/ / www.ramsar.org /wn/w.n.ecofilms
2006_irag.htm

Training of Iraqi biologists and birds seen in
Syria whilst training

The report by Richard Porter and Derek Scott
is now available online as a pdf at:

http:/ /www.cimiwetlands.net/doclib /CIMI_
TechReport_3.PDF

ISRAEL

Hula Valley Bird Festival

The festival will run from 5-11 November
2006 and there will be a huge variety of
activities including lectures, identification
workshops and birdwatching tours as well as
guided tours of general interest around the
country. For more information, please see the
website: www.hula-birding.com

JORDAN

Threat to Dead Sea Sparrow colony

The large colony of Dead Sea Sparrows Passer
moabiticus at Sweimeh on the northern shores
of the Dead Sea, and in part or an
International Bird Area (IBA) is the most
accessible breeding colony in Jordan for
visiting birdwatchers.

Dr Fares Khoury commented, “The tamarisk
habitat patch has been largely destroyed for

the construction of a 40m wide street. This
started in March 2006 when a large part was
eroded; currently the road is being paved
with gravel and is expected to be asphalted.
Once asphalted, there is no way back and
habitat restoration may be impossible”.

Dr Khoury has- contacted the ~Nom
Governmental Organisations and the Royal
Society for the Conservation of Nature
(RSCN) and it is still not clear whois
responsible for the development. The
development is controversial as a proper
Environmental Impact Assessment has not
been carried out and it is outside the general
hotel area (to the south of the Dead Sea in the
Movenpick-Marriott area). There are also
plans for a Holiday Inn to be built. Dr Khoury
suggested birdwatchers could help by writing
to NGOs in Jordan or the Holiday Inn to
oppose the development. (Contributed by Dr
Fares Khoury). (See also this issue the paper
on the eastern Jordan Valley.)

KAZAKHSTAN

Birds of Kazakhstan

Arend Wassink and Gerald Oreel are
compiling a book on the birds of Kazakhstan.
It is planned for publication in 2007 and will
be the first comprehensive work in English.
Although the book may be with the
publishers when this issue of Sandgrouse is
published, anyone with recent records of
Kazakhstan birds is invited to contact Gerald
Oreel at gerald.oreel@planet.nl or Arend
Wassink at arendwassink@texel.com.

KYRGYZ REPUBLIC

Second Ramsar site for Kyrgyz Republic.

The Secretariat is pleased to announce that
the Kyrgyz Republic has designated its
second Ramsar site. The designation is part of
a conservation initiative by the Kyrgyz State
Forestry Service carried out under the Ramsar
Small Grant Fund. Chatyr Kul (16,100
hectares, 40°37’N 075°18’E), a State Reserve in
Naryn Oblast, is a saline high altitude lake
(3530m asl.) in the Tien Shan Mountains with
pristine ecosystem. The main inflow runs
from the Ak-say river and the lake plateau is
bound between the edges of At-Bashi (4700m)
and Kakshalto ridges (5500m) with
permanent snowfields and glaciers, forming
the border between Kyrgyzstan and China. It

102

Dawn Balmer & Keith Betton

is one of the few habitats for Pamir Brown-
headed Gulls Larus brunnicephalus, a breeding
area for Bar-headed Geese Anser indicus , and
crucial for nine species of moulting ducks,
especially Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea,
representing about 40% of the global
population. A significant population of IUCN
Red-listed Argali Sheep Ovis ammon is also
found grazing at the plateau. Located near the
Torugart Pass, the lake basin was once a part
of the Silk Route, and remnants of a 10th
century caravanserai can still be seen. Over
hundreds of years, local nomads have been
using the lake area for grazing horses in
summer. (Source: Wetlands International).

SYRIA

There have been a lot of major developments
in Syria in the last 6 months, with an
ecotourism project starting at Sabkhat al-
Jabbul, the country’s most important wetland,
the first trip by a British-based bird tour
company and the setting up of the first local
wildlife society. The project at Jabbul is a
collaboration between RSCN Jordan and the
Governorate of Aleppo, with support from
the Swiss government, which seeks to
develop ecotourism at the same time as
benefiting the local community. Jabbul has
been aptly described as a ‘paradise [for birds]
and a nightmare [for conservation and
access|’. One hopes that there will soon be
better protection and easier access. lt is
expected that The Palmyra Society to Protect
Environment and Wildlife will be licensed in
summer 2006; initial projects will include a
vulture restaurant at Dawara Cliffs, Syria’s
last accessible Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps
fulvus colony, which is declining due to
poisoning of carcasses; and better protection
at Sed Wadi Abied, the desert reservoir, close
to Palmyra, that is a magnet for migrating
birds. More generally, the Society aims to
persuade the local hunting fraternity (till
recently very large) to hunt with binoculars
rather than guns. This Society is very
important, as it could act as a template for
wildlife groups throughout the country,
which might in turn stimulate interest in
nature conservation at a local level. There are
many individuals interested in wildlife in
Syria, the challenge is to set up the structures
to develop that interest.

News & Information

Bald Ibis tagged in Syria

Two pairs of Northern Bald Ibis Geronticus
eremita reared six young this year in the
Syrian Palmyra steppes, a remarkable success
for the BirdLife International team protecting
them. They left the nest site in late July to
their unknown wintering area (Aug-Jan),
perhaps the southern end of the Red Sea.
Three of the four adults have been tagged
with satellite transmitters and at the time of
writing were together just west of Medina.
RSPB and BirdLife Middle East scientists hope
to discover from this work why their
migration route and locations take such a toll.

TURKEY

The role of Doga Dernegi (Nature Society)
during the outbreak of Avian Influenza.
Doga Dernegi (DD) has been actively
involved in the outbreak measures
throughout the period. Understanding the
migration routes and strategies, particularly
of wetland species, has been crucial. DD
distributed Wetland and IBA information to
the concerned state departments and by
promoted the general opinion of BirdLife.
To accomplish a change of public opinion,
two e-newsletters were published, the
website was regularly updated DD partic-
ipated in more than 40 live broadcasts
(Radio/TV). As a result of DD’s initiatives
with the state departments and the related
Ministries a Turkey-wide total hunting ban
was put into operation.

Furthermore, DD participated on three
important governmental meetings on
Ministerial level, where control and handling
measures have been dealt with and major
decisions have been taken. Working with the
state on an Officially high level resulted in a
general change of opinion and in promoting
HPAI related issues differently.

Prime Minister Erdogan’s press release,
stating that HPAI is transmitted through
mistakes in poultry farming rather than by
migratory birds will lead to a further change
of view.

Additionally DD has employed a consultant
working solely on the HPAI subject, like
safety measures for field researchers and
birders, following up on AI issues and the

Dawn Balmer & Keith Betton

103

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

coordination of this year’s IWC. The IWC
2006 has gained importance as a valuable
field monitoring tool and is highly requested
by concerned parties. (Contributed by José
Tavares).

GENERAL INFORMATION

Free books for conservationists

A new book is available free to conserva-
tionists outside W Europe, N America,
Australia, New Zealand and Japan. The book
Conservation Education and Outreach Techniques
by Susan Jacobsen, Mallory McDuff and
Martha Monroe is the second in Oxford
University Press’s Techniques in Ecology &
Conservation Series. The first in the series was
Bird Ecology and Conservation: a handbook of
techniques by Sutherland, Newton and Green.
For further information on this book, and
others, see http://www.nhbs.com/
Conservation / gratis-books.html.

REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION

Look out for Lesser Flamingos

Birdwatchers are encouraged to watch for the
appearance of Lesser Flamingos Phoeniconaias
minor in North Africa, the Middle East and
Europe this year. Please record as many
details as possible, such as whether they are
moving with flocks of Greater Flamingos
Phoenicopterus roseus, whether you are able to
identify the Greater Flamingos by their rings,
or whether the Lesser Flamingos attempt to
breed at the Greater Flamingo breeding sites.
Please send details to: Dr. Brooks Childress,
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge,
GL2 7BT, United Kingdom or by email to:
Brooks.Childress@wwt.org.uk

104

Turkey Bird Report 2002-06

Preparations are being made for the
compilation of the tenth Turkey Bird Report,
which will cover the period 2002-06, Once
again, the report will be produced by an
Anglo-Turkish team comprising Barbaros
Demirci, Metehan Ozen and Guy M. Kirwan,
and published in Sandgrouse. Many records
have already been received and there is no
need for these to be sent again, but we do urge
any observers with unpublished or published
records to contact any member of the editorial
team, or the last-named via
GMKirwan@aol.com, or Turkey Bird Report,
OSME, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds SG19 2DL,
UK. It would be helpful if observers were able
to consult the most recent report, covering
1997-2001 (Sandgrouse 25: 8-31), wherein
details of those species for which records are
particularly sought can be found. Trip reports
are nonetheless welcome, as are photographs,
both as documentation, and for possible
publication in the report. Anyone requiring
further details is welcome to contact the editors
via the address above. (from Guy Kirwan)

Dawn Balmer & Keith Betton

ith details of a1

sit our website _

eevee

Sa KY oes a He

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 106-113 2006

Ringing four breeding waterbird species at
Lake Tashk

MOHAMMAD E SEHHATISABET, MOHAMMAD BALOUCH, ARASH BAHMAN-
POUR, ABOLGHASEM KHALEGHIZADEH AND ZAHRA ELAHI-RAD

Four breeding waterbird species at Lake Tashk in the Bakhtegan Protected
Region, Iran — Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus, Little Egret Egretta
garzetta, Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia and Slender-billed Gull
Larus genei — were studied from 2004 to 2006. Over these three years, Great
White Pelican, though in small numbers, showed no significant changes
(although numbers were much reduced from previous decades), Little Egret
showed no significant change and Eurasian Spoonbill productivity reduced by
40%, but Slender-billed Gull productivity increased by about 55%. However,
Lake Bakhtegan’s water level fluctuates according to annual rainfall, and that
alone justifies long-term studies of these and other species to determine
trends. Better control of water distribution and levels has already been
identified as important for improving the conditions of local agriculture, but
data are lacking on how present water management may have affected bird
populations so that improvements can be compared.

Mokammad E. Sehhatisabet and Zahra Elahi-Rad, Ornithology Unit, Wildlife & Aquatic Organisms
Bureau, Department of the Environment (DOE), Tehran, Iran: e-mail m_sehhati@yahoo.com. Mohammad
Balouch, Fars DOE Provincial Office, Shiraz, Iran. Arash Bahman-Pour, Bureau of Habitats and Regional

Affairs DOE, Tehran. Abolghasem Khaleghizadeh, Ornithology Laboratory, Agricultural Zoology Research
Department, Plant Pests & Diseases Research Institute, Tehran, Iran: e-mail akhaleghizadeh@yahoo.com

INTRODUCTION

ake Tashk and the intervening hill ranges were first protected as the Bakhtegan

Protected Region (310 438ha), established in December 1968 (Fig 1). This reserve
was given the status of a Wildlife Refuge in the early 1970s, and was increased in size
to 327 820ha. The hills and plains within the refuge support a breeding bird fauna
typical of the semi-arid eastern Zagros. This region is situated along one of the main
north-south migration flyways in Iran. In Dasht-e-Arjan, at least 263 species of birds
have been recorded at Lake Parishan. At least 220 species (Darreh-Shouri 1984) have
been listed for the Bakhtegan Wildlife Refuge (some 100km from Lake Parishan),
which respectively are the third and fourth highest recorded totals for locations in
Iran (Evans 1994). Lake Tashk and Lake Bakhtegan regularly hold huge numbers of
waterfowl in winter (eg 120 000-140 000 surface-feeding ducks (Scott 1995) and 102
400 Greater Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus in January 2005 (pers obs). Cornwallis
(1968) studied the lakes’ avifauna in the mid-1960s, and the Biology Department at the
University of Shiraz carried out some ringing of waterfowl in the late 1960s.
Flamingos apparently bred in the early 1960s, but do not appear to have done so since
then. Good numbers of Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris breed in wet years
(eg at least 100bp in 1970), and up to 5000 were present in 1990 (Scott & Rose 1996).
The large wintering population of flamingos apparently constitutes the bulk of the
breeding population at Lake Uromiyeh, 1145 km to the northwest.

Several interesting species, including Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla, Black-winged Stilt
Himantopus himantopus, Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta and White-tailed Lapwing
Vanellus leucurus, breed in the Bakhtegan area. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
has been recorded as breeding at Lake Tashk. Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
occasionally appears in large flocks, and was last known to have bred in the 1960s.
There has been at least one resident pair of Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides breeding

106 M. E. Sehhatisabet, M. Balouch, A. Bahman-Pour, A. Khaleghizadeh & Z. Elahi-Rad

Ringing four breeding waterbird species at Lake Tashk

Plate 1. ns = _ oa
genei flocks to survey party at Lake Tashk. © Plate 2. Waterbird activity, Jazirah Bozorg island,
Mohammad Sehhati-Sabet Lake Tashk. © Mohammad Balouch

Plate 3. Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus Plate 4. Slender-billed Gull Larus genei fledglings
fledglings paddling back to land after being ringed. paddling back to land after being ringed. ©
© Mohammad Balouch Mohammad Sehhati-Sabet

in the area (Scott 1995). The scope for studies in the region is enormous, but our
research was confined to establishing the present status of four species of breeding
waterbirds in Lake Tashk, namely Great White Pelican, Little Egret Egretta garzetta,
Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia and Slender-billed Gull Larus genei.

STUDY AREA

Lake Tashk varies in area from 69 to 487km‘? due to rainfall and evaporation cycles. It lies
north of Lake Bakhtegan (Fig 1a) from which it is normally separated by a strip of land
except in very rainy years. It is fed by the outflow from the Kamjan Marshes to the west
and by a large permanent spring at Gumboon to the northwest. Lake Tashk holds 20
islands and islets, three of them being over 10ha and the three largest exceeding 100ha.
Our ringing work took place on two small islands, Jazireh Bozorg and Jazireh Kouchak.
Jazireh Bozorg at 29°43’56.8”N, 53°28’09.2”E is over Lha (160x100m) in size, rising to 8m
above the highest water level in spring, its topography comprising mostly shallow
slopes. In 2005 it possessed a scattering of such flora as Mount Atlas mastic tree Pistacia
atlantica, tamarisk Tamarix sp, saltwort Salsola rigida, Artemisia sieberi (Sage sp), Ebenus
stellata, ephedra Ephedra sp, galingale Cyperus sp and knotgrass Polygonum sp. Jazireh
Kouchak at 29°45’06”N, 53°40’16”E is very much smaller, only c1890m* (c60x50 m) in size,
rising to only one metre above the highest water level, and lacking plant coverage.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Our surveys took place during 5-10 July 2004, 18-25 June 2005 and 12-14 June 2006. Our
routes and observation points were recorded using GPS. We produced maps by
processing our data using GIS software (Fig 1b). For our observations, we carried out a
33km line triangular transect; the first side of which extended from a shrine, the
Emamzade (29°41’N, 53°35’E) up to the two ringing islands (29°44’N, 53°28’). The second

M. E. Sehhatisabet, M. Balouch, A. Bahman-Pour, A. Khaleghizadeh & Z. Elahi-Rad , * OZ

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

329 1850

Big island plygon
Area: 11438 462 m*2

161.58 m * 100.89 m
328 1800

Smati iland plygon
Area 1894.926 m*2

2221756 61.69 m * 51.16 m

UTM System
Zone 39
WGS 84

328 1785

| Littie Egret
9p Evcssien Spoonbill

323 1656

(0 Great White Pelican

aaa eee stenser-bitted Gul

223 1650

738750 728306 FIBS50 F28306 728950

1:2472 ra

Figure 1b. Map of the Jaziraj Bozorg and Jazirah Kouchak indicating breeding territories occupied by the
four breeding study species. © From an original map by Amir Pasha Kankash, with his permission.

side stretched from the ringing islands to Nargesi Island (29°45’N, 53°40’E), the third
closing the triangle from there back to the Emamzade. From an 85hp motor boat we used
10x40 binoculars, but land-based observations were enhanced by use of an ATS 80 HD
Swarovski telescope. For the target species, we were not able to determine easily separate

108 M.E. Sehhatisabet, M. Balouch, A. Bahman-Pour, A. Khaleghizadeh & Z. Elahi-Rad

Ringing four breeding waterbird species at Lake Tashk

5 Ee

Plate 5. Waterbird activity, Jazireh Kouchak island, Plate 6. Slender-billed Gull Larus genei chicks. ©
Lake Tashk. © Mohammad Balouch Mohammad Balouch

eae cae RS we: ed et : E
= <=. : ew fh Plate 8. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
Plate 7. Little Egret Egretta garzetta nest in Tamarix nest; one egg, newly-hatched chick and two older
sp shrub. © Mohammad Balouch chicks. © Mohammad Balouch

_———-

“Ss

Plate 9. Half-grown Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea
leucorodia juvenile. © Mohammad Balouch

= 0 ie
Plate 10. Dead Slender-billed Gull Larus genei.
Mohammad Sehhati-Sabet

\ Beg 15 FS ae OSS
peel st 4; rel. aarti Co ee Ae A
oie Ppaae spe sl B38 ‘ BY S ~~ ;

Plate 11. Great White Pelican Pelecanus Plate 12. Little Egret Egretta garzetta
onocrotalus nest with 4 eggs (large clutch). © eggs — probably more than one female involved. ©
Mohammad Balouch Mohammad Balouch

M. E. Sehhatisabet, M. Balouch, A. Bahman-Pour, A. Khaleghizadeh & Z. Elahi-Rad 109

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

numbers of adults and immatures, particularly for gulls, because almost inevitably birds
would take to the air at our approach (Plate 1). In any case, normal activity could be
intense (Plate 2). We therefore had to use a click-counter to census gulls; Table 1 gives
the totals for the four target species. Where pelican and gull pulli were mobile but still
flightless, we would shepherd them slowly and gently into the water at a suitable
waterside location and then capture them by hand from the boat (Plates 3 & 4). After
ringing and processing them in the boat, we released them on the water from which they
paddled back to the island. Table 1 also contains pulli totals. We counted the numbers of
eggs in each nest of our target species and noted the numbers of dead birds found. We
used letter-prefixed numbered metal rings throughout in both years, but in 2004 a few
blue plastic rings were also put on Eurasian Spoonbills (Tables 2 & 3) to help compile
information about local, regional or national movements and migration routes.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Summary of results

Table 1 gives the total numbers of the target species (adults, immatures and flightless
pulli) counted on the ringing islands (Totals of all waterbird species counted at Lake
Tashk and Bakhtegan in June 2004-2006 will appear in Sandgrouse 29(1)). Table 2
contains the ringing details for the pulli of the 4 target species on the two islets (298 in
2004 and 561 in 2005; 2006 data will appear in Sandgrouse 29(1)); ring numbers are also
listed. Table 3 enumerates the 11 blue plastic rings used on Eurasian Spoonbills. Table 4
presents nest and egg totals (2004, 419 in 149 nests; 2005, 1609 in 471 nests) and clutch
size classes; egg measurements (79 eggs from 30 nests) are also given. Plate 5 indicates
the relatively low level of activity on Jazirah Kouchak. Plates 6-9 are of the young at
different developmental stages. Table 4 also has counts of dead birds found (50 in 2004
and 35 in 2005; see Sandgrouse 29(1) for 2006 data), the majority being Little Egrets arid

Table 1. Numbers of adults, immatures and of flightless pulli counted on two islands in Lake Tashk in 2004 & 2005.

Species Adults & Imm Flightless pulli Totals

Years 2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005
Pelecanus onocrotalus 22 18 3 4 25 22
Egretta garzetta 700 600 200 100 900 700
Platalea leucorodia 950 400 250 150 1200 550
Larus genei 2200 2500 900 2000 3100 ~ 4500

Table 2. Pulli ringed on two islets in Lake Tashk in 2004 and 2005, with ring details.

Species 2004 Ring series and 2005 Ring series and Species
serial numbers serial numbers totals
Pelecanus 3 PP - 5051, 5052, 5053 4 PP - 5074,5078,5082,5098 if
onocrotalus
Egretta 42 LL 3951-71, 3981-4000 - ee 42
garzetta 50 GG - 3551-3600 50 GG - 4701-4750 5 11810)
Platalea 95 . LL- 53101-53133, 53136, 107. LL - 39401-39420: 39431-89450), 2202
leucorodia 53141-53150, 53152, 53153, 53161-53200, 53051-53060,
39351-39390, 39392- 39400 53154-53160. 53081-53090
Larus 100 FF - 0101-0150, 0201-0250 400 EE - 1251-1300, 1051-1200, 500
genei 4901-4950, 4601-4750
8 J - 3972, 3974-3980 - - 8
2004 Subtotal 298 2005 Subtotal 561 2004/5 Grand Total 859

Table 3. Rings used for Eurasian Spoonbills Platalea leucorodia in 2004.
Blue plastic rings TC TJ TN TG Te TP TS TX TE TD TB
Metal rings 39377 39385 39376 53152 39388 39397 39395 53153 39354 39080 531335

110 M. E. Sehhatisabet, M. Balouch, A. Bahman-Pour, A. Khaleghizadeh & Z. Elahi-Rad

Ringing four breeding waterbird species at Lake Tashk

Slender-billed Gulls (Plate 10). Great White
oo TSO NO FH Bw Pelican bred only in 2005 (on Jazireh Bozorg),
but Slender-billed Gulled numbers increased
that year. Of the 471 active nests counted in
2005, Jazireh Kouchak held only a few — 5
Little Egrets, two Eurasian Spoonbills and 8
Slender-billed Gulls; the remainder were on
Jazireh Bozorg. Lastly, some large clutches
were found during the study (Plates 11 & 12).

Total

dead birds

22-33.5 (32.29)

ee Changes in occurrence

So © The numbers of Slender-billed Gulls present
No ee during the breeding season at Lake Tashk
eae

Range of egg sizes &
Length / Diameter

and the numbers of breeding pairs counted

and estimated (800bp) show that it certainly

now appears to be a well-established

breeding area, despite its recent arrival. It
=) was not mentioned by Scott et al (1975),
Darreh-Shoori (1984) or Mansoori (2001).
Other valuable records of breeding numbers
are those of Little Egret (we estimate c150bp)
and Eurasian Spoonbill (c200bp).

27-48 (44.74)

Total eggs

0
23

0
11

Nests
surveyed measured

Adhami and Bahrami (1970) recorded nests of

Sus es ie other species at Lake Tashk, namely Pied
Say 5 Se Secs ie, OB Avocet (150), Eurasian Coot Fulica atra (5) and
See nee Marbled Duck (1), none of which we observed
& S 0 breeding during our study. The two-year
Se Ben CN eee fe Be al average of 6bp we found (Table 4) of Great
oS" BS White Pelican contrasts poorly with the
s ee ire hy Si Soe i records of Darreh-Shoori (1984) of 70 to 200
= = FOS OO OD individuals breeding between 1969 and 1984.
sls 65 68 Ge Sc Farhadpour (1981) similarly reported the
eee Ge GS oS occurrence of c1400 individuals and 350 pulli
8a and that 22 pulli had been ringed (ring series
ae ee PP, numbers 1908-1929) at Lake Tashk in
Spo So 22. 9° 1981: he also noted that less than 90% of eggs
Boo co 2 oa co had hatched. Our study found that the Great
fe White Pelican nested at a separation of
So A st ro

SN i SS 0.5-Im. In 2004 on 22 and 23 May, personnel
ee oS eS from the Fars DOE Office made counts of
Soe = 78 YA Sb breeding birds at Lake Tashk, finding 2400
Oo. 6 Ga 6s 88 Eurasian Spoonbill, 2300 Little Egret and 30
= = Great White Pelican (24 adults and six pulli, as
Oe Se ae well as 18 eggs). Sheikh et al (1996) records
ess oS = similar work — in western Bakhtegan, near
S 0 " ee ee Kharameh, on 15 and 16 June 1996, 210 pulli
o§ Seo se ES SS So were ringed: 45 Little Egret, 42 Squacco Heron
2 = QE IO OLS COON OE ON CORON 8 p 8 4 es

E QL Ardeola ralloides, 15 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, 8
é S 2 g 8 8 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus, 2 Purple Heron
5 s S g = = s Soe Ardea purpurea and 98 Eurasian Spoonbill were
29 so Ss gS 25 ringed in the reedbeds.

eo 25 8S gs 88 5

M. E. Sehhatisabet, M. Balouch, A. Bahman-Pour, A. Khaleghizadeh & Z. Elahi-Rad 11]

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

Ringing recoveries

A Great White Pelican,
ringed as a pullus (Table
2, serial. 5053), was
recovered on the Ghareh
Aghaj river, in Jahrom in
Fars province some 140km
to the southwest, on 22
September 2004 (Plate 13).
It was later released at
Lake Tashk on 18 October,
only to be found alive on
24 October at Haji-Abad,
Hormozgan__ province,
__ 280km to the southeast of
econ the Lake Tashk, then the

Plate 13, pecetad Great White Pelican Palecanus mire rornen (then Battal A forall
with ring number 5053) in Jahrom. © DOE Iran Paice 2 le al cy
released on Galegah river,

Tarom and Tashkouiyeh Non-hunting Area, without its ring. Behrouzi-Rad (1989)
deduced the main autumn flight direction juveniles of the species from ringing data to
be from Lake Uromiyeh to the southeast, the Bakhtegan and Bandar Abbas areas,
although recoveries came from other sites in Iran and the Middle East.

Two Slender-billed Gulls ringed in 2004 (serials FF 0237 and 0242) were found dead
on Jazireh Bozorg, after the same year's breeding season. Sandgrouse 29(1) will contain
2006 data. It would be an advantage in future studies to use netting techniques i in an
attempt to improve bird recovery rates.

Food Items

During this study, the food intake and movements of the target species to favoured
hunting areas were not studied in detail. From the numbers of birds counted, it is clear
that the food resources for successful breeding exist at Bakhtegan and in adjacent areas,
such as Gumboon marsh (c8.5km from Jazireh Bozorg and Jazireh Kouchak) — some
ringing results from Gumboon will appear in Sandgrouse 29(1). Earlier surveys of the
fish of Bakhtegan National Park and Wildlife Refuge identified 23 species, mostly
Cyprinidae, Cobitidae, Balitoridae, Cyprinodontidae, Poeciliidae and Mastacembelidae,
the most commonly encountered species and the most numerous being Cyprinidae
(BoomAbad 2002). We noted during our ringing activity that several Slender-billed Gull
chicks had regurgitated up to 30 fish c1.5cm long, and that on one occasion a White
Pelican chick produced over 150. Although fish prey form an important part of the diet
of all four target species, until we know the full prey spectrum, and how it varies
through the year, then the conservation strategy to support these and other bird species
cannot be stated for certain.

Status of Bakhtegan and sister sites

Lakes Bakhtegan, Tashk and Kamjan not only comprise a Ramsar site but also form a
Biosphere Reserve. The entire Bakhtegan Wildlife Refuge and the Kamjan marshes are
designated an Important Bird Area (Evans 1994). Lake Tashk is protected by the DOE as
part of the Bakhtegan complex, and one consequence has been the natural development
of marshland at the mouths of the two main drainage canals that feed into the western
end of the lake. Relatively little is known (Balouch 1991, Cornwallis 1968, Darreh-Shouri
1991, Mansoori 1981) of the overall impact on Bakhtegan and its sister sites of recent
large engineering projects. The extent by which the construction in the 1970s of

AD M. E. Sehhatisabet, M. Balouch, A. Bahman-Pour, A. Khaleghizadeh & Z. Elahi-Rad

Ringing four breeding waterbird species at Lake Tashk

Dorudsan Dam, a large water storage reservoir on the River Kur and of a variety of
other irrigation projects in the upper reaches, affects the area is not known. A large
drainage canal has been excavated through the Kamjan marshes, emptying into Lake
Tashk (Scott 1995), but the effects on Lake Tashk and the Kamjan marshes, good or bad,
have not been quantified. Long-term, the conservation of the colonial breeding
waterbirds and the control of water levels and water flow throughout the year require a
coherent strategy, linked to the BoomAbad (2002) findings, and that will be
underpinned by adequately broad-based studies in the future. Undoubtedly, a network
of weirs, water gates and water level monitors will be needed to best control the effects
of major irrigation facilities on the Bakhtegan Wildlife Refuge and its sister sites.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are very grateful to Mr Hamid Amini, senior ornithologist at the ornithology unit in DOE’s Wildlife
Bureau, Mr Hossein Sedaghat-Kish (DOE Kharameh, Nozar Moradpour) and Mr Islamlou Head of the
National Park for their help. We are also grateful to Mr Reza Fahimfar, to Aliasghar Shafiei, Seifollah
Moradi, Mohammad Ali Jalali, Abdol-Reza Negahdari, Naser Akbari, Majid Soleimani, Nazar Moghaddam,
to Mr Gojlou, Mr Safaei and in particular to Mr Gholam Reza Yazdani their family. Mr Saeid Mohtashamnia
helped us to identify plant samples. Mr Amir Kankash helped create the map of the two islands.

PRIMARY REFERENCES

BEHROUZI-RAD, B. 1989. [Migration route and ringing programme of White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) in
Lake Uromiyeh]. Iranian Journal of Natural Resources 43: 15-25. Karaj. [In Farsi with English summary].

CORNWALLIS, L. 1968. Some Notes on the Wetlands of the Niriz Basin in S.W. Iran. In: Elliott, HF] (Ed). Proc.
Technical Meeting on Wetland Conservation, Ankara-Bursa-Istanbul, October 1967. [UCN Publications New
Series 12: 152-164.

DARREH-SHOURI, BF. 1984. [Bakhtegan and Tashk Wildlife Refuge]. DOE. [In Farsi.]

EVANS, MI. 1994. (Ed). Important Bird Areas in the Middle East. BirdLife Conservation Series No.2. BirdLife
International. Cambridge. UK. 410 pp.

HULLEN J, ME SEHHATISABAT AND M BALOuCcH. 2005. [Waterbird Census In Fars Province, January 2005].
Bureau of Wildlife and Aquatic Organisms. DOE Iran. [In Farsi].

MAnsoorti, J. 2001. [A field guide to the birds of Iran]. Zehn-aviz Publishing. Tehran. 490 pp. [In Farsi.]

MULLARNEY, K, L SVENSSEN, D ZETTERSTR™M AND PJ GRANT. 1999. Collins Bird Guide. HarperCollins. London. UK.

Scott, DA, H MoraAvveEj AND A ADHAMI. 1975. [Birds of Iran]. Department of the Environment (DOE),
Teharan. 410 pp.[In Farsi].

Scott, DA. 1995. Islamic Republic of Iran, In: A Directory of wetlands in the Middle East. (UCN & IWRB,
Gland & Slimbridge. pp 43+221.

Scott, DA AND PM Rose. 1996. Atlas of Anatidae populations, in Africa and Western Eurasia. Wetlands
International Publication No. 41.

SECONDARY REFERENCES

(It is Sandgrouse editorial policy not to accept internal reports as References because as such they are not
accessible subsequent researchers — these, however, are important enough to be treated as exceptions in
the context of this paper).

ADHAMI, A AND M BaHRAMI. 1970. Wetland Survey in Central Fars. Internal report. Department of the
Environment, Tehran,.Iran.

ALAMDARI, A. 1996. [Project on limnology and Natural environment of Lakes Parishan and Bakhtegan]. Internal
report, Department of the Environment, Tehran. [In Farsi].

BaALoucu, M. 1991. [Survey of birds of Bakhtegan and Tashk lakes]. Internal Report. Fars Provincial DOE Office.
[In Farsi. ]

BOOMABAD (CONSULTING ENGINEERS). 2002. [Management plan for the Bakhtegan National Park and Wildlife
Refuge, vol. 11, Wildlife and Aquatic Organisms]. Internal report. Bureau of Habitats and Regional Affairs.
Department of the Environment, Tehran. [In Farsi].

DARREH-SHOURI, BF. 1991. [Survey of birds of Bakhtegan and Tashk lakes]. Internal Report. Fars Provincial DOE
Office. [In Farsi.]

FARHADPOUR, H. 1981. [A survey and ringing of White Pelican in Lake Tashk]. Internal Report. Fars Provincial
DOE Office. 2 pp. [In Farsi.]

Mansoonz, J. 1981. [Survey of waterbirds and migrants in Bakhtegan and Tashk lakes]. Internal Report. Fars
Provincial DOE Office. [In Farsi. ]

SHEIKH, H, H AMINI AND S SADEGHIZADEGAN. 1996. [Waterbird ringing in Lakes Parishan and Bakhtegan].
Internal Report. Department of the Environment. [In Farsi.]

M. E. Sehhatisabet, M. Balouch, A. Bahman-Pour, A. Khaleghizadeh & Z. Elahi-Rad LL3

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 114-118 2006

Autumn 2004 raptor migration in the
Novosibirsk region and the Kuznetsky
Alatau, Russia

REMO PROBST AND MIHAELA PAVLICEV

Ze) During the autumn 2004 raptor migration in southern Siberia in the

© ate. eh ee Novosibirsk region and in the Kuznetsky Alatau, the northernmost
=~ ea SS nS mountains of the Altai-Sayan-range, we recorded 1419 raptors at a rate of 22.9
Pe. 2a ¢ es aX individuals per hour. Migration was concentrated over some of the selected
/ Veet Noe oe 7 ‘| watch-sites southeast of Novosibirsk. Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus,
oo 2, —e. ee Black Kite Milvus migrans and Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus were
e. =~ = the main species counted, their migration direction being southwest towards

r\ 8 { Kazakhstan. This course was also taken by Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis
oe . ptilorhynchus which typically winters in southeast Asia. We sought to

el Gg xX identify particular subspecies and to assess the general importance of the

Roce SS ye watch-sites we used.
L \ SLE

Remo Probst & Mihaela Pavli ev, Radetzkystr. 21/11, A-1030 Vienna, Austria.
E-mail: a8960175@unet.univie.ac.at

Re migration in northern Asia follows three major north-south corridors from
eastern Siberia to Kamchatka (Eastern Inland, Coastal Pacific and Oceanic Pacific;
Decandido et al 2004), while birds of a more western origin are presumed to fly in a more
south-westerly direction (Zalles & Bildstein 2000). The latter group eventually transit
through passes such as the Chokpak in the Tien Shan mountains of Kazakhstan
(Gavrilov & Gistzov 1985), but much movement remains undocumented, due to the large
gaps that exist between the raptor watch-sites near Lake Baikal (Alexeyenko et al 2004)
and those in west-central Asia, the only exception being limited data obtained from
Chergiskiy Zakaznik, a mountain pass in the Russian Altai (Zalles & Bildstein 2000).

Here we report on our observations of migrating raptors from the environs of
Novosibirsk in southern Siberia and the northernmost mountains of the Altai-Sayan-
range, the Kuznetsky Alatau (Fig 1). In September 2004, we laid special emphasis on
identifying species, numbers and flight directions of migrating raptors, noting when
possible, sex, age and subspecies. We augmented our observations by examining and
measuring raptor skins in the Novosibirsk Zoological Museum.

Figure 1. Map of

Oo central Asia, showing
Chulimsk ee . raptor watch sites in
%* @ Novosibirsk western Siberia (mainly
*#*Yevsino , this study), near Lake
Baikal and in eastern
SEES ae Kazakhstan. © Remo

Probst.

Kazakhstan

Chokpak Pass

114 R. Probst & M. Pavlicev

Autumn 2004 raptor migration in the Novosibirsk region and the Kuznetsky Alatau, Russia

RAPTORS AND SITES

Overall, 1419 raptors were counted (Table 1), almost all individuals heading in a
southwesterly direction. Steppe Buzzards Buteo buteo vulpinus formed the largest
flocks, c100 birds, observed in the Kuznetsky Alatau. The Novosibirsk, Chulimsk and
Yevsino sites were visited only sporadically, because most of the time was spent in the
Kuznetsky Alatau (7-14 September), making observations when weather permitted.

Novosibirsk (55°02’N, 82°54’E)

One of the major cities of Siberia, with about 1.5 million people, it is divided by the
east-west Trans-Siberian railway and the north-south river Ob. Riparian forests clothe
the Ob’s banks and islands, where Black Kite Milvus migrans is a common summer
resident, small assemblies of up to five being recorded. Summer resident Eurasian
Hobbies Falco subbuteo hunted insects along the riverbanks. In the city centre itself,
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus was occasionally seen on buildings. Migrating
raptors were comparatively rare, although Eurasian Sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus
passed through the middle of the city.

Chulimsk (55°05’N, 81°01’E)

The village of Chulimsk was the westernmost point we visited, some 120km west of
Novosibirsk. It lies within the forest-steppe, a vegetation zone characterized by open,
sometimes still steppe-like areas, interspersed with patches of silver birch Betula
pendula. Although lacking obvious landmarks, the landscape holds significant
numbers of lakes in nearby depressions. Resident raptors included one pair each of
White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla and Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga and a
small number of Western Marsh Harriers Circus aeruginosus. Compared to Yevsino
(qv), which is also close to Novosibirsk, migration was weak (Table 1). Interestingly,
Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus appeared here at the very end of September,
earlier than we expected.

Yevsino (54°31’/N, 83°22’E)

This small settlement is about 70km south of Novosibirsk, near the Ob. In this hilly area,
sightlines are interrupted by woodland (stands of birch and Scots pine Pinus sylvestris).
Despite Yevsino being close to the previous two watch-points mentioned above and
although we had fairly unfavourable weather conditions, raptor migration was quite
heavy in our few hours of observation (33.9 individuals/hr). The birds apparently flew
parallel to the Ob, which is dammed here and forms a large lake (‘Sea of the Ob’). The
prevalent species was Black Kite, 271 birds being observed in 6 hours on 2 September.

Kuznetsky Alatau (54°42’N, 88°21’E)

The Kuznetsky Alatau are the northernmost mountains of the Altai-Sayan range and
are known for its high precipitation (>2000mm/year), amongst the highest in all
Siberia (N. Lashchinsky pers comm). Our observation site was near Mount Chemodan
(1357m), at about 1000m asl (Plate 1) and is characterized by rows of trees (mostly
Siberian fir, Abies sibirica, Siberian pine Pinus sibirica, and downy birch Betula
pubescens) interspersed with subalpine meadows. The treeline is at about 1100m, with
mountain tundra landscape (golzi) above it. Resident raptors include Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos (N. Demidenko pers comm), Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus and
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus that breed on cliffs in the river valleys. During our
stay, the weather was almost consistently unfavourable (including heavy rains and
even snowfall) for the migration of soaring raptors, but when the skies cleared, many
raptors, mostly Steppe Buzzards, passed. On 10 September, 849 raptors flew over in 7
seven hours, most (80%) occurring between 1500 and 1700.

R. Probst & M. Pavlicev ELS

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

Plate 1. Kuznetsky-Alatau. View from the watch-site in looking towards of the prominent Mount Chemodan
(1357m), which may serve as a waypoint for migrating birds of prey. September 2004. © M. Pavilicev.

SELECTED SPECIES ACCOUNTS

Black Kite Milvus migrans

According to Stepanyan (1990) Black Kites from the Ob basin are intermediate
between nominate migrans and the eastern lineatus. The birds we observed at close
ranges showed pronounced pale underwing patches in the ‘hand’, more resembling
lineatus (Plate 2). Black Kites were the second commonest migrants. However, they
had completely disappeared by mid-September. (Note that Ferguson-Lees & Christie
(2005) elevate lineatus to a full species, Black-eared Kite - Ed)

Honey Buzzards ;

The area around and somewhat west of Novosibirsk is of special interest, because it
contains the only overlap zone of the breeding ranges of Western Pernis apivorus and
Crested P. ptilorhynchus Honey Buzzards) (Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001, Ryabtsev
2001). Interestingly, we observed only Western Honey Buzzard around Novosibirsk,
while we found Crested more to the east in the Kuznetsky Alatau. Our identification
acceptance criteria demanded both structure and coloration be recorded, which left a
number of distant birds in the Kuznetsky Alatau (Table 1) unidentified. However,
shape and size suggested that most, if not all, were also ptilorhynchus. Crested Honey
Buzzards seem to leave their westernmost breeding grounds on a southwesterly
heading, opening the possibility that birds from this region are those that appear in
the Middle East (e¢ 11 at Eilat in May 2004; Sandgrouse 26 (2)).

Plate 2. Black Kite Milvus migrans. Birds from the Ob Byag as it
basin are generally considered intermediate between Plate 3. Juvenile Merlins Falco columbarius of the
nominate migrans and the eastern lineatus. Note the steppe subspecies pallidus (above) and taiga race
pronounced pale underwing-patch in the hand of this aesa/on. Note the strikingly different shadeing on
individual, more typical of /ineatus. Novosibirsk, the upperparts. Zoological Museum of Novosibirsk,

September 2004. © M. Pavlicev. September 2004. © M. Pavlicev.

116 R. Probst & M. Pavlicev

Autumn 2004 raptor migration in the Novosibirsk region and the Kuznetsky Alatau, Russia

Accipiters

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus was the third commonest migrant (Table 1) but
we also saw Northern Goshawk A. gentilis regularly, 5 in particular at close range (eg
when hunting Hooded Crow Corvus [corone] cornix and Rook C. frugilegus) 4 juveniles
and an adult female. These birds were not of the local, darkish race schvedowi, nor
were they typical pale northern buteoides; they probably originated from the transi-
tional zone, in the more southerly taiga. We base this assumption on our study of over
200 Goshawk skins in the zoological museums of Moscow, St. Petersburg and
Novosibirsk. A third Accipiter, the Japanese Sparrowhawk A. gularis, reaches the
westernmost limit of its breeding range around Novosibirsk (Ryabtsev 2001) and
winters in south-east Asia, but we did not find it.

Table 1. Raptor species and numbers observed in the Novosibirsk region and the Kuznetsky Alatau in
September 2004.

Species/Site Novosibirsk Chulimsk Yevsino Kuznetsky Alatau Total
Black Kite

Milvus migrans 2 Zr 53 326
Montagu’s Harrier

Circus pygargus 1 1
Pallid Harrier

Circus macrourus 1 . 1
Hen Harrier

Circus cyaneus 5 16 1 22
Western Marsh Harrier

Circus aeruginosus 2 2
Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Accipiter nisus 9 10 18 Sif. 74
Northern Goshawk

Accipiter gentilis 1 if 1 9
Western Honey Buzzard

Pernis apivorus 1 1 2
Crested / Western Honey Buzzard

Pernis ptilorhynchus / apivorus 1 14 15
Crested Honey Buzzard

Pernis ptilorhynchus : 11 11
Steppe Buzzard

Buteo buteo vulpinus a 51 866 928
Rough-legged Buzzard

Buteo lagopus 8 8
Eastern Imperial Eagle

Aquila heliaca 1 1
Greater Spotted Eagle

Aquila clanga 2 3 5
Osprey

Panaion haliaetus 1 1
Common Kestrel

Falco tinnunculus 1 1 2
Eurasian Hobby

Falco subbuteo 3 3
Merlin

Falco columbarius 1 1 1 3
Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus 1 1
Unidentified raptors 4 4
Total 14 41 373 991 1419
Hours of observation 10.75 13 11 21.20 62
Individuals per hour 1.3 3.2 33.9 36.4 22.9

R. Probst & M. Pavli cev LIZ

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Marsh Harriers observed close to Novosibirsk were typical of nominate aeruginosus
and showed none of the characteristics (eg barred tails in females) of the more
eastern form spilonotus. Although Ferguson-Lees and Christie (2001) were cautious
over treating these forms as full species, they have now (2005) done so, as Western
and Eastern.

Merlin Falco columbarius .

The three birds observed were of northern origin (aesalon), not of the local steppe-form
pallidus (Stepanyan 1990). As shown in Plate 3, the latter can be very pale on the
upperparts. One individual hunted House Sparrows Passer domesticus amongst the
crowds in front of the Novosibirsk main railway station.

CONCLUSIONS

Observations in September 2004 revealed that raptor migration in the Novosibirsk
region and the Kuznetsky Alatau operates on a southwesterly heading, towards
Kazakhstan. Birds coming from Siberia are probably diverted to that route by the high
mountains of central Asia. Predominant species were Steppe Buzzard, Black Kite and
Sparrowhawks. However, the migration heading of typical eastern raptors like the
Crested Honey Buzzard was also southwesterly. — 7

The volume of raptors that annually migrate through the treated area cannot be
extrapolated from the few hours of observation. However, it is certainly possible that
several thousands pass the Yevsino and Kuznetsky Alatau watch sites. It would be
worthwhile to quantify the raptor passage in a larger-scale investigation over the
duration of the migration (August to November) at the sites we have defined in this
study. It is also important that a more comprehensive search is made for other
productive sites. Certainly, there is still no clear understanding of the line of division
between eastern and western migrants, nor of where the main wintering areas lie of
many of these breeding populations, either on the Indian subcontinent or in Africa.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

For the organization of and participation in this expedition we would like to thank Hildegard Meyer and
Andreas Richter (both University of Vienna, Austria) as well as Natalia Demidenko, Olga Pisarenko (both
Russia) and especially Nikolai Lashchinsky (Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Science). For the
permission to work in the protected zone of the Kuznetsky Alatau (Zapovednik) we are grateful to local
officials. We are indebted to the members of the Zoological Museum of Novosibirsk for their hospitality.
Michael McGrady had a critical look on an earlier draft of this manuscript and improved our English.

REFERENCES

ALEXEYENKO, MN, I V FEFELOV, V V RYABTSEV AND V YU MALYSHEVA. 2004. [Results of the investigation of
raptor autumn migration along the southern Baikal migration corridor]. Abstract from the International Siberian
Zoological Conference. Novosibirsk. [In Russian.]

DECANDIDO, R, C NUALSRI, D ALLEN AND K L BILDSTEIN. 2004. Autumn 2003 raptor migration at
Chumphon, Thailand: a globally significant raptor migration watch site. Forktail 20: 49-54.

FERGUSON-LEES, J AND D A CurIsTIE. 2005. Raptors of the world - a field guide. Helm. London. UK.

FERGUSON-LEES, J AND D A CurisTIE. 2001. Raptors of the world. Christopher Helm. London. UK.

FORSMAN, D. 1999. The raptors of Europe and the Middle East. T&AD Poyser. London.

GaAvrILov, E I AND A P Gistzov. 1985. [Seasonal migration of birds in the mountains of eastern Tyan Shan].
Alma Ata. Kazakhstan. [In Russian. ]

STEPANYAN, L S. 1990. [Conspectus of the ornithological fauna of the USSR]. Nauka. Moscow. Russia. [In Russian.]

RyastsEv, V K. 2001. [Birds of Ural and western Siberia]. Ural University. Ekaterinburg. Russia. [In Russian. ]

ZALLES, J 1 AND K L BILDSTEIN. 2000. Raptor watch. A global directory of raptor migration sites. BirdLife
International. BirdLife Conservation Series No 9. Cambridge. UK

118 R. Probst & M. Pavlicev

Observations on the avifauna of the eastern Jordan Valley, during July-August 2005.

Observations on the avifauna of the eastern
Jordan Valley, during July-August 2005.

FARES KHOURY, KHALDUN AL-OMARI, JOSEPH AZAR
AND IBRAHIM AL-HASANI

The avifauna of the near-border areas along the Jordan River and at the
southern and northern tips of the Dead Sea were studied during a survey from
mid-July to early August 2005. Around 15% of the breeding species within the
study area do not breed anywhere else in Jordan. These include Black Francolin
Francolinus francolinus, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus, Pied
Kingfisher Ceryle rudis, Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos, Clamorous Reed
Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus and Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus.
Large and continuous colonies of the Dead Sea Sparrow and a high frequency
of Blue-cheeked Bee-eater were found along the flood plains adjacent to the
lower and central Jordan River. Range extensions of Namaqua Dove Oena
capensis, Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis and Arabian Babbler
Turdoides squamiceps, in addition to an invasion of Indian Silverbill Lonchura
[Eudice] malabarica were evident during this survey. The low-lying habitat
patches of the study area, many of which have previously been fragmented by
agricultural projects, include salt marshes, Tamarix scrub and riparian-type
habitats along the banks of the Jordan River. Further habitat destruction and
fragmentation is expected in the near future, if action is not taken to protect the
remnant natural habitats, particularly along the floodplains of the Jordan River.

Fares Khoury”, Department of Biological Sciences, Hashemite University, PO Box 150459, Zarga 13115,
Jordan. e-mail: avijordan2000@yahoo.com. Khaldum Al-Omart, Joseph Azar and Ibrahim Al-Hasant:
Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, PO Box 1215, Amman 11941, Jordan. e-mails: Alomari-
k@rscn.org.jo , joseph_a@rscn.org.jo , hasani@rscn.org.jo. * Correspondence author

INTRODUCTION

ale avifauna of the agricultural landscapes on the eastern side of the Jordan Valley
is, in general, well documented (Andrews 1995). However, there remains a gap in
our knowledge of the birds inhabiting the remnant natural habitats along the Jordan
River and south of the Dead Sea due to limited access to this area, which has been a
closed military zone for many decades. Natural habitats include flood plains with
patches of salt marsh vegetation, riparian vegetation lining the Jordan River, and
dense Tamarix scrub. These remnant, and for Jordan rather unique patches of natural
habitats, are threatened by agricultural, industrial and other forms of developments
causing further destruction and fragmentation. We provide here supplementary
knowledge about the breeding birds of Jordan in general and the Jordan Valley in
particular (Andrews 1995, Andrews ef al 1999, Khoury 2001). We include significant
records of birds in the border areas of the Jordan Valley where status and breeding
range had been unclear due to limited access.

STUDY AREA

From mid-July to early August 2005, which period, through less than ideal
nevertheless does allow a good indication of breeding species, we observed and
counted birds at 20 sites, which are mostly below sea level and are representative of
the southern and northern shores of the Dead Sea (ie Fifa and Sweimeh) and the flood
plains along the Jordan River, from Baqura south to the Dead Sea (Plate 1). The flood
plains are continuous, but their width varies from 100m to nearly 1km along the
Jordan River. They are bordered in the east by the sedimentary Katar hills, which
separate the flood plains from the rest of the Jordan Valley. We also visited a few sites

F. Khoury, K. Al-Omart, J. Azar & I. Al-Hasani 119

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 119-126 2006

- |
The Study Area i, | @ Village
apmouk Ri } ;
5 gw Bridge
“2 uray on |
® North Shouneh> 3 ay ire seer Wadi
ee. oS | —— River
Sheikh Hussei oe we ~~ | Rive
Bridge 4 Ev, :
; @AlMashan' 5 J | | Dead Sea |
ee ae | [_] Rift Valley |
Location in Jordan
Deir ‘Alla
®@---Wadi-Zarga
Prince Mohammad ee
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@ Karameh
cee : es z :
s a
at 2 «& ;
King Hussein}; --F yw?"
ridge Oe Be
King Abdullahe, “eye Gharba, |
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a
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4 7
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g Bae ee Rak A
(0p) Re AW tRS oe
3 ae x : :
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a NNO - eee :
WadyAtMujibS,

Figure 1. Map of the study area. The northern and upper Jordan River, as referred to in the text, extends
from Baqourah south to the Wadi Ar Rayyan area; the central part extends further south to the Karamah
area, and the southern and lower Jordan River extends from the Karamah area to the mouth of the Jordan
River at the northern tip of the Dead Sea, south of King Abdallah Bridge. The study area comprised only of
the near-border areas on the western edge of the Rift Valley. Prepared by Natalia Boulad © RSCN.

along the southeastern shores of the Dead Sea, but our study area was generally
limited to the near-border region that forms the western edge of the eastern Jordan
Valley. Most areas visited have remnant patches of natural habitats that usually
comprise dry or waterlogged saltmarshes and Tamarix thickets (Plate 2) studded with
reed Phragmites sp and poplar Populus sp stands that are characteristic of a narrow and
nearly continuous riparian zone along the banks of the Jordan River. Farmland
dominates the landscape along the central and northern Jordan River valley and
recently also the south-eastern shores of the Dead Sea, where intensive agricultural
expansion caused major destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats.

The area is also home to industrial projects; for example an industrial and tax-free
zone is planned for the lower Jordan Valley near King Muhammad (Damia) Bridge.
Tourist rest houses, hotels and a few isolated villas occur along the northern shores of
the Dead Sea and at the Baptism Site at Wadi Kharrar. Intensive grazing by sheep and
goats appears not to be a major concern, being noted only locally during our visits at
Sweimeh and at few sites along the banks of the central and northern Jordan River.

120 F. Khoury, K. Al-Omart, J. Azar & I. Al-Hasani

Observations on the avifauna of the eastern Jordan Valley, during July—August 2005.

METHODS

We counted all bird species at the 20 sites, but we include here only significant records
of resident and breeding species. We assumed that birds recorded during the eight
study days during the period between 19 July and 2 August 2005 were breeding
summer visitors or residents, except for those known only to be non-breeding visitors,
residents or migrants (Andrews 1995, Andrews et al 1999). We recorded the total
numbers of birds for each site where possible or logged the daily maximum. In
addition, for the Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus, we undertook 100m line
transects to count nests and also spot counts (30m radius) of birds in order to estimate
the total population and colony sizes. (See News & Information, this issue.)

LIST OF SELECTED SPECIES

Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus. Recorded at three different sites along the
central (Karamah area) and northern banks (Wadi Ar Rayyan area) of the Jordan
River, with 1 - 4 birds per site. It had previously been recorded also in the lower
Jordan Valley (Khoury 2001), but we found none at Sweimeh, where it is now
probably extinct (Andrews 1995). This species is currently confined in Jordan to the
floodplains of the Jordan River, but may also occur at Fifa.

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax. Recorded at four sites along the
lower and central Jordan River in small groups of 2-4 in late July. An earlier survey
period might provide confirmation of the species’ status as a breeder or non-breeder;
there birds may have been early migrants.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis. Recorded throughout the study area: maximum daily counts of
30 birds, mainly in agricultural landscape in the central and northern Jordan Valley.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta. Recorded throughout the study area: maximum daily
counts of 18 in the upper /northern Jordan River area.

Note. Large, unoccupied nests of herons/egrets on Eucalyptus Eucalyptus sp trees near the
lowermost Wadi Gharba indicate the presence of breeding herons or egrets along the lower
Jordan River. Proven breeding of Night Herons, Little Egrets and Cattle Egrets in Jordan has
occurred only along the upper, northern banks of the Jordan River (Andrews ef al 1999).
However, the presence of these birds in our study and also of nests that probably belong to at
least one of these species suggests breeding further south. Their status in the lower Jordan Valley
needs to be established.

Plate 1. Tamarix thickets growing on the saline waterlogged soil of the northern shores of the Dead Sea
near Sweimeh. © Masaro Amano.

F. Khoury, K. Al-Omart, J. Azar & I. Al-Hasani T21

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo. Single adults at two different sites, in the lower (Wadi
Nimrein) and central (Karamah area) Jordan Valley. Both were recorded in mid- and late
July while hunting larks over the Katar hills. It is probably a localized breeding species in
the Jordan Valley (cf Shirihai 1996), and our records could indicate breeding on the
Jordanian side. It certainly breeds in the highlands c30km to the east (Andrews 1995).

Namaqua Dove Oena capensis. Like the three Streptopelia species breeding in the
Jordan Valley (Andrews 1995, Khoury 2001), the Namaqua Dove has been very
successful in colonizing most parts of the valley. It was recorded at all sites except the
northernmost, ie north of Wadi Ar Rayyan. We usually counted over five birds each
day in the southern and central Jordan Valley during mid- or late July. One group of
17, including 8-10 juveniles, was located in the Karamah area on 27 July. The species
occupied mainly open saltmarsh habitats scattered with Tamarix, saltbush Atriplex sp
or sea-blight Suaeda shrubs, but also occasionally frequented the field-edges in
agricultural habitats. Because it is also regularly recorded in winter in this area, it has
probably established a resident population in the Jordan Valley, unlike at Azraq,
where it appears only from April to early September (Khoury, pers obs).

European Roller Coracias garrulus. Single birds recorded at the lower extent of Wadi
Zarqa, at Baqqurah and along the Yarmouk River during late July. Previous summer
records of 2 adults with 2 juveniles at the lower Wadi Zarga and one at Wadi Kharrar
(Khoury 2001) suggest that this species is a thinly distributed summer visitor breeding
along the Jordan River banks, and not just at the rift margins as confirmed by
Andrews (1995).

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis. Singles or pairs were recorded at three sites along the
central and northern banks of the Jordan River, as was a group of 15 on the eastern
bank of the Jordan River near Wadi Ar Rayyan on 2 August. The presence of
numerous nesting holes at this particular site suggests a breeding colony may have
existed in recent years.

(Little) Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis. Recorded in the lower Jordan River area at
King Abdullah Bridge (1 adult, 2 juveniles) and the lower Wadi Nimrein (1 juvenile).
Recorded also in recent years at Sweimeh and Al-Karamah Dam during April-May
(Khoury pers obs). This species seemingly has started to colonise the southern Jordan
Valley, north of the Dead Sea, where it occupies relatively undisturbed, open habitats
scattered with trees or shrubs, similar to their breeding habitats in Wadi Araba. It
appears that its spread northwards was facilitated by the inadvertent establishment of
suitable habitats such as hotel gardens along the Dead Sea’s northeastern shores.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus. Recorded at all sites in the southern and
central Jordan Valley, particularly Fifa, and from King Abdullah Bridge northwards to
the lower Wadi Zarga. Significant counts included 13 birds between Damia and lower
extent of Wadi Zarqa on 24 July, several of which were juveniles, and 8 at one site, west
of the Karamah area, on 27 July. It is mostly absent as breeding species along the upper
Jordan River. The current breeding range of this species in Jordan now includes the
banks of the central and southern Jordan River, where probably a few hundred pairs
breed. There is a colony of 10+ pairs at Fifa, and there are others, including occasional
small colonies along the Dead Sea’s southeastern shores (Andrews et al 1999).

European Bee-eater Merops apiaster. Summer resident on the Israeli side (Shirihai 1996)
and at several sites in the highlands and rift margins (Andrews 1995). Singles and —

d22. F. Khoury, K. Al-Omart, J. Azar & I. Al-Hasani

Observations on the avifauna of the eastern Jordan Valley, during July-August 2005.

groups of up to 12 birds at most sites visited along the Jordan River’s central and
northern floodplains, and also at the Yarmouk River. The species is less frequent in the
lower Jordan River area, where it was recorded at the lower extent of Wadi Nimrein
(King Hussein/ Allenby Bridge) during late July; it previously had been noted at Wadi
Kharrar during the breeding season (Khoury 2001). By this time, nest-holes were
inactive, but some may have been used by M. apiaster. Our summer records support
their presence as a summer breeder (Shirihai 1996) in the Jordan Valley.

Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopos syriacus. No previous published records from the
Jordan side of the Jordan Valley, but reported on the Israeli side (Shirihai 1996).
Resident in highlands and rift margins of NW Jordan and Yarmouk basin (Andrews
1995). Singles recorded only along the banks of the upper Jordan River from Wadi Ar
Rayyan north to Baqourah and the Yarmouk River. It appeared to be associated with
the presence of large Euphrates poplar Populus euphraticus and some planted trees
such as Cypress Cupressus sp and Eucalyptus sp.

Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor Resident in the Jordan Valley (Andrews 1995), but
not reported before from the floodplain; also in some other localities.. Uncommon in
open habitats of the Jordan River flood plain where it usually avoids very dense
Tamarix thickets. Within the Jordan Valley, it appears to be more numerous to the east
of the Katar Hills, in areas scattered with bushes and Rhamnaceae Zizyphus
(=Ziziphus, Kew 2006) trees and also along field edges (Andrews 1995).

Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus. The only previous Jordanian breeding records are
from the northern highlands and nearby rift margins. One male adult and single
juveniles at 4 sites along the central and northern banks of the Jordan River indicate
localized breeding in this area, not mapped by Andrews (1995).

Great Tit Parus major. Recorded from the other side of the Jordanian Valley (Shirihai
1995) it is relatively widespread in the northern highlands and rift margins. It also
occurs in montane SW Jordan from Dana south to Petra (Andrews 1995). Although
not recorded in the flood plains, finding a single singing bird in a garden at Al
Mashari’ village in the northern Jordan Valley on 2 August is significant, being the
first record of this species on the Jordanian side of the Jordan Valley.

Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti isabellinus Recorded at several sites, such as Sweimeh
and the Jordan River mouth, and along the Katar hills of the lower and central Jordan
Valley (up to the lower Wadi Zarqa). It has also been recorded previously at one site
in the lower Jordan River (Khoury 2001). It is more widespread in western Jordan
north of the Dead Sea than previously known (eg Andrews 1995).

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis. Not recorded in the flood plains or saltmarshes of
our limited study area, but the not wholly unexpected discovery of several singing
birds over fields at Deir ‘Alla on 24 July appears to be significant in the light of the
absence of recent summer records.

Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus. Now restricted to the Jordan Valley,
mostly along the banks. Single birds seen at 6 sites along the eastern banks of the
lower and central Jordan River and the lower extent of Wadi Nimrein during late July.
Despite its known attachment to dense, mature reedbeds, such as at Wadi Kharrar
(Khoury 2001), during this survey the species was recorded mostly in dense Tamarix
thickets containing some reed.

F. Khoury, K. Al-Omari, J. Azar & I. Al-Hasant 123

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

Eastern Olivaceous Warbler I[duna [Hippolais] pallida. Single birds were recorded at 10
sites, mainly in Tamarix, along the banks of the Jordan River during late July. Although
no birds were singing, perhaps being early migrants, previous observations at Wadi
Kharrar (Khoury 2001) and along the Jordan River (Shirihai 1996) showed that the
species does breed, and locally at high densities, in the Jordan Valley (cf Andrews 1995).

Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala. Recorded during late July as pairs or family
parties of 3-5 at 6 sites near the Jordan River, from King Abdallah Bridge north to the
Wadi Ar Rayyan area. Birds were seen always in relatively open habitat bordering
Tamarix thickets often containing dense bushes (eg Atriplex, Nitraria (Zygophyllaceae)
or Acacia (Silk-tree) Prosopis (Albizia) farcta) (Lasolf 2006). The species’ previous status,
as described by Andrews (1995), was as a winter visitor to the Jordan Valley. This
species’ status here would benefit from an earlier survey period.

Arabian Babbler Turdoides squamiceps. At least two were heard calling at Sweimeh on
19 July, and a group of over 6 were found in a saltmarsh dominated by Atriplex to the
west of Karamah on 27 July. The species had previously been reported from only two
other sites in the lower and central Jordan Valley (Andrews 1995, Khoury 2001).

Nightingale sp. Luscinia sp. Up to three individuals recorded in damp Tamarix
thickets at Sweimeh on 19th July. Common Nightingale L. megarhynchos is known to
breed along the banks of the Jordan River (Shirihai 1996, Khoury 2001).

Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens. One adult recorded at the edge of the Jordan
River flood plains, along the Katar hills, southwest of Karamah. Previously it had not
been known from western Jordan north of the Dead Sea (Andrews 1995).

Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis. Locally common, breeding mainly in Zizyphus
and Eucalyptus trees, at Fifa, and from Swaimah north to Baqourah and the Yarmouk
River. It was most abundant in the agricultural landscapes bordering the upper
Jordan River, and totally absent from those few sites dominated by continuous and
undisturbed tamarisk scrub along the lower Jordan River.

Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus. Found breeding in extensive Tamarix scrub near
water at Fifa (along Seil Al-Nukhbar, south of the Dead Sea, Fig 1), the northern
shores of the Dead Sea (Sweimeh, Plate 1), and nearly continuously along the banks of
the Jordan River, and the lower Yarmouk River, particularly near its junction with the
Jordan River at Baqqourah. The largest and most continuous concentrations were
found in the floodplains adjacent to the southern Jordan River. This undisturbed and
undeveloped strip of suitable habitat extends for around 35km between the mouth of
the Jordan River and the Karamah area, enclosing extensive Tamarix thickets growing
on the flood plains. It also extends along the lower parts of several wadis belonging to
the Jordan system, just before they join the Jordan River — examples are Wadi Kharrar
(Khoury 2001) and Wadi Nimrein. Other sites with large colonies include Fifa
(50-100bp), Sweimeh (40-80bp), and some along the central and northern Jordan
River, like Damia and the lowermost Wadi Zarqa where it meets the Jordan River,
and also confluence of the Jordan and Yarmouk Rivers at Baqqurah.

Due to habitat unsuitability (dominance of reed over Tamarix and destruction of
remaining Tamarix-dominated scrub), the species has bred only at a few localities and
in low densities along the northern Jordan River (Khoury et al 2005). Although not
covered completely during this survey, the Dead Sea’s southeastern shores, including

124 F. Khoury, K. Al-Omart, J. Azar & I. Al-Hasani

Observations on the avifauna of the eastern Jordan Valley, during July-August 2005.

the some wadi mouths at Safi (eg lower Wadi al-Hasa), and other sites further north
did not appear to hold breeding Dead Sea Sparrow. Most of the Tamarix scrub in this
area, covered by Mike Evans in 1996 (Andrews et al 1999), appeared to be fragmented,
highly degraded and dry. We estimated the total breeding population in Jordan to be
1300 — 2000 pairs, at least half being concentrated on the Jordan River floodplains
between Wadi Kharrar and the Karamah area.

Indian Silverbill Lonchura [Eudice] malabarica Its spread since its history was given by
Andrews (1995) lacks data. Present only at two sites along the southern and lower
Jordan River (Sweimeh and Wadi Kharrar), but further north very frequent and locally
common along river, groups of up to 15 birds present per site from the Karamah area
north to North Shouneh. The species appears to prefer agricultural landscapes, where
it may invade remnant natural habitats such as Tamarix scrub close to farms.

Desert Finch Rhodospiza obsoletus. Groups of 3-14 at three different sites along the
banks of the southern and central Jordan River, between the lower Wadi Nimrein and
the lower Wadi Zarqa areas, during late July.

DISCUSSION

The above list considers only significant records of species not previously known to
occur or to be widely distributed along the near-border areas of the Jordan River or at
the northern and southern tips of the Dead Sea. The breeding bird fauna of the area
comprising the Jordan River floodplains and the low-lying saltmarsh and Tamarix
scrub habitats at Sweimeh and Fifa probably numbers over 60 species (Andrews 1995,
Andrews et al 1999, Shirihai 1996 and Khoury 2001). If we include the rest of the
Jordan River and the lower rift margins, this number of breeding species exceeds 100
(cf Andrews 1995 and Shirihai 1996). Around 10 species (c15% of our study area’s
breeding species) appear to be limited (or nearly so) in to this specific area in Jordan,
namely several egrets and herons (Andrews et al 1999), Black Francolin, Blue-cheeked
Bee-eater, Pied Kingfisher, Common Nightingale, Clamorous Reed Warbler and Dead
Sea Sparrow. Moreover, the breeding ranges of two species characteristic of the Afro-
tropical Wadi Araba, Green Bee-eater and Arabian Babbler stretch into the lower and
central Jordan River Basin, while a few Mediterranean species typical of the Northern
Highlands, such as Syrian Woodpecker, also have ranges that extend into the river’s
northern and central banks. The result is a unique latitudinal variation of bird
communities within the Jordan River Basin.

In terms of recent colonisation, Namaqua Dove has been successful in the lower and
central Jordan Valley, and we often found Indian Silverbill frequenting the central and
northern banks of the Jordan River, its invasion seemingly facilitated by agricultural
expansion. Until recently, it had not been appreciated that the habitats immediately
bordering the Jordan River were so varied as to hold such a diverse avifauna,
uniquely so in the region. By themselves, such facts would be amongst the prime
reasons for any area to be considered for protection and conservation, but the urgent
need for action to seek the granting of the highest conservation priority in Jordan is
driven by the steady erosion of these fragile habitats by a multiplicity of independent
interests using and managing this narrow area.

Natural habitats, including the riparian and saltmarsh vegetation communities of the
central and northern Jordan Valley have been mostly converted to farmland.
Saltmarsh habitats and Tamarix scrub along the Dead Sea’s southeastern shores have
been recently reduced to a few remnant and degraded patches from agricultural

F. Khoury, K. Al-Omart, J. Azar & I. Al-Hasani £25

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

expansion, leading to the reduction and probable disappearance of several Dead Sea
Sparrow colonies. The southern and lower Jordan River floodplain and the near-border
area at Fifa still retain relatively intact natural undisturbed saltmarshes and Tamarix
scrub. The Tamarix thickets along the northern shores of the Dead Sea at Sweimeh,
although surrounded by land-use changes, offer the best and only opportunity to watch
breeding colonies of Dead Sea Sparrow in Jordan, all other sites having very limited
access. However, even these near-intact undisturbed habitats are currently under threat
because of loss of water resources that feed perennial streams and springs. Not only
would these sites become degraded, but year-round water availability is so important
for the existence of Dead Sea Sparrow and other species. In addition, introduced
mesquite Prosopis juliflora shrubs have recently become invasive, apparently replacing
Tamarix at several sites along the Dead Sea shores. Industrial and tourist projects are
also potential major threats to the southern reaches of the Jordan River, despite of the
declaration of an IBA along the southern Jordan River (RSCN 2000).

We recommend that the Jordan Valley Authority and the Royal Society for the
Conservation of Nature seek formal protection for all remnant natural habitat patches
along the flood plains of Jordan River and at Fifa and Sweimeh and that the IBA
inventory of Jordan be reviewed in the light of our newly-acquired information from
the Jordan Valley. Accordingly, we suggest that BirdLife International, through its
Jordanian partner the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature discuss with the
Jordan Valley Authority how this recommendation can be implemented. A
continuous and suitably broad belt of riparian habitat could, with little effort, be
preserved along the banks of the Jordan River to act as corridors allowing the
movement of animals between suitable habitat patches, and to provide appropriate
stopover habitats for migrant bird species.

This paper highlights but a few aspects of the value of the habitats within our study area;
there remain many gaps in our knowledge of the status of bird species relying on aquatic
habitats (eg herons, rails and Acrocephalus warblers) We also have a poor understanding
of the (meta-) population and community structure of birds and how these are affected
by the impact of human activities in the northern rift valley. Surveys slightly earlier in the
season would probably provide more definitive breeding information.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to thank Ian Andrews for his comments on an early draft of this paper. We also thank Enas
Sakijha for her support, Natalia Boulad for producing the map, and Masaru Amano for his participation in
the survey and the pictures he provided.

PRIMARY REFERENCES

ANDREWS, I. 1995. Birds of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Privately published. Musselburgh.

ANDREWS, I, F KHOURY AND H. SHIRIHAI, H. 1999. Jordan Bird Report 1995 — 1997. Sandgrouse 21(1): 10 — 35.

Kuoury, F. 2001. On the breeding bird community of Wadi Al-Kharrar, Jordan. Zoology in the Middle East
22: 37-44.

Kuoury, F, K At-OMaARI, J AZAR AND I AL-HASANI. 2005. Distribution of the Dead Sea Sparrow Passer
moabiticus in Jordan. Unpublished report. RSCN. Amman. Jordan. (Available from RSCN).

RSCN 2000. Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature: Important Bird Areas of Jordan. RSCN. Amman. Jordan.

SHIRIHAI, H. 1996. The Birds of Israel. Academic Press. London. UK.

SECONDARY REFERENCES

Kew 2006. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Electronic Plant Information Centre (ePIC). http: / / www.kew.org /
searchepic/searchpage.do. Accessed March 2006.

LASOLF (LEPIDOPTERA AND SOME OTHER LIFE FORMS) 2006. Finnish site — includes recent global plant
taxonomy. http:/ /www.nic.funet.fi/ pub /sci/bio/life/intro.html. Accessed March 2006.

126 F. Khoury, K. Al-Omari, J. Azar & I. Al-Hasani

Sabkhat al-Jabbul, a Threatened Ramsar Wetland in Syria

Sabkhat al-Jabbul, a Threatened Ramsar
Wetland in Syria

GIANLUCA SERRA, DAVID MURDOCH, FRANCIS TURKELBOOM, FRANCOIS.
TRAVERT, YASEEN MUJAWER AND DEREK A SCOTT

Sabkhat al Jabbul is a large wetland lying between the fertile cultivated areas
around Aleppo, the Euphrates basin and the Syrian steppe. In the last 20 years, it
has been modified from a typical seasonal saline lake (sabkhat) to a complex
wetland eco-system with three separate waterbodies that vary from saline to
brackish. The maximum water surface is now 270 km. The major causes of
these changes are the construction of dykes and the expansion of irrigation
schemes that use the sabkhat as an outlet for irrigation drainage water. Some
shores of each of the lakes have recently developed large reedbeds.
Ornithological records are limited, but there is good evidence that this is the
most important wetland in Syria, with large numbers of wintering and migrant
waterbirds and substantial breeding populations. Sabkhat al Jabbul nowadays
seems to support more than 1% of the world population of a range of
waterbirds, including Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus, the globally
threatened White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala, possibly also Greater
White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons , globally threatened Marbled Duck
Marmaronetta angustirostris and the near-threatened Ferruginous Duck Aythya
nyroca. Its geographical position makes it of great importance for a wide range
of migrant species. It was designated as a Ramsar site in 1998, but it seems still
seriously threatened by uncontrolled water pollution, fluctuating water and
salinity levels, degradation of shore vegetation and by hunting. One of the key
underlying causes has been the limited coordination of planning and
management between the relevant governmental institutions, but there is some
hope that the recent establishment by the Aleppo Governorate of a steering
committee for the Sabkhat al Jabbul will overcome this issue.

Gianluca Serra, via Giambologna 20, 50132 Florence, Italy. e-mail puffo_blue@hotmail.com. David
Murdoch, Flat 3, 5 Eaton Crescent, Bristol BS& 2EJ; email damurdoch@doctors.net.uk. Francis
Turkelboom, International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA), PO Box 5466,
Aleppo, Syria; email F.Turkelboom@cgiar.org. Francois Travert, La petite riviere 61570 Vrigny — France.
E-mail franctra@ifrance.com, franctra@laposte.net. Yaseen Mujawer, Jabbul village, Governorate of
Aleppo, Syria. Derek Scott, e-mail derekscott@eircom.net

INTRODUCTION

eee al Jabbul is a large wetland with saline and brackish bodies, partially
surrounded by reedbeds, situated in northwest Syria (Figs 1 & 2). Its importance as
a staging and wintering area for waterbirds, particularly Greater Flamingo, was
recognised as long ago as the 1960s (Savage 1968). LK Dijksen and FJ Koning carried
out mid-winter waterbird counts in December 1971 and December 1972 (Dijksen &
Koning 1972, Koning & Dijksen 1973); they recorded maximum counts of 1600 Greater
Flamingo, 2030 Greater White-fronted Geese, 20 Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
and 115 Common Cranes Grus grus. These observations led to its identification as a
wetland of international importance by Carp (1980) and Scott (1995) and its
description as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International (Evans 1994). It
was Officially designated as a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar site)
under the Ramsar Convention in 1998. Biologists from the Faculty of Agriculture,
University of Aleppo, made further counts in the early 1990s (Scott 1995). A partial
survey during the Syrian Wetland Expedition of 2004 led to its recognition as the most
important wetland in Syria (Murdoch et al 2004). There have been a few informal
visits, usually by holidaying birdwatchers (Wester 1998, Vandemeutter & Soors 2001,
Murdoch 2003). Though the available data are limited, there are strong indications

G. Serra, D. Murdoch, F. Turkelboom, F. Travert, Y. Mujawer & D. Scott 127

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 127-141 2006

that the populations of
y wintering and breeding
birds have increased over
the last 10 years. Since
1991, when the sabkhat
became officially protected
under Syrian law, a
number of uncoordinated
conservation measures
have been taken. However,

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surrounding villages.

This paper aims to describe the hydrology, habitats and birdlife of Sabkhat al Jabbul,
assessing its conservation importance for birds, discussing known and potential
threats, and presenting some key recommendations for its conservation. We request
that the Syrian authorities consider these proposals and conserve this outstanding
wetland for the benefit of present and future Syrian generations. Further, we wish to
stimulate the international birding community to organise comprehensive surveys to
confirm its importance before it is irreparably damaged.

DESCRIPTION, CLIMATE AND HYDROLOGY

Sabkhat al Jabbul lies at an altitude of 312m asl south-east of Aleppo (Haleb), the second
city of Syria (Fig 1). It has a moderate continental climate with a temperature range
from 2 to 10°C in January and 21 to 37°C in July. The average rainfall is 200-350mm,
most falling between October and April.

The sabkhat has formed in a closed basin of 5075 km’, with the river Euphrates to the
east and the river Qwayg, which passes through Aleppo, to the west. It is a natural
sink for rainfall runoff and sediments from the surrounding areas, which reach the
sabkhat via wadis (ie river beds dry for most of the year) during heavy winter
rainstorms. As in most dry areas, the runoff water carries small amounts of salts and
minerals, mainly sodium chloride, which concentrates in the natural closed basin by
evaporation during the summer. As a result, a large, dry, saline depression or sabkhat
forms every year during the hot summer months.

A seasonal river, the Nahal al Dahab (Golden River), once drained into the Jabbul
depression, but water abstraction for irrigation lowered the water table; the river
ceased flowing into the lake in the 1960s. The inflow of water into the sabkhat declined
until the 1980s. However, in 1979 a large-scale irrigation scheme began to abstract
water from the Euphrates to irrigate the dry lands north and west of the sabkhat (Evans
1994) and significant amounts of drainage water from the irrigated fields started to
flow into the basin of the sabkhat (source: General Organization of Land Development
of Aleppo, Ministry of Irrigation). Work was completed in 1997, on the western side.
As a result, the number of months that the sabkhat holds water has increased signifi-

128 G. Serra, D. Murdoch, F. Turkelboom, F. Travert, Y. Mujawer & D. Scott

Sabkhat al-Jabbul, a Threatened Ramsar Wetland in Syria

cantly over the last 15 years, drainage water becoming significant in the mid 1980s. The
maximum area of the waterbodies now reaches 270km? and all three lakes in the
sabkhat hold limited areas of water throughout the summer. By the early 1990s, contam-
ination of the salt by urban and agricultural pollutants had become a major concern. To
protect the northwest part of the sabkhat from further pollution, a dyke was built in
1996 connecting Jabbul village on the northern shore to Hagqlah village on the south-
western shore. A canal was then dug to channel effluents from Sfirah town and nearby
agricultural land directly into the central lake near Haglah.

The sabkhat now consists of three semi-independent water bodies with markedly

different ecosystems whose water and salinity levels fluctuate independently (Fig 2):

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and is the official site for salt extraction. Its water comes from irrigation channels
and groundwater from the northern side of the lake. A state company produces salt
by evaporating lake water in cement ponds close to Jabbul village.

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G. Serra, D. Murdoch, F. Turkelboom, F. Travert, Y. Mujawer & D. Scott 129

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

B The central lake (msa 194km7*). The largest lake, it receives natural runoff from the slopes
of the nearby Jabel al Hoss, drainage water and groundwater from the surrounding
irrigation schemes, and sewage water from nearby cities and factories. It is brackish in
the north, inflow from channels entering the north and the north-east corner (Plate 1)
seemingly resulting in a local decline in salinity and saline in the south. The central lake
has nine permanent islands (whose total surface area is cl8km‘*), of which Jabbrin is on
the Jabbul-Haqlah dyke and Haqlah island is accessible from a causeway.

The southeastern lake (msa 29km‘?). This lake (officially called Hussayn sabkhat but
locally known as al Hamrat) is fed by natural runoff from the slopes of Jabel al Shbeith
and by drainage water (from irrigation schemes east of the sabkhat) which enters the
southeast corner by an artificial channel. An earth dam controls water flow into the
central lake by culverts, the southeastern lake being at a higher elevation.
Paradoxically, the water level in the south-eastern lake apparently increases in the
summer. When the cotton-planting season begins in April, farmers abstract large
amounts of irrigation water, resulting in increased flow into the south-eastern lake
and a substantial rise in its water level.

LAND USE, VEGETATION AND HABITATS

Areas round the sabkhat

The sabkhat is surrounded by distinct farming communities and systems which have a

significant impact on its vegetation and habitats:

@ Northern and western shores: relatively densely populated agricultural plains,
intensively cultivated throughout the year, whose farmers rely heavily on irrigation.
Villages are relatively prosperous. Income is mainly from agriculture.

# Southwestern shores (the villages of Haglah to Umm Amud Saghir): mixed income
from salt extraction, agriculture and off-farm activities.

# Southern shores (the northern part of the Khanasser valley): relatively poor
communities dependent on dry-land farming (rain-dependent cropping that does
not make use of irrigation), sheep-rearing and off-farm activities.

@ Eastern shores: settled Bedouin villages at low density that depend on raising sheep
and salt extraction. This area has little infrastructure and is the poorest area around
the sabkhat.

Salt extraction is a traditional economic activity for the villagers round the sabkhat.
Though it was officially banned in 1984, it continues to generate important income for
some villages. The impact of salt collection on biodiversity appears to be negligible as
it occurs in areas where the lake has completely dried up.

The sabkhat

Short halophytic communities supporting low biomass dominated the shores of the
original saline sabkhat. The developments in agriculture and livestock over the last 15
years have led to major changes in the shoreline vegetation:

Plate 1. The central lake seen from the northeastern shore, Jebel al Hoss in the background. © Gianluca Serra

130 G. Serra, D. Murdoch, F. Turkelboom, F. Travert, Y. Mujawer & D. Scott

Sabkhat al-Jabbul, a Threatened Ramsar Wetland in Syria

Plate 2. Rush Juncus sp at the northern shore of Plate 3. From Jabbrin island towards Hamra island
the central lake, May 06. © Francis Turkelboom across the dyke, May 06. © Francis Turkelboom

oe Ce

Plate 4. eroni NW Sabkhat al- Jabbul to Jabba tell, oa 5. a FoR O the eastern shore
Feb 06. © Francis Turkelboom of the central lake. © Francis Turkelboom

Plate a White- tailed erin Vanellus ‘leucurus Plate 7. Shot Little Tern Sternula albifrons, May 06.
chicks, southeast lake, 13 May 06. © David Murdoch © David Murdoch

G. Serra, D. Murdoch, F. Turkelboom, F. Travert, Y. Mujawer & D. Scott 131

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

# Northwestern lake: the shoreline is mostly bare, particularly along the steeper,
stonier stretches in the south, which have often been degraded by agricultural or
pastoral activities. Stands of Phragmites are now developing along the gentle
gradients of the north and west shore.

Along the northern shore of the central lake and the two major inflow channels; here

the water is less saline and there are now extensive reed beds, probably an

indication of water that is merely brackish. Areas of emergent vegetation, mainly

Rush Juncus spp (Plate 2), have spread rapidly in the last three years to cover

several square kilometres between the islands of Hamra and Jabbrin in the central

lake (Plates 3 & 4). The reedbeds and other emergent vegetation are very important
for nesting and feeding waterbirds.

# Southern and western shores of the central lake: overgrazing along the shore-line
has led to the disappearance of the native vegetation cover in some areas such as
around the village of Haglah. Beyond a small strip of grazing land along the shore,
this area is usually used for extensive barley cultivation and is the preferred
foraging area for geese during the winter. ‘Grazing’ by geese on cereal shoots may
cause economic loss for local farmers.

@ Eastern shore of the central lake (Plate 5): salty west winds result in small dunes and
salinisation of the land, preventing agriculture in a band about 1km wide along
the shore; this land is used mainly for grazing. Sand or ooze formations and the
wet interdunal areas generate unusual habitats and attract OueS typical of
steppe environments.

= The islands: some Bedouin families have traditional grazing rights for the larger
islands (Haglah, Qrayn, Jabbrin, possibly Hamra), which in spring support large
flocks of sheep. Where slopes are steep, as on the central islands, kingfishers and
other hole-nesting birds can find breeding sites, but the shores are usually bare.
Huge colonies of birds breed on small bare islands or thinly vegetated islands in the
central lake and on small reedy islands in the south-eastern lake.
Southeastern lake: there are reedbeds along the southern shore and the channel in
the south-eastern corner. In December 2005 and March 2006, many of the reeds
appeared dead and waterbird numbers had fallen dramatically, though the reeds
along the channel were still healthy. The likely cause was a fall in the water level (of
perhaps 1m) linked to increased salinity. In May 2006, the water level had risen and
some reeds were recovering.

AVIFAUNA

Sabkhat al Jabbul was listed as a Ramsar site in 1998 because it fulfilled three criteria for
recognition as a ‘wetland of international importance for water birds’:

® Criterion 1: it contained a representative example of a natural wetland type.

@ Criterion 5: it regularly supported 20 000 or more waterbirds.

@ Criterion 6: it regularly supported 1% of the individuals of a flyway population of
one species or subspecies of waterbird.

It was described as “a large, permanent saline lake designated... for providing an
important staging, wintering and breeding area for large numbers of waterbirds and
supporting more than 1% of the world population of Greater Flamingo.”

There have been 18 visits or partial surveys between 1998 and 2006 with 168 species of
bird recorded (see summary in Table 1). The most significant results are as follows:

@ observations of at least six globally threatened or near-threatened species (as
defined by BirdLife International 2006):
@ White-headed Duck (Endangered)

132 G. Serra, D. Murdoch, F. Turkelboom, F. Travert, Y. Mujawer & D. Scott

Sabkhat al-Jabbul, a Threatened Ramsar Wetland in Syria

@ Marbled Duck (Vulnerable)

= Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga (Vulnerable)

_ @ Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus (Near-threatened)

@ Ferruginous Duck (Near-threatened)

# Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus (Conservation Dependent)

@ Recent observations of internationally significant numbers of White-headed Duck,
representing perhaps 5-10% of the world population (Porter & Scott 2005)

& Confirmation of internationally important numbers of Greater Flamingo with up to
15 000 individuals in winter 2004 and spring 2005 - a breeding colony was located in
May 2006.

Sabkhat al Jabbul may now be one of the most important wintering sites in the world for
White-headed Duck. This species has recently undergone a dramatic decline in south-
west Asia after the drainage of Burdur Golu, a Turkish wetland previously its most
important wintering site; the global population is estimated at 8000 — 13 000
individuals, of which 5000 — 10 000 are in the East Mediterranean & West Asia
(Wetlands International 2002). Porter and Scott (2005) recorded 725 White-headed
Duck on 25 January 2005 in the north of the central lake. These observations were
confirmed by others in the same location made in December 2005 and January 2006
(see Table 1). It appears that White-headed Duck did not previously occur in such
numbers at Sabkhat al Jabbul; Baumgart et al (1995) listed two records of single birds, in
March 1965 and June 1994, while Scott (1995) reported its occurrence in small numbers
on spring passage. The influx of irrigation water and the development of large
reedbeds appear to have created more suitable conditions for this duck than in the past.
In the breeding season, adults can be seen along the dyke, along the northern shore of
the central lake and near the reedbeds of the southeastern lake. Breeding was proved
on 25 May 2005 when local children caught a female and five ducklings along the dyke.
The birds were housed overnight and returned to the water the next morning.

Greater Flamingos are difficult to count on the sabkhat. Some are scattered over a vast
area but others form dense flocks. However, estimates of about 7500 — 15 000 in
February 2004 (Murdoch et al 2004) and May 2005 (Murdoch & al-Asaad, pers obs)
suggest the wetland holds one of the largest populations in the Middle East. Breeding
was proven in May 2006 on a small island in the central lake south of Haglah island,
but this site accounts only for a small proportion of the huge numbers present — other
colonies may await discovery.

There have been few visits during the breeding season, but the sabkhat may be one of
the most important breeding areas for waterbirds in the Middle East. Species present
include Little Egret Egretta garzetta and Great Egret Ardea alba (present in hundreds);
Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus, Purple Heron Ardea purpurea and Squacco Heron
Ardeola ralloides (all common); Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna, Mallard Anas
platyrhynchos, Garganey A. querquedula, Northern Shoveler A. clypeata, Northern Pintail
A. acuta and Common Pochard Aythya ferina; Greater Sand Plover Charadrius
leschenaultii, Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta and 5 tern species: Gull-billed
Gelochelidon nilotica, Common Sterna hirundo, Little Sternula albifrons, Caspian
Hydroprogne caspia and Whiskered Chlidonias hybrida (Murdoch 2004) Little Grebe
Tachybaptus ruficollis and Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus are very common along
the northern shore. In 2006, six ‘white islands’ in the south of the central lake were
probably huge colonies of Slender-billed Gull Larus genei, which is abundant on the
sabkhat, but they may hold large tern colonies as well. White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus
leucurus breeds locally (Plate 6). The reedbeds hold large populations of passerines,

G. Serra, D. Murdoch, F. Turkelboom, F. Travert, Y. Mujawer & D. Scott 133

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

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G. Serra, D. Murdoch, F. Turkelboom, F. Travert, Y. Mujawer & D. Scott

136

Sabkhat al-Jabbul, a Threatened Ramsar Wetland in Syria

notably warblers such as Savi’s Locustella luscinioides, Moustached Acrocephalus
melanopogon and Great Reed Acr. arundinaceus and Bearded Reedling Panurus biarmicus,
Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis and Dead Sea Sparrow Pa. moabiticus. Iraq
Babbler Turdoides altirostris is widely distributed in the reedbeds; Sabkhat al Jabbul is the
only known site west of the Euphrates basin. Most of these species have not yet
formally been proven to breed — several would be first breeding records for Syria.

Data comparing breeding seasons are limited. In May 2005, large numbers of waterbirds
on the southeastern lake included at least 140 Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia (with
50 nests) and ten species of duck, notably 100 Marbled Duck and 200 Ferruginous Duck.
Repeat counts in spring 2006 were dramatically lower, probably linked to the apparent
die-back in the reeds round the lake. In May 2005, when there was little human
disturbance, large numbers of waterbirds were feeding along the north shore, but in
2006 they were much scarcer when several Bedouin tents were pitched nearby.

There are few migration data so far, but spring brings a huge passage of waders and
terns, notably tens of thousands of White-winged Terns Chlidonias leucopterus, Little
Stints Calidris minuta and Ruff Philomachus pugnax; at least 25 species of wader can be
seen in a morning along the north shore. There appear to have been no observations
yet from autumn.

Observations made in February 2004 by members of the Syrian Wetland Expedition
(SWE) (Murdoch et al 2004) revealed an impressive range of wintering raptors and
huge numbers of geese, ducks and waders (Table 1); the numbers of Greater White-
fronted Goose and Common Shelduck were of international significance.

Thus today Sabkhat al Jabbul fulfils Criterion 6 for a Ramsar site for a range of
waterbirds; these include Greater Flamingo, Common Shelduck and White-headed
Duck, and possibly also Greater White-fronted Goose, Northern Shoveler, Marbled
Teal, Ferruginous Duck and Little Stint. However, visits so far have been
unsystematic; informed conservation of the sabkhat requires regular data collection
and organisation of comprehensive surveys.

THREATS

Direct threats

a. Water pollution. Pollution of the water entering the sabkhat is generally recognized as
a major threat to the integrity of the ecosystem. Agricultural, urban and industrial
developments round the sabkhat have resulted in increased inflow of human effluent,
fertilizers and pesticides, and chemical waste from factories (these include a sugar-
beet factory and a chlorine factory under construction). As the sabkhat is a closed
depression, polluted particles will continue to accumulate until their inflow is
controlled. Pollution has already made the salt from the central lake unsuitable for
any use and salt collection by villagers has been officially banned. However, the salt is
still used. Local villagers have regularly reported finding dead fish and dead young
flamingos in recent summers; possible causes would include pollution, drying up of
the lake or increased salinity.

b. Fluctuating water and salinity levels. There is at present no management plan to
regulate water levels and salt content, which therefore depend on the quantity of
rainfall runoff, sewage water and drainage from irrigation. Sudden changes in water
level and salinity can have adverse affect on the reedbeds and ecological value of the
sabkhat, as noted in the southeastern lake in March 2006 (see above). There are now

G. Serra, D. Murdoch, F. Turkelboom, F. Travert, Y. Mujawer & D. Scott 37

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

plans to divert irrigation water to the Khanasser valley rather than to the sabkhat; the
ecological and economic effects of these proposals are unknown and need thorough
investigation before any investment is made.

c. Mismanagement and degradation of shore vegetation. The reedbeds are crucially
importatt as safe feeding, breeding and resting areas for a wide range of birds,
notably herons and ducks. It is likely that both the local community and relevant
authorities are unaware of the reedbeds’ ecological importance. This makes the
reedbeds vulnerable to random interventions such as garbage dumping or burning. It
is vital to include the reedbeds in the protected areas and to police their protection
adequately. The shorelines with salt-tolerant vegetation may be important for a
number of bird species, but overgrazing and regular disturbance make them
unsuitable for nesting birds and reduce their ecological value.

d. Uncontrolled hunting and fishing. Hunting and fishing were banned in 1991 when the
sabkhat became a protected area and a national hunting ban declared in 2001 now runs
until 2010. Its enforcement is the responsibility of local police officers, but it is not
implemented; shooting can be heard on almost every visit to accessible areas such as
the northern shore (Plate 7). There may be less hunting in the breeding season when
birds are fewer in number. It is also forbidden for four months by an Islamic
restriction. The southeastern lake is more remote and has three guards employed by
the Department of Agriculture. The protection they confer may be limited but their
presence probably has significant deterrence value; for instance, White-tailed
Lapwing Vanellus leucurus, a vulnerable ground-nesting species, was breeding around
the southeastern lake in 2005 and 2006. There is some fishing by villagers in the north
of the central lake and in the southeastern lake but at present disturbance seems to be
limited; major increases in fishing activity could have conservation implications.

e. Introduction of invasive alien species. Alien species have caused massive loss of
biodiversity worldwide (Lowe et al 2000). There is no evidence so far of such
introductions in the sabkhat, but introduction of alien fish for economic purposes has
occurred in other Syrian wetlands (Serra, pers obs). This practice can cause
irreversible damage to the whole ecosystem and should be strongly discouraged.

Underlying causes

The above-mentioned direct threats have their roots in a complex array of underlying
causes, among the most serious being: weak coordinated management and protection
of the site (mainly due to overlapping responsibilities between government
institutions), limited availability of expertise in wetland management and conser-
vation, limited integration of biodiversity conservation into district policies (such as
rural development, agriculture and irrigation). The diversity of Jabbul’s birdlife still
finds little appreciation at local level, both among authorities and among local
community. However, the relevant numbers of flamingos, in particular, are an
attraction even to non-birdwatchers. The lack of information in Arabic on wildlife
conservation or ecology undoubtedly contributes to the lack of awareness. On the
other hand, some local people seem to enjoy the landscape and the spectacular flocks
of flamingos; family parties can be seen picnicking on Fridays on Jabbrin island.

CONSERVATION RECOMMENDATIONS

Observations over the past seven years have confirmed the international! conservation
importance of Sabkhat al Jabbul and the justification for its Ramsar status. It is crucial to
stress the importance of this environment also for the welfare of the local community —

138 G. Serra, D. Murdoch, F. Turkelboom, F. Travert, Y. Mujawer & D. Scott

Sabkhat al-Jabbul, a Threatened Ramsar Wetland in Syria

and of its future generations. During the past 15 years a number of uncoordinated
conservation measures have been taken for the sake of sabkhat conservation, but so far
without significant and obvious results. In order to further promote and intensify the
conservation effort in the Sabkhat al Jabbul and to support the welfare of the local
community we recommend the following key measures (in no particular order):

1. Surveying the site thoroughly to define its ornithological importance for threatened
species particularly White-headed Duck. To obtain baseline data, a comprehensive
breeding season survey is urgently needed — winter and migration surveys should
follow in time. 1A medium-term goal should be to carry out annual midwinter
waterbird counts as part of the International Waterbird Census (IWC) co-ordinated by
Wetlands International.

2. Strengthening the regular monitoring of water pollution, water levels and salinity
to establish their impact on human health and on wildlife.

3. Strengthening the institutional, management and scientific capacity of the Sabkhat al
Jabbul steering committee, recently established under the leadership of the Aleppo
Governorate. |

4. Ensuring regular and active participation by the local community in the planning
and decision-making processes relating to sabkhat conservation, so that they can see
that they have a worthwhile stake in the management of the sabkhat for people and for
conservation. Subsequent local community control of hunting would then be a more
practical aim, given precedents elsewhere The basis of such participation lies in the
preparation of a 5-year scientifically based and socio-economically sensitive
management plan for the sabkhat.

5. Ensuring allocation of adequate government funds to staff and manage the
protected area properly and to provide suitable equipment to do so. At the same time,
international assistance should be sought specifically to train staff to a high degree of
capability (eg to produce wetland management expertise and to train a site manager
and the rangers) and to obtain basic optical equipment.

6. Developing awareness campaigns, locally and nationally, to impress the unique
value of Sabkhat al Jabbul on the consciousness of the local and national communities.

7. Raising awareness amongst international conservation organizations and agencies
about Sabkhat al Jabbul with the aim of attracting the financial resources needed to
implement these recommendations.

CONCLUSION

Sabkhat al Jabbul has been aptly described as ‘a paradise and a nightmare’. At present it
is one of the most important wetlands in the Middle East but the entire sabkhat could
become an ecological nightmare if the related processes of water pollution, fluctuating
water and salinity levels, vegetation degradation and hunting are allowed to continue.
However, there is enormous potential for the sabkhat and for the local community if its
riches can be used sustainably and equitably. Sabkhat al Jabbul could be a showcase for
the successful combination of development and conservation in the Middle East, but

1 The survey tasks will not be easy. Many areas are difficult to reach and often vast numbers of birds are
often at extreme range, making the counting task formidable. Any full-scale survey will probably require
not only an experienced team of observers, but also access to boats for at least a week.

G. Serra, D. Murdoch, F. Turkelboom, F. Travert, Y. Mujawer & D. Scott 139

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

it will require sustained effective co-ordination between local and national authorities.
Coordination requires the preparation of an integrated scientifically-based and socio-
economically sensitive management plan. This plan will have to show that active
participation is linked to clear benefits for the local community, but it will also need
the support of the international conservation community.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Richard Porter’s advice in writing this paper was much appreciated. We are very grateful to Kasem al
Ahmed (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, ICARDA) for interviewing
farmers; Borhan Kasmo (Ministry of Irrigation), Zuhair Masri (ICARDA), and Imaad Dahman for providing
valuable information; Adeeb al Asaad and Ahmed Abdallah and Anssi Kullberg for their support and
observations; and the farmers from around Sabkhat al Jabbul for their hospitality and open-ness. Piero
D’Altan of ICARDA very kindly produced the map for us. Sponsors of the Syrian Wetland Expedition
included the van Tienhoven Foundation, Ornithological Society of the Middle East, African-Eurasian
Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) and Avifauna.

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DiKSEN, LK AND FJ KONING. 1972. IWRB Mission to Syria — December 1971. IWRB Bull. 33: 34-37.

Evans, MI. 1994. Important Bird Areas in the Middle East. Birdlife Conservation Series No. 2. BirdLife
International, Cambridge. UK.

KONING, FJ AND LK DYKSEN. 1973. IWRB Mission to Syria - December 1972. IWRB Bull. 35: 57-62.

Lowe, SJ, M BROWNE AND S BOupgjeELas. 2000. 100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species. 'UCN/SSC
Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG). Auckland. New Zealand.

Murpbocu, D. 2004. Observations from Syria with notes on 11 new breeding species. Sandgrouse 27(1): 37-45.

Murpocu, D, I ANDREWS AND R HOFLAND. 2004. The Syrian Wetland Expedition 2004: a summary. °
Sandgrouse 26(2): 94-104.

SAVAGE, CDW. 1968. The wildfowl and wetland situation in the Levant. In: Elliott, HFJ. (Ed). Proc. Tech.
Meeting on Wetland Conservation, Ankara-Bursa-Istanbul, October 1967. IUCN Pubn. New Series No 12: 134-138.

ScoTT, DA. 1995. (ED.) A Directory of Wetlands in the Middle East. IUCN. Gland. Switzerland. & IWRB.
Slimbridge. U.K.

WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL. 2002. Waterbird Population Estimates — Third Edition. Wetlands Int. Global Series
No 12. Wageningen, The Netherlands.

SECONDARY REFERENCES

BIRDLIFE INTERNATIONAL. 2006. Threatened Birds of the World. Downloaded from http:/ /www.birdlife.org on
30.06.06.

Murpocu, D. 2003. Informal Syria Trip Report. OSME website www.osme.org.

PorTER, R AND DA Scott. 2005. Report on the environmental training programme for Iraqis and birds recorded in
Syria, 20-29 January 2005. Birdlife International. Internal Report 16 pp. |

VANDEMEUTTER, F AND J Soors. 2001. Informal Syria Trip Report. OSME website www.osme.org.

WESTER, J. 1998. Informal Syria Trip Report. OSME website www.osme.org.

APPENDIX 1

Visiting the site at Sabkhat al-Jabbul

Information on this huge and complex wetland is largely incomplete but the best birding
areas appear to be the dyke, the northern shore of the central lake and the southern shore
of the southeastern lake, particularly where the channel carries fresh water into the lake.
The mouth of the channel at Haglah village can be good. Some shores, for instance the
southern tip of the northwestern lake, are stony and are of little interest.

To reach the northern shores of the sabkhat, there are turnings off the main
Aleppo-Ragga highway south to the villages of Jabbul and Deir Hafer, and a road east |
from the town of Sfirah. Jabbul, about 45 minutes’ drive from the centre of Aleppo

140 G. Serra, D. Murdoch, F. Turkelboom, F. Travert, Y. Mujawer & D. Scott

Sabkhat al-Jabbul, a Threatened Ramsar Wetland in Syria

(about 40-50km), is the best access point to the north shore and the dyke. There are
excellent views of the north of the sabkhat from two hills (tell), one near the northern
end of the dyke and the second about 3km south of it (the ‘tell on the dyke’, on Jabbrin
island). A very poor track with limited visibility runs along the northern edge of the
central lake; 4WD vehicles are essential after any rain. The dyke between the
northwestern and central lakes runs south for 8.5km from Jabbul village to Haglah
village on the southern shore. A locked gate at its northern end prevents access by car
but Mr Yaseen (see below) is usually able to obtain the key; it is then an easy drive.
Semi-permanent obstacles prevent access by car from its southern end. A walk along
the dyke, especially starting from the Jabbul end, is a pleasant and relaxing experience.

The southwest shores of the northwestern lake and the southern half of the central
lake are best reached by a road from Sfirah that runs 20—25km from northwest to
southeast, roughly parallel to the lake. Haqlah island, a large, arid island in the central
lake with many bays, is accessible by a causeway that starts just east of Haqlah village.
It is easy to drive across the island and views are good but there are many fewer birds
than along the north shore. The island is still a military area and there is usually a
guard at the entrance. It was previously used as a firing range and there is always the
danger of encountering an unexploded shell, but there are many Bedouin on the
island with large flocks of sheep, so the risks are probably small.

The southeastern lake is about 70km from the centre of Aleppo. A good road runs west-
east several km south of the lake and poor tracks run north across fields to its southern
shore. It is possible in dry conditions to drive a saloon car round the west and most of
the southern side, though it takes great skill to drive over the dam onto the north side.
The eastern shores of both central and southeastern lakes are very inaccessible, with
very poor roads, although not impossible with 4WD and a knowledgeable driver (via
Rasm an-Nafl village in the south or Shrayma village along the railway in the north).
There are still very few ornithological observations from this large area.

The large distances involved require careful planning and clear communication
with local guides beforehand. In wet weather, 4WD vehicles are essential to go off-
road. The shores of the southeastern lake should be avoided completely; many
visitors have become stuck, sometimes for long periods! Visitors are advised to
travel with Syrian nationals away from asphalt roads to avoid potential misunder-
standings at military sites. Moreover, national and local guides are generally very
helpful and knowledgeable. It is important to remember that contact with foreign
eco-tourists greatly encourages Syrian conservationists. Mr Yaseen Mujawer, also
known as Abu Qalil (tel. 021-6820065) welcomes overnight visitors to his house in
Jabbul village close to the entrance to the dyke; this option is recommended for those
who do not have transport or who do not want to stay in Aleppo. He speaks little
except Arabic but he is an invaluable source of information about the sabkhat’s birds.
Mr Ibrahim Waqgas (Abu Steif), also based in Jabbul village, appears to be a guard
appointed to keep the key of the gate at the entrance of the dyke. Mr Mohammed
Abu Nasr (no phone) lives in the enchanting village of Shalale Saghira to the south-
west of the southeastern lake; visitors are welcome to his beehive home, which is
more convenient for the southeastern lake, but facilities are limited.

How to submit records.
All data from Sabkhat al Jabbul are valuable and we ask visitors to send them to
OSME. Significant observations will be published with permission in Sandgrouse.

G. Serra, D. Murdoch, F. Turkelboom, F. Travert, Y. Mujawer & D. Scott 141

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 142-145 2006

Distribution and population size of
Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca in Iran

JAMSHID MANSOORI
Jamshid Mansoor1, PhD, Ecologist & Ornithologist, Tehran, Iran. Email: birdlifetran@yahoo.com.

INTRODUCTION

Ithough much of Iran is extremely dry, the country possesses a great diversity of

wetland ecosystems. The wetlands of Iran constitute vital staging and wintering
areas for millions of migratory water-birds using the west Siberian-Caspian flyway,
and also support large breeding population of many species. The wetlands of Iran are
very important for eight species of birds listed as globally threatened (Mansoori 1984).
The 1996 IUCN list of threatened birds of Iran included Pygmy Cormorant
Phalacrocorax pygmeus, Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus, Lesser White-fronted
Goose Anser erythropus, Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris, White-headed
Duck Oxyura leucocephala, White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla, Siberian Crane Grus
leucogeranus, and Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca.

Ferruginous Duck is distributed in the Palearctic region and has a fragmented breeding
distribution at temperate latitudes (north to about 54°N) in the steppe, desert and
southern forest zones from western Europe (where now rare) and northwest Africa
across central Asia to western China (Sinkiang and northern Szechuan) and western
Mongolia. In western Eurasia, the main breeding range lies in eastern Europe (Romania,
Hungary, Russia, Ukraine and Moldova), in Turkey) and in the southwestern republics
of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), but small numbers breed in isolated
pockets throughout west and central Europe. The main wintering areas are in the Black
and Caspian Sea regions, the coastal Mediterranean and West Africa, with relatively
small numbers of birds reaching the Arabian Peninsula and eastern Africa (south to
Kenya and rarely western Uganda) (Scott & Rose 1996).

METHODS

The optical aids used in this study comprised a pair of 10x40 binoculars and a
Bushnell x60 telescope. At the wetland sites, I either walked around or traversed them
by boat (especially at larger wetlands). All reports and documents pertaining to these
surveys, in particular the mid-winter counts, have been examined, analysed and
evaluated for this paper.

Results and Discussion

Little information on the status of Ferruginous Duck within Iran has been publiched:
However, it is known that the species has been found in at least 24 wetlands (Table 1)
of north and southwest Iran, whether wintering or breeding (Fig 1; Mansoori 1997),
sometimes in very small numbers. According to the midwinter counts data, the total
winter population of Ferruginous Duck is estimated as being between 200 and 1000 for
the entire country (Table 2; Scott 1995), but the most recent midwinter count (2002)
estimated only 201 throughout Iran. Table 2 indicates that the population trend for this
duck has steadily declined since at least 1994, a decline mirrored in most suitable
habitats throughout the country. Table 2 also shows sites that have held more than 50
individuals (1% of the regional population, Scott & Rose 1996); these are Gerdeh Ghit,
Kaniborazan and Qareh Qeshlagh, Ghopi Lake, the Anzali complex, Fereydoonkenar,
Ezbaran, Miankaleh, Bamdej, Shadegan, Parishan Lake and Dasht-e-Arjan. The species

142 J. Mansoor

Distribution and population size of Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca in Iran

Na ! AZAR BAYJAN | Figure 1. Distribution and
eC ae b
TUR- ee Le : W TURKEMENISTAN reeding sites of Ferruginous

KEY

Duck Aythya nyroca in Iran.

ge. 5) rere
IRAQ
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usually favours certain wetlands in winter such as the Anzali wetland complex,
Fereydoun Kenar Damgah, Parishan Lake; Miankaleh held the maximum count of 424
birds in 2000. Only a few sites such as Changiz Goli, Islam Abad, Fereydoonkenar and
Ezbaran, have recently experienced increased populations (Table 2).

Table 1. Surveyed wetland sites, their area and general coordinates (See Fig 1)

SNo_ Sites Area (ha) General Coordinates
1 Shurgol, Dorgeh Sangi and Yadegarloo 2500 3/7°01'N; 45°28'E
2 Gerdeh Ghit, Kaniborazan and Qareh Qeshlagh 1800 37°02’N, 45°40’E
3. Changiz Goli, Islam Abad 500 37°03’N, 45°417E
4 Ghopi Lake 1200 46°51’N, 45°30’E
5 Gorigol 120 37°50’N, 46°40’E
6 Anzali complex 15000 37°25'N, 49°28’E
7 ~~ Selke 100 37°25'N, 49°27'E
8 Bujagh 200 37°25'N, 49°27’°E
9 Amirkelaych 1230 37°18'N, 50°00’E

10 Fereydoonkenar 1000 36 30 .N, 52°31.E
dal Ezbaran 450 36°35'N, 52°30°E
12 Sorkhrud 250 36°35'N, 52°29’E
13 Seydmahalleh 1600 36°45'N, 53°00'E
14 Zaghmarz 950 86°50'N, 53°17 E
15 Miankaleh 97200 36°50’N, 53°45’E
16 Gomishan 20000 of 1oN, 638 00 E
17. ~— Alagol 1540 37°21, N, 54°35 E
18 Bamdej 12000 31°45’N, 48°36’E
19 Shadegan 425140 30°20’N, 48°20’E
20 Horelazjm 100000 31°45’N, 48°25’E
21 Kaftar Lake 4700 30°34’N, 52°47°E
22 ~~ Parishan Lake 4000 29°31’N, 51°48’E
23 ~~ Arjan wetland 2200 29-37,Ni51-59:-E
24 ~~ Hamoun wetland 149000 31°20’N, 61°45’E

J. Mansoor 143

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

Of the 24 important sites

NMOONTNOYTTNONODOOMNTOOOrFO0C90O0O7 re ularl utilised b
rue S Or ote te —- - =
g Ferruginous Duck, it is
QOMDOOTONK HT MNANOTODNANOMDMDTONNr- OOM :
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?) ;
3 SO So Oe ON Go ie A SS SS Recent surveys found proof
oO 7 = ee GS 72.2 .. - of breeding in particular
Oo OO Aodts- ANAC Or Ot ONO OC OWN © 1 O 2 wetlands to the south of
s (o>) —- WN — MO a oe ap) Ae s é
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S
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S nmMO+Tr—MNYTTNONDrTNMOMDrNOrANNAOOD : j
@ GP x is 2 Oe ie os Mansoori 2001), Parishan
> ; .
® CHOMOMNWOMSHNCOONABTHOBOAD Lake in Fars province and
oa = also Shadegan in
SONG SNe Re TANABE S nNeeee ele ape
2) OWEN. cele ecline
=
a NA : .
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Q
ee = oe = = — breeding pairs-counted im
T ARSYTOtrOMANDCCoOrNONNOAAOCrTRKROCO Iran being only 2-5 (Fig 2),
~~ OS CO —- Ww ~ NX Slot Sk 5 9
i - © correlating with the overall
c Oe Se NO ee ee ON ea decline in midwinter counts
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Orr ODNDONORANTrAMTOrwToorork .
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= LOnNNWMNONTNOOOOOCOOOTOOOoOUOoOUCcCOCcOOrTONOT 150-300 breeding pairs in
oo = ae... lran, only ;.74iayears
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mm 2 b :
ehaviour makes any
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= = ©
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A
non FrOMMonNo9oovrTromnoroeonorrhkOountok
5s “© ™ eo) ET Or ce tay oe hy sean ¢
S e species’ movements in
D Iran are poorly understood.
= However, the duck is a
= = partial migrant as well as a
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5 OG winter in southwest Asia
[e) a
oo BS but breed locally (perhaps
Ox 6
= oS up to150-300 pairs), but the
— (q0} Gs . . . .
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£. oe population probably breed
2 Se mainly east of the Caspian
2 Seo : 5 2 Sea east as far as the Aral
Me faa tes DS
wie es oe 228) 2s <2z Sea (Scott & Rose 1996).
C0 Oe 0" ay = @ 7 = ogo
Ss gOG0~X = =s Biss sex Jf=s
fon (ay ce nN & (o) THe Saal : S8=VEMe
Oo poets °o 25252 C= @oONtass .
a "(983 2353 0 o¥ Ss ee eo Conservation
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aS recognized as a globally
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]. Mansoor

Distribution and population size of Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca in Iran

407] site | ; | __ protected species in Iran
384 | | | and according to the
environmental laws,
hunting and trapping it
throughout the country
are forbidden (Laws and
Parliamentary Affairs
Office, DOE (1997)). The
principal threats to this
species are mainly loss

* % % and degradation of
= Ha Trend a hrecding pairs of Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca in ap habitat,: but hunting and

disturbances also occur in
a number of places (Mansoori, 2002). Although it is a protected bird, the achieved
conservation status remains unclear. The Department of the Environment is the main
Iranian organization responsible for the conservation of wildlife resources in Iran, but
there are also some universities and NGOs undertaking long-term research studies on
the wildlife resources in the country; such as Tehran University, Esfahan University,
Uromiyeh University and the Wildlife Society of Iran. To date, research on Ferruginous
Duck has been limited only to general studies such as of its distribution and its
appearance in some censuses during the mid-winter counts (Department of the
Environment, undated). Officially, the bird is identified as vulnerable and is recognized
as a protected duck species throughout Iran, which means that any hunting or trapping
is forbidden and that offenders will be legally prosecuted by the Department of the
Environment. It is important to recognise that the main problem concerning the
Ferruginous Duck’s conservation is the lack of information available to local people.
Consequently, hunters fail to identify it as a protected species (Department of the
Environment, undated). It is vital to implement effective education programs for identi-
fication and conservation of this duck and its habitats. Whatever possible, efforts are
being made to preserve breeding and wintering habitats of this duck, but it is unlikely
that any special research or management project will be undertaken without adequate
funding being made available. However, we would appreciate any suggestions or offers
of cooperation to establish of a regional working programme of research on this species
so that long-term studies can assist its conservation in Iran.

PRIMARY REFERENCES

LAWS AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS OFFICE, DOE. 1997. [Directory of Laws and Regulations of the Environment).
Iranian Department of the Environment (DOE). 356 pp. [In Farsi]

Mansoonr|, J. 1984. National Report of Iran: Proc. Second Conference of the Parties. Groningen. The Netherlands.
7-12 May 1984: 345-352. Ramsar Convention Bureau. Gland. Switzerland

Mansoonr|, J. 2002. Proc. International meeting on Ferruginous Duck, from research to conservation, 11-14
October 2002. Sofia, Bulgaria

Scott, DA. 1995. Islamic Republic of Iran. In: A Directory of wetlands in the Middle East. [UCN and IWRB.
Gland and Slimbridge. pp 43-221.

Scott, DA AND PM Rose. 1996. Atlas of Anatidae populations, in Africa and Western Eurasia. Wetlands
International Publication No. 41.

SECONDARY REFERENCES

IRANIAN DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT. UNDATED. Results of midwinter counts of waterbirds, between
1971-1975, 1984-1985, and 1990-2002. Iranian Ornithology Unit, Dept. of the Environment.

Mansoonr,, J. 1997. A preliminary survey of threatened ducks: Ferruginous Duck, Marbled Duck, and White-headed
Duck. Iranian Ornithology Unit, Dept. of the Environment

Mansoonrt, J. 2001. The status of Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca in Uromiyeh National Park. Yekom
Consulting Engineers. Tehran, Iran.

J. Mansoori 145

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 146-155 2006

Further significant extensions of migrant
distribution and breeding and wintering
ranges in Iran for over sixty species

MOHAMMAD E. SEHHATISABET, SEYED BABAK MUSAVI, PARVIZ BAKHTIARI,
DARYOUSH MOGHADDAS, NADER HAMIDI*, BAGHER NEZAMI AND
ABOLGHASEM KHALEGHIZADEH '

Fae 5 ] Further to range extensions in Iran published in 2004, we have assessed

Lf AY ie critically many of the subsequent ornithological records we made in Iran

: Pe during 2000 to 2005, We have also examined a number of informal records that

E s 7% Deans [sy we would like to see published or at least scrutinised further. The formal

} \ Ve 2 O ( _ y| _ records that emerged from our assessment suggested extensions of breeding or
YA Ae Ress

es oo winter ranges and of passage migrant distributions for over sixty species and

£ Vee 3 the results are summarised here. We estimate the distances of these
—

Si observations from previously known ranges or distributions. In addition to

@
EX Yd \ these records, we present additional information on some of these and on
S ° .
ie \ other species from many other sources, some of which come from the 1970s.
x ~~ A \ We have also amended the distributional information for some other species,

\
ee a mostly migrants or vagrants.

Mohammad E. Sehhatisabet, Ornithology Unit, Wildlife & Aquatic Organisms Bureau, Department of
the Environment (DOE), Tehran, Iran. email m_sehhati@yahoo.com,. Seyed Babak Musavi, wildlife
photographer and birdwatcher.email mbabak2002@yahoo.com. Parviz Bakhtiari, birdwatcher, Third

Floor, No. 14, West 218 Street, 4th Square, Tehranpars, Tehran. e-mail: Parviz53@yahoo.com. Daryoush
Moghaddas, Mazandaran Provincial Office of the Department of the Environment (DOE), Sart,
Mazandaran, Iran. e-mail: dara_niaki@yahoo.com. Bagher Nezam1, Gilan Provincial Office of the

Department of the Environment (DOE), Rasht, Gilan, Iran. Abolghasem Khaleghizadeh, Ornithology

Laboratory, Agricultural Zoology Research Department, Plant Pests & Diseases Research Institute,
Tehran, Iran. e-mail: akhaleghizadeh@yahoo.com.
7Correspondence Author

De the past decade, first records for a number of bird species have been
published for Iran, including Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni (Scott 1994),
Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus (Duquet & Richardson 2000), Black-
winged Kite Elanus caeruleus, Indian Silverbill Lonchura malabarica (Kirwan 1998; [ir =
informal record]), Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura (Bradshaw & Kirwan 2000; [ir]),
Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina (Roth et al 2005), and two Indian River Terns
Sterna aurantia in Emer Ab-bandan (Foekens & Schlevis 2006), A Sabine’s Gull Larus
sabini appeared on the Caspian Sea coast of Babolsar-Khazar Abad, Mazandaran
during the mid-winter Waterbirds Census in 2005 (Amini et al 2005). Sometimes,
despite the best efforts of the observers, confirmed identifications are not attained; eg
Asian Brown Flycatcher Ficedula dauurica (Sehhatisabet, this issue)

Khlaleghizadeh and Sehhati (2004) mentioned range extension for species such as
Pterocles alchata, Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis, Collared Dove S. decaocto,
Barn Owl Tyto alba and White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis. Here we
present significant range extensions, changes in migrant distribution and the
occurrences of some vagrants in Iran, involving over 60 species.

146 M. E. Sehhatisabet, S. B. Musavi, P. Bakhtiari, D. Moghaddas, N. Hamidi, B. Nezami & A. Khaleghizadeh

Further significant extensions of migrant distribution and breeding and wintering ranges in Iran

METHODS

Our ornithological observations were made throughout Iran during from 2000-2005
inclusive. Some of the extensions of migrant distribution and breeding and wintering
ranges we recorded are the first known for Iran; others represent extensions beyond
that already reported. Table 1 lists the species recorded, their numbers, each location’s
geographical coordinates and Iranian province concerned, the date or period of each
occurrence, the observer(s) and the distance from the previously known range (Scott
et al 1975, Mansoori 2001). Areas were visited on foot, by car and sometimes by boat.
We identified and studied the birds with binoculars and telescopes and we recorded
the geographical coordinates via a Global Positioning System (GPS) (Etrex, Vista). The
province map at Fig 1 will help orient readers unfamiliar with Iran.

Figure 1. lran's provincial map (taken from
http://www.key2persia.com/iranmap.htm with some corrections
by Abolghasem Khaleghizadeh according to recent changes of Khorasan
Province). Numbers indicate name of provinces, respectively:

1. Tehran, 2. Qom, 3. Markazi, 4. Qazvin (Ghazvin), 5. Gilan, 6. Ardabil, 7. Zanjan, 8. East Azarbaijan,

9. West Azarbaijan, 10. Kurdistan (Kordestan), 11. Hamadan, 12. Kermanshah, 13. llam, 14. Luristan (or
Lorestan), 15. Khuzestan, 16. Chahar Mahal & Bakhtiari, 17. Kohkiluyeh & Buyer Ahmad, 18. Bushehr,

19. Fars, 20. Hormozgan, 21. Seistan & Baluchestan, 22. Kerman, 23. Yazd, 24. Esfahan (or Isfahan),

25. Semnan, 26. Mazandaran, 27. Golestan, 28. North Khorasan, 29. Khorasan Razavi, 30. South Khorasan.

DISCUSSION
Some of the species below are additional to those recorded in Table 1.

At least 200 Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis were present at Bouralan, West
Azarbaijan and 180 were at Shorabil in mid-winter 2002. Four were at Ghareh Boulagh
Wetland, West Azarbaijan and a further three were at Lake Alagol in 2000 (Results of
Mid-winter Censuses). The only previous record of Shikra Accipiter badius near the area
(see also Table 1) was of one seen on Qeshm Island on 3 Dec 99, which may represent
the southernmost record in Iran (Bradshaw & Kirwan 2000 [ir]). Two Common Crane

M. E. Sehhatisabet, S. B. Musavi, P. Bakhtiari, D. Moghaddas, N. Hamidi, B. Nezami & A. Khaleghizadeh 147

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

Grus grus were observed in Boujagh National Park, Kiashahr, Gilan on 15 Feb 2001 (A
Pasokhi pers comm). There was a report of a Corncrake Crex crex from Lahijan Market
in 2000 (H Yazdandad pers comm) - it is a common species and is often hunted,
sometimes being sold live in Lahijan market (B Nezami pers obs). Some 25 Red-necked
Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus were in Gori Gol, Tabriz, East Azarbaijan on 14 Sep 2000
(Jalving & Vos 2003) and 21 others were in Harat Cheshmeh shour, Khatam, Yazd on
26 Apr 2001 (Neve & Pailat 2002). One Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus was seen
beyond its known migration locations in northern Lake Oroumiyeh on 22 Sep 2000
(JJalving & Vos 2003) and another was identified between the south Caspian sea and
Hashtpar-Anzali in Jan 2004 (P de Boer pers obs).

Two Eurasian Collared Doves Streptopelia decaocto recorded north of Lake Oroumieh,
West Azarbaijan on 28 Sep 2000 (Jalving & Vos 2003) were new for the area. Eight
Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus were observed in the Harat area between 25 Apr—4
May (Neve & Pailat 2002) probably representing the first confirmation of an already
existing breeding range. Although Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri is
widespread in the Tehran area (Mansoori 2001), it has spread from naturalised
commensal populations. However, records of non-commensal individuals cover 5
birds at Niavaran and Sa’d Abad Palaces, north of Tehran (Khaleghizadeh 2004). A
colony in a palm garden, in Bam, Kerman province.(B Musavi pers obs) is of uncertain
origin. The recent observations of the species in Karaj and Lashgarak (A
Khaleghizadeh pers obs) are thought to comprise further natural spread from the
fairly small Tehran naturalised population, a range increase of c50km. Similarly,
recent records of White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis in these locations suggest a
naturalised range in a radius of c60km around Tehran.

Subsequent to the Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis records in Table 1, the species
disappeared until 2004 due to the intervening drought, at which time it reappeared
scattered around the Jiroft area, especially near a mud dam at 28°40’40”N, 57°41’43”E.
In the case of Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla, we note additional records from Scott
(1973) in the Lashgarak area, Dayani & Behrouzi-Rad (1991) at Kheirud Kenar and
von Petutschnig ef al (2002) in Golestan; another record came from Jalving & Vos
(2003) at Rashakan, west of Lake Oroumieh, West Azarbaijan in Sep 2000. We note
that some other older records occurred beyond Mansoori’s mapped area (2001) for
Wryneck. For example, Sturhan (in litt) mentions early records at Evin, Rogers (2001)
notes ringing records of nine birds in the Lar valley in the 1970s, and Passburg (1959)
had several records on the Caspian slope and coast in Aug and Sep and one south of
Elburz on 6 Apr at Robat Karim, Tehran. These records suggest that the species’ range
covered the provinces of Mazandaran, Golestan, Tehran and West Azarbaijan and that
Wryneck was also a summer visitor in the north of Gilan, Ardebil and East Azarbaijan
provinces and a winter visitor to Sistan and Hormozgan provinces (Mansoori 2001).

Additional observations we know of in Iran of wheatears were of a Northern Wheatear
Oenanthe oenanthe by Rezaei (in litt) in the Noor area and a Desert Wheatear Oenanthe
deserti in Islam Abad Wetland, Naghadeh, West Azarbaijan on 30 Sep 2000 (JJalving &
Vos 2003). Three Greenish Warblers Phylloscopus trochiloides were in mountain forest and
suburban gardens and habitation, Khatam, Yazd on 4-5 May 2001 (Neve & Pailat 2002),
one in Fasandoz, Mahabad on 24 Sep 2000 and another on Islami Island, West Azarbaijan
on 26 Sep 2000. One Garden Warbler Sylvia borin was observed on Kabudan Island, Lake
Oroumieh on 22 Sep 2000 (Jalving & Vos 2003), and one was in mountain forest on 4 May
2001 (Neve & Pailat 2002) and earlier one had been recorded in the Lashgarak area (Scott
1973). Scott et al (1975) had not included it. Mansoori’s map (2001) placed the species only

148 M. E. Sehhatisabet, S. B. Musavi, P. Bakhtiari, D. Moghaddas, N. Hamidi, B. Nezami & A. Khaleghizadeh

Further significant extensions of migrant distribution and breeding and wintering ranges in Iran

Table 1. Below are details of species, numbers of birds, physical locations, geographical coordinates and dates
of records, observers and distances from known ranges (breeding or wintering) or migration distribution for
about 60 species birds in lran. Data have been extracted from the results of many field trips in Iran from
2000-2005 inclusive.

NB - In the ‘Distance’ column, figures represent distances (in km) from known areas, thus: br= breeding range,
wr=wintering range and md=migration distribution. Other abbreviations are: vc=very common, wbc=waterbird
census, WR=Wildlife Refuge, NP=National Park and PA=Protected Area

Species Totals Location Province Date Observer Distance from

or period breeding range
or md

Red-breasted Goose 1 + Miankaleh Mazandaran Dec 2002 PB Near

Branta ruficollis 1. Freidoonkenar ab-bandan Mazandaran Dec 2002 PB 100 wr

Bewick’s Swan 6 Miangaran wetland, Izeh Khuzestan Jan 2005 PB 700 wr

Cygnus columbianus 3 _Freidoonkenar ab-bandan Mazandaran Jan 2001 PB 400 wr

bewickii

Ferruginous Duck 2 Cheshmeh Majerad, Touran, Shahroud Semnan Sep 2001 PB 200

Aythya nyroca

Long-tailed Duck 1 ‘The pond in the city Gilan 5 Jan to BN 100 wr

Clangula hyemalis of Lahijan mid-Feb 2005

White-headed Duck 3 Gandoman wetland Chahar Mahal Mar 2000 PB 50 wr?

Oxyura leucocephala & Bakhtiari

Greater Flamingo 3 Dariache-e-mahi Kerman winter 2000 DM 200 wr

Phoenicopterus roseus (Manmade shrimp
Artemia sp wetland 70km
from Rafsanjan,
SROMs2oINE DO V2/.oll He

8 Dariache-e-mahi Kerman spring 2000 DM 200
9 Dariache-e-mahi Kerman summer 2000 DM 200 br?
5 Kabutarkhan ab-bandan Kerman winter 2001 DM 200
3. Shekarab dam (incomplete, Kerman winter 2004 DM 250 wr
Started in 2001), Knhabr NP
Black Stork 6 Angouran WR & PA, Zanjan 29 Sep 2002 SS 20
Ciconia nigra Mahneshan
17 Along Ghezel Ozan River Zanjan 23 Sep:2001' SS 25
2 Angouran WR Zanjan 25 Jun 2003 SS 25 br
Glossy Ibis 2 _Takht-e-Soleiman Zanjan May 2002 PB 60
Plegadis falcinellus
Eurasian Bittern 1 Reedbeds of Hozche Zogal Kerman late spring 2001 DM 200 br
Botaurus stellaris Shoil, cskm from Zarand
Cattle Egret 6 Angouran WR & PA, Zanjan 23 Sep 2001 SS 70
Bubulcus ibis Mahneshan
Great White Pelican 2 Kabutarkhan Abbandan Kerman Winters DM 300 wr
Pelecanus onocrotalus 30°12_17°'N 56°19_28'E, 2001-02,
60km from Kerman , briefly
(pistachio irrigation)
Merlin 1 Bamdej wetland Khuzestan Jan 2005 PB 70 wr
Falco columbarius
Osprey 1 Vahdat Dam, Sanandaj Kurdistan 22 Sep 2001 SS 50 md
Pandion haliaetus
Crested Honey 1 Chabahar Seistan & Sep 2003 PB 480 md
Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus Baluchestan

M. E. Sehhatisabet, S. B. Musavi, P. Bakhtiari, D. Moghaddas, N. Hamidi, B. Nezami & A. Khaleghizadeh 149

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

Black-winged Kite 1 Celmirin Tandureh Khorasan 27 Mar 2005 BM 1100 (vagrant)
Elanus caeruleus national park Razavi
Hen Harrier 1 Chah Mil Plain, Kerman 23 Nov 2004 SS 350 wr
Circus cyaneus Orzoiyeh, Baft

3. Manzel Abad Plain, Kerman 26 Dec 2004 SS 300 wr

Shahr Babak

1 Firuz Abad Plain, Rayen Kerman 29 Nov 2004 SS 200 wr

1 Hendijan plain, Mahshahr Khuzestan 25Nov2000 SS 170 wr
Montagu’s Harrier 1 dead Karaj city Tehran 9Jul 2005 AK Rare, but found
Circus pygargus in former range
Shikra 5 Breeding on tall druce Hormozgan 4Apr2004 BM On limit of
Accipiter badius Prosopis cineraria tree known br

in military area in Bandar
Abbas city & another nest
in another military area

Little Bustard 1. Langarud Market Gilan Jan 2004 BN 200 wr
Tetrax tetrax
Corncrake 1 Radar Poshteh, Gilan 25 Sep 2002 SS 50 md
Crex crex Siahkal, Lahijan
5 Paddy fields, Lasht Nesha, Gilan Sep—Dec, BN 100 md?
E of Rasht after rice harvest
Little Crake 1 Omidiyeh wetland Khuzestan Jan 2005 PB 400 md?
Porzana parva
Common Crane 8 Allah Abad plain, Ghazvin 23 Jan 2001 SS 350 wr
Grus grus Bouein Zahra
1imm_ Sorkhrud Damgah, Mazandaran 13Jan2003 SS 100 wr
Fereidounkenar
c1500 Meighan wetland, 17km Markazi Jan 2001 PB 200 wr
northwest of Arak
90 Tarom and Tashkoulyeh, Hormozgan Feb 2004 NH 200 wr
Hajiabad
80+ Tarom and Tashkouiyeh, Hormozgan Jan 2005 SS 200 wr
Hajiabad
Sociable Lapwing 9 Boujagh NP, Kiashahr Gilan 15 Aug 2001 SS 20 md?
Vanellus gregarius
Ruddy Turnstone 2 _Boujagh NP, Kiashahr Gilan 15 Aug 2001 SS Rare, but in
Arenaria interpres former range
Dunlin 4 ~ Hozche Zogal Shoii, chkm Kerman Late spring 2000 DM 350 md
Calidris alpina from Zarand, 30°47_22°N,
56°34,.35 E
Red-necked Phalarope 1. =Boujagh NP, Kiashahr Gilan 30 Jul 2001 SS W Iran border,
Phalaropus lobatus Caspian coast
20_ Islam Abad Wetland, West Azarbaijan7—11 Jul 2002 SS Previous range,
Oroumieh but rare
13 Hozche Zogal Shoii, Kerman Late spring 2001 DM 300 md
c5km from Zarand
Collared Pratincole 1 West of Charak city , Hormezgan Apr 2005 NH 250 md
Glareola pratincola Seraj PA
Slender-billed Gull 800bp Tashk lake Fars 7 Jun 2004. SS 250 br
Larus genei 1500 pulli
4500ind Tashk lake Fars 21 Jun2005 SS 250 br
2500 pulli

150 M. E. Sehhatisabet, S. B. Musavi, P. Bakhtiari, D. Moghaddas, N. Hamidi, B. Nezami & A. Khaleghizadeh

Further significant extensions of migrant distribution and breeding and wintering ranges in Iran
Y Cc CO

Lesser Crested Tern 1
Sterna bengalensis

Swift Tern 2
Sterna bergii

Black Tern
Chlidonias niger 1

Pomarine Skua 1
Stercorarius pomarinus

Crowned Sandgrouse 25
Pterocles coronatus

Eurasian Collared Dove 2
Streptopelia decaocto 7
52

Common Cuckoo 1
Cuculus canorus

Barn Owl 2
Tyto alba 1
Spotted Owlet 1

Athene brama

Indian Nightjar 1
Caprimulgus asiaticus

Common Kingfisher vc
Alcedo atthis

Pied Kingfisher 2
Ceryle rudis

Ghabr-e-Nakhoda,
Khour Musa

Boujagh NP

Allah Abad plain,
Bouein Zahra

Allah Akbar plain, Dehloran
Allah Akbar plain, Dehloran

Shoush plains, Shoush

Lakes Tash and
Bakhtegan

South of Shahriyar city
Zaviyeh city

Choghazanbil

Kahur town, Chabahar

Around Minab freshwater
canal and entire
mangrove area in Sirik

Kani Borazan Wetland,
Naghadeh

Colony Edge of Halil rud River,

c100

Eurasian Wryneck 1 dead

Jynx torquilla

Red-backed Shrike 1
Lanius collurio

Eurasian Golden 1
Oriole Oriolus oriolus

Eurasian Nutcracker 1
Nucifraga caryocatactes

Desert Lark 25
Ammomanes deserti

14
Woodlark 14

Lullula arborea

Eurasian Skylark VC
Alauda arvensis

Doboneh village,
near Jiroft

Noor plain forests

Dez Wildlife Refuge

In garden, Mazar village
60k S of Baft city, Knabr

Khuzestan

Gilan

Ghazvin

lam

lam
Khuzestan
Fars
Tehran
Markazi
Khuzestan

Seistan &
Baluchestan

Jan 2005

Dec 2004

23 Jan 2001

21 Nov 2000

13 Feb 2001

23 Nov 2000
Apr 2001
Apr 2001
May 2002

Apr 2004

Sep 2003

Hormozgan In winter quarters BM

W Azarbaijan 6 Nov 2003

Kerman

Mazandaran

Khuzestan

Kerman

NP, 28°48 47°N, 56°20_37°E

Nakhiloo village, west to
city of Charak

Forest around Fouman

Angouran WR & PA,
Mahneshan
Angouran WR & PA,
Mahneshan

Shoush Plains

Tarom and Tashkuiye

plains near Haji Abad town

Hormozgan

Gilan

Zanjan
Zanjan

Khuzestan

Hormozgan

1999
Apr 2004
Spring 2002
Jul 2004

Mar 2005

23 Nov 2001

Mid-winter woc 2000DM

22-26 Jun 2003 SS

29 Sep—5 Oct 2002SS

16 Feb 2005. BM

130 md? wr?

100 wr?

200 wr

100 wr
100 wr
50 wr
100 br
Within br
50 br
300 br
1000 (vagrant)
100 wr
250 wr
350 wr
300
270 md? br?
400 br
400 br
Very rare
(Mansoor!)
300 br?

300 br?

250 wr?

100 wr

M. E. Sehhatisabet, S. B. Musavi, P. Bakhtiari, D. Moghaddas, N. Hamidi, B. Nezam & A. Khaleghizadeh 151

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

Scrub Warbler 2 Angouran WR and PA, Zanjan 29 Sep—5 Oct 2002SS 250 br
Scotocerca inquieta Mahneshan
Booted Warbler 15 Angouran WR and PA, Zanjan 21-25 Jun 2003 SS 200 br
Iduna_ [Hippolais] Mahneshan
caligata
Green Warbler 1. Chahkin Plain, Zarand Kerman 29 Nov 2004 SS 550 md?
Phylloscopus
trochiloides nitidus
(Rheindt 2006)
Greenish Warbler 1 Arasbaran Biosphere E Azarbaijan 10Jul2003 SS Previous range,
Phylloscopus trochiloides Reserve, Kalibar but rare
viridanus (Rheindt 2006)
Eurasian Blackcap vc Manesht and Ghlarang PA, llam 21-23 Apr 2005 BM 450 md?
Sylvia atricapilla especially around oak
forest on mountains
Garden Warbler 1. Chahkin Plain, Zarand Kerman 29 Nov 2004 SS 250 md?
Sylvia borin
Lesser Whitethroat 8-13 Around and near Bazangan Khorasan 28 Apr 2005 BM 400, but see
Sylvia curruca lake, on Tamarix trees, Razavi range in Porter
Plate 1 between Sarakhs and et al (1996) br
Mashhad city c125km
from Sarakhs
Eastern Orphean 3 Banks of River Jegin Hormozgan 21Jan2005 BM 220 md?
Warbler Sylvia (Jegin dry woodland),
[hortensis] crassirostris near Jask; mostly Tamarix
Plate 2 and Acacia spp
Oriental White-eye 4 Khalasi lagoon, Hormozgan dJulay 2005 NH Second record
Zosterops palpebrosus __ East to Jask for Iran (Vagrant
Plate 3 or introduced?)
Bluethroat 1 Angouran WR & PA, Zanjan 1 Oct 2002 SS Southern limit of
Luscinia svecica Mahneshan lran northern range
Whinchat 1 Near Gaz river (Sirik area) Hormozgan S8Apr2004 BM 1100 br
Saxicola rubetra between Minab and
Jask cities
Northern Wheatear 3 Noor forests Mazandaran 5Apr1999 SS 20 br
Oenanthe oenanthe
Common Stonechat 1 Geno mountain Hormozgan 8Nov2004 BM 300 wr
Saxicoia torquatus (1720m asl)
Pied Wheatear 23 Goude-Ghoul Non-hunting Kerman 25-28 Mar 2002 SS 50 br
Oenanthe pleschanka Area, Sirjan
4(1imm) Geno mountain, Bandar Hormozgan 12Feb2005 BM 250 br
Abbas (1400m asl)
Desert Wheatear 9 Zarivar Lake, Sanandaj Kurdistan 6Oct2000 SS 450 br
Oenanthe deserti 1‘ Islam-Abad, south of W Azarbaijan 30 Sep 2000 SS 450 br
Lake Oroumieh
15 Around Lake Oroumieh = _W Azarbaijan 7-11 Jul 2002 SS 500 br
20 Islami Island, Lake W Azarbaijan 7-11 Jul 2002 SS 500 br

Oroumieh

152 M. E. Sehhatisabet, S. B. Musavi, P. Bakhtiari, D. Moghaddas, N. Hamidi, B. Nezami & A. Khaleghizadeh

Further significant extensions of migrant distribution and breeding and wintering ranges in Iran

Rufous-tailed Rock 1 Geno mountain Hormozgan 23Feb2005 BM 300 wr
Thrush Monticola
saxatilis
Semi-collard 1 Chelmir areain Tandureh Khorasan 27 Mar v2005 BM 150 md
Flycatcher Ficedula National Park Razavi
semitorquata 1 Lavan Island Hormozgan Mar 2004 NH 850 md
White-throated 1 Ajgerak non-hunting area Kerman 2001 mid-summer DM 300 br
Dipper 29°14 _N, 56°49_E, Rabar
Cinclus cinclus township 20km from Batt,
Long-billed Pipit 2 On Farur Island and Hormozgan 17 Jan—Mar 2005 BM 300 wr
Anthus similis near Bandar Abbas city,
Plate 4 one in cultivated area
4 Inthe city of Jask Hormozgan 17 Jan—Mar 2005 BM 150 wr
1 c23kmNofBandar Abbas Hormozgan 17 Jan—Mar 2005 BM 100 wr

in a Cultivated area,
between Hajiabad and

Bandar Abbas
Eurasian Siskin 6 Bandar Abbas Hormozgan Feb 2005 NH 350 wr
Carduelis spinus ;
Ortolan Bunting 2 Inrocky areaneara llam 14 Apr 2005 BM 50 br
Emberiza hortulana road to llam city

In the ‘Observer’ column, SS=ME Sehhati-Sabet, BM=Seyed Babak Musavi, PB=Parviz Bakhtiari, DM=Daryoush Moghaddas,
NH=the late Nader Hamidi, BN=Bagher Nezami and AK=Abolghasem Khaleghizadeh.

in southwest Iran. Overall the numbers of records of Garden Warblers outside the
mapped range suggest that subsequent maps need to be considerably revised. We note
that the second record of Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus (Table 1) was not far
from the first record east of Jask on 14 May 1978 (Reynolds 1978).

Jalving and Vos (2003) also included mention of 9 Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus on the
Oroumieh coast, two in-Kabudan Island, one in Hasanlou Wetland and another in Islam
Abad in the period 14 Sep to 1 Oct 2000 and of an immature in the Harat plains, Khatam
on 4 May 2001. The observation of Grey Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus in Harat, Yazd
(Neve & Pailat 2002) suggests a new northernmost limit of the species in central Iran.
Jalving and Vos (2003) recorded a Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis ssp
pallidirostris (‘Steppe Grey Shrike’) on Fasandoz plain, south of Lake Oroumieh on 24
Sep 2000 and 7 Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita on Kabudan Island on 21-22 Sept 2000
and one on Islami Island on 26 Sep 2000; Neve and Pailat (2002) noted another in Harat
Chashmeh Shour, Khatam, Yazd on 1 May 2001. Although Dayani and Behrouzi-Rad
(1991) had recorded Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis at Kheirud Kenar, Nowshahr, on
the south Caspian Sea coast, they did not categorise it as the first record for that region,
whereas Mansoori (2001) did so for a record in Khuzestan region in Iran’s southwest.
Dayani and Behrouzi-Rad (1991) recorded Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius,
Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopos syriacus, Bay-backed Shrike Lanius vittatus, Upcher’s
Warbler Hippolais languida and Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria at Kheirud Kenar,
Nowshahr, Mazandaran. Barn Owl Tyto alba was recently recorded in the Kerman area,
following the previous record in near Yazd (Khaleghizadeh & Sehhati 2004). Stop Press:
cl10 Ménétries Warbler Sylvia mystacea around Lake Alagol on 17 May 2006.

From time to time, translation of lists species names listed from one language to another
leads to errors, particularly if, as in Farsi, names within a genus are very similar. For
example, the Bay-backed Shrike attributed to Sehhatisabet was more probably Red-

M. E. Sehhatisabet, S. B. Musavi, P. Bakhtiari, D. Moghaddas, N. Hamidi, B. Nezami & A. Khaleghizadeh 153

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

backed Shrike L. collurio. In a similar vein the informal record of Brahminy Kite Haliastur
indus in Balmer and Betton (2004; [ir]) was an error in translation for Brown Fish Owl
Ketupa zeylonensis (MJ Blair pers comm). Furthermore, we recognise that the Bay-backed
Shrike in Dayani & Behrouzi-Rad (1991) was insufficiently separated from Red-backed
Shrike. These circumstances reinforce the need to scrutinise and question all records
meticulously before they are submitted for formal publication.

We intend to apply strict but neutral scrutiny to all future records, no matter their
origin so that evaluations can be re-examined in the light of subsequent observations.
This way, unconfirmed observations would remain available for consideration, partic-
ularly where the historical records make no mention of the species concerned For
example, P Bakhtiari (pers obs) has details of Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps
in Iran’s northwest — a species not mentioned by Scott et al (1975) nor by Mansoori
(2001) in his field guides. We are also encouraged by analyses such as that by
Kratochwill and Kirwan (2004) where careful examination of older data in the light of
more recent information have enabled corrections to be made, an example being the
observations of Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca in Khorasan Razavi province,
seemingly a range extension, actually occurred in the range map given in the Middle

Plate 2. Orphean Warbler Sylvia [hortensis| crassirostris
in Jegin woodland (SE of Iran near the town of Jask on
21 January 2005. © Seyed Babak Musavi.

Y
W
Y
i
y
ji
/

f } ‘ ip
, ie :
f Le naa
: i oS Me

Plate 1. Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca near
Bazangan lake between Sarakhs and Mashad on 28
April 2005. © Seyed Babak Musavi

tei git
© Ba

Plate 3. Two Oriental White-eye Zosterops Plate 4. Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis in cultivated
palpebrosus observed at mangrove forest, east of area near Bandar Abbas on 17 January. © Seyed’
Jask, July 2005. © the late Nader Hamidi. Babak Musavi.

154 M. E. Sehhatisabet, S. B. Musavi, P. Bakhtiari, D. Moghaddas, N. Hamidi, B. Nezami & A. Khaleghizadeh

Further significant extensions of migrant distribution and breeding and wintering ranges in Iran

East Field Guide (Porter et al 1996). Although as yet there is no established Records
Committee in Iran for bird species, we intend to apply the criteria such a Committee
would use as best we can to all records we examine for our studies and researches.
Meanwhile, as a good means of encouraging reporting of unexpected sightings by
inexperienced birdwatchers in Iran, we will continue to publicise the status of rare
species in our national journals; for example Ghaemi (in press) and Ahmadzadeh &
Khaleghizadeh (in press). We seek to increase awareness of subtle differences between
subspecies and of the likelihood of a species being found outside its normal range.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are very grateful to Mr H. Amini, Mr Ayatollahi, Ali Pasokhi and Hossein Yazdandad.

REFERENCES (FORMAL RECORDS)

AHMADZADEH, F AND KHALEGHIZADEH, A. (in press). Record of Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus in
Meshkin-Shahr, Ardabil Province and its status in Iran. Iranian Journal of Ornithology 1(1).

AMINI, H AND ME SEHHATISABET. 2005. [Report on Results of Mid-winter Waterbirds Census 2005 in Iran].
Department of the Environment. Tehran. {In Farsi].

DayYANI, A AND B BEHROUZI-RAD. 1991. [A study of the birds of the Faculty’s forest research station (Kheirood-
Kenar, North of Iran)]. Iranian Journal of Natural Resources 45: 61-69. Karaj. [In Farsi with English abstract].

Duauet, M AND C RICHARDSON. 2000. First and Second Records of Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis
ptilorhynchus in Iran. Sandgrouse 22(2): 133-134.

FOEKENS, E AND J SCHLEVIS. 2006. Two River Terns in Golestan, Iran, in January 2005. Dutch Birding 28: 21-23.

GHAEMI, R. (in press). Observation of Snowy owl Nyctea scandiaca at Gomishan wetland and its status in
Iran. Iranian Journal of Ornithology 1(1).

JALVING, R AND R Vos 2003. Waterbirds in Lake Orumieh, Iran. Foundation Working Group International
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KHALEGHIZADEH, A. 2004. On the diet and population of the Alexandrine Parakeet, Psittacula eupatria, in the
urban environment of Tehran, Iran. Zoology in the Middle East 32: 27-32. Heidelberg.

KHALEGHIZADEH, A AND ME SEHHATI. 2004. Range extensions and new information for some Iranian birds.
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 60-62.

KRATOCHWILL, K AND GM Kirwan. 2004. Some corrections to, and comments on, recent papers on Iranian
bird distributions. Sandgrouse 26(2): 149-150.

Mansoory, J. 2001. [A field guide to the birds of Iran]. Zehn-aviz Publishing Tehran. 490pp. [In Farsi.].

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2001. National Wildlife Research Centre Saudi Arabia.

PASSBURG, RE. 1959. Bird notes from Northern Iran. [bis 101: 153-169.

VON PETUTSCHNIG, W, D STREITMAIER UND H GAuer. 2002. Vogelwelt (avifauna) ausgewdahlter lebensraume.
pp114-127. In: Gutleb, B and C Wiesser. (Eds). Nordiran, Ergebnisse einer zoologischen excursion, 2001.
Carinthia II, 192/112 Jahrgang, Seiten 33-140, Klagenfurt.

PortTER, RF, S. CHRISTENSEN AND P. SCHIERMACKER-HANSEN. 1996. A field guide to the birds of the Middle East.
T&AD Poyser. London. 466pp.

REYNOLDS, PM. 1978. Birds of some coastal areas of the Gulf of Oman. Sea Swallow 28: 15-18.

RHEINDT, FE. 2006. Splits galore: the revolution in Asian leaf warbler systematics. Birding Asia 5:25-39.

ROGERS, KG. 2001. Radde’s Accentor Prunella ocularis in Northern Iran. Sandgrouse 23(1): 10-17.

RotH T, R Aye, R BuRRI AND M ScuHweizer. 2005. Bird observations from Iran in February-March 2001,
including a new species for the Middle East. Sandgrouse 27 (1): 63-68.

ScoTT, DA. 1994. First record of Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni in Iran. Sandgrouse 16: 59-61.

Scott, DA, H. MorRAVVE] AND A ADHAMI. 1975. [Birds of Iran]. Department of the Environment (DoE).
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Tehran. Internal report. Department of the Environment. Tehran, Iran. 11 pp.

REFERENCES (INFORMAL RECORDS)
SOME MAY HAVE BEEN AUTHENTICATED ELSEWHERE

BALMER, D AND K BETTON. 2004. Around the region. Sandgrouse 26(2): 160.

BRADSHAW, CG AND G Kirwan. 2000. Around the region. Sandgrouse 22(2): 156.

KiRWAN, GM. 1998. Around the region. Sandgrouse 20(2): 157.

SEHHATISABET, ME (in prep). Possible first Asian Brown Flycatcher Ficedula dauurica in Iran and the Middle
East. Submitted to Sandgrouse.

M. E. Sehhatisabet, S. B. Musavi, P. Bakhtiari, D. Moghaddas, N. Hamidi, B. Nezam & A. Khaleghizadeh 155

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 156-160 2006

Status and distribution of selected bird
species on the Russia-Kazakhstan border
northwest of the Caspian Sea

VLADIMIR YU. ARKHIPOV

Vladimir Yu. Arkhipov, Institute of Theoretical & Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of
Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow region, Russia.

he Astrakhan region lies in south-east European Russia on the northwest Caspian Sea coast

(Figure 1). It possesses a great variety of landscapes ranging from riverine forests to salt
lakes (Plate 1) and sandy deserts (Plates 2 & 3), allowing a wide diversity of birds to breed and
to rest during migration. This coast is an area where the fauna of Europe and Central Asia meet,
particularly bird species from the Caucasian region and Kazakhstan. It is particularly important
that the current distribution and interaction of resident and visiting species be studied now,
because the natural environment is in a state of rapid transformation as the prevailing climatic
conditions change just when there has been a significant reduction in economic pressures
(Viktor Belik in litt 2005).Since Lugovoy’s very detailed survey (1963), only a few faunistic
papers have been published about the region. In 2004 and 2005, I participated in three
expeditions, two in 2004 (28 May-5 June and 24-28 September) being supported by the
Ecological Travel Centre (ETC) of Moscow, the aim being to carry out broad-brush assessments
of bird variety in remote locations close to the Russia-Kazakhstan border and in the lake-knoll
area west of the Volga river. On the third expedition (13-25 May 2005), I visited the Astrakhan
region as a local leader and guide for two groups of birders from the Danish Ornithological
Society (DOF) led by Hans Meltofte and Hans Meilstrup. We spent the majority of our time in
the Volga delta and the lake-knoll area, where much new information was obtained — this lies
west of the Volga and is almost 6000km* in size. The lake-knoll area typically comprises parallel
lines of clay knolls interspersed
with sweet-water or salt lakes,
the knolls having been formed
from deposits from successive
drastic changes in the level of
the Caspian Sea and their
subsequent erosion. During
these expeditions I collected
new information on the distri-
bution, numbers and population

status for fourteen bird species
and I relate it to previously
published data. Moreover, in
some cases I present data
collected in the study area in my
previous expeditions in 1999,
2001 and 2002.

Figure 1. Astrakhan. 2005 ©
Viadimir Arkhipov.

ac’ B | Tambovka
oa ee e)

ae x

! O
‘ O

Kalmykia

fe)
see: Dosang
;Nainaneys

~:
:

Yango-Asker .,
1

Zenzeli 4 Protochnoe
/ Oi
Cai

Yandikj o ON ¢
Budarinds

156

Plate 1. Baskuncha Plate 2. Glayesh semi . t
2004 © Sergei Grigoriev. 2004 © Sergei Grigoriev.

ra
.
i

it
ie

Plate 3. Sand desert east of the Volga. 2004 © Plate 4. Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus going
Sergei Grigoriev. to roost in the Volga Delta. 2004 © Sergei Grigoriev.

Plate 5. The lake-knoll area west of the Volga. 2004 © Sergei Grigoriev.

Jews

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

Notes on selected species

Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus. (Plate 4). A rare breeding species of the Volga Delta in that
only 25 to 242 pairs nested during the 1974-91 period when just a few pairs of the extremely
rare White Pelicans P. onocrotalus were confirmed as nesting (1963 and 1980, Krivonosov ef al
1994, Rusanov 1997). During my visits in 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004 and 2005, I registered about 460
Dalmatian Pelicans throughout the Delta, but only two adult White Pelicans (in the eastern
Delta near the village of Kalinino on 9 May 2002).

White-tailed Lapwing [Plover] Vanellus leucurus [Chettusia leucura]. Since 1994 recorded as a
rare breeder in the region. The first possible breeding pair was collected in the eastern
(Kazakhstan) part of the Delta in May 1980 (Belik 1989). Single breeding pairs, or pairs with
breeding behaviour were registered in 1994, 1997 and 2001 in the lake-knoll area west of the
Volga river. (Arkhipov et al 2003, Rusanov 2003a) and in 1999 on steppe lakes in the Republic of
Kalmykia (Kvartalnov 2003). Three probably migrants were recorded on 19 and 20 May 2005 on
a small pond near Budarino village, but were not seen in the following 5 days.

Slender-billed Gull Larus genei. Rare spring and autumn migrant through the Delta. Of the two
observations from the lake-knoll area, one bird was observed on 30 May 2004 on the salt lake
near Zenzely train station, and four were seen flying over Protochnoe village on 24 May 2005.
Earlier records related only to the Volga delta and the Caspian Sea islands (Lugovoy 1963,
Rusanov et al 1999, Rusanov 2003b).

Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis. Rare, but probably breeds. In adjacent Kalmykia,
the first confirmed breeding was confirmed in June 1997 (Bliznjuk 2004). In spring and autumn
2001, small flocks had been observed beside artificial ponds in the sands on the west bank of the
Volga west of Narimanov town (Arkhipov et al 2003). At the same place on 24 September 2004,
a our series of 2-hour observations logged 17 flocks (of 2-60 birds), the highest number present
being around 200, which total is many times more than recent estimations for the entire
European Russian population of this species (Mischenko 2004). On 31 August — 2 September
2005, my colleagues visited these ponds. They observed Black-bellied Sandgrouse on all three
days, the maximum day’s count reaching 400 on 31 August (Eugeny. Koblik pers comm). On the
other (east) side of the Volga on 2 June 2004, we flushed a female several times, in the sand
desert east of the settlement of Dosang (46°43’N 48°90’E).

Oriental [Rufous] Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis. Probably scarce migrant in the area. I paid
little attention to the record of two sub-adult birds on 5-6 October 2001 in the eastern Volga
Delta, until I was unable to find published data on the autumn migration through the Ural
River region. In September — October 1973, 1974 and 1975, passage birds were observed along
the lower Ural River (Gubin et al 1977), which strongly suggests the existence of a migration
route from the Urals to Iran along the Ural River valley, and possibly along the Volga too.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus. Rare breeding species. The northern range limits of
this species are not well known. A pair that probably bred had been found near Promislovka
village (southwestern Astrakhan region) in 2001 (Arkhipov et al 2003). On 20 and 23 May 2005, I
registered 16 pairs in the same area. Interestingly, this species selects very flat plain as its
habitat, unlike European Bee-eater M. apiaster, which is very common in the region.

‘Steppe’ Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor pallidirostris. Locally common breeder to the east of the
Volga. The Astrakhan region contains this form’s northernmost European occurrence at its
westernmost breeding range, where since the 1930s, there have been no data (Vorobiev 1936).
However, in June 2004, I found this species rather common in the deserts east of the Volga.
Altogether, we found 4 of that year’s nests, empty, with juveniles and adults nearby. This
species occurs in the sand dunes and haunts the planted bush windbreak strips in the predomi-
nantly clay semidesert.

158

Notes

White-winged Lark Melanocorypha leucoptera. Locally common breeder in northern Astrakhan
region. Despite very careful searches from 1999 through to 2005, it was not found in Astrakhan
and the adjacent Kalmykian steppes west of the Volga nor in the sand deserts on the eastern
side of the river. Our most southwesterly records from 2004 came from near Lake Baskunchak
(48°80°N 46°54’E) in the northern Astrakhan region, where it was common. Farther west in
Kalmykia, but only in 1993, were a few breeding records reported after a mass influx had
occurred the previous winter (Belik & Muzaev 1995). The present-day breeding range therefore
probably does not extend as far south and southwest as stated in recent literature (Snow &
Perrins 1998, Stepanyan 2003).

Sykes’s Warbler Iduna [Hippolais] rama. Locally common breeder in the desert east of Volga.
Groups of singing males were registered in the bushes on the sand dunes. On 2-3 June 2004 the
species was found to occur as far north as Tambovka village.

Eastern Olivaceous Warbler I[duna [Hippolais] pallida. This species has become a common
breeder in the western knoll-lake area, but had not been recorded in the Astrakhan region
before 1996. Five were collected in 1996 (Rohwer et al 2001) in the western lake-knoll area
(46017°N, 47022°N), one female carrying eggs, the largest being 6mm long (Arkhipov 2004).
During 28-31 May 2004, I observed males and pairs in the lake-knoll area near Budarino village.
Four singing males were counted along a 1km transect on 28 May amongst the adjacent
tamarisk Tamarix sp bushes.

‘Siberian’ Chiffchaff Piylloscopus collybita tristis. Probably common on autumn migration. Its
high-intensity autumn song is typical of Chiffchaff spp (Cramp 1992). In September 2004 I
heard a number of singing chiffchaffs migrating through the Volga Delta, heading south. On
26-27 September 2004 in the riverine forest in the central Delta I found 7 singing birds, 4 of
which uttering the typical disyllabic Siberian Chiffchaff song. There are no breeding records of
any Chiffchaff subspecies from this region.

Rosy (Rose-coloured) Starling Sturnus roseus. Common breeder. Previous published data
(Lugovoy 1963) and our observations from 1999-2004 show that it is a mostly regular, common
but not numerous breeding species in the region. In 2005, we observed exceptionally high
numbers of this species in the lake-knoll area. From 18-25 May we saw several thousand birds
each day, flocks in the steppe being up to 1000 strong. On 18 May at least 10 000 throughout the
day passed over Budarino village in a northeasterly direction in flocks of 50-300 birds. On 23
and 25 May we visited the Kalmyk village of Dzhalikovo, where I estimated no fewer than
4000bp nested under the house roofs,. There was no detectable difference in the abundance of
orthopteran prey from previous years, so in this area, year-to-year variation in prey availability
did not explain annual variation in starling numbers.

Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka. A probable breeding pair of this species was observed in
the backyard of a Buddhist temple in the settlement of Liman on 20 and 23 May 2005. Earlier, it
had been regarded as an accidental migrant in the west of the lake-knoll area (Plate 5) and in
the Volga delta (Vorobiev 1936).

Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala. In 2001 and 2002, it was a locally common
breeder to the west of the Volga in steppe-desert on the border with Kalmykia (Arkhipov et al
2003). On 25 May 2004 and on 19, 20 and 23 May 2005 we found pairs and singing males in the
area west of the Zenzely-Yandiki-Oleynikovo line. This area remains a traditional steppe
landscape dotted with small tamarisk bushes and is rather remote from settlements and the
planted tree windbreaks that are quickly colonised by Rook Corvus frugilegus, the main cause of
the bunting’s range contraction further west and south. Corvids remain rare here.

159

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps. Locally common breeder to the east of the Volga.
During 2-5 June 2004, territorial males and pair were found everywhere east of the Volga. The
species was also found in the sand desert near Dosang, east of Tambovka and a few pairs were
located in the Baskunchak area. The species had not been registered in the region by Vorobiev
(1936). The 1950s saw the first breeding records coming from further northeast (the Volgograd
region and adjacent areas of Kazakhstan) (Lindeman 1971), but we discovered that the species
has extended its range further southwest than shown in CBWP (Snow & Perrins 1998).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I thank Sergey Grigoryev and Aleksey Bondarev for their help in the field, Eugeny Koblik, German M
Rusanov and Victor P Belik for useful comments about local birds and ornithological literature. | am very
grateful to the Ecological Travel Centre in Moscow for supporting the 2004 expeditions. My gratitude goes to
all the Danish birders who joined me on the 2005 expedition, and especially to Hans Meltofte for giving me
the opportunity to organize that trip. Warm thanks, too, to Michael Blair for his help in preparing this ms.

REFERENCES

ARKHIPOV, VYu, GM RUSANOV AND M VAN STEENIS. 2003. [On the avifauna of the northwest Caspian Sea
area: new records and revised status]. Bulletin of Moscow Society of Naturalists, Biological series 108(2): 17-24.
[In Russian, with English summary and captions].

ARKHIPOV, VYU. 2004. [Records of Sykes’s Warbler (Hippolais rama), Eastern Olivaceous Warbler (Hippolais
pallida) and Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) in Astrakhan region, Russia.] Ornithologia 31: 211-212. [In
Russian, with English captions].

BELIK, VP 1989. [Further range expansion by the White-tailed Plover]. In: [Status and distribution of birds in
the Ural Mountains: papers presented at a regional conference]: 29-31. Orenburg. [In Russian].

BELIK, VP AND VM Muzaev 1995. [Current status of the White-winged Lark in southeast European Russia].
Kavkazskiy ornitologicheskiy vestnik [Caucasian Ornithological Bulletin]. 7: 7-9. [In Russian].

BLIZNJUK, A.I. 2004. [Birds and animals of Kalmykia — game and rare species]. Elista: Kalmytskoe knizhnoe
izdatel’stvo [Kalmyk Book Publishers]. [In Russian].

CRAMP, S. 1992. (Ed). The Birds of the Western Palearctic. Vol 6. OUP. Oxford. UK.

GuBIN, BM EI GAvRILOV AND KuHROKOV, VV. 1977. [Ornithological records of the Lower Urals]. In:
[Migrations of birds in Asia]: 209-211. Novosibirsk. [In Russian].

Krivonosov, GA, GM RuSANOV AND NN GavriLov. 1994. Pelicans of the Northern Caspian Sea. Pelicans in
the former USSR. JWRB Publication No 27: 25-31.

KVARTALNOV, PV. 2003. [Breeding of Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida, Spanish Sparrow Passer hispan
iolensis and White-tailed Lapwing Chettusia leucura in southern Kalmykia, Russia.] Ornithologia 30:
206-207. [In Russian, with English captions].

LINDEMAN, GV. 1971. [Birds of artificial forest plantations in clayish semidesert of the northern Caspian Sea
area. In: Rode, AA. (Ed). Animals of artificial forest plantations in clayish semidesert.] Moscow. [In Russian].
Lucovoy, AYE. 1963. [Birds of the Volga River Delta]. Proceedings of Astrakhan Reserve 8: 9-185. [In Russian].

MISCHENKO, A. 2004. (Ed). Estimation of numbers and trends for birds of the European part of Russia. (Birds in
Europe — II). RBCU. Moscow. Russia.

ROHWER, S, SV DROVETSKI AND CS Woop. 2001. Bird specimens in the Burke Museum from Russia and
Khazakhstan. Ornithologia 29: 276-297.

RusANov, GM. 2003. [The spring-summer bird populations of the Western sub-steppe ilmeni region of the
Volga delta.] Strepet 1: 31-62. [In Russian with English summary and captions].

RusaNov, GM. 2003s. [The summer-autumn bird populations of the Western sub-steppe ilmeni region of
the Volga delta.] Strepet 2: 5-21. [In Russian with English summary and captions].

RusANnov, GM. 1997. [Pelicans in the northern Caspian Sea]. Bulletin of Moscow Society of Naturalists,
Biological series 102(5): 27-30. [In Russian with English summary and captions].

RusANOov, GM, ND ReuTsk1i, GA KRIVONOSOV, NN GAvriLOv, NA LITVINOVA AND DV BONDAREV. 1999.
[Birds]. Vertebrate animals of Astrakhan reserve: flora and fauna of reserves. 75: 27-64. [In Russian].

SNow, DW AND CM Perrins. 1998. (Eds). The Birds of the Western Palearctic. Concise edn. OUP. Oxford. UK.

STEPANYAN, LS. 2003. [Conspectus of the ornithological fauna of Russia and adjacent territories (within the borders
of the USSR as a historic region)|. Academkniga. Moscow. Russia. [In Russian].

VoroBiEv, KA. 1936. [Materials on the ornithological fauna of Volga delta and adjacent steppes]. Proceedings
of Astrakhan’ reserve. 1: 1-60. [In Russian].

160

Notes

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A note on predatory and parasitic
behaviour of Stercorarius skuas
migrating off Muscat, Oman.

KOLBJORN SCHJ@LBERG

c/o PDO (XPP1), PO Box 81, 113 — Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. e-mail bradypterus@yahoo.co.uk

Mars Olsen & Larsson (1997) and Harrison (1986) réfer to Pomarine S. pomarinus as a
common predator of lemmings, other rodents and various bird species during its High
Arctic breeding season, Long-tailed Skua S. longicaudus being less lemming-dependent. Snow &
Perrins (2004) in BWP, also refer to inland breeding Arctic Skuas S. parasiticus feeding chiefly on
birds — passerines and shorebirds — taken either in flight or on the ground (likewise insect prey),
but its diet also consists of eggs, small mammals, berries, carrion and insects, frequently on an
opportunistic basis. However outside the breeding season Malling Olsen & Larsson (1997)
confirm that all three species exhibit strong kleptoparasitism or piratical behaviour, mainly
towards other seabirds such as auks and small larids (both gulls and terns). Although kleptopar-
asitism is widely documented (BWP), all three species are accomplished hunters of fish at sea.

161

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

My own skua observations include a record of opportunistic hunting. In Norway many years
ago, I was watching an adult light morph Arctic Skua sitting near its breeding site when it
suddenly flew off in a steep climb to about 30—40m altitude to snatch a dragonfly, before
returning. Likewise, Norway’s first recorded Bimaculated Lark Melanocorypha bimaculata
narrowly escaped a pursuit across a field by an eager Arctic Skua (qv A Gullberg 2000) (Jorn
Gustad pers obs & pers comm).

From July to early October from 2002 to 2005 inclusive I have been conducting spot counts of
southbound migratory seabirds in Muscat, Oman. I use a Leica Apo Televid 33x on a Manfrotto
055C tripod. Weather conditions are fairly constant - warm and sunny with a light north-
easterly breeze, and on most mornings good visibility to 3-4 km. Occasionally, passing
Pomarine and Arctic Skuas make brief detours to harass Sooty Gulls Larus hemprichii and
various terns. However on 15 Sep 2005 an Arctic Skua (juvenile intermediate colour morph),
about a kilometre out to sea, came into telescope view while in rapid pursuit of a Red-necked
Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus, just above the surface. This dramatic chase lasted 30-40 seconds:
the phalarope kept a fairly straight line of flight, allowing the Arctic Skua to close in and hit it
from above, very much like a falcon, knocking the phalarope into the sea. The skua circled back
to land beside it. For about a minute the skua pecked the phalarope quite hard perhaps 3 or 4
times, before two other Arctic Skuas, a juvenile dark morph and an adult light morph, arrived
overhead, where they circled without landing. The skua on the surface lost interest, quickly
lifting off to accompany the other two in resuming migration due south. Over the next few
minutes the phalarope showed no signs of activity: undoubtedly it was dead.

On 29 Jul 2005 a bird that was probably a Common Quail Coturnix coturnix came into telescope
view some 1.5 — 2km out to sea. I followed it for more than a minute since it is fairly unusual to
see this species on direct migration (My only other sighting of Quail migrating out at sea was of
30 on 29 Aug 1996). It kept a fast, straight southbound flight just above the sea. Suddenly, an
immature pale morph Arctic Skua came into view in pursuit. It dived on it once, missed, but
seconds later knocked the Quail into the sea with its body. The skua landed beside the Quail
and killed it by pecking, appearing, over the next 5 minutes, to feed on its prey.

On 9 Jul 2004 I observed a pale-morph Arctic Skua chasing a Wilson’s Storm-Petrel Oceanites
oceanicus, some 2.5-3 km out to sea. The storm petrel managed to avoid each attack by abrupt
fluttering sideways movements, eventually discouraging its pursuer, both birds continuing
their southbound migration, but quite far apart. I interpreted these attacks as an attempt to
catch prey, rather than an effort at kleptoparasitism. On 6 Aug 2004 I observed a Pomarine
Skua in pursuit of a Jouanin’s Petrel Bulweria fallax, but this pursuit appeared as a typical
piracy attempt, lasting only 15-20 seconds, after which both birds continued their southbound
migration peacefully. I cannot confirm that the attacker obtained any regurgitated food, but it
seemed unsuccessful. This may be the first documented record of a Stercorarius piracy attempt
on a Jouanin’s Petrel.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Thanks to Mike Blair for reviewing and commenting upon the draft of this note.

PRIMARY REFERENCES

HARRISON, P. 1986. Seabirds — an identification guide. 2nd edn. Christopher Helm (Publishers) Ltd. Bromley.
Kent. UK.

MALLING OLSEN, K AND H Larsson. 1997. Skuas and Jaegers. Pica. Robertsbridge. Sussex. UK.

SNow, DW AND CJ PErRINs. 2004. Birds of the Western Palearctic, Interactive Edition. (Skua video edited by
D Gosney). CD-ROM. OUP. Oxford. UK.

SECONDARY REFERENCE
GULLBERG, A. 2000. http:/ /home.no.net/agu/fjellkalander_1.htm Arctic Skua in pursuit of Bimaculated Lark.

162

Notes

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos nesting
on Mount Erciyes, Kayseri Province, Turkey

TIMOTHY BRUSH

Department of Biology, University of Texas-Pan American, 1201 West University Drive, Edinburg,
Texas 78541 USA ; e-mail tbrush@utpa.edu

he Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos nests commonly along lakes and rivers across

northern Europe and Asia, south to the Black Sea and Caucasus regions (Cramp & Simmons
1983). Although there may be 1000-4500 breeding pairs in Turkey (Burfield &van Bommel 2004)
and Kumerloeve (1969) recorded juveniles at Ytiksekova and Catak in East Anatolia in June
1968, I have been unable to find published records of Common Sandpiper nesting in Turkey.

On 14 May 2004, I flushed an adult Common Sandpiper from on or within 0.5m of its nest on
the rocky shoreline of a small reservoir near the Erciyes Ski Center on Mount Erciyes (2198m
asl, 38.5°N, 35.5°E). The nest was in a slight depression among small stones on the sparsely
vegetated reservoir shoreline, about 8m from the water’s edge, and was lined with vegetation
(Harrison & Castell 1998). The surrounding area is heavily grazed by sheep during the warmer
months, and there is little or no woody vegetation (Plate 1). We stayed near the nest only long
enough to count three eggs, which were confirmed as Common Sandpiper (Harrison & Castell
1998). On 17 May, when there appeared to be fresh snow on the slopes above the reservoir, the
nest appeared to be abandoned, and the eggs and nesting material were darker and appeared to
have been flooded within the previous 24 hours (Plate 2). There had been heavy rain both on
the afternoon of the 16th in Kayseri and on the 17th. No birds were seen in the nest area or
along the nearby reservoir shoreline on the 17th.

In fieldwork during 2000 and 2001 at Kralkiz1 Dam, Diyarbakir Province, Karakas and Kili¢
(2005) reported one pair each year performing mating display-flights and showing territorial
aggressiveness (at 750m asl). They concluded that the species probably nested in the area, but
did not find any nests. Unpublished field observations have confirmed Common Sandpiper as
breeding in eastern Anatolia. A pair and 1 chick were seen east of Gtirpinar, the chick being cl
week old on 2 June 1969 (Richard Porter pers comm, fide Geoff Welch), indicating that the first
ege was laid in early May. Peter Castell (pers comm) found a nest with 4 eggs at Sarican on 21
June 2004 (the eggs hatched on 25 June, indicating that the first egg was laid on 1 June). Geoff
and Hilary Welch (pers comm) observed a pair in suitable habitat along a fast-flowing stream
west of Golbasi (near Adiyaman), southeast Anatolia, on 10 June 2002 and encountered a pair
with young on a mountain river between Posof and Damal, northeast Turkey on 22 June 2005.

rr aso ea il as i yi d 4 “ogi
Piate 1. Mount Erciyes lakeside, Turkey, 2004. © Plate 2. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Timothy Brush. nest, Erciyes, Turkey 2004. © Timothy Brush.

163

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

In central Anatolia, Common Sandpiper is considered a non-breeding summer visitor or
transient migrant in the Kayseri area (Per et al 2002) and across the region (Schekkerman & van
Roomen 1993, Richardson 2003, Karakas and Kilic 2004). Kasparek (1985) recorded Common
Sandpipers only as migrants at the Sultan Marshes (c1070m asl) but suggested that the species
might breed along Yahyali Cay1. Brush and Ozesmi (in prep) found no signs of nesting at Sultan
Sazligi, Palas Gélti, and Hiirmetci Sazligi wetlands in Kayseri Province during March-June
2004. A pair, with young, was observed on a river, north of Demirkazik (Mediterranean region),
on 3 June 1999 (Richard Porter, fide Geoff Welch), and a pair with young were seen in riverine
habitat west of Samsun, on 24 June 2001 (Geoff & Hilary Welch pers comm), indicating breeding
in other parts of Turkey. The main nesting area for Common Sandpipers in Turkey is evidently
eastern Anatolia, but the species may continue to extend its breeding range across Turkey.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank the US and Ankara Fulbright Commissions and the University of Texas-Pan American
for financial support of my sabbatical, Uygar Ozesmi of Erciyes University, Kayseri, for his interest and
logistical support, and John and Elizabeth Brush for helping me find the nest. I also thank Peter Castell and
Geoff Welch for several additional nesting records and Geoff for a very useful review of an earlier draft.

REFERENCES

BURFIELD, I AND VAN BOMMEL, F. 2004. Birds in Europe - Population estimates, trends and conservation status.
BirdLife International. Cambridge. UK.

CRAMP, S AND KEL SIMMONS. 1983. (Eds). Handbook of the birds of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa: the
birds of the Western Palearctic. Vol. 3. OUP. Oxford. UK.

HARRISON, CJO AND P CASTELL. 1998. Bird nests, eggs and nestlings of Britain and Europe, with North Africa and
the Middle East. HarperCollins. London. UK.

Karakas, R AND A Kuitic. 2004. The birds of Dicle Dam (Diyarbakir), Southeast Turkey. Sandgrouse 26: 301-308.

KarakAs, R AND A Kitic. 2005. The birds of Kralkaz1 Dam (Diyarbakir), Southeast Turkey. Sandgrouse 27: 139-146.

KASPAREK, M. 1985. Die Sultansstimpffe, Naturgeschichte einer Vogelparadieses in Anatolien. M. Kasparek
Verlag. Heidelberg. Germany.

KUMERLOEVE, H. 1969. Zur Avifauna des Van Golti- und Hakkarigebietes (E/SE Kleinasien). Istanbul Fen.
Fak. Mecm. B. 34: 245-312.

Per, E, A YASAR, SL OZESMI AND U OzesMi. 2002. Turkish Breeding Bird Atlas Pilot Project 2001: Erciyes
Mountain and Kayseri region. Bird Census News 15: 2-21.

RICHARDSON, IM. 2003. A Giecienm study of the birds of Kulu Gélii 2001-2002). Sandgrouse 25: 110-122.

SCHEKKERMAN, H AND MW] VAN RooMeNn. 1993. (Eds). Migration of waterbirds through wetlands in central
Anatolia, Turkey, Spring 1988. WIWO-Report 32. Zeist. The Netherlands.

The first record of Barn Owl Tyto alba
north of Mount Alburz, northern Iran

DARIOSH MOGHADDAS AND KOROS RABIEE

Dariosh Moghaddas and Korosh Rabiee, Mazandaran Provincial Office of the Department of the
Environment (DOE), Sart, Islamic Republic of Iran — e-mail: dara_niaki@yahoo.com.

oe et al (1975) and Mansoori (2001) indicate that Barn Owl Tyto alba most often has been
observed in west and southwest Iran and less often in central Iran (Yazd province)
(Khaleghizadeh & Sehhati 2004). Overall, it is uncommon to very rare in Iran (Firuz 2000). On
5 April 2005, we found a Barn Owl by accident when we were in a paddyfield in Delatabad
village cl5km north of the city of Sari, Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Due to severe
rainfall, the Barn Owl’s plumage had become saturated and it was unable to fly. We caught it
and took it to the Mazandaran Provincial Environmental Research Office, where we work,
and noted some biometrics:

164

Notes

Body length 330mm
Tarsus length 75mm
Bill length 15mm
Largest toe 16mm
Wingspan 950mm
Weight 330g

That evening, the Barn Owl (Plate 1), having
dried out and recovered, was ringed (Serial: L
4627 — DOE) and released in the Dashte-e-Naz
Wildlife Refuge, Sari. We understand our
record is the first occurrence of Barn Owl
north of Mount Alburz in Iran. More research

Plate 1. The Barn Owl Tyto alba taken in the Sari area, On the species would establish whether its
northern Iran on 5 April 2005. © Dariosh Mogaddas. distribution normally extends to the Sari area.

REFERENCES

FIROUZ, E. 2000. Wildlife of Iran, Vertebrates. Iran University Press. 491 pp.

KHALEGHIZADEH, A AND ME SEHHATI. 2004. Range extensions and new information for some Iranian birds.
Sandgrouse 26: 60-62.

Mansoonri, J. 2001. [A field guide to the birds of Iran]. Zehn-aviz Publishing, Tehran. 490 pp. [In Farsi.].

Scott, DA, H. MorAvvE] AND A ADHAMI. 1975. [Birds of Iran]. Department of the Environment (DoE),
Tehran. 410 pp. [In Farsi with Latin names].

First confirmed breeding record of Eagle Owl
Bubo bubo for Lebanon, 2004

RICHARD PRIOR AND PATRICK BAYLE

Richard Prior, c/o The Post Office, Qab Elias, Bekaa, Lebanon e-mail richwprior@hotmail.com
Patrick Bayle118 Rue Liandier, Marseille 13008, France

R3** Owl Bubo bubo is a widespread resident throughout the Western Palearctic from Norway
in the north to Sudan in the south. Extralimitally, its range extends east through India to eastern
Siberia and China. The subspecies interpositus replaces nominate bubo in the Levant region —
preliminary DNA research indicates that this form may be treatable as a full species (Wink &
Heidrich 1999)'. Benson (1970) mentioned the Eagle Owl as having ‘been recorded from time to
time in Lebanon’, therein allocating the status ‘vagrant or possible breeder’. Subsequently
Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi (1999), citing me 3 records see 1959 and 1997), assessed the
species’ status as ‘uncertain’. A Rocha Lebanon :
(2001) suggested that it was a ‘scarce resident’ in
the Aammig area. Ramadan-Jaradi et al (2005)
revised that to ‘uncommon resident’, citing up
to 8 additional records in the 2001-2004 period.

' In compiling the OSME Region List, I have noted
the possibility that B.b. interpositus may in future be
treated as a separate species. In any case, it is worth
considering interpositus as a separate form and
suggest that it be named ‘Byzantine’ Eagle Owl
because its distribution, although poorly-known, RR a ee
coincides reasonably with much of the area ruled by Plate 1. Eggs of Eagle Owl Bubo bubo in nest, West
the former Byzantine Empire. Ed. Bekaa, Lebanon, 12 April 2004. © Martin Bernhard

165

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

E : a SO ae ec Se Le ewes ee ee SO ee
Piate 2. Eagle Owl Bubo bubo chick at nest, West Plate 3. Eagle Ow! Bubo bubo fledgling at nest, West
Bekaa, Lebanon, 30 May 2004. © Martin Bernhard Bekaa, Lebanon, 12 June 2004. © Martin Bernhard

Observations in 2004

In the afternoon of 21 March 2004, whilst walking up a wadi in the West Bekaa near the town of
Qab Elias, RP, Jamie Hooper, Steve and Jean Hughes and Martin Bernhard saw a pair of Eagle
Owls fly from a rock face across to the other side of the wadi. Five days later an adult was
found in a close cave, apparently incubating. MB and Francois Tron visited the site on 12 and 13
April and established that 3 eggs had been laid (Plate 1). Subsequent visits by MB on 26 and 30
May and 6 and 12 June confirmed that one young hatched (Plates 2 & 3). The young bird was
last seen, near fledging, on 12 June. This constitutes the first proven breeding of the species in
Lebanon, confirming the above suggestions that it probably has long been resident in the
remoter undisturbed mountainous areas. PB carried out a pellet analysis to establish the
species’ diet in Lebanon (Bayle & Prior 2006, this issue).

Second breeding proved in 2005

The site was not visited in early 2005 until 24 April, when FT climbed up to the same cave to
find two recently hatched young and an egg. On 17 May, RP observed three fledglings and an
adult in the cave, and made several observations, with others, up to 10 June, when the two
larger young had fledged successfully. MB found the body of the smallest juvenile on the wadi
floor later in the month, the state of the corpse making the cause of its demise unclear.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We especially thank Martin Bernhard for his observations and photographs, Francois Tron, Chris Naylor
and Will Simonson for their advice and guidance in the preparation of this article.

REFERENCES

A Rocua. 2001 — The Birds of the Aammig Area. A Rocha. Lebanon.
BAYLE, P AND R Prior. 2006. Prey species of Eagle Owl Bubo bubo in Lebanon. Sandgrouse, this issue..
BENSON, SV. 1970. Birds of Lebanon and the Jordan area. International Council for Bird Preservation,
Cambridge and Warne. London. UK.
CRAMP, S AND KEL Simmons. 1994. (Eps). The Birds of the Western Palearctic. Vol.8. OUP. Oxford. UK.
RAMADAN-JARADI, G AND M RAMADAN-JARADI. 1999. An updated checklist of the birds of Lebanon.
-Sandgrouse 21: 132-170.
RAMADAN-JARADI, G, SP WATERBURY AND M RAMADAN-JARADI. 2005. Ornithological observations from
Lebanon during 2003-4. Sandgrouse 27: 69-73.
WINK, M AND P Herpricu. 1999. Molecular Evolution and Systematics of the Owls (Strigiformes). In: K6nig,
C, F Weick and J-H Becking. 1999. Owls. Pica. Robertsbridge. Sussex. UK.

166

Notes

Prey species of Eagle Owl Bubo bubo
in Lebanon

PATRICK BAYLE AND RICHARD PRIOR

Patrick Bayle, 118 Rue Liandier, Marseille 13008, France. e-mail pbayle@mairie-marseille.fr. Richard
Prior, c/o The Post Office, Qab Elias, Bekaa, Lebanon. e-mail richwprior@hotmail.com.

nformation on the diet of Eagle Owl Bubo bubo in the Middle East is scarce. Data are provided

from Jordan by Bates & Harrison (1989) (18 mammalian prey items) and Amr et al (1997) (63
prey), from Syria by Shehab (2004) (206 prey) and from Saudi Arabia by Evans and Bates (1993)
(6 prey). We were therefore extremely keen to ascertain the diet of pair discovered breeding in
Lebanon's West Bekaa in 2004 and 2005 (Prior & Bayle 2006, this issue). In the Middle East, as
elsewhere in its distribution area (Cramp & Simmons, 1985), the Eagle Ow] feeds on a variety of
animals, but mainly on mammals. Other minor prey categories in the Middle East include
birds, reptiles and insects (Bates & Harrison, 1989; Amr & al 1997, Shehab 2004), scorpions and
solifugids (Evans & Bates 1993, Shehab 2004) and even a freshwater crab (Bates & Harrison
1989). RP retrieved a pellet below the West Bekaa cave in March 2004. Nest debris was collected
in April 2005 by Francois Tron. Martin Bernhard and RP retrieved some intact pellets after the
birds had fledged in June, and bone debris from the nest floor in August.

Table 1. Prey of the Eagle Owl Bubo bubo identified near Qab Elias (Lebanon). Analysis by Patrick Bayle.
Key: Col 1 — Pellet collected 26 March 2004. Col 2 — Bone remains at front of nest collected 24 April
2005. Col 3 — 8 pellets and other remains in and under nest collected 28 June 2005. Col 4 — Bone
remains from nest floor collected 7 August 2005.

Mammals, aged _ 1
Eastern hedgehog Erinaceus concolor, juv

Cape hare Lepus capensis, inf

Cape hare Lepus capensis juv

Tristram’s jird Meriones tristramii, ad

Social vole Microtus socialis, ad

Social vole Microtus socialis, juv

Broad-toothed field mouse Apodemus mystacinus, ad

Black rat Rattus rattus, ad

Black rat Rattus rattus, juv

Brown rat Rattus norvegicus, ad

Brown rat Rattus norvegicus, juv

Lesser mole rat, Spalax leucodon 1 1

Birds, aged

Chukar Alectoris chukar, ad 1 1
Common Quail Coturnix coturnix, ad 2 2 2
Water Rail Rallus aquaticus 1
Small wader sp Charadriidae / Scolopacidae, ad 1

Feral Pigeon Columba livia __ forma domestica, ad 1 1 1
Barn Owl Tyto alba 1
Small thrush sp Turdidae, ad 1

Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius, ad 1

Reptiles, aged

Tortoise sp Testudo sp, ad 1

Gecko sp Gekkonidae, ad 3

Agama sp Agamidae 1
Large lizard sp Sauria ad. 1

Snake sp Ophidia, ad. 1

Insects
Large beetle sp Coleoptera 1 1
Large insect sp /nsecta 1 1

Prey Totals 2 37 18 29 86

Sp Tots
1
11

2
1
1
1 11

Ma OR -==N
WO 0

—N
Ss] Sa Se
KR
—_a ot = @ = = 6) ND

ah ah oh &) ot

167

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

The diet of the Lebanese Eagle Owl, subspecies interpositus, is quite similar to that found in other
areas of the Middle East. From the 86 items PB analysed, the approximate diet composition was
71% mammals, 19% birds, 8% reptiles and 2% insects (Table 1). Of particular interest is the
preponderance of brown rat Rattus norvegicus in the diet of this pair, probably explained by the
site being yuite close to two ramshackle farms housing sheep and goats. Although brown rat is
known to be a very common prey item of the Eagle Owl across most of its distribution (Cramp &
Simmons, 1977), the above studies in the Middle East include only one such identified specimen
prey (Bates & Harrison, 1989). The variety of bird species in this pair’s diet reflects the location of
their territory, which included hillsides and the valley floor wetlands.

Also notable was the presence at Qab Elias of the remains of a tortoise species (probably a spur-
thighed tortoise Testudo graeca, because Hermann’s tortoise T. hermanni has not been seen in the
area). This is a rarely-recorded prey species of Eagle Owl, having been noted only twice from 630
prey items in northeastern Greece (Papageorgiou et al 1993) and once from 3057 in eastern
Turkey (Obuch 1994). It is rather surprising that this Lebanese tortoise had been a large adult, as
it might be expected that younger individuals would be easier to catch and transport to the nest.

REFERENCES

Amr, ZS, WN AL-MELHIM AND MA Yousser. 1997. Mammal remains from pellets of the Eagle Owl, Bubo
bubo, from Azraq Nature Reserve, Jordan. Zoology in the Middle East 14: 5-10.

BATES, PJJ AND DL Harrison. 1989. New records of small mammals from Jordan. Bonn. zool. Beitr. 40: 223-226.

CRAMP, S AND KEL SIMMONS. 1985. (Eds). The Birds of the Western Palearctic. Vol 4. OUP. Oxford. UK.

EVANS, M AND P BatTESs. 1993. Diet of the Desert Eagle Owl in Harrat al Harrah reserve, northern Saudi
Arabia. OSME Bulletin 30: 26

Osuc, J. 1994. [On the food of Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo) and Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) in the eastern part of
Turkey]. Tichodroma 7: 7-16. [In Slovakian with English summary].

PAPAGEORGIOU, NK, CG VLACHOS AND DE BAKALOUDIS. 1993. Diet and nest site characteristics of Eagle Owl
(Bubo bubo) breeding in two different habitats in north-eastern Greece. Avocetta 17: 49-54.

Prior, R AND P BAYLE. 2006. - First confirmed breeding record of Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) for Lebanon.
Sandgrouse, this issue.

SHEHAB, AH. 2004. - Diet of the Eagle owl, Bubo bubo, in Syria. Zoology in the Middle East 33: 21-26.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We especially thank Martin Bernhard, Francois Tron, Chris Naylor and Will Simonson for their help, advice
and guidance in the preparation of this article.

Prey-exchange and hunting techniques of
Sooty Falcons Falco concolor in Muscat, Oman

KOLBJORN SCHJ@LBERG

clo PDO (XPP1), PO Box 81, 113 — Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. e-mail bradypterus@yahoo.co.uk

Re July to early October each year from 2002 to 2005 inclusive I have been conducting spot
counts of southbound migratory seabirds in Muscat, Oman, from a location close to my
residence. A pair of Sooty Falcons breeds on the mainland about 400m away from my cliff
viewpoint. Their nest is located in a steep cliff face some 10-15m amsl just around the corner
from where I stand so my presence poses no threat. From this area I can see the steep cliffs of a
rocky island 4km offshore. It hosts a sizeable breeding colony of Sooty Falcons.

Prey exchange displays after morning hunts
On watch most mornings at sunrise or shortly after, | am usually alerted by the characteristic
Kestrel-like call, ‘ki-ki-ki-ki-ki’, only shriller, uttered towards a single bird returning at great

168

Notes

height, carrying passerine prey caught during its early morning hunt out at sea. I am not quite

sure if this vocalization comes from the mate after it lifts off the cliff to meet the incomer, or

from the incomer itself. The prey, invariably warbler/ pipit-sized, is always exchanged in mid-

air some 30-150m or so above the sea, in one of three spectacular variations on a display theme:

1. The commonest display sees the prey-carrier gliding as its mate, stretching its talons forward
and upwards, intercepts it from below and behind to seize the passerine prey in a smooth
transfer to take it promptly back to the nest site.

2. Less often, the returning prey-carrier is intercepted from above, in which case, timing it
perfectly, it rolls inverted, elegantly handing over the prey to its mate, which again swiftly
returns to the nest.

3. The rarest display I have observed on only two occasions, 22 and 29 Sep 05, when the prey-
carrier was carrying a tiny passerine in its beak; the transfer in both cases was beak-to-beak,
the mate then stooping abruptly back to the cliff.

By mid-September such air shows occur daily, but typically only once per morning. However,
on 29 Sep 05 I noted the same bird delivering 3 small passerines to its mate within 28 minutes
(from 0552 to 0620). After receiving the second ‘present’, the mate consumed it within my view.
A few days later, I observed the first flying juveniles of the year.

Hunts, prey pursuits and other activity

Lone hunts

On 25 Sep 03 a lone Sooty Falcon from the island intercepted a migrating small passerine some
2.5km out to sea, and after 10 or 12 swooping attacks from above, forced it down to just above the
sea before catching it and returning to the island. My many observations of prey-exchange suggest
that lone hunts probably are the norm, although regular observations from close to a Sooty Falcon
colony might establish the frequency and regularity of group hunts, as observed below.

Group hunts

On 11 Sep 2002 I witnessed a spectacular hunt some 2-2.5km out to sea, where a passerine,
possibly a lark or wheatear had been intercepted by a group of four (presumably adult) Sooty
Falcons. The target, hovering some 5-10m above the sea, was forced into continuous evasive
manoeuvres, with one falcon after the other making successive stooping attacks from 20-30m
altitude. This circle of non-stop attacks follows the same principle as applies to the classic aerial
combat ‘dogfight’ of fighter aircraft. Several minutes of rapid attacks and evasion clearly were
more energy-sapping for the target as it inevitably lost height to just above the sea, and just as
inevitably, a falcon struck it, but failed to hold it, knocking it into the sea. The four falcons
patrolled it for at least half an hour, only once actually touching it, but when they left, the
floating passerine was clearly dead.

I have had the opportunity to watch one other dramatic low-altitude morning hunt involving
two falcons. On 26 Jul 02 a Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus, a common breeder, apparently
subject to some post-breeding movements in late July to late August (possibly locally), flew
southwards past me, overland across a clifftop area totally void of any vegetation. As soon as it
was visible to the Sooty Falcons, they both took off and soon had chased it about 20m offshore
in an energetic pursuit. After about a minute of attacks, one of them caught it in the air some
1-2m above the sea.

Evening activity

Evening activity appears different altogether from morning behaviour. From the island-
breeding population, I typically see birds arriving at the mainland about half an hour before
sunset, my highest count (presumably including juveniles) being 16 birds on 17 Oct 02, all
arriving individually at various intervals along the same flight path. Occasionally I have seen
Sooty Falcons cruising past at low altitudes over my residence, and in a number of nearby
wetland areas. However, I’ve never witnessed any evening kill of any sort, whether of birds or
insects. On one occasion I observed over the headland two Sooty Falcons stoop from the soar

169

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

twice on a passing Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus, but the attacks were half-hearted and
pursuit was abandoned.

Usually I see falcons returning to the island as darkness falls on the reverse of the arrival flight
path; for example on 17 Oct 02, 7 birds were noted returning, which may indicate some might
remain to hunt after dark and then return, or that some return by another route. Although I
have a scatter of observations from the one location of probable Sooty Falcons calling birds
about one hour after nightfall, I cannot exclude the possibility that these were migrant Hobby
Falco subbuteo.

Discussion

My sightings suggest that Sooty Falcon hunting in groups during the height of the breeding
season (September) may be a regular occurrence. Birds of the Western Palearctic, Interactive
Edition (BWP) states: gregarious, but less closely colonial than Eleonora’s Falcon and lacks latter’s
group-hunting behaviour in breeding period... hunts singly or in pairs.... | would argue that the
behaviour I observed is similar to that of the Eleonora’s Falcon: spectacular aerial hunts that
usually involve several falcons — Hedenstrom et al (1999). Ferguson-Lees & Christie (2001) note
that the species hunts in flocks on the wintering grounds.

Furthermore, my observations in general seem to indicate a fairly good attack success rate,
particularly at the height of passerine migration in late September and in October, may not be
uncommon: 3 kills by the same falcon within 28 minutes. BWP? states: Low success rate in attacks
on birds. A possible explanation of this apparent contradiction may lie in the species having to
fly further out to sea earlier in the season when migrant passerines are fewer, presenting it with
a longer daily commute between its nest site and potential prey. A single kill in 2-3 hours might
therefore be reasonable from July to late August. Furthermore, at the beginning of that period,
only the ‘on duty’ bird at the nest site needs to be fed, and as the Sooty Falcon chicks hatch,
their appetites initially are small.

That a Sooty Falcon hands over prey in a combination of 3 aerial displays, feeding its mate as
well as offspring, appears not to have yet been documented. On the other hand, that the Oman
Sooty Falcons’ breeding strategy coincides with peak autumn passerine migration, thereby
providing their broods with an ample supply of food, is in agreement with the behaviour
described in Shirihai (1996) and Ferguson-Lees & Christie (2001). Whether this breeding
strategy is common to all populations, including those of southeast Libya, is not known, but it
is an obligate strategy of the closely related Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae (Hedenstrom et al
1999, BWP?).

Lastly, my observations align with BWP information on hunting — most hunting carried out early
morning and late evening — and breeding season — eggs laid late July to end August. Jennings (1995)
denotes the breeding season as: eggs July, with young in nest to September. What perhaps is new is
that my observations of a particular pair show a falcon delivering prey to its mate from July to
October inclusive, suggesting that the hunter provides food for its mate in the early stages as
well as for its offspring later on.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Thanks to Mike Blair for reviewing and commenting upon the draft of this note.

REFERENCES

BIRDS OF THE WESTERN PALEARCTIC, INTERACTIVE EDITION (BWP)). 2004. CD-ROM. OUP. Oxford. UK.

FERGUSON-LEES, J, AND D CurisTIE. 2001. Raptors of the World. Helm. London. UK.

HEDENSTROM, A, M ROSEN, S AKESON AND F SPINA. 2002. Flight performance during hunting in Eleonora’s
Falcon Falco eleonorae. J. Exp. Biol. 202: 2029-2039. (Online at: http: / /ask.lub.lu.se / archive /00017777 /01/
Hedenstrom et al. J. Exp. Biol. 1999.pdf).

170

Notes

JENNINGS, M.C. 1995. An interim atlas of the breeding birds of Arabia. National Commission for Wildlife
Conservation and Development. Riyadh. KSA.

PORTER, RF, S CHRISTENSEN AND P SCHIERMACKER-HANSEN. 1996. Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East.
T&AD Poyser. London. UK.

SHIRIHAI, H. 1996. The Birds of Israel. Academic Press. London. UK.

“

The first Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea
in Kuwait - an escape

KHALED AL-GHANEM

Supervisor of Doha Reserve, Department of Natural Reserves, Living Resource Management,
Environment Public Authority, State of Kuwait. P.O.Box : 11319, Dasma 15454, Kuwait.
; E-mail khaledmfmg@yahoo.com.

n the afternoon of 28 April 2000 I observed a Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea in Jahra

Nature Reserve (29°21’N, 47°49’E. The reserve is located at the southwest corner of Kuwait
bay, east of Jahra town and 27km west of Kuwait City, and is the country’s only fresh water
wetland. It is an Important Bird Area (Evans 1994) covering 3km? of coastal sabkha and
includes a large area of Phragmites australis reed, the shallow water being maintained by a
spring and the outflow from the treated waste water from nearby Jahra. The bird was identified
on the basis of comparing several photographs that I took (see Plate 1) with the illustration in
Porter et al (1996). I was able to observe the bird for some 10 minutes at close range.

REFERENCES

Evans, MI. 1994. Important Bird Areas of the Middle East. BirdLife International. Cambridge. UK.
PorTER, RF, S CHRISTENSEN AND P SCHIERMACKER-HANSEN. 1996. Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East.
T&AD Poyser. London. UK.

171

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

The first Black-throated Thrush Turdus
ruficollis atrogularis in Turkey

EMIN YOGURTCOUGLU

Emin Yo8urtcuoslu, Irfan Bastug Caddesi, 120/9 Aydinlikevler, Ankara, Turkey.
E-mail emin.yogurtcuoglu@dogadernegi.org

()" my routine walk through the city park of Altinpark in Ankara (39°58°10°N, 32°52°42’E)
on the afternoon of 15 February 2006, I spotted at 12:07 a Black-throated Thrush Turdus
atrogularis drinking water at a water outlet. At that time of year, the day temperature had not
exceeded -5°C and the whole park was under 20cm of snow. This water outlet was the only
place in the Park environs that was snow- and ice-free — thousands of birds were visiting the
spot daily, the commonest species being Fieldfare T. pilaris and Redwing T. iliacus, of which
there were about 200.

When I first saw the Black-throated Thrush, it was holding its head parallel to the ground, even
when it was hopping around. After drinking its fill, it flew away on to fruit trees 30 metres
downhill. After feeding in these trees for some time, -it dropped down to scarlet firethorn
Pyracantha coccinea bushes beneath the trees, and started feeding on its the red berries. At 1242,
a Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus appeared and flushed all the thrushes, which flew off
east, and I lost sight of the
bird I had been watching. I
made sketches and took
notes during, Ses my
observations (Figs 1 & 2). I
did not have my field guide
(Porter et al 1996) with me
and unfortunately it was too
cold for my camera batteries
to function.

| 6%

Description:

The bird was slightly smaller
than a Fieldfare, but had the
same shape. There were broad
black stripes from its throat
down to the breast. The throat
is white but the breast was
black, but included some
ae Gelicin cs eee DLO coloration=Minere: was
bentizar 2a Karla acdia gilt omar: Sellide black, between the eye and the
bill. Two thirds of the upper
mandible from the tip was
black, but only a third of the
lower mandible from the tip —
the rest of the bill was yellow.
The belly was dirty white,
although it looked bright

ag cea A Neale re White with the sun retlecting
aie } : SRAN gh SIN! Sg facanl
1-8 tog) ash sealer banal pine from the snow. The legs

looked greyish in sunlight, but

Fi 2. = icolli
igure 2. Sketch (underparts) of Black-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis ladle a teehee Renee

172

Notes

and the wings were brownish grey, recalling Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta in winter plumage, but
relatively was less streaked. The primaries and the tail feathers were darker than the base plumage
colour. The supercilium is thin, greyish but lighter than its surrounding.

In flight the underwing coverts resemble Song Thrush Turdus philomelos, but the flight itself is like a
Fieldfare’s. Greater underwing coverts are orange, but the rest is brownish with the borders of the
wing darker. As it takes off, it enters a short glide to build up speed before it begins flapping flight.
It in-flight call is represented by ‘djuuv djuuv’, (juve jiivv as represented in Turkish script) repeated
after two seconds, recalling Redwing, but lower-pitched and louder. Its alarm calls resembles that
of Common Blackbird T. merula, but harsher and clearer with a less echoing ‘chuck chuck chuck’.

The species winters regularly in Iran and Arabia and is a regular vagrant in many European
countries (Handrinos & Akriotis 1997, Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi 1999, Rietkerk &
Wacher 1996, Shirihai et al 1999, Snow & Perrins 1998). The species has never been seen before
in Turkey although it was considered as very likely visitor for Turkey.

REFERENCES

HANDRINOS, G AND T AKRIOTIS. 1997. The Birds of Greece. A&C Black. London. UK.

Porter, RF, S CHRISTENSEN AND P SCHIERMACKER-HANSEN. 1996. Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East.
T&AD Poyser. London. UK

RAMADAN-JARADI, G AND M RAMADAN-JARADI. 1999. An updated checklist of the Birds of Lebanon.
Sandgrouse 21(2): 132-170.

RIETKERK, F AND T WACHER. 1996. The Birds of Thuanamah,Central Province, Saudi Arabia. Sandgrouse
18(1): 24-52

SHIRIHAI, H, IJ ANDREWS, G KIRWAN AND P Davipson. 1999. A Checklist of the Birds of Israel and Jordan.
Sandgrouse 21(1): 36-44.

SNOW DV AND CM PERRINS. 1998. The Birds of the Western Palearctic Vol 2. OUP. Oxford. UK.

First breeding record of Trumpeter Finch
Rhodopechys |Bucanetes] githagineus in Syria

GIANLUCA SERRA* MAHMUD ABDALLAH, GHAZY AL QAIM

“Gianluca Serra, via Giambologna 20, 50132 Florence, Italy. e-mail puffo_blue@hotmail.com

Ithough breeding by the Trumpeter Finch

Rhodopechys githagineus in Syria has been
suspected, it has. never been proved
(Baumgart 1995). Although otherwise
inconspicuous, in the breeding season the
male has a bright pink wash to its flanks and
wings, and has a bright reddish-orange bill,
and its song is reminiscent of the toy trumpet
from which its English name originates. I have
seen the species on a number of occasions as
have my local colleagues Mahmud Scheisch
Abdallah and Ghazy al Qaim as we worked
on the implementation of the Northern Bald
Ibis Geronticus eremita protection programme,
in the Wadi Abiad area, which is quite near
Palmyra (34°, 33.196’ N,.38?-17,15'E). Our

i Plate 1. THUIbeterE Finch eISA ETO TETITA BinaoHEE,
records were obtained between January and _ Palmyra, Syria, 2004. © Gianluca Serra

Wes)

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

September of 2003 and 2004, and between April and June 2006. Because we carried out our
survey work mostly from late winter onwards through summer, we cannot rule out that this
species is resident in the area. We observed courtship and territorial behaviour on 3 March
2003, and obtained the first definite proof of breeding on 29 April 2004, when an adult was seen
feeding a fledged chick outside the nest.

Porter et al (1996) map the species as occurring in southernmost Syria, but make no comment
other than “mainly resident but dispersive outside breeding season”. Snow & Perrins (1998)
map the species similarly, but without supporting text.

REFERENCES

BAUMGART, W. 1995. Birds of Syria. M. Kasparek Verlag, Heidelberg (English version published by OSME in 2003).

PORTER, RF, S CHRISTENSEN AND P SCHIERMACKER-HANSEN. 1996. Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East.
T&AD Poyser. London. UK.

SNow, DW AND CM PERRINS. 1998. The Birds of the Western Palearctic, Concise Edn. OUP. Oxford. UK.

Some notes on raptors and other birds from
Afghanistan in autumn 2005

PETER KOWATSCH AND REMO PROBST

Peter Kowatsch, Peintenweg 1, A-9545 Radenthein, Austria. Remo Probst (corresponding author),
Radetzkystr. 21/11, A-1030 Vienna, Austria; e-mail: a8960178@unet.univie.ac.at.

1 ae a stay as medical doctor in Kunduz, north-eastern Afghanistan, PK made some
interesting bird observations. Afghanistan is almost a blank spot in the ornithological
world atlas, thus making even basic information important. His observations included Crested
Lark Galerida cristata (Plate 1), Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea (Plate 2), and two Common
Kingfishers Alcedo atthis on a large river near the town of Ac Tapeh (towards the Uzbekistan
border) and some raptor species, detailed below.

€ SMR Maaco Wei Plate 2. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea near Ae.
Plate 1. Crested Lark Galerida cristata near Kunduz, Tapeh, Afghanistan, towards the Uzbekistan border.
northeastern Afghanistan. Sep 2005. © Peter Kowatsch Oct 2005. © Peter Kowatsch

174

Notes

Plate 3. Adult Cinereous Vulture Aegypius Plate 4. Immature Short-toed Snake Eagle
monachus pair gliding. Note the moult-induced wing _—-Circaetus gallicus, near Kunduz, Afghanistan. Note
ragged trailing edge. Ac Tapeh, Afghanistan, near the pale cast and the moult pattern. Sep 2005. ©
the Uzbekistan border. Oct 2005. © Peter Kowatsch Peter Kowatsch

Plate 5. Adult and juvenile Long-legged Buzzard
-Buteo rufinus near Kunduz, Afghanistan. Note pees o Ces o
differences in wing shape and moulting pattern. Sep Plate 6. Juvenile Long-legged Buzzard near

Cinereous (Eurasian Black) Vulture Aegypius monachus

Two individuals of this species, also known as Monk Vulture, were recorded in October 2005
near the Uzbekistan border, close to Ac Tapeh. They were soaring over the valley of a large
river bordered by desert-like habitat. According to the head patterns and the irregular wing
trailing edge, these two were probably an adult pair (Plate 3). Cinereous Vulture is known to
occur in Afghanistan, its mapped distribution comprising a shallow salient from Baluchistan,
northwest Pakistan (Fergusson-Lees & Christie 2001).

Short-toed enake Eagle Circaetus gallicus

One pale bird observed near Kunduz in September 2005, most probably (Campora & Cattaneo
2005) was an unpaired immature (Plate 4). Ferguson-Lees & Christie (2001) map the Short-toed
Snake Eagle as non-resident in Afghanistan (and also make no reference to Afghanistan in their
text), which suggests that this individual was migrating from summering in Central Asia

175.

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

towards a wintering area in the Indian subcontinent. This supposition is interesting because the
migration pattern of raptors in that immense area is largely unknown (Zalles & Bildstein 2000).
However, Ferguson-Lees & Christie (2005) map the species as resident in the Indian sub-
continent, with a range just extending into southeastern Afghanistan.

Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus

This large, richly-coloured buzzard species was observed regularly not only near Kunduz but
also at the Pakistan border. Observations typically were of single birds, but near Kunduz one
adult was observed passing food to its juvenile. All birds were markedly rufous on the
underparts (Plates 5 & 6).

REFERENCES

Campora, M AND G CaTTANEO. 2005. Aging and sexing Short-toed Eagles. British Birds 98: 370-376.

FERGUSON-LEES, J AND DA CurisTIE. 2001. Raptors of the world. Christopher Helm. London. UK.

FERGUSON-LEES, J AND DA CurisTIE. 2005. Raptors of the world, a field guide. Helm. London. UK.

ZALLES, JI AND KL BILDSTEIN. 2000. Raptor watch; a global directory of raptor migration sites. BirdLife International.
Cambridge. UK.

Bird Sites of the OSME Region - 1 and 2

NICK MORAN

Nick Moran: e-mail nickmoran76@yahoo.co.uk

1. Fujairah National Dairy Farm at Dibba, United Arab Emirates
Pos on the Dibba plain on the East coast, alongside the Oman border, sits the UAE’s
premier birding site, Fujairah National Dairy Farm (FNDF), which is situated at the foot of
the Musandam mountains just a few kilometres from the Gulf of Oman and is ideally placed to
receive both long distance and altitudinal migrants. The site is predominantly irrigated fodder
fields, surrounded by Acacia-dotted gravel plains. Within the farm there are several slurry
pools, some with dense aquatic vegetation, and two rows of mature trees, one of which borders
an overgrown ditch. The cattle themselves are housed in large, shaded, insect-filled pens,
attracting many wagtails in winter, usually including the personata race of White Wagtail
(Masked Wagtail) Motacilla alba.

Birding can be good at any time of year, with a selection of raptors, waders, larks, pipits, wagtails
and shrikes frequenting the site during the winter and a range of common breeding species
present all year. Species difficult to locate elsewhere in the UAE or requiring special trips into the
mountains can be seen here, such as House Bunting Emberiza striolata, Long-billed Pipit Anthus
similis (winter), Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis (winter / spring; may breed) and Trumpeter
Finch Rhodopechys githagineus (scarce). Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus regularly
come to drink and Pallid (Striated or Bruce’s) Scops Owls Otus brucei breed on the plains. Passage
periods are the most fruitful times, with the species list being swelled by a host of migrants from
March to May and September to November. In the last 12 months alone, these periods have
yielded several rarities: White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus, Little Swift Apus affinis,
White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis, Great Snipe Gallinago media, Eurasian Dotterel
Charadrius morinellus, Pied Stonechat Saxicola caprata, Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus and
Bay-backed Shrike Lanius vittatus. In spring, the added possibility of encountering flocks of
European Merops apiaster and Blue-cheeked M. persicus Bee-eaters, European Rollers Coracias
garrulus and Lesser Kestrels Falco naumanni increases the level of anticipation when arriving at the
site, whilst autumn and winter visits provide the opportunity of studying a range of pipits and
larks, with a chance of finding Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula and Blyth’s Pipit Anthus godlewskii.

176

ile. 3 .

- 4

Plate 3. Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus. Plate 5. Eurasian Dotterel Charadrius morinellus.
© Nick Moran © Nick Moran

17/7

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

FNDF is a working farm and a good relationship exists between the owners and visiting
birders. To help maintain this state of affairs, birders must park outside, in line with the farm’s
hygiene procedures. Reaching the farm is straightforward: arriving from Dubai (1_ hours) on
the new Ras Al Khaimah road, bear left at the roundabout just after the cement factory (or bear
right if arriving on the old Masafi road) and then turn left at the next roundabout as you reach
the outskirts of Dibba. Continue straight on over the next two roundabouts (passing on your
right Dibba Park, which, perhaps is worth a brief visit — it held an Asian Koel Eudynamys
scolopaceus in December 2004), then turn right at the T-junction. After two speed humps, take
the first asphalt turning on the left and continue for about 3km. The FNDF entrance is on the
right hand side after the main area of fodder fields. The farm on the left is inaccessible but the
perimeter gravel track can be productive, with the dump at the start of this track hosting a site-
faithful Variable Wheatear Oenanthe picata for the past few winters.

2. Al Ghurfa Breakwater, Fujairah

Also spelt al-Gurfa, this man-made promontory rapidly shot to prominence as the UAE’s best
seawatching spot soon after construction began four years ago. From the centre of Fujairah or
Fujairah marina, it is easily located by following the corniche road southbound towards Kalba
and then making a U-turn at the roundabout just after passing the breakwater itself.
Construction work continues Saturday to Thursday, but this has the advantage of allowing
vehicular access through the gate, saving you lugging ‘scope, chair, umbrella and cool-box the
last few hundred metres, which is what you will have to do if you visit on a Friday!

Common (Sterna hirundo), Sandwich (S. sandvicensis), Lesser Crested (S. bengalensis), Swift (S.
bergii) and Saunders’s (Sternula saundersi) Terns are easily seen throughout the year. White-
cheeked Tern Sterna repressa numbers build throughout the first quarter of the year and Bridled
Terns Onychoprion anaethetus arrive in April. Gulls are well represented, the resident Sooty (Larus
hemprichii) and Slender-billed (L. gene) Gulls being joined in varying numbers in the winter by
Black-headed (L. ridibundus) and Great Black-headed Gulls (L. ichthyaetus). Whilst further study
is needed of the ‘large white-headed’ gulls wintering in the Gulf of Oman, it seems that Caspian
Gull L. cachinnans and Steppe Gull L. (c.) barabensis are common winter visitors, Heuglin’s Gull L.
heuglini is fairly common during this period and Baltic Gull L. f. fuscus is a scarce autumn
migrant. Arctic (Stercorarius parasiticus) and Pomarine (St. pomarinus) Skuas are often seen, partic-
ularly on passage whilst there are occasional reports of both Long-tailed Skua St. longicauda and
unidentified large Stercorarius (Catharacta) sp. In April and May, Red-necked Phalaropes
Phalaropus lobatus can be observed in good numbers, with triple figure counts possible.

Of the more pelagic species, Wilson’s Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus is seen with some
reliability in the summer months (June to August), al Ghurfa offering the best land-based
chance in the UAE of seeing this sought-after species. Persian Shearwater Puffinus [lherminieri]
persicus is frequently encountered, the record being of 1500 on 2 December 2004. This bird, like
most of the other pelagic species visiting the area, is rather unpredictable, coming close inshore
only when there are many shoals of fish present. Two UAE firsts, Flesh- (Pale-) footed
Shearwater P. carneipes (pending acceptance) and Jouanin’s Petrel Bulweria fallax, were recorded
from Fujairah in 2004, whilst all eight records of Sooty Shearwater P. griseus (first sighted in
1995) since 2003 have come from the breakwater.

Without resident birders on the East coast, much remains undiscovered about the ideal
conditions and seawatching potential of this site. For example, a few 1 to 5-hour seawatches in
April and May 2006 more than doubled the number of Sooty Shearwater records for the UAE,
three Masked Boobies Sula dactylatra, a Long-tailed Skua and a Brown (Common) Noddy Anous
stolidus also being recorded. Over the last decade, other rarities found between Fujairah and
Kalba to the south have included Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla, Brown-headed, Little,
White-eyed, Common and Sabine’s Gulls (L. brunnicephalus, L. minutus, L. leucophthalmus, L
canus and Xema (L.) sabini respectively), Black Tern Chlidonias niger, Sooty (Lesser) Noddy A.
tenuirostris and Brown Booby Sula leucogaster.

178

Notes

The potential of this site and its proximity to Qurrayah pools 10km north of Fujairah make it a
tasty dish for any birder, especially seabird enthusiasts, visiting the UAE, but the icing on the
cake is provided by the beaches, harbour and mangroves of the Kalba area to the south (Sykes’s
Warbler Iduna [Hippolais| rama, Collared (White-collared) Kingfisher Todirhamphus [Halcyon]
chloris and Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii). For maps, recent sightings and more details on
these and many cther sites in the UAE, just enjoy browsing through Tommy Pedersen’s
excellent and invaluable website at http:/ /www.tommypedersen.com/UAE.htm. Plates 1-5
illustrate but a few of the species seen at the two sites above.

Possible first Asian Brown Flycatcher

Muscicapa dauurica in Iran and
the Middle East

MOHAMMAD EBRAHIM SEHHATISABET

Mohammad Ebrahim Sehhati-Sabet, Ornithology Unit, Wildlife and Aquatic Organisms Office,
Natural Environment & Biodiversity Deputy, Department of the Environment (DOE), Tehran, Iran.
E-mail: m_sehhati@yahoo.com

part from European Pied, Collared and Semi-collared Flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca, F.

albicollis and F. semitorquata respectively), two other flycatcher species, namely Spotted
Muscicapa striata and Red-breasted F. parva, have been recorded in [ran (Mansoori 2001), usually
arriving early to mid-spring until late summer or early autumn (pers obs, A Khaleghizadeh
pers comm) During an avifaunal survey in the Angouran Wildlife Refuge and Protected Area
(Zanjan Province, Iran), on 25 September 2001, I observed a bird at Ghareh Bough, in the Area’s
Core Zone (36°39'07”N, 47°40’46”E at 1425m asl). It hovered many times above an oleaster
Elaeagnus sp tree c4m tall; it resembled a Spotted Flycatcher in its repetitive method of hunting
insects, flying up to catch them and landing back on the tree. I watched the bird at a range of
cl5m through my Kowa 20_60 telescope for over a minute before it departed. The tree was close
to the Angouran Chay river and was but one of many such trees every 10m or so.

The bird bore little resemblance to any of the Muscicapidae usually found in Iran. | estimated it to
be between Spotted and Red-breasted Flycatcher in size. The bird lacked a white wing-patch and
had no white on the tail. Furthermore, it had no stripes or streaks on its forecrown and breast. It
had a distinctly white eye-ring round its dark eye. Its plumage was as follows: brown-grey
upperparts, whitish underparts, dark malar stripe, brown-grey wash across the breast, whitish
lores and black legs. Its bill was broader than that of Spotted Flycatcher. Having my Collins Field
Guide (Mullarney et al 1999) to hand, I rapidly came to the conclusion that it was an Asian Brown
Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica, which would be the first for Iran. I discussed my observations and
their status as a possible new record for Iran with Mr A Adhami and Mr A Khaleghizadeh. They
advised me to visit this area again to try and confirm the record, but despite searching the area in
autumn 2002 and June and July 2003, I was unable to find any other individuals.

The distribution of the Asian Brown Flycatcher lies from northeast Asia to the Himalayas and in
scattered locations to the south, especially in India. Although recorded in Tadjikistan, its status is
uncertain (WCMC 2005). In the Western Palearctic, Asian Brown Flycatcher has been recorded as
an accidental, once each in Denmark, Sweden and Greece, all in September (Snow & Perrins 1998).
The five above-mentioned Western Palearctic species have been recorded quite widely in the
OSME region. Three others, Blue-and-White Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana, African Paradise
Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis and Gambaga Flycatcher Muscicapa gambagae (Porter et al 1996) have

1Z9

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

been recorded occasionally, but both are completely different from Asian Brown Flycatcher. On 28
March 2001, a Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassina, also a distinctive species, was recorded in SE
Iran (Roth et al 2005). I believe that the bird I observed in Angouran was the first Asian Brown
Flycatcher for Iran and the Middle East, but because I was unable to relocate the bird and-check it
as advised, I must be content that my sighting remains unconfirmed. However, I submit this
account to encourage others who live in the OSME region to note every detail of unusual bird
species they encounter to give themselves the best chance of having their sightings accepted.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am very grateful to A Khaleghizadeh, A Adhami, H Amini and MJ Blair for their help with this
manuscript. Mr MH Mirzaei, Head of Zanjan provincial DOE Office, H Shokri, Technical Deputy of Zanjan
Provincial DOE Office, A Maleki, Head of Mahneshan District DOE Office were all supportive. In particular
I thank YA Emami, AA Dolatyari, MA Azizi and A Keshavarz, game guards of the Angouran Wildlife
Refuge and Protected Area, who all helped with my field studies.

REFERENCES

Mansoor, J. 2001. [A field guide to the birds of Iran.) Zehn-Aviz Publishing, Tehran. Iran. 490 pp. [In Farsi.]

MULLARNEY, K, L SVENSSON, PJ GRANT AND D. ZETTERSTROM. 1999. Collins Bird Guide. Her ene:
London. UK.

PORTER, RF, S CHRISTENSEN AND P SCHIERMACKER-HANSEN. 1996. Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East.
T&AD Poyser. London. UK.

Rotu, T, R AYE, R BURRI AND M ScHweEIzer. 2005. Bird observations from Iran in February-March 2001,
including a new species for the Middle East. Sandgrouse 27(1): 63-68.

SNOW DW AND CM Perrins. 1998. The birds of the Western Palearctic, Concise Edn, Vol 2, Passeriformes.
Oxford University Press. Oxford. UK.

SECONDARY REFERENCE

WCMC 2005. http: / / www.unep-wemc.org /index.html?http: / / www.unepwemce.org/ species /index.htm~
main (as of 12 March 2005)

Plate 1. Wenlecsian Snowcock Tetraogallus CaucasIcus, Kasbes Georgia, May 2004. © Kris de Rouck Plate 2
(inset). Great Rosefinch Carpodacus rubicilla, Kasbegi, Georgia, May 2004. © Kris de Rouck

180

Notes

adi,

—— < a a 2% Es .? J , ie
. ee) a , . yale
—_ 4 N a £3 om ="
2 ; : ée - oe Pi

' al

Dark finches found at Ilam, Iran

SEYED BABAK MUSAVI

Seyed Babak Musavi, 5 Tag, Sattari 24 Street, Vakil Abad Boulevard, Mashhad, Iran.
Email: mbabak2002@yahoo.com

he Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs is a common winter visitor to northern Iran, and probably is

not uncommon in Ilam. On 19 April 2005, while photographing birds in Ilam province in
western Iran, I saw four mysterious dark finches. I was confused about which species they
were. They were very dark grey with faint white spots on the chest; the birds seemed to be
13-15cm long and were in the top of a tree at an elevation of 1270m (Abdanan area - Dinar
kuh). They behaved just like Chaffinches and seemed to be in good condition. Derek Scott (2005
pers comm) suggested that they might simply be female Chaffinches that had been dust-
bathing, although whatever material had comprised the dust, I would have thought that even
the most persistent dust would not have obscured their extensive white wing-patches and outer
tail feathers so completely for all four birds. The photo (Plate 1) illustrates the uniform greyness
rather well. Perhaps they had bathed in water that had contained a dye-like substance that had
been absorbed by the feathers. I thank Derek Scott for his kind assistance.

181

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 182-183 2006

NEWS

Raptors of the World - A

Field Guide James
Ferguson-Lees and
David Christie.

Which group of birds
challenges your identifi-
cation skills the most?
Well, from a quick sample of some friends it
seems that raptors scare us as much as any
other group. The problem with these birds is
that most of them do not enjoy being close
to people, and when they do appear before
us it is often at great distance and for a brief
time only. But even if they put on a good
show we can still be confused. There are so
many plumage variations depending on
race, age and state of moult that the range of
possible options is bewildering.

Earlier this year I took a trip to Oman. In one
marshy area on the coast I came across a
group of six eagles that were the last
stragglers heading north after a lazy winter
along the Arabian coast. The birds were very
obliging — sitting in trees, flying around and
generally giving me no excuse for being
confused. But I have to admit that even with
this level of co-operation it took quite a while
for me to work out what they all were. And
that’s the other problem — most of us just
don’t get to see raptors often enough to learn
their distinctive features.

When the first version of this tome arrived in
2001 it was heralded as an incredible
milestone in raptor literature. When it was
first conceived as a project in the early 1980s
a field guide was planned, but weighing in at
a hefty 2.5 kg that book was rarely going to
leave your home. With 992 pages it was
rarely going to leave anyone’s library. That

182

book covered 313 species and included 112
plates. In fact it weighed as much as some
eagle species!

This new volume has benefited from a
certain amount of updating. Information
from birders around the world has allowed
distributional data to be improved, although
I notice that my eagles (four Greater Spotted
and two Steppe Eagles) are not shown as
wintering despite the fact that they are a
regular winter feature in Oman. The number
of colour plates has been increased to 118 and
an extra 25 species have been added. Only
one of these (the Cryptic Forest-falcon from
Brazil) is actually new to science, while all
the others are caused by the upgrading of
certain races to full species status. A really
useful 75 page introduction summarises a
huge amount of information on raptor
ecology, distribution and migration. The
species texts have been cut down to give just
the vital identification tips that you need in
the field and as a result this softback version
runs to 320 pages and weighs in at just 640
grams. Colour distribution maps are given
for each species and previous known errors
have been corrected. Similarly a few plates
have been amended slightly following
reviews published about the first edition.

So where in the world is this book going to
be useful? With the latest Western Palearctic
and Middle Eastern field guides having
excellent raptor plates I don’t think this book
is going to help out much in the OSME
region, but I do think it will be useful in
South America. With a rather limited set of
field guides for that region I think this book
will improve your changes of working out
what you are looking at.

Keith Betton

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

From Colin Richardson in Cyprus

Conservation issues in the United Arab
Emirates — a personal view

It seems that all bird conservation organisations
should give the UAE a wide berth. There is little
serious effort by the new generation of rulers in
the Emirates to protect any of the country’s
remaining International Bird Areas (IBAs). Of
the ten non-island IBAs (Evans 1994) in the
UAE, not one has been given protection. In fact,
the opposite has occurred: by early 2006, four
have been destroyed in favour of development,
three are scheduled for the bulldozer, two have
been inappropriately managed (removal of trees
etc), one natural inland site has dried out due to
lack of rainfall and one is overgrown by
intrusive mesquite trees. The remaining ten sites
listed in the country’s inventory of IBAs are
islands, formerly with important seabird and
Sooty Falcon Falco concolor colonies, but all are
off limits to outsiders and one can only assume
the worst, as most are privately owned and
used for leisure, or contain oil terminals or
military bases.

I lived in the UAE from 1976 — 2003 and
watched woefully as development increased
pace over the years. I returned in January 2006
and was dismayed by what I found. Al Jazeerah
Khor, once host to the largest flocks of Terek
Sandpiper Xenus cinereus has been completely
filled (thanks to the British engineering
consultancy firm, Halcrows); Khor Kalba, the
home to the endemic White-collared Kingfisher
Halcyon chloris kalbaensis has had a highway
built across the main mangrove channel and a
vast inland lagoon created (also by Halcrows),
so changing the hydrology, scouring out the
channels and destroying large areas of the
existing mangroves. Khor al Beidah, one of the
UAE's most beautiful natural tidal khors, home
to the country’s largest wintering Crab Plover
Dromas ardeola flock, plus up to 10 000 migrant
northern shorebirds, is to be destroyed to make
way for a residential and marina development
by the side of the lagoon. Dubai is a city to
avoid, as traffic jams clog the coastal zone and
hotels are full or over-priced. Former famous
birdwatching sites, such as Khor Dubai wildlife

sanctuary, are aggressively managed, while

security officials are quick to harass

Reviews

birdwatchers on the golf courses, polo clubs and
other grassed areas. Wimpey gravel pits have
been mostly filled, polluted and surrounded by
housing development and another shopping
mall. Several other important sites for land
migrants have also disappeared, including the
hundreds of hectares of irrigated fields
associated with the Al Ain and al Wathba camel
race tracks, both of which have been closed in
the past five years.

A succession of BBC business-specials on the
Middle East highlight how much the UAE
landscape is changing and how much more
pressure has been placed on the remaining land
area by mega-projects, mostly in Dubai
Emirate, but now affecting all the Emirates.
Many breeding UAE species are now in serious
danger of disappearing from the country
altogether. During an eight-day, 1500km
journey around the country in December and
January this year, I had difficulty finding (once-
common) Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse
Pterocles exustus, Black-crowned Finch Lark
Eremopterix nigriceps and Hoopoe Larks
Alaemon alaudipes, while Egyptian Vulture
Neophron percnopterus, Lappet-faced Vulture
Aegypius tracheliotus, Long-legged Buzzard
Buteo rufinus and Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse
Pterocles lichtensteinti were totally absent. This
decline has been going on relentlessly for 25
years, but it has accelerated since 1991, after the
end of the first Gulf war against Iraq, when vast
amounts of wealth were transferred by other
rich Gulf nations to Dubai, which is regarded as
a safe haven.

There seems little hope for the remaining
indigenous wildlife, including the natural
landscape itself, and the writing is clearly on
the wall for virtually all of the country’s
natural IBAs. Without any environmental
NGOs, which are discouraged by the
authorities, or any murmur of caution from
the local Emirati population or their
neighbours, who have never shown much
enthusiasm in protecting their natural
heritage, one can only fear the worst.

REFERENCE
Evans, M. 1994. Important Bird Areas in the
Middle East. BirdLife International.
Cambridge. UK. :

183

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 184-192 2006

ALOU Ee

INeo1On

compiled by
Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton

Records in Around the Region are published
for interest only; their inclusion does not
imply acceptance by the records committee of
the relevant country. All records relate to
2006 unless otherwise stated.

Records and photographs

for Sandgrouse 29 (1)

should be sent by 15 Dec to:
Around the Region, OSME,
c/o The Lodge, Sandy,
Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, U.K.;
or atr@osme.org

Dawn Balmer, c/o BTO, The Nunnery,
Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU.

Keith Betton, 8 Dukes Close, Folly Hill,
Farnham, Surrey GUI ODR, U.K.

Bee-eaters
Merops apiaster
by D. Powell

BAHRAIN

At Buhair (between Riffa and Isa Towns) on 24 Jun there
were 5 pairs of Black-crowned Night Herons Nycticorax
nycticorax with 8 juveniles, 4 pairs of Western Reef
Heron Egretta gularis and 7 juveniles. At Ras Tubli
sewage outfall on the same date there were at least 50
pairs of Western Reef Heron and 110 young — a dramatic
increase in breeding numbers at this site. Seven Grey
Heron Ardea cinerea (2 adults, two 2nd years and 3
juveniles) at Buhair on 24 Jun represents a possible
breeding record at this site. A Sociable Lapwing
Vanellus gregarius was at Badaan Farm on 28 Jan. A
female Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus, of unknown
origin, was seen at Bahrain Fort on 5 May. At Badaan
Farm on 28 Jan there was an Oriental Skylark Alauda
gulgula and a Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus. Grey
Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus were discovered
roosting at a new site during the winter, with at least 150
at BDF Wadi on 15 Mar. The traditional site at Saar still
held over 100 on 3 Apr. Two White-throated Robin
Irania gutturalis were at the Saar roost on 3 Apr and
represent the first of the season.

CYPRUS

A Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus was reported at
Akhna Dam on 6 May, the 9th record if accepted. At
Larnaca Sewage Works there were 15 Ruddy Shelduck
Tadorna ferruginea on 7 Jan and 8 on 8 Jan - an interesting
record. Thirteen were at Paralimni Lake on 21 Feb. The
4th record of Smew Mergus albellus involved a female at
Phasouri Reedbeds on 12 Feb, increasing to three females
there 12 Feb to 3 Mar. A Red-breasted Merganser M.
serrator on rocks in Paphos Harbour on 9 Dec 2005 was
the only winter record. An Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila
heliaca seen near Paramali tunnel, on Paphos/ Limassol
highway on 12 Apr was an interesting report. A Lanner
Falcon Falco biarmicus was reported at Aspro Pools on 13
Apr; the fourth for Cyprus if accepted. A Little Crake
Porzana parva at Aspro Pools on 3 Dec was an unusual
and unseasonal record. There was a Baillon’s Crake
Porzana pusilla at Evretou Dam on 8-9 Apr and another
was there on 19 Apr. A Black-winged Stilt Himantopus
himantopus at Oroklini Marsh on 31 Jan was unseasonal.
There were two records of Cream-coloured Courser
Cursorius cursor: one at Paphos Sewage Plant on 14 Apr
and one at Lady’s Mile on 1 May. A Red Knot Calidris
canutus at Larnaca Sewage Works 27-28 May was only
7th record since 1985. Three Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa
lapponica were at Meneou Pools, Larnaca on 25 Apr; the
17th record and the first report since Apr 2003. A Terek
Sandpiper Xenus cinerea at Larnaca Sewage Works 16
Apr was the 16th record. There were a good number of
sightings of Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus
this spring; Larnaca Sewage Works 2 Feb and 15-17 Feb
Mandria beach 19 Apr, Blue Sea Hotel, Rizokarpaso 7
May and at the monastery near Cape Andreas 8 May.
Thirteen Audouin’s Gulls L. audouinti were east of
Kyrenia on 3 Jan. The third Bar-tailed Lark Ammomanes
cincturus for Cyprus was at Cape Drepanum 13 Feb-19
Mar. A Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava of the race lutea
was at Apostolos Andreas on 17-Apr; the last record was
in 1991. The only sighting of Rufous Scrub Robin
Cercotrichas galactotes this spring was one near Ayios
Filonas, on the north coast 25 May. A male White-
throated Robin Irania gutturalis was at Cape Kormakiti
on 5 Apr and a female was at Cape Andreas 8 May and
constitute the 11th & 12th records. A record of around

Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton

Around the Regian

six Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maurus variegatus at
Panagra Dam on 16 Mar is unusual. A female was also at
Paphos Lighthouse on 25 Mar. A first-year male Hooded
Wheatear Oenanthe monacha was at Mandria beach from
27 Mar to 1Apr and one a female was at the Baths of
Aphrodite 17-20 Apr, the 10th & 11th records. An Olive-
tree Warbler Hippolais olivetorum near Karavas on 20 Apr
would be the first record since 2000 if accepted. A
Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis, probably of
the elegans race, was at Paphos Lighthouse 20-21 Mar
and one of the aucheri race was at Cape Greco 14 Apr; the
first records of these races. A Rose-coloured Starling
Sturnus roseus was at Nata Ford on 22 May; there have
only been about seven records since 1992. On 29 Mar a
Trumpeter Finch Rhodopechys githagineus was at Akrotiri
Gravel Pits and another was at Cape Greco on 3 May. A
Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella was at a viewing point
between Platres and Troodos on 19 May. The first and
second Little Buntings Emberiza pusilla for Cyprus
involved one at Nata Ford on 2 Jan and one on Pissouri
cliffs on 12 Apr.

EGYPT
A Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus was at
Hurghada on 25 Feb. Two Pink-backed Pelicans
Pelecanus rufescens were at Abu Simbel on 11 Apr and 16
on 1 May. Two Striated Herons Butorides striata were in
the Abassa area on 19 Mar. An adult Goliath Heron
Ardea goliath was in mangroves at Wadi Lahami on 22
Mar and one was near Hamata on 21 May with one at
Shalatein the following day. Eleven Yellow-billed
Storks Mycteria ibis were at Abu Simbel on 10 Apr with
25 there on 30 Apr At least two Lappet-faced Vultures
Aegypius tracheliotos were at Bir Shalatein and one in the
desert 5km north of Berenice on 22 Mar; the absence of
carcasses may have been the reason fer poor numbers.
At least 15 were seen at Bir Shalatein on 8 Apr and 28 on
22 May. A Greater Spotted Eagle Aguila clanga was seen
at Aswan on 22 Jan and over Ain Sukhna on 6 Apr. On
10 Oct 2005 a Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo was
in a flock of Common Cranes Grus grus over Hurghada.
Five Greater Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis (three
males, two females) were in the Abassa area on 19 Mar.
On 22 Jan there were three Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius
pecuarius at Aswan and at least 15 were at Wadi El
Natrum on 20 Mar. At least 62 White-tailed Lapwing
Vanellus leucurus were between Esna and Kom Ombo on
1 Dec 2005. Up to four Terek Sandpipers Xenus cinerea
were in the lagoon at El Gouna in early May, 1-4 having
been present since 17 Apr. There were three Sooty Gull
Larus hemprichti at Wadi Lahami on 22 Mar and two at
Hurghada Port the following day. Seventeen Swift Tern
Sterna bergii were recorded flying north past Hurghada
and 31 were at the mangroves 18km south of Safaga on
23 Mar. A pair of African Collared Doves Streptopelia
roseogrisea were displaying 23km north of Marsa Alam
on 21 Mar, four were at Shams Alam Resort on 7 Apr,
and one at El Gouna on 10 Apr and four near Hotel
Calimera, north of Marsa Alam on 20 May. A Senegal
Coucal Centropus senegalensis was at Abbassa on 14 Apr
and two there on 22 Apr. In late Apr/early May a
Hume’s Owl Strix butleri was at a site near Wadi Gemal.
At least 15 White-breasted Kingfishers Halcyon
smyrensis were in the Abbassa area NE of Cairo on 6 Apr.
A Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi was at El Gouna golf
course on 23 Mar with two there on 3-12 Apr. Two Grey
Wagtails Motacilla cinerea were seen 50km south of

Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton

Marsa Alam on 24 May and at least three African Pied ©
Wagtails Motacilla aguimp were at Abu Simbel on 10-11
Apr and one still present on 30 Apr. On 18 Oct 2005 a
Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka was at Hurghada. A
first-summer- male Nile Valley Sunbird Hedydipna
metallica at El Gouna on 14 Apr was a good record for the
area. A House Crow Corvus splendens was seen at
Hurghada on 9 Oct 2005.

IRAN

Two Siberian Crane Grus leucogeranus were at
Fereidunkenar on 31 Jan 2003; one adult was believed to
be wild and one juvenile thought to have been released
by the Oka Research Centre in Russia in a programme
organised by the Iranian Department of the Environment
to replenish the Iranian flock. Two other adults were also
reported from this area at this time. Two Goldcrest
Regulus regulus at Khojir on 22 Dec 2001 was a good
record of this scarce winter visitor.

ISRAEL

An adult Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus was
off Eilat’s North Beach on 25 Mar with another tropicbird
sp there on 13 Mar and two-three adults were seen till at
least 8 May. A Brown Booby Sula leucogaster was seen off
Eilat’s North Beach from 20 Mar to 15 May. The long
staying European Shag Leucocarbo aristotelis, the first
record for Israel, remained off Ma’agan Michael during
Feb and Mar (present since Aug 2005). A Lesser
Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor at Eilat’s Km20 saltpans
from 19 Mar to at least 1 Jul was the first record for Israel
(See Plate). Two Greylag Goose Anser anser
overwintered at Gesher, Jordan Valley. At least seven
Crested Honey Buzzards Pernis ptilorhynchus were seen
migrating over Eilat Mountains and Arava during the
first half of May. A count of roosting Black Kites Milvus
migrans in late Jan revealed around 25 000 in six roosts
across Israel with the largest roost of 11 266 at Karei
Naaman. On 8 Jun a Cinereous Vulture Aegypius
monachus was at Mt Hermon. A Demoiselle Crane
Anthropoides virgo was seen migrating over Eilat
Mountains on 29 Mar and then at Km33 the following
day and probably the same bird was at Hula re-flooded
Lake in 2-6 Apr. A Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus
was at Km77, Central Arava on 19 Apr and three Greater
Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis were at Menashe

185

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

Reservoir, Coastal Plains on 2 Jun. A Great Black-
headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus was at Acre on 14-19 Jan;
the eight for Israel. An adult Franklin’s Gull L. pipixcan
was seen at Eilat’s North Beach on 1 Jul and will be the
second record for Israel, if accepted, following one at the
same site in jun 2003. A Black-legged Kitttiwake Rissa
tridactyla remained in Eilat to at least 28 Jan and a
Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia was at Lake Kinneret,
Galilee on 30 Apr. A Lesser Crested Tern Sterna
bengalensis was at Ma’agan Michael on 18 Jun and is the
fifth record for Israel. An Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus
aegyptius was at Ne’ot Hakikar on 24 Apr. A male Black-
crowned Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix nigriceps was near
Eilat’s cow sheds at Km 19 on 15-17 Apr and three flew
over Km77, Central Arava on 3 May. At Hameyshar in
South Negev there was a Thick-billed Lark Ramphocoris
clotbey on 11 Mar. A Black Scrub Robin Cercotrichas
podobe was at Ovda Airport, Eilat Mountains 13 Mar and
another was at Ne’ot Smadar, South Negev on 8 May. A
Cyprus Pied Wheatear Oeananthe cypriaca was at the
Golan Heights on 12-15 Mar. A Yellow-browed Warbler
Phylloscopus tnornatus overwintered at Yotvata and a
Hume’s Yellow-browed Warbler P. humei remained at
Lotan until at least 10 Mar, while the bird at Mitzpe
Ramon was present until at least 20 Mar. A large scale

breeding influx of Pale Rock Sparrow Carpospiza brachy- -

dactyla into the Negev Desert occurred from 2 May
followed exceptional late spring showers. There were
estimated to be 1000s of pairs in the whole region, with
about 1000 pairs between Sde Boker and Be’er Sheva in
central /north Negev. More pairs were present in the east
Negev and Judean Desert. This is the second ever
breeding event away from Mount Hermon; the first,
which was much smaller was in summer 2001.

JORDAN

Two Red-billed Tropicbirds Phaethon aetherus were at
Aqaba on 3 May. Five Black Storks Ciconia nigra flew
north near Ayma, At-Tafila on 26 Mar and six were over
Dana on 29 Apr. Over 3000 Honey Buzzard Pernis
apivorus passed over Agaba on 3 May, with 650 at Dana
on 29 Apr. A male Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus was at
Fidan on 24 Mar and an adult Peregrine Falcon Falco
peregrinus at Wadi al Mujib on 23 Mar and another adult
was near Ayma, At-Tafila on 26 Mar. Two Black-winged
Pratincoles Glareola nordmanni were at Azraq Reserve on
22 Apr. An immature Great Black-headed Gull Larus
ichthyaetus was at Aqaba on 21 Mar and an adult

186

Franklin’s Gull L. pipixcan commuted between Eilat’s
North Beach (Israel) and Aqaba on 1 Jul and will be the
first record for Jordan if accepted. A female Namaqua
Dove Oena capensis was at As-Safi on 26 Mar (See Plate).
An adult Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius was
at Fidan on 24 Mar and three Hume’s Tawny Owls Strix
butleri were at Little Petra on 25 Mar. An Egyptian
Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius was heard singing at Al-
Azragq on 23 Mar and a White-throated Robin Irania
gutturalis was at Shaumari on 23 Apr. A male Cyprus
Wheatear Oeananthe cypriaca was at As-Safawi on 23 Mar
and a female Hooded Wheatear O. monacha was near
Ayma, At-Tafila on 26 Mar and another female was at
Wadi Rum on 30 Apr. At Aqaba there was an Olive-tree
Warbler Hippolais olivetorum on 2 May and two Semi-
collared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata were in Wadi
Rum on 19 Mar and one there on 25 Mar. A Pale
Rockfinch Carpospiza brachydactyla was at Wadi al Mujib
on 23 Mar and a Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea
was in Wadi Rum on 25 Mar and there was one at Disi
on the same day.

KAZAKHSTAN

Extreme cold weather reached Kazakhstan during Feb
with lows approaching —400C at Atyrau (Ural River
north of Caspian Sea). Records from here during early
Feb include Fieldfare Turdus pilaris from 3 Feb and
Greenfinch Carduelis chloris on 5 Feb. There was a strong
movement of Rooks Corvus frugilegus, Carrion Crows C.
corone and Jackdaws C. monedula at the end of Feb and
the beginning of Mar, with evening roosts in Ucharal
between 5000 and 10000 birds. In early spring an
Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina was at Lake
Alakol on 16 Mar. A Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga
was over Ucharal on 14 Mar.

KUWAIT

There was a maximum of eight Socotra Cormorant
Leucocarbo nigrogularis on a platform off Pipeline Beach
on 16 Apr. A flock of nine Little Bittern Ixobrychus
minutus migrating north along the Wadi Al-Batin sand
bern, 100 kilometres inland across dry desert, was an
unusual sight at midday on 14 Apr. A juvenile present at
Jahra East on 5 Jun was confirmed breeding there. Eight
adult Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
roosting at Abraq Al-Khabari oasis farm, were shot by
hunters on 14 Apr. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea and
Western Reef Egret Egretta gularis were nesting in mixed
colonies on a 1m-high sand ridge within five metres of
the high tide mark on Bubiyan Island. Nest with eggs
were present on 13 Apr. A Eurasian Griffon Vulture
Gyps fulous was near Khabari Al Awazah in N. Kuwait
on 28 Mar and others were seen in the Sabah Al Ahmed
Natural Reserve (SAANR) on 6 Apr and Subiya Power
station on 10 Apr. There was a good spring passage of
Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus with a new high
daily total of six over Jal Az-Zor escarpment above
Qaisat on 15 Apr. At least 100 Lesser Kestrel Falco
naumanni passed over Subriya on 14 Apr and a second-
year Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos was in the SAANR
on 25 May. A good number of Booted Eagle Aguila
pennata were recorded in the spring with a new daily
high count of six over Qaisat on the 9 Apr and on 15 Apr
three were over Jahra east outfall and two over the Jal
Az-zour escarpment. A single Bonelli’s Eagle Aquila ~
fasciata was in the SAANR on 13 Apr and an adult Sooty
Falcon Falco concolor was over Kiran Resort on 11 Apr

Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton

and a second year bird was over the Jal Az-Zour
escarpment on 15 Apr. An approachable Saker Falco
cherrug (no jesses) was at Sulaibikhat Bay on 6 Mar and a
Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla was seen at Pipeline
beach on 12 Apr. Purple Swamphens Porphyrio porphyrio
were resident at South Doha with six birds calling from
late Feb but breeding has still not been confirmed.
Several pre-breeding flocks of Crab Plover Dromas
ardeola totaling 2600 birds were seen on a visit to Bubiyan
on 13 Apr; the highest winter count was 332 in
Salaibikhat Bay on 5 Jan. A European Stone-curlew
Burhinus oedicnemus was captured by hunters for use
with falcons near Khabari Al Awazah on 28 Mar. At least
74 Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni were
positively identified amongst several hundred Collared
Pratincoles G. pratincola on 27 Apr after flooding in the
SAANR. Twelve Caspian Plovers Charadrius asiaticus in
the SAANR on 16 Mar was the second highest daily
count. Several Red-wattled Lapwings Vanellus indicus
were at Abdally Farms and breeding was confirmed
there with the discovery of adult birds and 3 nests with
0, 2 and 3 eggs on 10 Apr. Unfortunately a visit on 27
Apr found only a dead adult bird near the nest which
had contained 3 eggs; the bird had probably been shot.
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa and Spotted
Redshank Tringa erythropus were present on 27 Apr in
the SAANR after the flood. A flock of 83 Red-necked
Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus at Jahra East Outfall on 21
Apr was exceptional; a few remained until the 18 May. A
first-winter Little Gull Larus minutus at Jahra East
Outfall on 23 Feb only was the fourth record for Kuwait.
There were several large colonies of Slender-billed Gull
Larus genei on Bubiyan Island with an estimated 2000
pairs breeding and an estimated 500 breeding pairs of
Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica were also there in
mid-Apr. A Black Tern Chlidonias niger, the second for
Kuwait, was seen at South Doha pits on 4 Jun. A count of
2300 White-winged Tern Ch. leucopterus on the
temporary lakes in the SAANR on 27 Apr was an
amazing sight in this desert environment. Also a bird
shot a few days previously was found at Abraq Al
Khabari an oasis farm 100km inland near the Irag border
on 28 May. On 2 Mar a Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
was seen in the SAANR. Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark
Eremopterix nigriceps, Greater Hoopoe Lark Alaemon
alaudipes, Bar-tailed Lark Ammomanes cinctura, Desert
Lark A. deserti and Dunn’s Lark Eremalauda dunni were
all confirmed breeding at SAANR, Salmi/ Wadi AI-
Bhatin bern and Kabd during Mar and Apr. Thick-billed
Lark Rhamphocoris clotbey were present at Salmi/Wadi
Al-Batin in Feb but breeding was not confirmed. Three
pairs of Temminck’s Lark Eremophila bilopha feeding
newly fledged young were in the Salmi/Wadi Al-Batin
area on 16 Mar. There was a good spring passage of
Grey Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus with one or two
at several sites in Mar and Apr and a flock of 24 near
Green Island on 12 Apr. The first live record of Black
Scrub Robin Cercotrichas podobe for Kuwait was at Tulha
in the SAANR on 26 Apr and remained until the 6 May.
A count of 60 White-throated Robin Irania gutturalis at
Kabd on 12 Apr was a new daily high. Finsch’s
Wheatear Oenanthe finschii wintered in the SAANR and
Doha Spur until the 20 Feb and three separate Red-tailed
Wheatear Oenanthe chrysopygia wintered in the SAANR
and were last seen on 30 Mar. A Redwing Turdus iliacus
was at Qaisat on 9 Apr. Several Basra Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus griseldis were seen on passage at Sabah Al

Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton

Around the Reguan

Salem reed bed with two singing on 28 Apr and a bird
collecting hairs from a dead goat for nesting material on
27 Apr. An Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina was seen
in trees behind villas north of Pipe-line Beach on 12 Apr.
Hume’s Whitethroat Sylvia althaea were recorded at
Pipeline Beach on 11 and 16 Apr and at Al Abrag on 14
Apr. A Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus
was north of Pipe-line Beach on 12 Apr and a Greenish
Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides viridanus was at Abraq
Al-Khabari on 14 Apr was was still present in the same
area on 14 May. Semi-collared Flycatcher Ficedula
semitorquata were recorded at several sites on 15 Mar
with a new daily high of 16 noted. A Great Tit Parus
major, the first record for Kuwait, was seen and heard
singing on Green Island on 12 Apr; it is a resident
breeder some 200 km NE in Iran. Bank Myna
Acridotheres ginginianus were confirmed breeding at Jahra
farms on 14 Apr when a pair was seen feeding three
newly fledged young. A flock of 200 Pale Rockfinch
Carpospiza brachydactyla in the SAANR on 17 Mar was a
new daily high. There was a good spring passage of
Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea with a total of six
seen in late Mar and early Apr; three were at Tulha in the
SAANR on 24 Mar, one there on 7 Apr, one at Kiran
Resort on 8 Apr and one at Pipeline beach on 11 Apr.

LEBANON

Seven Cory’s Shearwaters Calonectris diomedea flew past
Beirut on 8 May followed by a single on 14 May. A first-
year Northern Gannet Morus bassanus flew north there
on 23 Apr. On 7 Apr a flock of about 450 White Pelicans
Pelecanus onocrotalus headed north above the sea near
Palm Islands Nature Reserve. Seven Cattle Egrets
Bubulcus ibis were present at Tyre Coast Nature Reserve
on 11 Jan. A flock of 17 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
was seen at Anjar on 23 Apr. This is the largest flock
recorded of this rare passage migrant. The decomposed
corpse of a Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea was
found at Bishmizzine man-made marsh on 26 Feb. This
is the first record since 1958. At Aammigq marsh single
Eurasian Bitterns Botaurus stellaris were seen on 25 Feb
and 25 May. Other Aammigq records included a Black
Stork Ciconia nigra seen regularly throughout Feb; four
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus on 22/23 Mar, with
another four on 5 May; a pair of Eurasian Teal Anas
crecca until at least 28 May; successful breeding by
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos (following first Lebanon
breeding in 2005); several Ferruginous Ducks Aythya
nyroca seen between 1 Feb and 13 Mar (with a maximum
of five on 14 Feb); and a Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila
clanga from 22-24 Mar. Western Marsh Harrier Circus
aeruginosus bred successfully at Aammiq with two
juveniles on the wing on 30 May, being the first
successful breeding in Lebanon for at least ten years.
Other spring raptor sightings included single Eastern
Imperial Eagles Aquila heliaca over Khirbet Kanafar on
25 Mar and Tannourine on 30 Mar, Eleonora’s Falcons
Falco eleonorae at Aammig on 20 and 29 Apr and nearby
Tel el Akhdar on 17 May, and a male Peregrine Falco
peregrinus at Ras Chekka headland on 3 Mar. Spur-
winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus was confirmed as
breeding when in Jun a pair was discovered nesting at
Tyre Coast Nature Reserve. Eleven adult Cream-
coloured Coursers Cursorius cursor were at Ras Baalbek
on 27 May, a Black-winged Pratincole Glareola
nordmanni at Cheikh Zennad salt pans on 17 Apr with 31
Marsh Sandpipers Tringa stagnatilis also present.

187

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

Twenty three Great Snipe Gallinago media were recorded
in the Aammigq area between 1 Mar and 26 May and a
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa was at Tel el Akhdar
on 16 Apr. An Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus was at
Tripoli on 3 Mar; Great Black-headed Gulls Larus
ichthyaetus were at Beirut on 9 Jan, 12 Feb and 6 Mar,
with an adult seen at Tripoli and later past Ras Chekka
on 3 Mar. Four Slender—billed Gulls Larus genei flew
north past Tripoli on 3 Mar. A report of a Namaqua
Dove Oena capensis near Aanjar in the east Bekaa valley
on 16 May will be the first record for Lebanon if
accepted. Three calling Eurasian Eagle Owls Bubo bubo
were recorded in a 5 km stretch of the eastern slope of
the Mount Lebanon range in Jan and Feb, and three
young were observed in a cave at one site in May.
Displaying and calling Long-eared Owls Asio otus were
seen near Aammig in Apr and May and breeding was
confirmed for the first time in Lebanon when two
fledged juveniles were seen from 30 May. Two White-
breasted Kingfishers Halcyon smyrnensis were at
Aammigq from Jan until 15 Apr. At Ras Baalbek at least
seven calling Bar-tailed Larks Ammomanes cincturus
were around the area where in 2005 the species was
proved to breed for the first time. The second record of
Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti was of a single there on
27 Mar. Amazingly, at the same site a pair was
discovered collecting nesting material on 14 Apr and
three were seen on 27 May. In 2003 White-throated
Robin I[rania gutturalis was found breeding for the first
time at Jabal Qammouha. This year it was also seen
breeding at Jabal Barouk (about 110 kms south to
Kammouha). The second breeding record. On 3 Jun a
male “Eastern” Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe
hispanica melanoleuca of white-throated form was seen
mating with a female of black-throated form at Barouk
(Shouf Cedar Reserve). A Pied Wheatear Oenanthe
pleschanka was at Yammouneh from 28-31 Mar, and a
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris was there on the 28 Mar. At Ras
Baalbek, Scrub Warbler Scotocerca inquieta was proved to
have bred for the first time when a pair with three young
were seen on 27 May. Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus
was again found breeding (where). Common Myna
Acridotheres tristis continues to increase in numbers and
in May, 14 were at the American University Campus at
least 18 were in the newly reconstructed Beirut Central
District. Two Rose-coloured Starlings Sturnus roseus
were at Kfar Zabad near Aanjar on 16 May, with seven
at Tel el Akhdar the following day. A singing male
Desert Finch Rhodospiza obsoletus was at Aana, in the
west Bekaa on 24 Jun. The species is a scarce / rare winter
visitor to Lebanon despite breeding nearby in Syria. A
Yellow-throated Sparrow Gymmnoris xanthocollis was at
Chtoura town of the Begaa Valley, near the main road
between Beirut and Damascus on 29 Apr, and is the
second record.

OMAN

A Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus at Ras Al Khabbah
on 30 May is the 6th record. Six Swinhoe’s Storm-petrels
Oceanodroma monorhis about 15 km off Muscat on 16 Jun
represent only the third sighting in northern Oman.
Three South Polar Skuas Catharacta maccormicki were also
seen on the same trip (4th record). The Dalmatian
Pelican Pelecanus crispus (2nd record) that was first
found at Al Ansab Lagoons on 22 Nov 2005 remained
until at least 14 Jun despite being badly oiled in early
Feb. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis has often been recorded in

188

Oman, but in the last few years there have been a few
records of Indian Cattle Egret B. (ibis) coromandus — one
was at East Khor on 1 Jun. A Goliath Heron Ardea goliath
was at Marirah Island on 8 Apr and is the 6th record. The
Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus that was first seen at
East Khawr in Sept 2005 was regularly seen up to 23 Feb;
occurrences of this species in the north of Oman may
come from the feral breeding population in the UAE, but
this bird is probably a genuine migrant from Africa or
Yemen. A notable concentration of Lesser Kestrels Falco
naumanni was 37 at Sohar Sun Farms on 15 Apr. Single
Crested Honey Buzzards Pernis ptilorhynchus were over
Jarziz Farm on 23 Jan and Sohar on 28 Feb. A Black-
winged Kite Elanus caeruleus at Barr al Hikman on 20
Feb is the 7th record and a Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila
pomarina at Ayn Sahnawt on 24 Jan is the 9th record. A
single White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
was at Ayn Razat on 24 Jan. There are now only one or
two sightings of Common Crane Grus grus each year so
the four which stayed at Sohar Sun Farms from 15 Feb to
9 Mar are of note, as was the one at Khor Rouri on 2 Feb.
400 Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva at Khor Baleed
on 6 Apr is a record count for Oman. Single Sociable
Plovers Vanellus gregarius were at Al Beed Farm on 26
Jan and Sun Farms, Sohar on 2 Feb while three were
there on 18 Jan and four on 9 and 15 Feb. A Great Snipe
Gallinago media was at Sohar on 15 Apr, being only the
2nd spring record. Inland records of Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpres are rare so one at Qatbit on 11 Apr is
interesting. A Common Gull Larus canus was at Barka on
3 Mar. A Little Gull Larus minutus in first-winter
plumage at Shinas on 31 Jan (there were also some
records of this species further north in the UAE during
the same period) was the first record for Oman. A count
of 400 White-winged Terns Chlidonias leucopterus at
Garzeiz farm on 10 Apr is a record number. There was a
single Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius at Mabr
Farm on 7 May. A Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus
was at Harweel on 15 May (2004 was the last record).
Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea are regular on Masirah,
less common on the mainland — but two were at Nimr 28
Feb/1 Mar. They are particularly unusual in the north so
one at Muscat on 24 Feb was noteworthy. A Desert
Eagle Owl Bubo ascalaphus was at Al Beed Farm on 21
Jan. Grey-headed Kingfishers Halcyon leucocephala are
common summer breeding visitors to southern Oman
but one at Jarziz Farm, Salalah on 7 Feb was
exceptionally early. Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella
rufescens is comparatively infrequently recorded so one
at Harweel on 15 May is of note. There were four
Oriental Skylarks Alauda gulgula at Sohar Sun Farms on
18 Jan. Two Brown-throated Sand Martins Riparia
paludicola were at Khawr Taqah on 22 Jan and a single
was at Sohar Sun Farms on 3 Feb — the 13th and 14th
records. Four Crag Martins Ptyonoprogne rupestris were
at Sohar on the 18 Jan while a Streak-throated Swallow
Petrochelidon fluvicola was reported from this site on 17
Mar and is the 3rd record. At least one Blyth’s Pipit
Anthus godlewskii was also there on 3 Feb (only one
officially accepted record prior to this). There appears to
be a regular wintering population of Grey Hypocolius
Hypocolius ampelinus in the south central desert
(Muntasar southwards to the Thumrait area). Three were
at both Muntasar and Qatbit on 16 Jan, reducing to two
at Qatbit from 21 Jan—-27 Feb, and then increasing to four.
from 3-16 Mar. Common Nightingales Luscinia
megarhynchos were in very short supply this spring —

Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton

there was only one sighting. Single Mourning
Wheatears Oenanthe Iugens (persica) were at A’Rawdah
and Sayh (Mussandam) on 20 Feb — there appears to be a
regular but very small wintering population of this
species in Mussandam. Pied Wheatears Oenanthe
pleschanka are common passage migrants but singles of
the rare vittata colour form were at Thumrayt Waste
Disposal site on 28 Feb and Sun Farms, Sohar on 9 Mar.
Single Black-eared Wheatears Oenanthe hispanica were at
Qatbit on 27 Feb, Al Beed Farm on 9 Mar, Khasab on 8
Apr and Sayh on 10 Apr. Red-tailed Wheatears Oenanthe
xanthoprymna of the eastern chrysopygia race are common
passage migrants and winter visitors, while the
nominate western race xanthoprymina is a very rare visitor
from Turkey and north-west Iran. A male of this race
was in a wadi 30 km east of Ghaba on 17 Feb and is only
the 3rd record. A White-crowned Wheatear Oenanthe
leucopyga at Qurayyat from 18 Jan—9 Feb was the first
sighting since 1985 and is the 7th record. A Mistle
Thrush Turdus viscivorus was at Sayh on 20 Feb and is
the 7th record. Single Savi’s Warblers Locustella luscin-
loides were at Qatbit on 27 Feb and 7 Mar, and Qurm
Park on 19/20 Mar. A Wood Warbler Phylloscopus
sibilatrix at Qatbit on 26 Jan was an unusual winter
record. A Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola was
at Qatbit on 7 May (8th record) while Oman’s first record
of Basra Reed Warbler Acrocephalus griseldis was at
Khasab on 26 Apr. Nile Valley Sunbird Hedydipna
metallica is an uncommon winter visitor normally from
Sep to Mar so a pair at Thumrait on 31 May is
interesting. White-breasted White-eyes Zosterops
abyssinicus are unusual in the central desert and two at
Muntasar on 12 Mar were of note. While the House
Crow Corvus splendens is widespread in the north, a
single in the far south at Ras Mirbat on 25 Jan is unusual.
A Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum was at Jarziz
Farm, Salalah on 3 & 6 Mar. 132 Ortolan Buntings
Emberiza hortulana at Sayh Plateau on 10 Apr is a record
number for Oman. Cinereous Buntings Emberiza
cineracea were at Qatbit on 7 Mar (unusual outside
Mussandam) and Sayh on 8 Apr. A Siskin Carduelis
spinus was at Sayh on 20 Feb and is the 7th record.

QATAR

Three new species were reported for the country. A pair
of Pheasant-tailed Jacanas Hydrophasianus chirurgus
over-summered at the prison pools just south of Doha.
One bird had been present since at least Feb.
Additionally, a pair of Purple Swamphens Porphyrio
porphyrio also over-summered at the same location. A
Desert Finch Rhodospiza obsoletus was seen by two
observers on Ras Abroug peninsula in western Qatar on
a date in late-Apr or early-May.

SAUDI ARABIA

Not far from Dhahran there were two adults and
juvenile Greater Spotted Eagles Aquila clanga at Sabkhat
on 24 Feb and a sub-adult there on 20 Apr. A juvenile
Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis was west of Na’irayah on
23 Feb. Four adult and two juvenile Eastern Imperial
Eagles Aquila heliaca were west of there on 10 Feb, and an
adult and a juvenile were seen on 23 Feb. Short-toed
Eagles Circaetus gallicus are rare in the east so an
individual on 15 May was notable. Also scarce was a
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni on 16 Jun. Two Purple
Swamphens Porphyrio porphyrio were seen at Sabkhat al-
Fasl, Jubail on 20 Apr and 18 May. It is possible that they

Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton

Around the Reguan

have been overlooked at this site for several years. A visit
on 8 Jun revealed six adults although no young birds
were seen. A Black-winged Pratincole Glareola
nordmanni was at Sabkhat on 18 May and is a scarce
visitor. Twenty Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus
were at Qarya Al Ula on 10 Feb. A Eurasian Eagle Owl
Bubo bubo was at the side of Abgaiq road close to
Dhahran on 13 Apr. A Thrush Nightingale Luscinia
luscinia was at Dhahran on 21 Apr with two present on
30 Apr and a single on 3 May. Other Dhahran records
include a pair of White-throated Robins Irania gutturalis
on 21 Apr, and a male on 6 May, a Red-tailed Wheatear
Oenanthe xanthoprymna on 17 Feb, two Moustached
Warblers Acrocephalus melanopogon at Sabkhat on 18
May, two singing male Clamorous Reed Warblers
Acrocephalus stentoreus at Dhahran on 20 and 24 Feb, plus
several males singing at Sabkhat on 24 Feb and about ten
singing males at Uyun Lake on 13 Apr. There were just
three records of Basra Reed Warbler Acrocephalus
griseldis on 27 Apr, 3 May and 5 May. A large breeding
colony of Spanish Sparrows Passer hispaniolensis was
found at Haradh on 28 Apr with at least 100 pairs
present. Fifteen Pale Rockfinches Carpospiza brachy-
dactyla were in the Dhahran Hills on 10 Apr plus a single
on 14 Apr and at least 15 at Shedgum escarpment on 13
Apr. A visit to the Sarawat Mountains over 25-26 May
resulted in a number of useful sightings. At Wadi Thee
Gazal there was a Yemen Thrush Turdus menachensis
and an Arabian Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena plus a group
of five Arabian Serins Serinus rothschildi. At Bani Yazid
sightings included a single Eurasian Griffon Vulture
Gyps fulvus, a pair of Barbary Falcons Falco pelegrinoides,
Little Rock Thrush Monticola rufocinereus, Brown
Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus umbrovirens, eleven
Gambaga Flycatchers Muscicapa gambagae, two Arabian
Warblers and a Yemen Linnet Carduelis yemenensis. At
Dhi Ain there were four Bruce’s Green Pigeons Treron
waalia and a Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon
leucocephala. Finally, at Al Hokair there were four
Arabian Warblers and up to five Yemen Linnets. In
Jeddah about 135 Greater Flamingos Phoenicopterus
roseus were recorded in the south corniche on 23 Jan.
About 640 Demoiselle Cranes Anthropides virgo were
recorded in the south corniche and Asafan area (about 50
km east of Jeddah) on 23-24 Mar.

SYRIA

Several visits to Sabkhat al-Jabbul confirmed breeding by
Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris, White-
headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala and Great Crested
Grebe Podiceps cristatus with hundreds of wintering
White-headed Duck. Most importantly, a breeding site
for Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus was at last
located, the first for Syria. A paper on this magnificent
site is in this issue of Sandgrouse. Mallard Anas
platyrhynchos has not been reported breeding in the past,
but a female with young was at Mheimideh on 26 Apr.
An impressive 5620 Northern Shovelers Anas clypeata
were at Al Jabbul Lake on 26 Apr. This is an interesting
number for a such a late date. An Eurasian Bittern
Botaurus stellaris was at Jabbul on 26 Apr. Eight Eurasian
Griffon Vultures Gyps fulvus were seen in the Yarmuk
valley on 9 May but the only accessible Syrian colony at
Diwara near Palmyra appeared to have declined further
to only 12 pairs. Krak des Chevaliers appears to be a
useful raptor watch spot with several good counts of
Steppe Eagles Aquila nipalensis, Lesser Spotted Eagles A.

189

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

pomarina, and Long-legged Buzzards Buteo rufinus in late
Mar-Apr. A potential bottleneck for raptor passage was
found on the coast south-west of Kassab with several
thousand raptors of 15 species on 29 Apr. An Eleonora’s
Falcon Falco eleonorae at al-Masrif cliffs on 7 Apr was the
first for the Euphrates valley. At least three colonies of
Lesser Kestrel F. naumanni were discovered in the
interior with at least 30 pairs at Musrab cliffs in the
Euphrates valley. Only four Northern Bald Ibis
Geronticus eremita returned to the Palmyra area; two pairs
bred and three birds were fitted with satellite
transmitters at the end of the breeding season. A new site
for See-see Partridge Ammoperdix griseogularis was found
at Musrab cliffs on 17 May. A Black-winged Pratincole
Glareola nordmanni at Mheimideh on 24 Apr may be only
the second record. An immature Common Gull Larus
canus was at Madan Jadid on 1 Jan with four at Jabbul on
23 Mar. The species was recorded at several sites by the
OSME expedition in Jan/Feb 2004, but prior to that there
were only three published records. A colony of Common
Terns Sterna hirundo in May on the lower Khabur
Reservoir provides the first proven breeding record for
Syria. A territorial Middle Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos medius was at Wadi Jahanim on 4 May, the
third Syrian site and a considerable range extension.
White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis was
common in the Yarmuk valley but a pair seen on several
days at Tel al Hamdaniyah north of the Euphrates was
well out of the known range. A Striated Scops Owl Otus
brucei photographed at Tel al Hamdaniyah on 13 Apr
may be the first Syrian record for 20 years. Bimaculated
Larks Melanocorypha bimaculata breeding commonly at
Jebel al-Bilas and on the Jebel Druze were well out of the
known range. Several pairs of Long-billed Pipit Anthus
similis were seen in the Yarmuk valley with the first
confirmed breeding for Syria at Heet on 9 May. There
was a good passage of Citrine Wagtails Motacilla citreola;
at Mheimedeh, there was a peak of 20 on 8 Apr and the
first breeding record for Syria, a nesting pair on two
dates in May. A pair of Grey Wagtails M. cinerea with
young at Saladin’s Castle on 5 May was the second
Syrian breeding record and a considerable southerly
range extension. A Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens
of the basalt form at the Ibis site on 11 Apr was 100 km
out of the usual range but four birds in basalt desert east
of Jebel Druze on 8 May were in their typical habitat.
Two European Robins Erithacus rubecula were holding
territory in the Fourulloq Forest in May and, if breeding
was confirmed, would be the first Syrian breeding record
and a massive range extension. Blackstarts Cercomela
melanura were common at several sites in the Yarmuk
valley; three pairs with young at Tell Shahib on 7 May
were the first confirmed breeding for Syria. Spectacled
Warblers Sylvia conspicillata were common on Jebel al-
Bilas and individuals were holding territory at Shnan in
the Euphrates valley and Tel al Hamdaniyah to its north;
Olive-tree Warblers Hippolais olivetorum were territorial
at Saladin’s Castle and Wadi Jahanam. These were all
significant range extensions. A Booted Warbler Iduna
caligata was singing in a Damascus garden on several
dates in May. The first breeding record for Syria of
Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus was of
a pair with a nest at Lake Mzerib on 7 May; one at Deir
Ez Zor on 24 Apr was the second for the Euphrates
valley. There are very few Syrian records of this species.
A Basra Reed Warbler A. griseldis was photographed at
Halabbiyyah on 24 Apr and will be the second record.

Two Firecrests Regulus ignicapilla at Deir ez Zor on 3 Jan
were probably the second Syrian record. At Khunayfis
on 19 Mar there was a male Collared Flycatcher Ficedula
albicollis and a male Semi-collared Flycatcher F.
semitorquata. Red-breasted Flycatcher F. parva was seen
at Jabbul on 31 Mar and at Talila on 5 May. White-
cheeked Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys was seen
regularly by the Euphrates at Deir ez Zor. There were
many records of Iraq Babblers Turdoides altirostris
including at Jabbul and Mheimideh, up to eight at Deir
ez-Zor on 24 Apr and at least five at Ba’ath Lake on 25
Apr. Several Coal Tits Periparus ater were singing at
Slenfeh on 28 Apr. There is only one previous published
record from the breeding season — also from this area. 15
Syrian Serins Serinus syriacus were at Abou Zad on 30
Apr and they were abundant at Bloudan on several
dates. A European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris was
noted holding territory at Ar Raqqa on 25 Apr which is
east of the known breeding range. A Common
Rosefinch Carpodacus roseus at Maksam near Palmyra on
15 May may be the first for Syria. A Brambling Fringilla
montifringilla at Arak, near Palmyra on 21 Mar, appears
to be the third record for the Central Syrian Desert. A
pair of Cinereous Buntings Emberiza cineracea on the
Jebel Druze on 25 Mar was probably the first Syrian
record for 30 years. Pale Rockfinches Carpospiza brachy-
dactyla were holding territory at six sites throughout the
interior from the Yarmuk valley on the Jordanian border
to Jebel Abdul Aziz north of the Euphrates; they were
often abundant. They were previously known to breed
only on Mt Hermon but their numbers are known to
fluctuate widely. It appears to be a good year for them;
there have been large numbers in the Israeli Ne’gev this
year. A pair of Yellow-throated Sparrows Gymnoris
xanthocollis was at Deir ez-Zor on 18 May. The main
raptor passage was in Apr, except for European Honey
Buzzard Pernis apivoris, but passerine migration
continued into the second half of May in the oases round
Palmyra with several observations of species such as
Olive-tree Warbler, Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria and
Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus.

TADZHIKISTAN

Himalayan Griffon Vultures Gyps himalayensis have
been seen at several locations in the west of the country,
including the Romit Vvalley near Dushanbe. Birds have
not been reported from the west before. Twelve Hill
Pigeons Columba rupestris were in the Romit Valley on
29 Jan and had been forced down by the vigorous snow
falls. Little Forktails Enicurus scouleri had been found
along several mountain rivers in the vicinity of the
capital. A Hume’s Warbler Phylloscopus humei near
Shahrinaw in the west on 23 Jan is indicative of the small
number of wintering birds of this species. Early in the
year Blyth’s Rosefinches Carpodacus grandis were found
wintering in juniper forest in the Hissar range.

TURKEY

A great discovery from Birecik was of breeding Iraq
Babblers Turdoides caudatus which included 4 adults and
2 young at gravel pits on 29 May. This is a new species
for Turkey, following the expansion of its range through
Syria. Two other new species were a Black-throated
Thrush Turdus atrogularis at Altinpark, Ankara on 15 Feb
(in this issue) and a Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor
at Eregli Marshes, Konya from 10-16 Apr. A Common
Redpoll Carduelis flammea was at Altinpark on 15 Feb

190

Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton

was the 4th record, as was a Pine Bunting Emberiza
leucocephalus at Karapinar Afyon on 1 Dec 2005. A Black-
winged Kite Elanus caeruleus at GOksu Delta on 24-25
May was the 11th record and a Bohemian Waxwing
-Bombycilla garrulus at Samsun on 23 Nov 2005 and seven
there from 2-7 Apr are the 11th and 12th records. A
Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus was at Buyukcekmece
Harbour on 28 Jan. Three Northern Gannets Morus
bassanus were at Cukurova Delta between 11-15 Jan, and
one was there on 6 Feb and another was at Milleyha
Shores of Hatay on 14 Jan. Five Bewick’s Swan Cygnus
columbianus bewickiti were at Nallihan on 21 Jan, 22 were
at Gulf of Izmit on 25 Jan, nine were at Uzungol Trabzon
on 1 Feb and three were at Meric Delta on 4 Feb. Two
Bean Geese Anser fabalis were at Biiyiikcekmece Lake,
with 320 Red-breasted Geese Branta ruficollis and 15,000
White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons on 11 Feb. More
than 50 Red-breasted Geese were at Btiytikcekmece
when the arctic cold came on 28 Jan and 38 were at
Sakarya Delta on 5 Feb. There were many Greater Scaup
Aythya marila records, between 26-29 Jan two stayed at
Biiytikcekmece and on 29 Jan and 5 Feb two were at
Sakarya Delta, another two observed at Catalca Istanbul
12 Feb and the same day six were at Ktictik Cekmece
Lake. At this time one was at Terkos Lake Istanbul and
five were at Canakkale Bogazi, and last record was from
Kepez Shores with two on 16 Feb. Three Common Eider
Somateria mollissima were at Kazilirmak Delta on 17 Dec
and a Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis was at the
mouth of the Firtina River, Rize. There were many
Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula with 72 in Gediz
Delta on 4 Feb, five in Buyuk Menderes Delta on 18 Feb
and one on Bafa Lake on 19 Feb. Raptors included a
Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus at Sariyer Hills on
9 Apr and many Rough-legged Buzzards Buteo lagopus
in the late winter at Sinop, Cukurova Delta, Afyon,
Istanbul and Bursa. Twenty three Demoiselle Cranes
Anthropoides virgo were at Kozanli Marshes on 1 Apr and
four were at Mogan Lake on_8 Apr. A Little Bustard
Tetrax tetrax appeared at the Kizilirmak Delta on 17 Dec
2005. At Birecik Gravel Pits there were up to 15 calling
male Black Francolins Francolinus francolinus on 19 Jun.
A Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio was at
Karakaya Dam,Malatya on 27 Nov 2005, and single
Baillon’s Crakes Porzana pusilla were at Eymir Lake on
15 Mar and Kozanli Marshes on 1 Apr. A White-tailed
Lapwing Vanellus leucurus was a Mogan Lake on 21 May
_ and six Cream-coloured Coursers Cursorius cursor were
at Yeni Akpinar K6yt, Birecik on 17 May. Bar-tailed
Godwits Limosa lapponica totalled 11 at Gediz Delta on 4
Feb, seven at Kizilirmak Delta on 18 Feb and nine at
Gediz Delta on 26 Feb. Greater Sand Plover Charadrius
leschenaultii have not been reported from Gediz Delta
before so the first records were of singles on 26 Nov 2005
and 5 Feb. Also here were 149 Red Knot Calidris canutus
on 22 Jan. Interesting seabirds included six Pomarine
Skuas Stercorarius pomarinus at Savros Bay on 22 Apr and
a single at Datca-Mugla on 25 Apr, while single Arctic
Skuas S. parasiticus were at Rize Harbour 27 Mar, Sarlyer
Hills-Istanbul on 1 Apr and on the Bosphorus on 12 Jun.
Three Black-legged Kittiwakes Rissa tridactyla were at
Rize Harbour on 27 Mar. Short-eared Owls Asio
flammeus were at Goksu Delta on 12 Jan, Sakarya Delta
on 29 Jan and Buyuk Cekmece lake on 14 Feb. Two Little
Swifts Apus affinis were at Uzuncaburc, Mersin on 30
Apr. There were 12 Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters Merops
superciliosus at Httyiikli, Urfa on 19 Jun. Two extraor-

Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton

Around the Region

dinary winter records were of a Yellow Wagtail Motacilla
flava at Cukurova Delta on 15 Jan and a Citrine Wagtail
Motacilla citreola on 24 Dec 2005. Three Spectacled
Warblers Sylvia conspicillata were at Karacadag,
Diyarbakir on 21 Jun, two Alpine Choughs Pyrrhocorac
graculus were at Nemrut Da_1, Adiyaman on 20 Jun and
24 White-winged Snowfinches Montifringilla nivalis
were at Narlidere Bursa on 5 Mar.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Three records of Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus came
from Al Ghurfa Breakwater, Fujairah, where there were
no fewer than six on 22 Apr, and singles on 3 and 11 May
(10-12th records). Masked Booby Sula dactylatra was
also noted here, with an adult and immature on 28 Feb,
and a single from 3-11 May (4—5th records). A Lesser
Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor was at Al Wathba lake
from 22 Jun (about the 4th record, Ist for Abu Dhabi).
The first breeding record of Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis,
with 3540 pairs, was confirmed in a private residence in
Dubai on 4 Jun. A single Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifrons was with three Greylag Geese A. anser at
Abu Dhabi Golf and Equestrian Club from 6 Jan—24 Feb,
while a Lesser White-fronted Goose A. erythropus
remained (from Dec 2005) at Nad al Sheba Racecourse
until 4 Mar (2nd record). Two Crested Honey Buzzards
Pernis ptilorhynchos wintered on Abu Dhabi Island, to 9
Apr. Pairs of Shikra Accipiter badius continue to nest
successfully, in an increasing number of localities around
Dubai. A male Merlin Falco columbarius of the race
pallidus was noted at the Al Wathba Camel Racetrack on
21 Mar. Three White-breasted Waterhens Amaurornis
phoenicurus were recorded: an adult wintering at Sharjah
Desert Park until 3 Mar; Qurrayah Pools, 13 Jan, and
Fujairah National Dairy Farm, Dibba, an adult, from 18
Feb-14 Apr. A Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla was at
Sharjah University City on 10 Mar. Up to three Purple
Swamphens Porphyrio porphyrio were reported at Al
Warsan lakes throughout. There was also a record of
African Swamphen P. madagascariensis. Both species
apparently bred this year. Red-knobbed Coot Fulica
cristata was seen from 20 Jan-5 Feb but the ongoing
infilling of this wetland has seen most waterfowl vacate
the area. A Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius graced
Dubai Pivot Fields until 12 Feb, with two more at Lahbab
Fields on 3 Feb. The peak count of White-tailed Lapwing
Vanellus leucurus came from Nouakchott Street Marsh
with 104 birds on 2 Jan. A Eurasian Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricaria was noted wintering at Nouakchott
Street Marsh and adjacent Dubai Pivot Fields until 21
Feb, with a second individual at Al Wathba Lake on 34
Mar at least. A Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
showed well in Mushrif Palace Gardens on 13-14 Feb. Al
Ghurfa Breakwater produced the first records of Long-
tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus since 1999 with a
single bird on 3 May, followed by two on 25 May (6th
and 7th records). A first-winter Common Gull Larus
canus was at Khor Kalba from 20 Feb—2 Mar, while Little
Gull Larus minutus, not recorded since 2000, showed up
at the Kalba Corniche on 7 Jan; Sharjah Tip on 21 Jan and
Khor Kalba, 18-23 Feb (8th-10th records). An adult
Brown Noddy Anous stolidus was at Al Ghurfa on 11
May. Dubai’s Safa Park produced Common
Woodpigeon Columba palumbus from 2-12 Mar (6th
record; first since 1998). The highest count of Egyptian
Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius at Al Wathba Camel
Racetrack was of up to four in early Jan, with birds

191

Sandgrouse 28 (2): 2006

wintering here until early Mar. Little Swifts Apus affinis
were seen at Abu Dhabi Golf and Equestrian Club on 17
Mar and Fujairah National Dairy Farm on 28 Apr.
Oriental Skylarks Alauda gulgula were recorded at
Fujairah National Dairy Farm and Dubai Pivot Fields
until 12 Mar, up to 20 Bimaculated Larks Melanocorypha
bimaculuta wintered at Al Wathba Camel Racetrack into
early Mar. Pale Martins Riparia diluta wintered in force at
Al Wathba Lake, being present from12 Jan—14 Apr witha
peak count of 30 on 9 Feb. Up to two were also noted at
Nouakchott Street Marsh on 19 Feb and Al Warsan
Lakes on 10 Mar, with a single at the nearby Pivot Fields
on 12 Mar. Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola
appeared at Al Wathba Lake with singles from 5-27 Jan
at least. Up to two Wire-tailed Swallows Hirundo smuthiu
were also here from 5 Jan into mid-Apr, with a minimum
of three being involved. A Streak-throated Swallow (4th
record) was at Al Wathba Lake intermittently from 12
Jan—4 Mar. No fewer than eight species of hirundine
could be seen at this site on some days in the winter! The
3rd record of ‘White-headed’ Yellow Wagtail Motacilla
flava leucocephala, an adult male, showed for four days at
the Abu Dhabi Golf and Equestrian Club from 8-11 Apr.
UAE is apparently the only country in the Western
Palearctic with records of this race. Up to two Buff-
bellied Pipits Anthus rubescens were at Dubai Pivot
Fields from 9-12 Mar. Appearances of Grey Hypocolius
Hypocolius ampelinus have been less predictable, but up to
eight were present at Ghantut from 2 Jan—20 Mar, being
difficult to locate at times. A female Eversmann’s
Redstart Phoenicurus erythronotus wintered near the
summit of Jebel Hafeet until 12 Feb; a male Finsch’s
Wheatear Oenanthe finschii was a welcome, less than
annual find, at the Abu Dhabi Heath and Fitness Club
from 22-24 Mar. A male Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus
was on Jebel Hafeet from 3 Jan—27 Feb, while, rarer still, a
Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus was at the Ajman
Kempinski Hotel from 1-4 Mar. A Moustached Warbler
Acrocephalus melanopogon wintered at the Dubai Pivot
Fields until 12 Feb at least. Just one Blyth’s Reed
Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum was noted in spring, at
Khalidiyah from 26-27 Apr. A Hume’s Leaf Warbler
Phylloscopus humei was in Safa Park on 13 Apr. Four
Hume’s Whitethroats Sylvia althaea were reported:
Ghantoot from 12-15 Feb; Wadi Tarabat (Jebel Hafeet) on
10 Mar; Magta Bridge (Abu Dhabi) on 14 Mar and at the
Al Wathba camel racetrack wood on 20 Mar. A solitary
Semi-collared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata was noted
in spring, at Khalidiyah from 23-27 Mar. The Taiga
Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla remained in Abu Dhabi city
from late 2005 until 24 Mar (4th record). A Bay-backed
Shrike Lanius vittatus was at the Fujairah National Dairy
Farm on 21 Apr, while a Long-tailed Shrike Lanius

schach remained at Jebel Hafeet from 3 Jan to 26 Mar (4th
record). A Great Grey Shrike L. excubitor of the race
homeyeri was at the Abu Dhabi Golf and Equestrian Club,
27 Jan—27 Feb (2nd record of this form). A Black Drongo
Dicrurus macrocercus found at Qurrayah Pools 17 Nov
2005 was present to 8 Jan at least (5th record; first since
1991). A new bird for the UAE was Fan-tailed Raven
Corvus rhipidurus, seen inland at Qusaihwira on 20 Feb
close to the border with Oman and Saudi Arabia, which
it promptly crossed. A Northern Raven Corvus corax in
Abu Dhabi in Nov 2005 has also now been formally
accepted, and completes a remarkable duo of corvid
firsts for the UAE, the latter also new for Arabia.
Cinereous Buntings Emberiza cineracea put in a good
showing in spring with a single at Jumeirah, Dubai, on
15 Mar; up to three birds on Jebel Hafeet from 16 Mar-6
Apr and singles at Green Mubazzarah (Al Ain) on 17
Mar; Dubai Pivot Fields on 8 Apr and Mirfa on 21 Apr;
all being of the race semenowi.

YEMEN

A visit to the island of Socotra in Jan resulted in many
interesting records. Two Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax
carbo were offshore at Hadibu on 14 Jan, and another was
there on 18 Jan. A single was at Qalansiyah on 16 Jan.
The species is probably overlooked given the huge
numbers of Socotra Cormorants Leucocarbox nigrogularis.
Four Mallards Anas platyrhynchos were at Khor Sirhin on
13 Jan, 14 Jan and 18 Jan. An Intermediate Egret Egretta
intermedia was at Khor Sirhin on 13 Jan, 14 Jan and 16 Jan,
increasing to two birds on 18 Jan. An Indian Pond-
Heron Ardeola grayii was in the mangroves at Shoep on
17 Jan and another was in the palms around Khor Sirhin
on 18 Jan. A Yellow Bittern [xobrychus sinensis was in the
palms at Khor Sirhin on 16 Jan and 18 Jan. An immature
Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus was on Khor Dilish on
18 Jan. This bird, the first for Socotra, had been present at
this site some weeks. A Western White Stork Ciconia
ciconia was by the roadside near Hadibu Airport on 13
Jan. Single Marsh Sandpipers Tringa stagnatilis were at
Khor Sirhin on 14 Jan, 16 Jan and 18 Jan. A Ruff
Philomachus pugnax was at Khor Sirhin on 14 Jan and 16
Jan. Another was at Khor Qalansiyah on 16 Jan. Two
Eurasian Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus were at
Ditwah on 16 Jan. Also that day there was a Collared
Pratincole Glareola pratincola at Khor Qalansiyah. Two
first records for Socotra were an immature Great Black-
headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus at Khor Qalansiyah on 16
Jan and a Slender-billed Gull Larus genei at Khor Qadab
on 15 Jan. A Whiskered Tern Chilidonias hybrida was at
Khor Qalansiyah on 16 Jan. A Citrine Wagtail Motacilla
citreola was at Khor Sirhin on 16 Jan, and two were there
on 18 Jan. One was at Khor Qalansiyah on 16 Jan.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The following assisted in the compilation of this review: Mishal Al-Jeriwi, Khalid Al-Nasrallah, , Abdulrahman AlI-Sirhan,
Abdullah Alsuhaibany, Abdulmuhsen Al-Suraye, Hussain Al-Qallaf, Simon Aspinall/EBRC, Raffael Aye, Gavin Baptie,
Douglas Barr, Chris Batty, Raoul Beunen, Richard Bosnor, David Bradford, Chris Bradshaw, Gary Brown, Jamie Buchan, Steve
Cale, Andy Clifton, Kris De Rouck, Amir Ben Dov, Phillipe Dubois, Pekka Fagel, Brian Foster, Tommy Frandsen, George
Gregory, Andreas Hagerman, Jens Hansen, Tomas Haraldsson, Ian Harrison, M I Istvan, Justin Jansen, Mike Jennings,
Brendan Kavanagh, Howard King, Guy Kirwan, Anssi Kullberg, Graham Langley, Alex Lees, Rami Lindroos, Graham
Lobley, Pewel Mala, Charlie Moores, Angus Murray, Mike Newey, Tommy Pedersen/EBRC, Yoav Perlman, Joseph Pimentel,
Martin Poulsen, Rich Prior, Ghassan Ramadan-Jaradi, Colin Richardson, Phil Roberts, Ilkka Sahi, Dave Sargeant, Kevin Sayer,
Mahmoud Shihab, Keijos Wahlroos, Brian Watmough, David White, Kay White and Emin Yogurtcuoglu.

Dawn Balmer, 7 Fisher Way, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2LD, U.K.
Keith Betton, 8 Dukes Close, Folly Hill, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 ODR, ULK.

192

Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton

SANDGROUSE GUIDELINES FOR AUTHORS

The Sandgrouse Editorial Committee will consider for publication
original papers that contribute to the body of information about birds of
the Middle East and related zoogeographical regions; subject categories
_ include, but are not limited to, species distribution, breeding biology,
behaviour, identification, taxonomy, phylogeny and conservation. The
Middle East for this purpose (the OSME region) includes Turkey, Cyprus
and Egypt in the west, the Caucasus republics and Kazakhstan in the
north, Kyrgyzstan, Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan in the
east, Oman and Yemen (including the Socotra archipelago) in the south,
and all states within the above countries. The region follows a line that
follows the approximate centreline of the Red Sea to include all islands
belonging to Yemen and Saudi Arabia to the latitude of the Egypt-Sudan
border on the western coast; north of this latitude, the Red Sea falls
entirely in the OSME region. The Committee reserves the right to
recommend that authors of papers concerning birds on or near the
western and eastern limits of the OSME region should submit them to the
African and Oriental Bird Clubs respectively, if in the opinion of the
Committee or Editor they would be better placed in those regions.

Submissions are considered on the understanding that the work has not
been published elsewhere substantially in the same form and is not being
offered concurrently for publication elsewhere. Papers should be in
English, but the Editor will endeavour to assist authors who are unable to
obtain English translations of their work. The general principle is that
contributions sent by e-mail, on floppy or CD (Microsoft, not Mac) in
English to the Sandgrouse editor should preferably be formatted in
‘English (UK) (Click ‘Edit’>> ‘Select All’, then click ‘Tools’>> ‘Language’>>
‘Set Language’, scroll to ‘English (UK)’ and select). Mac-formatted
submissions must be in PC format and the file in Word format, but as a
last resort can be in ASCII text files lacking word processor formatting
codes. Submissions in hard copy should be double-spaced and on only
one side of A4 paper sheets.

The Editor's order of preference for submissions is:
= As Word documents on CD; diagrams (such as line-drawing maps
and Excel tables) should be in separate documents from the text;
drawings, pictures and other graphics should be in popular formats as
separate files (eg jpeg or TIFF files).
As Word documents by e-mail; diagrams (such as line-drawing maps
and Excel tables) should be in separate documents from the text;
drawings, pictures and other graphics should be in popular formats
as separate files (eg jpeg or TIFF files) and should be sent separately
to ed@osme.org. Please avoid sending images larger than 1.3MB if
at all possible.

# As Word documents on floppy disc; diagrams should be in separate
Word documents from the text, and pictures and graphics should be
in popular formats as separate files (eg .jpeg files) on separate floppy
discs (one per disc).

# As hard copy. .

It would be appreciated that wherever possible all graphics are also

produced in hard copy and mailed to the Editor. Figures should be

drawn, without lettering, preferably in black ink on good-quality paper
on white or translucent paper, and no larger than 150% of the final image.

Captions and figure lettering should be given in full at the end of the text

of the paper submitted. Do not incorporate drawings, pictures or

graphics into the text — just indicate in the text where you would wish
them placed. Transparencies or good-quality prints are most acceptable.

Negatives may also be sent; the editor will arrange to have them scanned.

Hard copy material authors require to be returned will be so.

OSME is undertaking a review of bird species and current nomenclature.
The result is likely to comply generally with the IOC recommendations
when these are made known. Until then, authors are asked to follow the
Porter et al (1996) Field Guide to the birds of the Middle East for scientific
names and sequence of bird species. Where possible, authors should
consult a current (post-2005) issue of Sandgrouse and follow the layout
conventions therein. The latest revision is summarised below:

Layout
Author addresses will now appear at the start of papers after the summary;
where there is no summary, addresses will follow the author names.

Headings

The use of side headings (in bold full capitals) for papers will continue,
but they no longer require to be underlined. Centre headings, in smaller
bold font than the side headings, are retained for ‘Acknowledgements’
and ‘References’ at the end of papers, but these will now appear only
with initial capitals.

Tables and Figures - uses of bold type

# Where a Table or a Figure is identified by a title, the words ‘Table’ and
‘Figure’ should be in bold, thus: Table and Figure.

@ Similarly, when referring to a Table number or a Figure number in the
text, these should appear in bold thus: Table 1. Figure 1. This enables a
reader to find references to Tables and Figures very quickly in the text.
However, see ‘Abbreviations’ below for the use of ‘Fig’.

® Column headings in a Table preferably should be in bold.

Abbreviations and the form they take

The general principle of modern abbreviations is that they do not have

full stops (periods) following them, the argument being that abbrevi-

ations are now recognised as such, and by definition a shortening of a

word to form an abbreviation should not be accompanied by adding a

full stop to lengthen it! Hence we have ‘in prep’, not ‘in prep.’ for ‘in

preparation’. Examples are:

® asl (not a.s.l.) = above sea level

& (pers obs) = personal observation(s), not (pers. obs.) or (pers obs) or (pers. obs.)

® eg (not e.g. nor eg) = exempli gratia for example.

The general rule is that words and abbreviations from Latin and

occasionally other languages are in italic.

@ ef al (not et al. or et al) = and others

B ic (notice. or ie) = that is

® c is the preferred abbreviation for ‘circa’ = approximately (not c. or c.),
and it should be used without a space between it and the quantity,
thus: ‘cl10 nests’.

® cf and not ‘cf.’ or ‘cf’ for ‘compare’.

@ unpub and not unpubl. Preferably, ‘unpub’ should be followed by
‘data’, ‘ms’, ‘notes’ or similar.

@ 1km (not 1 km or 1 Km or 1 km.) = one kilometre

The general rule for abbreviations of quantity is that the abbreviation

remains singular when the quantities are plural, eg 1km, 2km or 500km.

® Fig (not Fig. or Fig.) = Figure; the use of this abbreviation is preferred in
articles, but if ‘Figure’ is used, please be consistent.

The general rule is that the number of the Figure is also in Bold, thus: Fig

1 or Fig 6.

References and Citations
® In the reference list, the first author's name is followed by the relevant
initials. Subsequent authors should have their initials placed before the
surname before the name.
The general rule is that we treat authors of papers first as human beings,
and so apart from the lead or sole author whose name must appear first to
keep reference lists searchable in alphabetic order, we place the initials first.
# Full stops (periods) are not used to separate an author's initials, hence
‘JEP SmitH’ and not ‘J.F.P. SMIrH’.
@ A citation in the text with 3 or more authors should cite only the first
author, thus ‘(Smith et al 2000), omitting periods (full stops) and
without a separating comma (see also et al in ‘Abbreviations’ above.
A citation with two authors should follow ‘(Smith & Jones 2000)’ in the
text, using the ampersand (&&), but should be written as ‘SmiTH, JFP AND AB
Jones. 2000.’ in the Reference List. Note the change from ‘(2000)’ to ‘2000.’
Multiple citations in the text within a single set of brackets normally
should be separated by a comma (,), thus: (Jones & Smith 1999, Heath et
al 2000, Ramadan-Jaradi 2004). However, multiple citations of a single
author or the same team of authors may require separation by a semi-
colon, thus: (Brown 1998, 1999, 2001; Jones and Smith 1999, Ramadan-
Jaradi 2004).
Citing an author by name within the text is unchanged, thus: ‘as
recorded by Jones (1997).

General

# Except in regular news features in Sandgrouse, the first mention of a
species in any paper must include the species name, thus: ‘House
Sparrow Passer domesticus’. Note that placing the scientific name in
brackets is no longer required. However, English is such a flexible
language that sometimes context may still require the use of brackets.
Usually there will be no need to repeat the scientific name in the text
unless comparisons between one or more species are being drawn.

a Ina species account, if it mentions another species that does not have a
preceding species account, that species must have its scientific name
included. For example, in an account about, say, Eurasian
Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus, in which a prey species, say, Chaffinch, is
named, if Chaffinch does not have a species account in the paper, then
Fringilla coelebs should appear after the English name.

Summaries of full-length papers should be brief (less than 300 words),
should not cite references and should cover only the subjects contained in
the main text. The convention adopted is that authors will receive one or
more edited electtonic versions of their original texts to check for
typographical errors and to confirm that the changes have not altered the
meaning of the content before the journal is sent for typesetting. For
authors without access to e-mail, arrangements will be made on an
individual basis. No changes of substance can be made to typeset proofs.
In research journals, it remains the convention to report in the third
person and in the passive voice, purportedly to allow a neutral presen-
tation. In Sandgrouse the use of the first person and active voice is
encouraged, while noting that the more technical papers may benefit
from the former, non-partisan style.

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