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2 Jan Sooty Falcon comments ["Jim Barton" ] 2 Jan Re: Sooty Falcons at Kaya, Turkey, June 2008 (second of three sections, very long) ["Nick P. Williams" ] 2 Jan Re: Sooty Falcons at Kaya, Turkey, June 2008 (second of three sections, very long) [Andrea Corso ] 1 Jan Al Asad Iraq winter bird survey final tallies [Randel Rogers ] 31 Dec Re: Sooty Falcons at Kaya, Turkey, June 2008 (second of three sections, very long) ["Richard Klim" ] 31 Dec Sooty Falcons in Kaya, Turkey, June 2008 (third and final section - referen ces) ["Jim Barton" ] 31 Dec Sooty Falcons at Kaya, Turkey, June 2008 (second of three sections, very long) ["Jim Barton" ] 31 Dec Sooty Falcons in Kaya, Turkey, June 2009 (in three sections, Very Long) ["Jim Barton" ] 30 Dec Georgia birds 2008, part 4 (passerines) [Alexander Abuladze ] 30 Dec Georgia birds 2008, part 3 (crane to woodpecker) [Alexander Abuladze ] 30 Dec Georgia birds 2008, part 2 (ducks & raptors) [Alexander Abuladze ] 30 Dec Georgia birds 2008, part 1 [Alexander Abuladze ] 22 Dec Re: Field Guide recommendation - UAE [Joseph Verica ] 22 Dec TOC of PODOCES 3(1-2), 2008 [Abolghasem Khaleghizadeh ] 22 Dec Satellite Telemetry at the 7th Conf. of the European Orn. Union 2009 [] 22 Dec Re: Field Guide recommendation - UAE [Tommy Pedersen ] 22 Dec Re: Field Guide recommendation - UAE [Andrea Corso ] 22 Dec Re: Field Guide recommendation - UAE ["Richard Klim" ] 22 Dec Field Guide recommendation - UAE [Silke Sottorf ] 21 Dec Field Guide recommendation - UAE [Joseph Verica ] 21 Dec Al Asad Iraq Winter Bird Survey, Part One [Randel Rogers ] 13 Dec Turkey: First record of Buff-bellied Pipit and other rarities [Emin Yogurtcuoglu ] 08 Dec Re: Al Asad Iraq summary 2-7 DEC ["Mudhafar A. Salim" ] 8 Dec Al Asad Iraq summary 2-7 DEC [Randel Rogers ] 8 Dec RE: Roller records in Lebanon [richard prior ] 8 Dec Request for hight quality manuscript for PODOCES journal in 2009 [Abolghasem Khaleghizadeh ] 6 Dec Re: bird lists arabic ["Richard Klim" ] 6 Dec bird lists arabic ["bonmarchand suzanne" ] 2 Dec Moussier's Video ["Raymond Galea" ] 30 Nov Moussier's Redstart in Malta ["Raymond Galea" ] 26 Nov Al Asad Iraq summary, 17-26 NOV [Randel Rogers ] 25 Nov Re: mystery falcon with red trousers [] 21 Nov Re: Birding in Iraq ["rdklim" ] 21 Nov Re: Re: Birding in Iraq [Raffael Aye ] 22 Nov RE: Re: Birding in Iraq ["alsirhan AT alsirhan.com" ] 22 Nov RE: Re: Birding in Iraq ["alsirhan AT alsirhan.com" ] 21 Nov Re: Birding in Iraq ["rdklim" ] 21 Nov Bab al Mandeb, Yemen ["ianbirds" ] 20 Nov mystery falcon with red trousers ["Norman D.van Swelm" ] 19 Nov Birding in Iraq ["Richard Klim" ] 19 Nov Re: Captive breeding of raptors? ["Robert Reimer" ] 18 Nov Re:Captive breeding of raptors? ["Umberto Gallo-Orsi \(Gmail\)" ] 18 Nov Birding Report from Doha, Qatar! ["Gordon Saunders" ] 17 Nov Captive breeding of raptors? [kym beirut ] 16 Nov Sandgrouse - latest issue ["ianbirds" ] 16 Nov Sandgrouse - latest issue ["ianbirds" ] 16 Nov Sandgrouse - latest issue ["ianbirds" ] 16 Nov Sandgrouse - latest issue ["ianbirds" ] 16 Nov Al Taqaddum and Al Asad, Iraq Summary for 10-16 NOV [Randel Rogers ] 10 Nov Online checklist of the birds of Egypt ["M.Istvan" ] 9 Nov Al Asad, Iraq Weekly Summary, 3-9NOV [Randel Rogers ] 5 Nov Re: trip report Syria/Jordan Sept-Oct 2008 [Stephen Christopher ] Subject: Sooty Falcon comments From: "Jim Barton" <RedwingATFP1986 AT comcast.net> Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 12:55:11 -0500 Hello. My thanks to those who have commented so far. Before replying,
I will wait a few more days to see if any additional people want to comment.
Again, best wishes for the New Year.
Yours,
Jim Barton
Cambridge, MA
U.S. Coordinator - Proact
defending birds and their habitats
before it's too late
www.proact-campaigns.net
Subject: Re: Sooty Falcons at Kaya, Turkey, June 2008 (second of three sections, very long)From: "Nick P. Williams" <nick.falcons AT virgin.net> Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 02:24:34 -0800 (PST) Happy New Year to all. Like Andrea, I am somewhat perplexed by this record. It's unclear to me exactly how long the falcons were actually observed (without binoculars) during the twenty minute period, plus there are other queries I have about particular statements in the paper. My initial reaction is that this would be an extraordinary record for Sooty Falcon due not only to the geographic location but also the fact that the birds were seen entering a man-made structure - as far as I'm aware the latter has never previously been documented. Moreover, for two Sooties to be apparently exhibiting breeding behaviour, in fairly atypical habitat, such a long way from any known breeding areas would surely be exceptional. May 2009 be a year full of great birds, Nick ___________________________________ --- On Fri, 1/2/09, Andrea CorsoSubject: Re: Sooty Falcons at Kaya, Turkey, June 2008 (second of three sections, very long) From: Andrea Corso <voloerrante AT yahoo.it> Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 09:29:51 +0000 (GMT) I would like to remind that a dark morph in Sootry does not exist, and at most 1st y female look rather dark...but any record referring to a dark morph should be taken with great care as most posibly ragarding eleonora's falcon instead... also, there is a least known grey plumaged eleonora's falcon that is by 99% of the observers mis-identified as Sooty... (i'm writing on that an ID paper) ... so, TAKE GREAT CARE ABOUT ALL THE eUROPEAN RECORDS OF SOOTY All the best Andrae Corso --- Mer 31/12/08, Richard KlimSubject: Al Asad Iraq winter bird survey final tallies From: Randel Rogers <Randel_Rogers AT hotmail.com> Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 12:14:52 -0500
The Al Asad Christmas Bird Count was completed and the results are in! This
survey counted all birds seen between 15 DEC and 1 JAN, with only the largest
daily count for each species tallied to prevent counting the same individual
more than once. 2,054 individual birds were counted, representing over 47
species! I was surprised at the number and variety of shorebirds, and also
happy to add some new species to my Al Asad list including pochard, hen
harrier, stock pigeon, and Finschs wheatear. One Black francolin didnt
countI found only its feathers in the wadi after it had been eaten! The
culprit may have been a jackal or fox, or perhaps a Jungle cat.
Al Asad species identified since July = 94
Kestrel 7
Black francolin 3
Water rail 2
Little crake 2
Moorhen 18
Coot 48
Red-wattled plover 6
Common snipe 8
Rock dove 250
Wood pigeon 102
Collared dove 29
Laughing dove 11
Unidentified lark* 32
Crested lark 25
Tawny pipit 40
White wagtail 17
White-cheeked bulbul 44
Grey hypocolius 1
Robin 3
Bluethroat 1
Black redstart 9
Isabelline wheatear 2
Graceful prinia 4
Hen harrier 1
Common babbler 35
Iraq babbler 26
Isabelline shrike 2
Great gray shrike 1
Magpie 10
Rook 1000 plus
House sparrow 72
Spanish sparrow 163**
Green Sandpiper 2
Hooded Crow 13
Northern shoveler 11
Mallard 23
Stonechat 4
Finschs wheatear 2
Unidentified warbler 4***
Stock pigeon 5
Ruff 2
Common sandpiper 2
Little grebe 3
Moustached warbler 1
Spotted flycatcher 3
Grey heron 1
Marsh harrier 1
Desert lark 2
Pochard 1
* some of these were probably crested, but some were definitely not, possibly
some were one of the short-toed varieties.
** 3 Spanish/House sparrow hybrids
***1 phyllo, 3 unk.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Subject: Re: Sooty Falcons at Kaya, Turkey, June 2008 (second of three sections, very long)From: "Richard Klim" <richard AT klim.co.uk> Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:45:06 -0000 Jim, Some other references of Turkish records... Kirwan et al. 1999. Checklist of the birds of Turkey. Sandgrouse Supplement 1: "Vagrant (Mertens 1974)." Kirwan et al. 2003. Turkey Bird Report 1997-2001. Sandgrouse 25 (1): "Vagrant, with one certain (1973) and one possible (1976) record, both from Birecik (Beaman 1986, Martens 1974). South East: Birecik, 15 Jun 99 (G. Eken); 6 Jul 01 (M. zen)." Kirwan et al. 2008. The Birds of Turkey: "One record of two individuals, dark and light morphs, at Birecik (Southeast Anatolia) on 24 May 1973 is remarkable but well described (Mertens 1974). Two other, more recent, records from the same locality, one on 15 June 1999 and another on 6 July 2001 (Kirwan et al. 2003). In addition, a dark-morph falcon of either this species or Eleonora's Falcon F. eleonorae was also seen near Birecik, hunting bats in the evening of 4 July 1976 (Beaman 1986, Kasparek & Ristow 1986)." Richard Klim Somerset, UK http://www.freewebs.com/holarcticlisting ----- Original Message ----- From: Jim Barton To: mebirdnet AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, December 31, 2008 5:04 PM Subject: [MEBirdNet] Sooty Falcons at Kaya, Turkey, June 2008 III. DISCUSSION OF VAGRANCY, DATE AND SITE ...Vagrancy to Turkey is also mentioned. in various accounts. But Turkish ornithological authorities consulted by the observer were unaware of any previous records.Subject: Sooty Falcons in Kaya, Turkey, June 2008 (third and final section - referen ces) From: "Jim Barton" <RedwingATFP1986 AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:02:07 -0500 CONTINUED FROM SECOND SECTION Copying text to Word Pad fouls up formatting. Sorry. . REFERENCES AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS References Aspinall, Simon, "Sooty Falcons in the United Arab Emirates," Tribulus 4.2, October 1994. Clark, William S., A Field Guide to the Raptors of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Oxford University Press, New York, 1999. Cramp, Stanley, Chief Editor, A Handbook of the Birds of the Middle East, Europe and North Africa Volume II. Oxford University Press, New York, l980. Forsman, Dick, The Raptors of Europe and the Middle East. T & AD Poyser, London, 1999. Frumkin, R. And B. Pinshow, "Notes on the breeding ecology and distribution of the Sooty Falcon Falco concolor in Israel. Ibis 125: 251-59. www.bou.org.uk/pubibis.html Gaucher, P., J.-M. Thiollay and X. Eichaker, "The Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia: distribution, numbers and conservation". Ibis: 137, 29-34. www.bou.org.uk/pubibis.html Harris, Alan, Hadoram Shirihai and David Christie, The Macmillan Guide to European and Middle Eastern Birds. Macmillan, London, 1996. Hoath, Richard, "The Land of Plenty - Wadi El-Gemal National Park shelters rare populations of falcons and foxes", in Egypt Today, December 2004. www.egypttoday.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2988 Kleis, Jean-Luc, "Un Faucon concolore [Falco concolor] en Camargue : premire mention franaise. Ornitho Volume l5, No. 2 (2008). www.eurobirding.com/birdingmagazines/artinfo.php?id=9764 McGrady, M.J., Nicholl (sic), M.A.C. and Williams, N.P. "A report on the status and distribution of breeding Sooty falcons (Falco concolor) on the northern islands of Oman: August - October 2007. Natural Research Ltd and Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, Reading University. Unpublished Report 2007. http://Www.ibis.com Click on Sooty Falcon Studies in Oman". Mullarney, Killian, Lars Svensson, Dan Zetterstrom, and Peter J. Grant, Collins Bird Guide. Harper Collins, London 1999. M. Nicoll (sic), M. McGrady and N. Williams, "Micro-chipping of Sooty Falcons on Islands off Northern Oman". Offprint from Falco, newsletter of the Middle East Falcon Research Group, No. 32, Fall 2008. www.falcons.co.uk Scuderi, Angelo, Photographer. Island of Linosa, Italy, September 13, 2007. EBN Italia www.ebnitalia.it/gallery/falco_un.htm Shah, Junid N., Shahid B. Khan,,, Shakee Ahmed Salim Javed and Abdullah Hammadi, "Sooty Falcons in the United Arab Emirates". Offprint from Falco, No. 32 Fall 2008. www.falcons.co.uk ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would very much like to thank the following correspondents for their comments and for alerting me to references. I have not quoted any correspondents by name, except when I have drawn on published articles. I have sent copies of this formal description to the list below. My thanks to.. [names omitted] I have also sent copies to Bill Clark and Dick Forsman, in case they wish to comment. A copy has also been sent to the Ornithological Society of the Middle East (OSME) at its rarities addresss www.rarities AT osme.org Respectfully Submitted December 9, 2008 James H. Barton 130 Appleton St. Cambridge, MA 02138 617-354-7435Subject: Sooty Falcons at Kaya, Turkey, June 2008 (second of three sections, very long) From: "Jim Barton" <RedwingATFP1986 AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:04:10 -0500 CONTINUED FROM SECTION 1-- Underside of birds close to uniform gray. One bird presented central tail feathers projecting noticeably beyond adjacent feathers. The tail of the second bird was wedge shaped, and presented a thin translucent terminal edge. I could not determine which was Bird A and which was Bird B. Since both birds appeared to be adults, the thin translucent terminal edge to the tail of the second bird might be put down to feather wear rather than persistence of a juvenile character. Leg color: not observed. The birds were observed four times as pair in flight. On one occasion, a single bird was observed flying directly away from the observer. The birds were behaving as if with great urgency. Much commotion and several different vocalizations could be heard coming from the large tree they were using as a base, each time they returned to it and disappeared into it. None of the vocalizations appeared to be those a Sooty Falcon, which, I'm told, resemble those of (Common) Kestrel F. tinninculus. I examined and photographed the interior of the church, which appeared to offer several ledges as potential nest sites. Similar Species The dark member of the Hobby group to be expected on the Aegean Coast of Turkey would presumably be dark morph Eleonora's Falcon eleonorae, as several correspondents suggested. But several characters of the Kaya falcons would appear to eliminate eleonorae. First, orbital skin color and color of cere: Eleonora's: pale or paler. Second: two-toned upper wing (approaching three toned, indeed). Dark morph Eleonora's uniform dark above. Third: nearly uniform underparts. Eleonora's: two-toned underwing. Fourth: projecting central tail feathers. Eleonora's: projection lacking. The two other members of the Hobby group can be eliminated on the basis of a comparison of the same characters. III. DISCUSSION OF VAGRANCY, DATE AND SITE Vagrancy Sooty is known as a vagrant to Cyprus in September l962, and to Malta, where birds were recorded in November 1968, August 1970 and June, 1971. (Cramp l980, p. 335) Isenmann reports vagrants to Tunisia on April 15, 1993, September 18, 1996 and April 27, 2003. More recently, the species has been reported from the Camargue in southern France on August 23, 2006 (Kleis, in Ornithos 2008) and the island of Linosa between Italy and Tunisia on September 13, 2007 (Scuderi 2007). For URLs see references below. Clark (1999) reports vagrancy to Spain. Undated vagrancy to Morocco is mentioned on the Eurobirding website (see references). Vagrancy to Turkey is also mentioned. in various accounts. But Turkish ornithological authorities consulted by the observer were unaware of any previous records. Sooty Falcon breeds east to Libya, most likely the source of the Spanish, Moroccan, Italian and French and Tunisian birds. The species breeds principally in Israel and on both sides of the Red Sea, and on islands in the Persian Gulf, likely sources of vagrants reported to Cyprus, Turkey and Pakistan. .Since the species is scarcely known north of its nesting sites in Israel, the sighting of two birds exhibiting nesting behavior on the Aegean Coast of Turkey could be considered extraordinary, and so could the date and the character of the site. A search of the literature suggests, however, that both the date and character of the site might be considered quite plausible Date of Observation Sooty is generally reported to begin nesting no earlier than mid-July. But authorities differ on when nesting begins. A correspondent and student of the species states that nesting begins no earlier than August (p.c.). and that "late June is very early to be exhibiting nesting behavior." However, the nesting season at the Wadi El-Gamal National Park in southeastern Egypt, has been reported by ornithologists Tom Coles and Nick Williams, in a study funded by USAID for the Egyptian government, to extend from June 1 to November 30 (cited in Hoath, 2004) . The birds arrive at the park in April from Madagascar. The birds arrive in Oman in April and May, and begin nesting in July and August. (McGrady et al., 2007, p. 4) Sooty Falcons time their breeding season to take advantage of the fall migration of passerines, on which they feed. On those grounds, a late June or early July attempt to nest might seem ill-timed; however, a correspondent reports that swifts are "an important part of the diet" prior to nesting time at Fahal in Oman. Swifts abound in Turkey. Sootys also feed on swallows. House Martins D. ubica also abound in Turkey. Sooty's also feed on insects. . A correspondent considers the Kaya birds might have been " migratory overshoots" from the Red Sea. That would seem highly likely. In addition, the birds were observed nearly a full month after the June 1 date when Coles and Williams recommended that the island of Wadi El-Gemal be closed to visitors, or that access to it be severely restricted. A correspondent notes that the birds spend considerable time "fussing about their nesting sites" before beginning actual breeding. The observer did not see any breeding outside the church, nor see the birds when in it. The behavior of the birds, however, could most certainly be described as "fussing about" a potential site. . Site Sooty Falcons are generally considered birds of the desert and rocky islands. Kaya is very dry, but it's certainly no desert. It's near the coast, but it is inland. One might speculate that the birds were attracted to the church building because it afforded protection against nest predators such as owls. The principal attraction, however, may well have been the well-ventilated, relatively cool interior. In a study of Sooty Falcons nesting on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, Gaucher et al. (1995) reported that "permanent shade was more important [to nesting success] than inaccessibility [to nest predators]". All nests "are completely shaded," according to Clark (1999, loc. cit.). Photos by taken by Hartmut Walter in Oman in l978 and appearing on his website www.hartmutwalter.com show eggs in shaded crevices. Conclusion: the date of the observed behavior and the birds' choice of potential nest site aren't nearly as unexpected as one might conclude from abbreviated entries in field guides and general internet references. IV. DISCUSSION OF COLORATION The Kaya birds were considerably more colorful than the species is generally represented in field guides. For example, the presented a far sharper contrast between the darker outerwing and blue gray innerwing than is shown in Mullarney et. al (1999, p. 97) A better representation appears in Harris et al. (1996, p. 68) But both guides present the back and innerwing as uniformly dark and make no suggestion of the paler, lighter blue-grey panel evident on the Kaya birds. Similarly, neither Clark (1999, p. 246)) nor Forsman (1999) make any mention of a such a panel. Mullarney notes that the birds range in color from "rather pale blue-grey to....dark, blackish lead-grey" (op.cit., p 96.). His remarks appear to apply to overall coloration rather than to different areas of the body. For example, he doesn't suggest that the birds can present contrast not only between the outer wing and back and inner wing, but also within the back and inner wing area itself Such contrast is evident in photos of perched birds taken by Hartmut Walter in Oman in l989, appearing on the website cited above (consulted November 2008).These photos clearly show a prominent, diffuse pale blue-grey area in the shoulders and on the backs of males and females alike, an area contrasting in tone with dark heads and napes and with neighboring areas of the wing. In the observer's opinion, the intensity of the coloration of the Kaya birds may have resulted from lighting conditions. The birds were observed four times entering or leaving the church in the shade of the building, that is, to its north. They were observed once entering the church from the east, in the early morning sun. The upperparts were observed once in the sun and once in the shade. The underparts were observed twice in the shade. The bird flying directly away from the observer was seen in the shade. The coloration of the plumage and bare parts viewed in the shade and in the early morning sun was similar, but was particularly intense in the shade. Reflection of sunlight from the building in may have affected the apparent coloration of the birds seen entering the church from the east, since stone glares. Of course, there was no reflection from the building and the ground to affect the apparent coloration of the birds seen in the shade. The birds seen from below were partly observed against the sky, which may have darkened them sufficiently to prevent the coloration of the legs from being seen. But in one view from below, the uniform coloration of the underparts was evident. TO BE CONTINUED Jim Barton Cambridge, MASubject: Sooty Falcons in Kaya, Turkey, June 2009 (in three sections, Very Long) From: "Jim Barton" <RedwingATFP1986 AT comcast.net> Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 11:52:16 -0500 Hello. Best wishes for the New Year, and my thanks to all who helped me
prepare the attached formal description of two Sooty Falcons F. concolor in
Kaya, Turkey, in June, 2008. I have omitted the names of those whose help I
have acknowledge in a report previously sent privately.
Your comments will be welcome.
In the body of the description, I offer reasons why the occurrence of a
pair in Turkey, and a pair exhibiting nesting behavior in late, may not be
quite as outlandish as other wise might appear.
To date, I have only received one reply to may initial distribution. I
will reply to the gentlemen shortly. Sorry for the delay.
I have sent a copy to OSME, but have received no acknowledgement . I
would hope that the editors would acknowledge reviving the report and give
it their consideration.
I have placed the report in the text of this post and in the text of a
post to follow immediately, because I suspect the list will reject
attachment.
Again, my best wishes for the New Year.
Jim Barton
Cambridge, MA
U.S. Coordinator - Proact
defending birds and their habitats
before it's too late
www.proact-campaigns.net
MALE AND FEMALE SOOTY FALCON F. concolor AT KAYA, TURKEY
June 26, 2008
Exhibiting Nesting Behavior
1. INTRODUCTION
Location
Kaya is located very near the southwest Aegean coast of Turkey. Formerly a
Greek town, Kaya was abandoned in l923 in accordance with an agreement
between Turkey and Greece to exchange their Greek and Turkish populations.
The site consists of many abandoned buildings, including two Greek churches,
and is frequently visited by tourists. The observer was on a tour.
The two birds were flying in and out of one of the churches, a well
preserved structure which lacked doors and windows but was otherwise intact.
The church faces east. The birds were hurriedly passing back and forth
between the church and a large ficus sp. in a grove to the right, that is to
say, to the northeast of the church. Distance from church to trees no >20-25
m. The birds entered and left the church by open windows. For the most part,
they were observed in the shade of the church, which presumably affected
perceived coloration. The church cast a large shadow in a relatively low sun
at the time of observation, about 9:00 a.m.
Conditions
Sky very clear. Sunlight very strong. Temperature comfortable. Heat wave
with temperatures >30 C. in progress for several weeks.
Duration of Observation
The birds were observed five times during about a 20-minute period- twice
from above, twice from below and once doing away. Because I was
participating in a tightly scheduled non-birding tour, I had to leave the
site soon and was unable to obtain any photographs. In any event, given the
rapid flight and agitated behavior of the birds, getting photographs would
have probably required training a video camera on the church and leaving it
running for half an hour or more.
Distance to Birds
Horizontally, the birds were 10m to 20-25m away, and were 10m to 20m distant
vertically.
Optics
Unaided eye, vision corrected by eyeglasses. Note distances. I had not
brought my binoculars to the site. That meant I could spend all my time
observing the birds rather than trying to get them into a field of view.
That would have been hard to do, since they passed by rapidly at close
range.
Observer's Experience
I have been a birdwatcher for 40 years.
I had no previous experience with concolor, but I had made extensive study
of images of the Eurasian and Near Eastern hobby group in photographs and
field guides. I had seen (Common) Kestrel tinninculus on several occasions,,
and had limited experience with Lesser Kestrel naumanni, Eleonora's Falcon
eleonorae, (Eurasian) Hobby subbuteo and Red-footed Falcon vespertinus.
I have more than 30 years experience as a hawk migration watcher studying
falcons on spring migration along the Atlantic Ocean coast of North America
at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport, Massachusetts.
At several vantage points, the birds bass by at eye level or slightly below.
Field Guides
I was using Harris et al. 1996, "The MacMillan Birder's Guide to European
and Middle Eastern Birds." as a field guide. The trip was not a birding
trip. I had packed the guide in a suitcase, which remained on the tour bus
while we visited Kaya. In other words, I did not have the guide with me
while I was observing the birds. I did observe sufficient detail to go
immediately to Sooty Falcon to confirm my ID.
II. DESCRIPTION
Two dark falcons with markedly long hands and markedly pointed wings. In
flight. Outer wings black, contrasting with blue gray inner wings and back.
Tail also blue gray, turning black towards tip. Orbital skin and cere on
Bird A intense bright lemon yellow. Bill large, pale at base turning dark
towards tip. Dark, prominently hooked tip. On Bird B orbital skin orange
yellow. Cere intense reddish orange nearest eye (cf. The fruit of a blood
orange) turning more yellowish towards bill. Bill also large, pale at base,
turning dark towards tip. Dark, prominently hooked tip. Facial pattern
initially very confusing.
On both birds, a panel in the center of the back was noticeably bluer in
tone than the head, nape, and rest of upper wing, . On Bird B, which I take
to have been a male, because more brightly colored, this bluish panel was
paler than on Bird A and turned whitish towards its rear edge.
Underside of birds close to uniform gray. One bird presented central tail
feathers projecting noticeably beyond adjacent feathers. The tail of the
second bird was wedge shaped, and presented a thin translucent terminal
edge. I could not determine which was Bird A and which was Bird B. Since
both birds appeared to be adults, the thin translucent terminal edge to the
tail of the second bird might be put down to feather wear rather than
persistence of a juvenile character.
On both birds, a panel in the center of the back was noticeably bluer in
tone than the head, nape, and rest of upper wing, . On Bird B, which I take
to have been a male, because more brightly colored, this bluish panel was
paler than on Bird A and turned whitish towards its rear edge.
Underside of birds close to uniform gray. One bird presented central tail
feathers projecting noticeably beyond adjacent feathers. The tail of the
second bird was wedge shaped, and presented a thin translucent terminal
edge. I could not determine which was Bird A and which was Bird B. Since
both birds appeared to be adults, the thin translucent terminal edge to the
tail of the second bird might be put down to feather wear rather than
persistence of a juvenile character.
TO BE CONTINUED
Subject: Georgia birds 2008, part 4 (passerines)From: Alexander Abuladze <lesser7kestrel AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:44:47 -0800 (PST) Georgia birds 2008, part 4 (passerines)
Sand Martin (Riparia riparia) [menapire mertskhali]
Common summer breeder and passage visitor.
- first spring records of transit migrants were: in Black Sea basin near
Kutaisi in Kvirila River valley on 8 April: in Caspian Sea basin on 10 April in
Mtkvari (Kura) River flood-land lower Borjomi town and in Khashuri, next day
transit migrants were seen in Gori town, Shida Kartli Region;
- five small colonies (10-20 pairs in each) were recorded in three sites of
Javakheti Upland, Samyskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia: at banks of Kochki
River between Madatapa Lake and Yefremovka village, at left bank of Bugdasheni
River 1 km NW of Gorelovka village and at Sulda wetlands, Javakheti Upland, S
Georgia; high altitude – 1900-2105 m a.s.l. and new, unknown earlier breeding
sites;
- last autumn transit migrants were recorded on 3 and 4 October in Rioni River
valley between Vani and Samtredia towns, Imereti Region, W Georgia.
Eurasian Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris) [kldis mertskhali]
Common summer breeder in rocky areas. Rare, locally uncommon, passage visitor,
more common on passage in pre-mountain and mountain areas of E Georgia.
- two small colonies (up to 20 pairs in each) were found in Paravani River
canyon near Akhalkalaki town, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia on 5 May;
new, unknown earlier colonies;
- an occupied nest with two chicks was found at rock directly at bank of
Mtkvari (Rura River) near Tsnisi village, Akhaltsike district,
Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia on 13 September, THAT IS UNUSUALLY LATE
DATES OF NESTING (!). A pair was recorded here several times feeding chicks
during next three days – on 14, 15 and 16 September.
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) [soplis mertskhali]
More-or-less common but not numerous bird in the most of settlements and its
environs.
- first spring records of transit migrants were on 7 April at Black Sea coast
in Batumi and Kobuleti, Ajaria, SW Georgia; on 9 April in Rioni River valley
near Kutaisi, Imereti Region, W Georgia; on 11 April in Tbilisi and Rustavi, E
Georgia;
- one nest was found on 22 May at altitude of 2312 m a.s.l in ruins of old
sheep-fold at SE slope of Mt.Karatash (2858 m a.s.l.) at Samsari Ridge, Lesser
Caucasus, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region Georgia. Only one nest was found, but 20-25
flying birds were observed in site; high altitude.
Northern House-martin (Delichon urbica) [qalaqis mertskhali]
Common and numerous bird species in the most of settlements and its environs
- first spring observations of transit migrants were on 4 April at Black Sea
coast in Ajaria and in Rioni River valley in Kutaisi, Imereti Region, W
Georgia, on 7 April in Tbilisi, Gori and and Rustavi, E Georgia;
- arrival of first local birds was recorded in evening on 11 April in Tbilisi
City and Rustavi town;
- small flock flying to SW direction was observed at bank of Rioni River lower
Samtredia town, Imereti Region, W Georgia on 10 October, that was an unusual
late autumn record.
Radde’s Accentor (Prunella ocularis) [rades tchvintaka]
Status uncertain. Summer visitor without breeding. Based on a several tens
(about 25) summer records, may be classified as rare summer breeder. Probably
in small numbers sporadically breeds in stony habitats at ridges of eastern
part of Javakheti Upland along Armenian and Turkish borders. Most of recorded
were on stony meadows, rocky outcrops, screens at 2100-2700 m a.s.l. and more.
- solitary individual was observed at rocky outcrops at the left side of
Bugdasheni River gorge about 0,5 km lower Spasovka village in morning on 11
May. Taking into account, that there are a few of spring records to Georgia,
this observation may be classified as significant (!).
Rock Thrush (Monticola saxatilis) [tchreli kldis shashvi]
Uncommon migratory breeder. Rare on passage. More common in central and eastern
parts of Main Great Caucasian Ridge and its southern spurs. Rare at Lesser
Caucasus at Samsari and Javakheti Ridges and at highlands along Armenian and
Turkish borders. Breeding habitats are located between 1600 and 2200 m a.s.l.
Dates of presence: end of April - 2nd decade of September. Population is
stable.
- pair and two single individuals were seen at stony southern slopes of
M.Keroghly (2213 m a.s.l.) above Kartsakhi village and single was watched near
military post at northern shore of Kartsakhi (Aktash Golu) Lake directly at
Georgia-Turkish border on 5 May, that were only two records of this species in
area.
Yellow-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus) [kvithelniskarta maghrani]
Common, in places numerous year-round resident bird species with seasonal
vertical movements in subalpine and alpine belts. More common and numerous at
Great Caucasus.Usually is occurred near rocks, screes, in sheep-flocks
concentration sites, near roads, settlements, separate human constructions.
Locally increased. Occasional visitor outside of areas of breeding
distribution.
- around 25 were observed on 22 December at right side of Aragvi River and
along motor-road between Zhinvali reservoir and Pasanauri village, Dusheti
district, N Georgia; unusual location, caused by severe weather conditions.
Rook (Corvus frugilegus) [tchilkvavi]
Common and numerous year-round resident with local movements, passage and
winter visitor. No data on total numbers of breeding pairs.
- 16 colonies (totally ca. 525+ pairs) were found at 1600-1900 m a.s.l. in
southern part of Javakheti Upland, Lesser Caucasus, S Georgia, during first
half of May. 11 colonies were in- or in environs of settlements – in
Ninotsminda town, in Gorelovka, Didi Khanchali, Kartsakhi, Yefremovka and Sulda
villages and 5 colonies were located in pine artificial plantations along motor
– roads. Additionally, 5 colonies (totally ca. 140+ pairs) were found in
northern and western parts of Javakheti Upland.
White-winged Snowfinch (Montifringilla nivalis) [qathqatha mthiula]
Generally uncommon, but locally in, suitable habitats, common year-round
resident with local vertical movements. Breeding range covers pre-alpine and
alpine belts at Great Caucasus and Lesser Caucasus. During non-breeding period
it carries out nomadic movements quite widely, forming sometimes great flocks
to several hundred birds.
- large flocks, up to 100-200 individuals in each (totally c.2000) were
recorded on 7 May at stony meadows (altitude 2100-2200 m a.s.l.) between
southern slope of Mt.Patara Abuli (2800 m) and Avchalgelistba Lake, Samsari
Ridge, S Georgia. It should be mentioned, that only about 20 individuals were
seen here during visits in previous days; unucual concentration, caused by
intensive snowfall.
Great Rosefinch (Carpodacus rubicilla) [didi kochoba]
Rare and sporadic year-round resident at Main Caucasian Range and some it’s
spurs.Typical species-indicator of sub-nival altitudinal belt, where they are
nesting at the heights of 3000-3500 m a.s.l., and feeding mainly in alpine and
sub-alpine belts – in summer not lower 2500-2700 m, in winter - 1900-2000 m.
In foothills they appear seldom, only in the most severest winters and under
unfavorable feeding. Probably several hundred pairs nests in Georgia (Loskot,
1991).
- 17 (5 males and 12 females) were recorded on Mt.Kazbegi macro-slope in the
fields below the Gergeti Glacier, N Georgia on 19 May; high density;
- solitary male was watched on 17 September near meteorological station at
Jvari pass, Main Caucasian Ridge, N Georgia;
- female and the juveniles were recorded on 18 September in Truso gorge, Tergi
(Terek) River valley, 1,5 km west of Kobi village, northen slope of the Main
Caucasian Ridge, N Georgia;
- two solitary males and one female were recorded on 22 September along
motor-road from Kobi village to Jvari pass northen slope of the Main Caucasian
Ridge, N Georgia;
Crimson-winged Finch ( Rhodopechys sanguinea) [phrthatzithela meosphia]
Status largerly uncertain. Occasional visitor or very rare summer non-breeding
visitor or very rare sporadically nesting summer breeder. Probably a small
population may survive on gentle slopes with gravel or stony substrate and
rocky outcrops and poor vegetation at mountain meadows in western and southern
parts of Javakheti Upland, along Armenian and Turkish borders, but breeding
here not confirmed by any factual materials (nests, clutches, eggs). A few of
records to Georgia.
- solitary adult male was observed during several minutes on 2 May at gentle
stony slope in sources of Gandzaniskhevi stream (2340 m a.s.l.), about 2km E of
Paravani Lake, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, Southern Georgia; record during
breeding season on the edge of species range of breeding distribution; the
western-northernmost record to Georgia, South Caucasus and, probably, for
species; a few of summer records to Georgia.
======================================================================
Dr. Alexander Abuladze
Expert in Ornithology of the Institute of Zoology
Chairman of the Bird Conservation Society of Georgia
31 Ilia Chavchavadze ave., 0197, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Phone: +(99532)223353; +(995 32)220164;
Fax: + (99532)917192;
Private: +(99532)374335; +(995 32)372621; + (372)6578766;
Mobil: +(995 97)123560
+(372)5589510
E-mail: abuladze AT inbox.ru
http://www.abuladze.narod.ru
http://www.bcug.narod.ru
http://www.zoo.caucasus.net
Subject: Georgia birds 2008, part 3 (crane to woodpecker)From: Alexander Abuladze <lesser7kestrel AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:42:30 -0800 (PST) Georgia birds 2008, part 3 (Common Crane to White-backed Woodpecker)
Common Crane (Grus grus) [rukhi tzero]
Survey of the breeding pairs was carried out in May. As a result, nesting of at
least 10 pairs (probably 11) was confirmed at Javakheti, Samsari and Trialeti
ridges and at Javakheti Upland, Lesser Caucasus, Southern Georgia. 2 pairs were
in Tabatskuri Lake basin and sources of Ktsia River, 5 (probably 6) pairs –
around large lakes of Javakheti Upland and 3 pairs at Samsari Ridge at small
alpine lakes and wetlands within the altitudinal limits 2100-2520 m a.s.l.,
located around Mt.Didi Abuli (3301 m a.s.l.), Mt.Ivantepe (2934 m a s.l.),
Mt.Keroghly (2921 m a.s.l.), Mt.Karaultepe (2287 m a.s.l.) and Mt.Godorebi
(3189).
Some observations at Javakheti Upland are of interests:
- single individual was recorded flying along western bank of Sagamo lake to NW
direction in morning on 4 May;
- single was observed feeding at wet meadow at eastern bank of Madatapa Lake
about 1 km N of Kalinino village on 4 May;
- single was watched flying to western direction across Kodalasu River valley
lower Miasnikiani village on 5 May;
- single was observed feeding at wet southern bank of Khanchali Lake on 6 May;
- pair was found at Abulgeli Lake on 6 May, that is significant record of rare
species (!);
- single was watched flying along left side of Bugdasheni River valley lower
Gorelovka village on 10 May;
- two pairs were found at Avchalgel Lake on 11 May, that may be classified as
very significant record (!).
- two feeding individuals (pair?) were watched several times in evening on 13
May and in early morning on 14 May at banks of Paskia Lake and at wet meadows
around lake, that is significant record of rare species (!);
- pair was recorded at Levalgel Lake (2560 m a.s.l.) at Samsari Ridge on 15 May
(significant record!);
- pair was recorded at wetland under Mt.Karaultepe (2287 m a.s.l.) 16 May
(significant record!)
Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)
Rare to uncommon passage migrant, more common in Black Sea basin at coastal
wetlands. Occasianal winter visitor.
- two flocks (17 individuals – 11 and 6) were recorded on 26 February at
Supsa fish-ponds and four were in Maltakva River mouth at Black Sea coast,
Guria Region, W Georgia. Significant numbers, previous winter records in
country are of far lower numbers, usually not more than 10 individuals.
Greater Black-headed Gull (Larus ichthyaetus)
Rare but regular winter visitor at various wetlands from Black Sea coast in
West to lakes and rivers in East. More common and numerous at sea coast,
coastal lakes, in flood-lands of large rivers, reservoirs in Western Georgia.
Rarely recorded in Kura (Mtkvari) River Valley from Khashuri town to border
with Azerbaijan. Vagrant to other areas. Dates of presence: from middle of
November to middle of March, rarely later.
- about 25 were at sea coast and at left side of Chorokhi River mouth and 4
were at small ponds in southern environs of Batumi, 1 km SE of Batumi, Ajaria,
SW Georgia on 16 January; high concentration;
- solitary was watched at Vartsikhe reservoir, Imereti Region, W Georgia on 21
January. Rare winter visitor to site;
- 21 were watched in morning and 16 in evening on 12 February at NW bank of
Jandari Lake at Georgia-Azeri border; high concentration;
- at least 38 individuals were counted on 27 February during observations from
high watching point at eastern bank of Kumisi Lak, SW environs of Tbilisi City;
- from 2 to 14 regularly seen during second half of February and first week of
March at banks of Liakhvi and Mtkvari rivers within the limits of Gori town,
Shida Kartli Region, E Georgia;
- five (four in one flock and single) were on 8 March at Mtkvari River in
Rustavi town, E Georgia’
- three were recorded flying to eastern direction along bank of Mtkvari (Kura)
River lower Avchala bridge in Dighomi district of Tbilisi City on 22 March,
that is late winter record.
Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus)
Regular but rare migrating and wintering species at Black Sea coast and some
large lakes in Western Georgia. Rare and irregular (occasional) winter visitor
to Eastern Georgia.
- solitary was on 14 January in harbor of Batumi, Ajaria, SW Georgia;
- three were in Chorokhi River mouth and solitary at small ponds in southern
environs of Batumi, 1 km SE of Batumi, Ajaria, SW Georgia on 16 January;
- two were on 26 February at Supsa fish-ponds and single at Black Sea coast 2
km S of Poti, Guria Region, W Georgia;
- solitary was in flock about of 25 Armenian Gulls at Mtkvari (Kura) River
lower Krtsanisi bridge in S environs of Tbilisi City on 11 March;
- two were watched in mixed flock of gulls at western shore of Paleostomi Lake,
Kolkheti Lowland, Guria Region, W Georgia on 26 October.
Armenian Gull (Larus armenicus) ) [somkhuri tholia]
Rare irregular breeder in southern areas. Irregularly nests in small numbers on
the some lakes and marshes of eastern part of Lesser Caucasus - at Javakheti
Upland (Khanchali, Khozapini, Madatapa and some other lakes). Several times
small colonies (10-15 pairs) were found at Tabatskuri Lake. Rare year-round
non-breeding visitor in Mtkvari (Kura) River valley, more often recorded during
post-breeding movements. Occasional visitor in wetlands in other areas. Vagrant
at the Black Sea coast and coastal wetlands.
- 510+ were counted along Mtkvari (Kura) River banks within the central part of
Tbilisi City on 28 January, 643+ on 12 February, 323+ on 21 February and 187+
on 16 March; wintering species to area;
- about 2300 individuals were counted during field works at wetlands of
Javakheti Upland, Tsalka hollow and adjacent ridges (Samtskhe-Javakheti and
Kvemo Kartli Regions, S Georgia) in the first half of May 2008. Nesting was
confirmed at Bugdasheni Lake (Javakheti Upland), where small colony (11-12
pairs) was found at island in SE part of lake and at Bashkoi Lake near Tsalka
(at least 7 pairs);
- two individuals were watched at Mtkvari River in Mtskheta town on 10 October,
that is very early autumn record to area;
- at least eight were in large mixed flocks of gulls (totally ca. 1100) in
Chorokhi River mouth, at sea coast and at ponds near Batumi Airport, Ajaria, SW
Georgia, on 21 October; occasional visitor and very early autumn record to
area, previous records were mostly from the end of November to end of February;
- 363+ were counted along banks of Mtkvari River within the limits of Tbilisi
City on 7 November.
Alpine Swift (Apus melba) [mekiria]
Common breeder in dry open areas with presence of precipices, rocks, cliffs in
middle and upper belts of mountains, table-lands, beyond over to 800 m a.s.l.
and in semi-deserts. More common in East. Scarce on passage. Nests by small
colonies (20-40 pairs), located at cliffs.
- first spring observations of were on 19 April at Kvernaki Ridge near
Uplistsikhe, Shida Kartli Region and on 22 April in Dabakhnka stream canyon
near Okrokana village in environs of Tbilisi City;
- small flocks, consisting of 5-10 individuals, were recorded in two sites of
Paravani canyon and above Abuligeli Lake, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia
during field works in the first half of May.
Swift (Apus apus) [namgala]
Very common summer breeder and passage visitor.
- first spring observations of transit migrants were on 12 April (14:45) at
Black Sea coast in Batumi, Ajaria, SW Georgia, on 14 April(17:00) in Gori town,
Shida Kartli Region, E Georgia, on 17 April (16:20) in Tbilisi Citi and Rustavi
town;
- in Tbilisi City first local birds arrived on 19 April 2007.
White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) [thethrzurga kodala]
Rare, locally uncommon, year-round resident with seasonal vertical movements.
More common in old mixed forests in eastern parts of country. Total number of
breeding pairs is unknown. No data on population changes.
Solitary was watched on 7 February in Seaside Park of Batumi, Ajaria, SW
Georgia; occasional visitor to coastal lowlands, especially to urban areas.
========================================================================
Dr. Alexander Abuladze
Expert in Ornithology of the Institute of Zoology
Chairman of the Bird Conservation Society of Georgia
31 Ilia Chavchavadze ave., 0197, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Phone: +(99532)223353; +(995 32)220164;
Fax: + (99532)917192;
Private: +(99532)374335; +(995 32)372621; + (372)6578766;
Mobil: +(995 97)123560
+(372)5589510
E-mail: abuladze AT inbox.ru
http://www.abuladze.narod.ru
http://www.bcug.narod.ru
http://www.zoo.caucasus.net
Subject: Georgia birds 2008, part 2 (ducks & raptors)From: Alexander Abuladze <lesser7kestrel AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:38:21 -0800 (PST) Georgia birds 2008, part 2 (ducks & raptors)
Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) [tzitheli ikhvi]
Rare breeder. Regular, but in small numbers, passage and winter visitor. More
often recorded at lakes in SE areas and at Javakheti Upland, Lesser Caucasus.
- four individuals were recorded on northern shore of Khanchali Lake in evening
of 3 May;
- Seven (two pairs + three solitary) were recorded at Madatapa Lake on 4 May;
- Ten individuals (three pairs + four solitary birds were watched at banks of
Kartshaki Lake on 5 May;
- Two solitary individuals were watched flying across Sulda wetlands near
Myasnikyani village in NE direction on 4 May;
- Pair and single were recorded at southern bank of Khanchali Lake on 6 May;
- At least nine individuals were observed at small island at Bugdasheni Lake on
10 May.
Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) [qochora kvinthia]
Tufted Duck seldom breeds at lakes of Javakheti. Rare, in some years uncommon,
passage and winter visitor at sea coast. Very rare recorded at inland waters.
Number on winter quarters greatly fluctuates by years. In some years
practically is absent. More common at the end of winter, in February.
The following records during breeding season at Javakheti Upland, S Georgia,
may be considered as significant:
- about 150 individuals were recorded from 3 to 12 May 2008 at five lakes:
- about 25 were recorded at Sagamo Lake on 3 May;
- eight (3 males and 5 females) were along northern bank of Khanchali Lake in
evening of 3 May;
- ten and four in two flocks and six solitary (about 2/3 were males) were at
Madatapa Lake on 4 May;
- at least 66 individuals (35+, 17 and 11 in three flocks, one pair and single
male) were watched at banks of Kartshaki Lake on 5 May;
- six Tufted Ducks (4 males and 2 females) were observed at small island at
Bugdasheni Lake on 10 May;
- not less than 30 were counted at Sagamo Lake in evening on 12 May.
Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) [tzithelthava kvinthia]
Local breeder in small numbers on the lakes of Southern Georgia, at the
Javakheti Upland, along borders with Armenia and Turkey. Regular uncommon
passage migrant and winterer at coastlands and some large lakes in E Georgia.
Records in several sites during breeding season at Javakheti Upland, S Georgia,
may be classified as interesting:
- nine were observed at Sagamo Lake on 3 May;
- at least 25 were watched along northern bank of Khanchali Lake in evening of
3 May;
- about 40 were in western part and seven in eastern part of Madatapa Lake on 4
May;
- 20+ individuals were watched along northen shore and four at NW bank of
Kartshaki (Aktash Golu) Lake on 5 May;
- eight were observed along southern bank of Khanchali Lake on 6 May;
- about 20 were at Bugdasheni Lake on 10 May;
- six were recorded at Avchalgel Lake on 11 May;
- at least seven in western part of Sagamo Lake and at least five in mouth of
Paravani River on 12 May.
Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) [thethrthvala kvinthia]
Rare breeder at some lakes of Javakheti Upland. Rare in small numbers passage
and winter visitor at some lakes of at Black Sea coast and rare, irregular
passage visitor and winterer on some lakes of Eastern Georgia.
There were two remarkable records during breeding season at Javakheti Upland, S
Georgia:
- at least 25 individuals were seen in two flocks at Sagamo Lake on 3 May and
six were watched from western shore of Madatapa Lake on 4 May;
- about 40 were recorded on 4 November in traditional wintering site of this
ducks - at Japana fish-ponds, Guria Region, W Georgia on 4 November; early
winter record.
White-winged Scoter =Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca) [shavi garieli]
At present breeding is known on high-altitude lakes at the Javakheti Upland in
Southern Georgia (Khozapini Lake, Khanchali Lake, Madatapa Lake and at some
small lakes along Armenian and Turkish borders). Vertical limits of breeding
distribution - 1700-2100m a.s.l. Total number is unknown, but may be estimated
as not more than 200 breeding pairs. Rare on passage and in winter along Black
Sea coast. Occasionally recorded inland in winter on some lakes on plains of
country.
A total of about 180 individuals were seen during survey at Javakheti Upland in
May:
- at least 34 individuals were watched along northern shore of Khanchali Lake
in evening of 3 May;
- about 70 individuals were counted in four flocks at Madatapa Lake on 4 May
(about 60 in western part of lake and nine in eastern part);
- about 50 individuals were observes in Georgian part of Kartshaki Lake on 5
May;
- four and single were at two small lakes near Sulda village on 5 May;
- seven individuals were recorded at Sulda wetlands lower Miasnikiani village
on 5 May;
- pair and single were recorded at southern bank of Khanchali Lake on 6 May;
- at least nine individuals were observed at small island at Bugdasheni Lake on
10 May.
- pair and single were recorded at Avchalgel Lake on 11 May;
- single in western part of Sagamo Lake and at four in mouth of Paravani River
were recorded on 12 May
Black Kite (Milvus migrans) [dzera]
- 14 individuals were recorded in Seaside Park of Kobuleti resort + 4 in
Kintrishi River mouth + 3 in Choloki River mouth and at least 30 at garbage
damp of Kobuleti, Ajaria Autonomous Republic, SW Georgia on 4 February; high
concentration;
- 23+ were observed around ponds at left side of Chorokhi River mouth and at
least 35 were at right side of Chorokhi River (territory of Batumi Airport,
garbage damp and Kakhaberi ponds) on 6-7 February, southern environs of Batumi,
Ajaria Autonomous Republic, SW Georgia; high concentration;
- at least 220 were discovered wintering in Ajameti Nature Reserve, around
Vartsikhe reservoir and in lower part of Khanistskali River, Imereti Region, W
Georgia 16-19 December.
Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) [phaskunji]
Uncommon breeding summer visitor in East and rare in West. Most common vulture
during the breeding season. Very rare to rare on passage. Nests along southern
slopes of Main Caucasian Range and its spurs, at Likhi Ridge, Iori Table-land,
Tsiv-Gombori Ridge, along valleys of large rivers in Eastern Georgia. Occurs in
open, arid areas in upland, foothill, low and mid-mountain belts. Georgian
population estimated at ca. 150 breeding pairs.
- two records of solitary adult individuals were in eastern and southern parts
of Javakheti Upland – first was watched flying near Mt.Biketnaya on 4 May and
second near SE corner of Khanchali Lake on 6 May; interesting records, no known
nest-sites in area.
Western Marsh-harrier (Circus aeroginosus) [tchaobis bolobetcheda]
Uncommon, locally common, year-round resident (probably partial migrant),
widespread and fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor. Most
widespread and common species among harriers. Breeds on reedy lakes at Kolkheti
Lowland and at wetlands of Rioni River valley, at banks of lakes and
surrounding marshes at Javakheti Upland, at wetlands in flood-plains of Mtkvari
(Kura), Alazani, Khrami, Iori rivers, Jandari and Kumisi lakes, rarely in other
sites. Population increased during last 20 years. 110-125 pairs were in the end
of 1990’s, 140-150 pairs may breed in Georgia at present.
- about 120 individuals were counted at wetlands of Javakheti Upland,
Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia during field works from 3 to 12 May. Most
of records, about 2/3, were near lakes; considerable numbers;
- 41 migrating individuals were counted on 21 October (34 were counted during 3
hours from 14.30 to 17.20) at coastal lowland at left side of Chorokhi River
mouth between Gonio village and sea coast, southern environs of Batumi, Ajaria
Autonomous Republic, SW Georgia; high count for 3 hours of observations.
Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) [velis bolobetcheda]
Rare in small numbers passage migrant. Occasional non-breeding summer visitor.
Occurs mainly in arid habitats of SE Georgia, rarely in mountain steppes in S
Georgia – at Javakheti Upland, Bediani Ridge, in Tsalka hollow; vagrant to
other areas.
- at least 87 individuals were watched on 10-16 April (totally ca.71 hours of
observations) at Kobuleti lowland near Ochkhamuri village, Black sea coastal
lowland in northern part of Ajaria Autonomous Republic, SW Georgia; high count.
Lewant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes) [qortzkvita]
Extirpated, or almost extirpated as a regular breeding species in the middle of
20th Century. During 1950-1980’s the status of this species was considered as
a regular but rare in small numbers passage migrant and occasional summer
visitor without breeding. In the beginning of 1990’s, or probably some
earlier, again became to nest in Georgia. At present may be considered as rare
in small numbers migratory breeder in eastern areas. Population increased
(first confirmed breeding in 1991, 15-20 pairs in the middle of 1990’s and
45-55 pairs in 2005-2008). Rare to uncommon passage visitor.
- 41+ individuals (5 flocks – 11+7+5+4+3, 3 pairs and 5 solitary individuals)
were counted during 9,5 hours on 16 April at Kobuleti lowland near Ochkhamuri
village, Ajaria Autonomous Republic, SW Georgia. Max day count to Georgia in
spring;
- solitary was recorded on 29 April near Igoeti village, Shida Kartli Region, E
Georgia; a few of breeding records for Georgia.
- pair and single individuals several times were observed in the end of April -
middle of May at eastern edge of Bediani Ridge, Kvemo Kartli Region, Eastern
Georgia; a few of breeding records for Georgia.
- single was recorded in Mtatsminda Park of Tbilisi City on 1 August; vagrant
to area.
Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis orientalis) [velis artzivi]
Uncommon passage migrant and occasional (irregular in small numbers) winterer
and summer visitor without breeding.
- 58 individuals were counted on 10-16 April (totally ca.71 hours of
observations) at Kobuleti lowland near Ochkhamuri village, Black sea coastal
lowland in northern part of Ajaria Autonomous Republic, SW Georgia, that may be
considered as high spring count;
- three solitary individuals were recorded between motor-road
Tbilisi-Ninotsminda and southern shore of Tsalka reservoir and one near
Paravani Lake on 3 May; late spring records;
- single was in fields near Tabakhmela village in SW environs of Tbilisi on 9
October; unusual location;
- single was recorded on 6 November near Ksani village, Shida Kartli Region, E
Georgia; late autumn record.
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos homeyeri) [mthis artzivi]
Rare year-round resident in mountain forests of the Great Caucasus and Lesser
Caucasus. For breeding prefers rocky areas in upper belts of mountain forests,
deep gorges. Total number is unknown. In eastern areas estimated up to 30 pairs
- solitary was observed during several minutes at eastern slope of Mt.Madatapa
(2714 m a.s.l.) near border with Armenia, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia
on 4 May; occasional visitor to area.
Osprey (Pandion haliaeetus) [shaki]
Former breeder. Extirpated as a regular breeder in the middle of 1950’s. Last
known nest was occupied in 1956 at Inkit Lake in Abkhazia.
- single was observed flying along Black Sea coast in N direction on 4 April
near Makhinjauri village (2 km N of Batumi, Ajaria Autonomous Republic, SW
Georgia);
- single was recorded on 21 October in Chorokhi River mouth between Gonio
village, southern environs of Batumi, Ajaria Autonomous Republic, SW Georgia;
Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) [veils kirkita]
Formerly common breeder. Extirpated as a regular breeder in the middle of
1990’s. At present rare passage visitor in small numbers.
- 12 individuals were counted on 10-16 April (totally ca.71 hours of
observations) at Kobuleti lowland near Ochkhamuri village, Black sea coastal
lowland in northern part of Ajaria Autonomous Republic, SW Georgia;
- seven individuals (two males, four females, one unidentified sex) flying in
NE direction were recorded during 4 hours (12.10-16.15) on 19 April at western
edge of Kvernaki Ridge, Shida Kartli Region, E Georgia; considerable numbers;
- an adult male was watched in fields 2 km SW of Tetri-Tskaro town, Kvemo
Kartli Region, E Georgia on 14 May, that is late spring record.
Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) [bari = (gavazi)]
Rare but regular passage migrant before 1980;s and very rare irregular migrant
at present. Occasional winter visitor. Probably occasionally nests in
semi-deserts in E Georgia.
- single was recorded on 19 April at Kobuleti lowland near Ochkhamuri village,
Ajaria Autonomous Republic, SW Georgia, that was only one record at East Black
sea flyway during 14 days of observations in spring 2008.
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus brookei) [shevardeni]
Pair and solitary birds several times were watched in locality Gokhnari,
eastern part of Trialeti Ridge, E Georgia during first half of May; probably
new breeding site;
Solitary individuals were recorded in some areas:
- in Ozurgeti town on 26 February, Guria Region, W Georgia;
- in Mtkvari River valley near Akhaldaba village, Borjomi Gorge on 28 April;
- single was observed several times flying around Avchalgel Lake at Javakheti
Upland, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia on 11 May;
- near Sighnaghi town, Kakheti Region, E Georgia on 25 September;
- near Gareji cave-monastery, Kakheti Region, E Georgia on 3 November;
- in Vake Park in Tbilisi City on 7 December;
- in Kardenakhi village, Kakheti Region, E Georgia on 22 December.
====================================================================
Dr. Alexander Abuladze
Expert in Ornithology of the Institute of Zoology
Chairman of the Bird Conservation Society of Georgia
31 Ilia Chavchavadze ave., 0197, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Phone: +(99532)223353; +(995 32)220164;
Fax: + (99532)917192;
Private: +(99532)374335; +(995 32)372621; + (372)6578766;
Mobil: +(995 97)123560
+(372)5589510
E-mail: abuladze AT inbox.ru
http://www.abuladze.narod.ru
http://www.bcug.narod.ru
http://www.zoo.caucasus.net
Subject: Georgia birds 2008, part 1From: Alexander Abuladze <lesser7kestrel AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:34:21 -0800 (PST) Dear birders,
Today I would like to introduce the summary of the Georgia birds 2008 year
report. As always, it has been quite difficult to choose the most interesting
observations and materials. I hope I have gathered together the most
interesting.
Unfortunately, I have not received reports and communications from some members
of BCUG, georgian zoologist and foreign visitors which were in Georgia in 2008.
But I know that this year a lot of interesting materials were collected and I
hope to recieve them later and then also inform you.
I would like to pay attention to the results of observation collected by the
members of the team led by Brecht Verhelst from Belgium. I am grateful that got
acquainted with him in Georgia in October and learn a lot of interesting
materials about their activity. They were 2 months in Batumi bottle-neck at
Black sea coast in Ajaria and collected a fascinating material. The main aim of
their study was the survey of the migrating raptors in Batumi bottleneck. They
counted 815,374 birds of prey, including 393 000 Honey Buzzards, 250 000 Steppe
Buzzards and 57000 Black Kites!!! Besides that their records of Dusky Warbler,
Sociable Lapwing, Purple Swamp-hen are very important!!!
Some days ago I got the mail from Brecht where he informs that he will send the
details of the records. As I get them I add them to the report. If I am not
mistaken, Brecht is also the member of our list and possibly he will himself
report about these records.
Today I can present only the materials that have already been collected and
analysed.
Review became very long and I send it in parts.
All records are with short comments on the status of listed bird species.
I hope that presented records are of interest to lists members.
Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any comments and additional
information to provide.
I hope that presented records are of interest to our lists members, especially
to ME and Caucasian birders.
My apologies for possible cross-posting…
With best wishes
Alexander Abuladze
======================================================
GEORGIA BIRD RECORDS - 2008
Common English name (Scientific name) [Georgian name]
Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata) [tzithelgula ghorikhva].
Rare irregular winter visitor along the whole length of the Georgian section of
the Black Sea coast. Vagrant to inland waters.
- 8 were counted in port of Batumi on 14 January and 3 on 15 January, 17 were
along Black Sea coast from Sarpi village (Turkish border) in South to Chorokhi
River mouth in North on 16 January, 4 were watched from Mtsvane Kontskhi and 2
between Mtsvane Kontskhi and Chakvi village on 20 January, solitary individuals
were seen on 14 January 2003 at Black sea coast near Choloki River mouth,
Ajaria, SW Georgia;
- one was in port of Batumi on 22 January;
- three were near Poti on 7 February;
- died was found at Black Sea coast near Batumi on 22 October that is very
early autumn record;
- at least 12 individuals were observed in mixed flocks of ducks at sea coast
between Makhinjauri village and Batumi botanical garden on 16 December; high
concentration.
Black-throated Diver (Gavia arctica) [shavgula ghorikhva].
Rare winter visitor to Black Sea coast. Occasionally recorded inland.
- at least 150 individuals were counted in coastal waters from 14 to 20 January
in Ajaria Autonomous Republic, SW Georgia: about 30 were in mouth of Chorokhi
River on 14 January, at least 21 were along Batumi beach on 14 January, 11 were
counted in port of Batumi on 14 January and 14 on 15 January, 52+ were watched
along Black Sea coast from Sarpi village (Turkish border) in South to Chorokhi
River mouth in North on 16 January, 9 were near mouth of Kintrishi River and 12
along Kobuleti beach on 19 January, 7 were watched from Mtsvane Kontskhi and 7
between Mtsvane Kontskhi and Chakvi village on 20 January; High concentration;
- two single were observed at sea coast between Kvariati and Sarpi villages
(Georgia-Turkish border) on 17 October; early autumn records;
- 17+ individuals were watched in several large mixed flocks of waterfowl at
sea coast between Makhinjauri village and Batumi botanical garden on 16
December; high concentration.
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) [mtsire murtala]
Uncommon migratory breeder at some wetlands of Javakheti Upland, occasional
breeder at wetlands of Kolkheti Lowland. Uncommon to common passage and winter
visitor.
- 8 were on 24 April at small lake in central part of Batumi, Ajaria, SW
Georgia; very late spring record.
- three solitary were recorded at Madatapa Lake on 4 May;
- single was at Khanchali Lake (on 10 May) and single – at Bugdasheni Lake
(on 10 May).
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) [didi murtala]
- 62 were at Vartsikhe reservoir, Imereti Region on 29 January and at least 57
were present next day;
the highest winter count for this site, where usually winters up to 10 birds.
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) [didi chvama].
- at least 148 were counted on 8 October along Mtkvari River banks in central
part of Tbilisi City + at least 33 were between Tbilisi and Mtskheta town; high
numbers, not rare but interesting.
Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus) [mtsire chvama].
Extirpated as a breeding species in the middle of 1970’s and in the middle of
1990’s again became to nest in Georgia. Occasional rare breeder at Jandari
Lake in SE Georgia. Rare in small numbers winter visitor to some lakes and
reservoirs in SE part of country.
- seven individuals were recorded on 10 February sitting on old poplar at
riverside street in central part of Tbilisi City and five were present in this
district next days – on 14, 16 and 17 February, not recorded after 17
February; occasional visitor outside of traditional wintering areas, first
record to urban area;
- at least 310 were in two flocks (about 200 and 110+) at Jandari Lake, Kvemo
Kartli Region, SE Georgia and at least 80 was in flock in Azeri part of lake,
totally ca. 400 at Jandari Lake on 2 March;
- 60-70 were in SE part of Kumisi Lake on 8 March;
- two were watched in small flock of Great Cormorant (up to 15 birds) on 6
April at bank of Khrami River near “Red bridge” at Azerbaijan-Georgian
border, Kvemo Kartli Region SE Georgia, that is very late record of wintering
species.
Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
Rare but regular visitor without breeding at large lakes of Javakheti Upland in
Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia. The nearest site of breeding is southern,
Turkish, part of Khozapini Lake ["Aktas Golu" in Turkish language] (Yarar,
M.1995. Aktas Golu: a new pelican breeding site on the Turkish-Georgian border.
OSME Bulletin 35: 46-48). Rare in small numbers irregular winter visitor at
wethlands of coastal lowlands, vagrant to other areas.
There were the following records at wetlands of Javakheti Upland in
Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia:
- two were recorded flying near Yefremovka village on 4 May;
- at least 140 were counted at Kartsakhi Lake on 5 May: about 130 individuals
were watched in telescope on- and around three small islands in Turkish part of
lake, sixteen were watched flying along northern bank and four were observed
near eastern bank;
- six were at Sulda wetlands on 5 May;
- 12 individuals (flock of ten and two separately) were recorded at southern
bank of Khanchali Lake on 6 May;
- four in one flock and three in another flock were observed in NW corner of
Khanchali Lake in early morning of 12 May;
- about 25 feeding individuals were watched near W bank of Madatapa Lake on 22
July.
Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) [khutchutcha varkhvi]
Rare but regular visitor without breeding at large lakes of Javakheti Upland in
Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia. The nearest site of breeding is southern,
Turkish, part of Khozapini Lake ["Aktas Golu" in Turkish language] (Yarar,
M.1995. Aktas Golu: a new pelican breeding site on the Turkish-Georgian border.
OSME Bulletin 35: 46-48). Rare in small numbers irregular winter visitor at
wethlands of coastal lowlands, vagrant to other areas.
There were the following records at wetlands of Javakheti Upland in
Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, S Georgia:
- single was watched on northern shore of Khanchali Lake in evening of 3 May;
- at least 37 individuals (34 in four flocks – 16+ 9+5+4) and 3 solitary were
observed at Kartsaakhi Lake on 5 May; 33 individuals were in Turkish part of
lake and 4 were in Georgian part;
- three were watched flying across Bugdasheni Lake in SE direction on 10 May;
- two were in mixed flock together with about of 25 Great White Pelicans in W
part of Madatapa Lake on 22 July;
- 16 were watched on 25 September at southern shore of Khanchali Lake;
Other remarkable records were at Black Sea coastal lowlands in Ajaria, SW
Georgia:
- three were at small lake at right side of mouth of Chorokhi River on 14
January and two were present two days later on 16 January;
- solitary was watched on 19 December in Chorokhi River mouth, Ajaria, SW
Georgia.
Unidentified Pelican (Pelecanus spp.)
- according to reports of local inhabitants, at least seven pelicans were
watched several times in the end of January-beginning of February at small
coastal lakes 1-2.5 km S of Anaklia village, Guria Region, W Georgia; later, in
the middle of February, freshly died was found directly at sea coast.
Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) [ghamis ghkancha]
Rare to uncommon migratory breeder and passage visitor at wetlands on lowlands
(lakes, rivers with dense shrubs and trees on banks). More common in East. No
data on numbers and population trends.
- 32 individuals in evening on 22 March were recorded roosting in central part
of Rustavi town, E Georgia and 28 were in flock in early morning on 23 March;
unusual record in urban area and large flock.
Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) [qartsi qhancha]
Uncommon on passage in Western Georgia. Rare passage migrant in eastern parts
of country. Usually, it migrates by small flocks of 5-10 individuals, rarely
more - up to 20-25. Dates of passages: in spring - middle-end of April; in
autumn - end of August - middle of October.
- around 40 were on 9 April and 22 on 10 April in Chorokhi River mouth, Ajaria,
SW Georgia; high concentration;
- solitary was recorded in early morning on 19 April in vineyard in Didvela
village, Baghdadi district, Imereti Region, W Georgia; unusual location,
vagrant to area.
White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) [laklaki]
During survey carried out in the end of April-May, 106 nests, from which 99 (or
around 93%) were occupied, that is HIGHEST NUMBERS (!!!) since 1974.
76 occupied nests were in eastern and southern parts of Javakheti Uplasnd: 36
in Gorelovka village, 11 in Ninotsminda town, 8 – in Diliti and Didi Gondrio
villages, 4 – in Didi Khanchali village, 4 – in Patara Khanchali village, 3
– in Satkhe village, 2- in Mamzara village, 2 – in Zhdanovka village, 1 –
in Okami village, 1- Miasnikiani village, 1 – in Arakali village, 1 – in
Poka village, 1 – in Spasovka village.
Beside that, 11 occupied nests were found in settlements at western part of
Javakheti Upland and 12 nests were found in Tsalka Hollow.
==============================================================
Dr. Alexander Abuladze
Expert in Ornithology of the Institute of Zoology
Chairman of the Bird Conservation Society of Georgia
31 Ilia Chavchavadze ave., 0197, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Phone: +(99532)223353; +(995 32)220164;
Fax: + (99532)917192;
Private: +(99532)374335; +(995 32)372621; + (372)6578766;
Mobil: +(995 97)123560
+(372)5589510
Subject: Re: Field Guide recommendation - UAEFrom: Joseph Verica <joeverica AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:50:34 -0800 (PST) Thanks for the recommendations! Take care Joe Verica ***** I do what's in my heart, if it works out, then great, if not at least I know I haven't wasted my time. -John Hartford --- On Mon, 12/22/08, Richard KlimSubject: TOC of PODOCES 3(1-2), 2008 From: Abolghasem Khaleghizadeh <akhaleghizadeh AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 01:53:05 -0800 (PST) Dear all
Below is the Table of Contents of the recent issue of PODOCES 3(1/2), 2008.
Many thanks for kind regards of authors, referees, editors and etc all together
with the tremendous full English issue. Hope for your future close cooperation
and increasing the quality of this journal more and more!
PODOCES, 2008, 3 (1/2)
CONTENTS
PAPERS
1–96
Rare birds in Iran in the late 1960s and 1970s – D.A. SCOTT
1
Recent waterbird counts in Gyzylagach, the Azerbaijan Republic’s most
important Ramsar Site, with comments on conservation – E. SULTANOV
31
Daily arrival and departure patterns of Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea,
Northern Pintail Anas acuta and Mallard Anas platyrhynchos during early autumn
at Kuyucuk Lake, northeastern Turkey – W. MEISSNER & M. REMISIEWICZ
39
Nest counts for Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis and Four Sterna species
(repressa, anaethetus, bergii, bengalensis) on Nakhiloo Island in the Persian
Gulf from 2005 to 2007 – B. BEHROUZI-RAD & F.H. TEYEFEH
45
Distribution and population trends of Pygmy Cormorant Phalacrocorax pygmaeus in
Central Asia, with particular reference to the Republic of Uzbekistan – E.
KREUZBERG-MUKHINA
53
Habitat use of Long-Legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus in Miandasht Wildlife Refuge,
northeastern Iran – F. HOSSEINI-ZAVAREI, M. FARHADINIA & H. ABSALAN
67
Ecological investigation of the Common Crane Grus grus in Mighan Wetland,
Markazi Province, Central Iran – A. ANSARI, M.B. SADOUGH & B.S. ESFANDABAD
73
Foraging behaviour and Guild structure of birds in the Montane Wet temperate
forest of the Palni Hills, South India – S. SOMASUNDARAM & L. VIJAYAN
79
The ecology of the Corncrake Crex crex in stubble paddyfields in the South
Caspian lowlands – A. ASHOORI & K. ZOLFINEJAD
92
SHORT
COMMUNICATIONS
97–131
Review of ornithological records made by S.G. Gmelin and C. Hablizl in Iran in
1770–1774 – J. MLIKOVSKY
97
The first report of Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus in Iran – M. GHASEMI,
F. GOUDARZI & M. RAM
101
The first and second records of Namaqua Dove Oena capensis in Iran – A. OSAEI
& M. JAMADI
103
Occurrence of the Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer on Kish Island,
northeastern Persian Gulf, Iran – F. AZIN, S.M. NOSRATI & H. AMINI
105
Review of the status and distribution of Greater Scaup Aythya marila in Turkey
with special reference to inland southeastern Anatolia – R. KARAKAŞ
108
A report of Great Bustard Otis tarda from northern Iran – K. RABIEE & D.
MOGHADDAS
112
Occurrence of the Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea in Iran, with a new record
from Hengam Island, Persian Gulf – A. GHODDOUSI & D. ASHAYERI
114
Review of the current status of the Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla, Eurasian
Treecreeper Certhia familiaris and Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria in Iran –
M. TOHIDIFAR
116
Breeding study of the Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus in the Mond Protected
Area, Bushehr, Persian Gulf – M. JAMADI & K. DARVISHI
121
Birds offered for sale in the Langarud market, southwestern Caspian Sea – A.
ASHOORI
124
Mercury level in Liver, kidney and muscle of Common Teal Anas crecca from
Shadegan Marshes, southwest Iran – R. ZAMANI-AHMADMAHMOODI, A. ESMAILI-SARI,
S.M. GHASEMPOURI, J. MANSOORI & N. BAHRAMIFAR
128
With best regards,
Abolghasem
New Email names for you!
Get the Email name you've always wanted on the new AT ymail and AT rocketmail.
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Subject: Satellite Telemetry at the 7th Conf. of the European Orn. Union 2009From: WWGBP AT aol.com Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 04:48:22 EST Dear all, You are kindly invited to contribute an oral presentation or a poster to the symposium Satellite Telemetry in Ornithology during the 7th Conference of the European Ornithologists' Union 2009 to be held at the University of Zurich, Switzerland from 21 - 26 August 2009 (further details see below). Main conference website: http://www.eou2009.ch/ List of symposia and details: http://www.ucc.ie/en/eou2009/Symposia/ Call for contributions: http://www.ucc.ie/en/eou2009/CallforContributingPapers/ The call for contributing papers is now open. Deadline for abstracts of contributed orals and posters is February 15th 2009 Delegates will be informed of acceptance of their abstracts for oral contributions by 15th March 2009, and for abstracts of posters as soon as possible after abstract submission. The rapid decision regarding the acceptability of posters will also be made for abstracts where the first choice is to give an oral presentation. Delegates will then be informed by end March whether the abstract will be accepted as an oral presentation (instead of a poster). This is to enable delegates to seek funding for attendance as early as possible Plenary speakers should provide abstracts as soon as possible. This is important as it is needed to balance the number of contributing speakers with the remainder of papers in the session. Accordingly, I would ask that in early January, ideally no later than Jan 17th please, you let me know if you would like to be a plenary speaker and submit your plenary abstract by this date. Many thanks. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Christmas and a Happy 2009. Kind regards, Bernd Meyburg EOU2009 Scientific Programme Symposia SATELLITE TELEMETRY IN ORNITHLOGY CONVENORS Prof. Dr. Bernd-U. Meyburg Chairman, World Working Group on Birds of Prey and Owls (WWGBP) Advisory Member of the Species Survival Commission (SSC), IUCN - The World Conservation Union Wangenheimstr. 32, D-14193 BERLIN, GERMANY E-mail: BUMeyburg AT aol.com, Work Fax: ++49-30-892 80 67, Phone: ++49-30-826 34 99 Mobile: 0049-172-38 38 084 www.Raptors-International.de www.Raptor-Research.de Dr. Adrian Aebischer Rte de Schiffenen 17, CH-1700 Fribourg, Schweiz/Suisse/Switzerland Tel : 0041 / 26 / 481 23 66, adaebischer AT pwnet.ch ABSTRACT Satellite telemetry (ST) has revolutionised the study of bird migration. This is because tracking systems used in ST can estimate and record an individual’ s location worldwide for up to several years. The development of the technical side of ST has been extremely fast during the past 20 years. To begin with there will be given a short overview of the present state of the art. ST has been based for many years on Ultra High Frequency (UHF) technologies such as the Argos system. This technology uses the Doppler phenomenon for location estimates. The birds have to be equipped with transmitters (PTTs) weighing 5 g or more. Since the introduction of transmitters using the Global Positioning System (GPS) few years ago, the application is no longer limited to studies of bird migration. These transmitters receive transmissions from at least four GPS satellites enabling them to calculate their position in three dimensions for PTTs weighing at present 22 g or more.The GPS fixes are consistently accurate to within a few metres so that not only an exact analysis of the size of the area of activity during e.g. the breeding season is possible, but also the spatial and habitat use in the breeding, wintering or stop-over territory can be determined. In addition, some GPS transmitters provide data on flight height, speed and direction so that conclusions on the bird’s behaviour can also be made. In some cases GPS ST will soon supersede land-based VHF conventional ground tracking. This symposium will concentrate on studies using the Argos system using both, GPS and Doppler locating. EOU2009 Scientific Programme SYMPOSIA 1. Birds and Climate Change: Can current research reveal the future? 2. Large-scale monitoring programs: Issues and opportunities. 3. Habitat selection and use - variation in space and time. 4. Satellite Telemetry in Ornithology. 5. Using GPS tracking in studies of wild birds: recent developments and current challenges. 6. The Conservation Benefits of Estimating Turnover in Birds. 7. Field Endocrinology: Scientific and practical advances to address old questions. 8. Practical solutions for the impacts of agriculture and predation on the success of ground nesting farmland birds. 9. How important are chemical cues to birds? 10. Physiology of birds during migration and stop-over. 11. What are the non-breeding causes of Palearctic-African migrant declines?: Ecological studies of migrants in Africa. 12. Avian Hybridisation. 13. Birds and urbanisation. 14. The future for farmland birds: future impacts of land-use change and potential policy opportunities. 15. Evolution and Ecology of Bird-Parasite Interactions. 16. Advances in ornithological knowledge through species distribution modelling. 17. High-tension power lines and bird conservation: possibilities to mitigate the collision risk. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: Field Guide recommendation - UAE From: Tommy Pedersen <777sandman AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:41:04 +0400 Hi to all MEBirdNet users If you come across any mistakes on the UAE birding website, please let me know so that they can be corrected. It's a big job for a single chap (with an 18-month little boy running around Daddy's legs) Cheers & seasons greetings from a short vacation in Serbia, Tommy ____________________________ Tommy Pedersen B-777 Captain, Emirates Airlines UAE Bird Recorder Email: 777sandman AT gmail.com Web: www.uaebirding.com Travelblog: http://tommypedersen.wordpress.com Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/sandmanindubai/ On 22 Dec 2008, at 13:27, Andrea Corso wrote: > Very nice web page and most usefull > > however, going acroos the photos of raptors I find - just quick > glance - several mystakes such Bonelli's Eagle all the bird > indicated as adult are indeed 3rd plumage, the immature are juvenile > (immature does not means anything truely), and the last "immature" > its a Crested/Oriental Honey Buzzard actually. > Alsdo, Lanner its a Barbary falcon and so on... > > Thanks for the site, its most useful but this slight errors so > normal in huge work... human ! > > Cheers > > Andrea Corso > > --- Lun 22/12/08, Richard KlimSubject: Re: Field Guide recommendation - UAE From: Andrea Corso <voloerrante AT yahoo.it> Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:27:11 +0000 (GMT) Very nice web page and most usefull however, going acroos the photos of raptors I find - just quick glance - several mystakes such Bonelli's Eagle all the bird indicated as adult are indeed 3rd plumage, the immature are juvenile (immature does not means anything truely), and the last "immature" its a Crested/Oriental Honey Buzzard actually. Alsdo, Lanner its a Barbary falcon and so on... Thanks for the site, its most useful but this slight errors so normal in huge work... human ! Cheers Andrea Corso --- Lun 22/12/08, Richard KlimSubject: Re: Field Guide recommendation - UAE From: "Richard Klim" <richard AT klim.co.uk> Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:56:45 -0000 Joe, Check the birding site information on Tommy Pedersen's excellent UAE birding website: http://www.uaebirding.com/ Also, the Collins Bird Guide would provide useful backup to Porter et al for many species. Richard Klim Somerset, UK http://www.freewebs.com/holarcticlisting ----- Original Message ----- From: Joseph Verica To: MEBirdNet AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, December 22, 2008 1:21 AM Subject: [MEBirdNet] Field Guide recommendation - UAE I will be visiting the UAE (Dubai) early this spring. I am planning on doing some birding. I have Birds of the Middle East by Porter et al. I have also ordered Birds of Southern Arabia by Robinson. Any other recommendations for a field guide? Also, what are the best places to go? Take care Joe VericaSubject: Field Guide recommendation - UAE From: Silke Sottorf <Silso AT compuserve.com> Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2008 03:37:24 -0500 Hello, if you ask for the good places I recommend the book " The Shell Birdwatching Guide To The United Arab Emirates " by Colin Richardson and Simon Aspinall, may be a little bit too old ( there are some new places ), but with good descriptions of the famous places Good Birding RainerSubject: Field Guide recommendation - UAE From: Joseph Verica <joeverica AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 21 Dec 2008 17:21:19 -0800 (PST) I will be visiting the UAE (Dubai) early this spring. I am planning on doing
some birding.
I have Birds of the Middle East by Porter et al. I have also ordered Birds of
Southern Arabia by Robinson. Any other recommendations for a field guide?
Also, what are the best places to go?
Take care
Joe Verica
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Subject: Al Asad Iraq Winter Bird Survey, Part OneFrom: Randel Rogers <Randel_Rogers AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 21 Dec 2008 16:25:11 -0500 Between 15 December and 1 January, I am attempting to conduct something of a winter bird survey for Al Asad Airbase. It is a big base, I am one person, and I must bird under other limitations imposed by my work, but hopefully I will end up with something of a representative picture of what occurs here this time of year. As opportunity allows, I am visiting as much of post as possible, and also keeping an eye on some of the especially productive spots. For each species I record the highest number of individuals seen that day in order to prevent double counting. So if I see 4 snipe in a location on one day and another in that same location a few days later, I will record 4 - assuming that the individual bird was one of the earlier larger flock. The results for 15 DEC to 21 DEC appear below - I added 3 new species to my Al Asad list during this period, one of which was a life bird! Black francolin 3 Black redstart 7 Bluethroat 1 Common babbler 6 (these are more common here than Iraq babbler, so this number should go up) Common kestrel 7 Common moorhen 13 Common snipe 4 Crested lark 11 Eurasian collared dove 20 Eurasian coot 5 Eurasian magpie 8 (one caught in a dog trap, released unhurt after he ate the can of sardines used for bait) Finsch's wheatear 2 (one male, female wheatear nearby assumed to also be Finsch's) Graceful prinia 2 Great gray shrike 1 Green sandpiper 1 Hooded crow 5 House sparrow 5 dozen+ Iraq babbler 26 Isabellline shrike 1 Isabelline wheatear 1 Laughing dove 6 Little crake 2 Mallard 23 Marsh harrier 1 Northern shoveller 11 Red-wattled plover 1 Rock pigeon 100+ Rook 500+ Stonechat 3 Tawney Pipit 38 (several small flocks on the 21st) Water rail 1 White wagtail 14 White-cheeked bulbul 17 Wood pigeon 4 Unidentified warblers - 3 I have also recieved 2 reports this week of a large bird gray on top and white underneath with long wings swooping back and forth at night, in one case near lights. Both of these reports seem to indicate a nightjar, seemingly Egyptian - I will be on the lookout for this! I also am hoping to re-find the bittern that I observed earlier in December. Since arriving in July, I now have identified 88 species here on Al Asad. In other critter news, the crested porcupine that has discovered no harm will come to him from dog traps has been caught 4 times this month in the same trap. He really likes sardines, and clearly now knows the procedure for being released. I also got a report of 3 rabbits, probably Cape hares. The other morning I watched 3 common jackals playing, batting with their paws, nipping each others faces, wrestling, and chasing each other. I got another report of a fox near the airfield. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Turkey: First record of Buff-bellied Pipit and other rarities From: Emin Yogurtcuoglu <emintatar86 AT yahoo.com.tr> Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2008 23:55:35 +0000 (GMT) Hi to all,
After a long time with increasing numbers of bird-watchers and
bird-photographers in Turkey more interesting bird records are coming from
every corner of the country. Here is some Turkish delights from this
long-period. The mega bird of the last days is japonicus subspecies of
Buff-bellied Pipit at Antakya first found by Ali Atahan and still there after 3
weeks. This is first record for Turkey but this species has already known from
Israel where they are wintering and migrating. Another first for Turkey is from
2 years ago, Anthus godlewskii-Blyth’s Pipit was ringed at Diyarbakir but no
details at the moment...
Anthus rubescens japonicus-Buff-bellied Pipit (1st-2nd record)
1-Samandag-Antakya-22 November
1-Samandag-Antakya-11 December (probably same individual)
http://www.trakus.org/kods_bird/uye/?fsx=2fsdl22 AT d&sxc=1&id=408#
Clangula hyemalis-Long-tailed Duck
1-Igneada-Kirklareli-10 December (13th record)
Vanellus gregarius-Sociable Lapwing
105-Bulanik-Mus-12 October
Calidris melanotos-Pectoral Sandpiper (2nd-4th records)
1-Kozanli-Konya-20 September
1-Kulu-Konya-4 October
3-Yumurtalik-Adana-6 October
http://www.trakus.org/kods_bird/uye/?fsx=2fsdl15 AT d&idx=10170
Rissa tridactyla-Black-legged Kittiwake
1-Kilyos-Istanbul-9 November
Merops persicus-Green Bee-eater
1-Kizilirmak Delta-Samsun-6 September
Anthus richardi-Richard’s Pipit
up to 5 individuals per day between 22 November-11 December
Samandag-Antakya
http://www.subasikus.org/ndrtr.htm
Anthus godlewskii-Blyth’s Pipit (1st record)
Anthus hodsgoni-Olive-backed Pipit (2nd record)
Both ringed at Dicle Ringing station-Diyarbakir on 2006 but no details yet…
Phylloscopus trochiloides-Greenish Warbler
1-Aras-Kars-25 September (possible 6.record)
Phylloscopus inornatus-Yellow-browed Warbler
1-Cernek Ringing Station-Samsun-17 October (6th record)
http://www.trakus.org/kods_bird/uye/?fsx=2fsdl15 AT d&idx=10533
Lanius isabellinus-Isabelline Shrike (16th-19th records)
1-Filyos-Zonguldak-2 October
1-Yamansaz-Antalya-5 October
1-Karkamış-Gaziantep-12 October
1-Balik Lake-Antakya-12 December
http://www.trakus.org/kods_bird/uye/?fsx=2fsdl15 AT d&idx=10455
Lanius excubitor-Great Grey Shrike
1-Vize-Kirklareli-1 December
1-Dortdivan-Bolu-10 December
3-Vize-Kirklareli-13 December
Nucifraga caryocatactes-Spotted Nutcracker (2nd-3rd records)
1-Ataturk University Campus-Erzurum-23 October
2-Durusu-Istanbul-16th November to 8th December
http://www.trakus.org/kods_bird/uye/?fsx=2fsdl5 AT d&sc=K%F6knar+kargas%FD&sc_1=0&sc_2=4&Submit=Listele
Plectrophenax nivalis-Snow Bunting
1-Karaburun-Istanbul-13 December (9th record since 1992)
http://www.trakus.org/kods_bird/uye/?fsx=2fsdl15 AT d&idx=11832
Subject: Re: Al Asad Iraq summary 2-7 DECFrom: "Mudhafar A. Salim" <mudhafarsalim AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 08 Dec 2008 23:38:51 -0000 Great list Randy ! Have you seen (or heard about) any Smooth-shield Turtle at the area you used to fieldwork over? Regards Mudhafar --- In MEBirdNet AT yahoogroups.com, Randel RogersSubject: Al Asad Iraq summary 2-7 DEC From: Randel Rogers <Randel_Rogers AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 8 Dec 2008 15:31:47 -0500 black francolin red-wattled plover isabelline shrike great grey shrike black redstart kestrel Iraq babbler common babbler graceful prinia white cheeked bulbul moorhen coot white wagtail isabelline wheatear magpie rook laughing dove Eurasian collared dove wood pigeon Spanish sparrow house sparrow crested lark rock pigeon hooded crow stonechat unidentified snipe - probably common small flock 8-10 ducks - to far away to id pipit sp. also this week I was given a picture taken here this summer of a grey heron other - levant water frog, green toad, and I identified the turtles I saw here this summer as stripe necked terrapin [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: RE: Roller records in Lebanon From: richard prior <richwprior AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 8 Dec 2008 19:35:04 +0000
Dear ME Birdnet group members Please see request below, any sightings (however
old) please send to hdemopoulos AT gmail.com
Thanks
Richard Prior
A Rocha Lebanon is currently putting together all data on Rollers that we have
available to us.
During the spring I sent out an email to BirdTalk Lebanon asking for any
records of Rollers in Lebanon: part of the aim of finding out more about
Rollers was to stimulate action towards sustainable agriculture and water
management, using the Roller as an indicator and flagship species.
The Roller is currently Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
If you have any Roller records in Lebanon, I would be very grateful if you
could send them, either from this year or previous years.
And also, if you have any information on those you have seen, that would be
very helpful, such as: Number of birds, location, date and time, weather,
habitat, and any noticeable behaviour.
Very many thanks!
Best wishes
Helen
Helen Demopoulos
A Rocha Lebanon
Scientific Officer
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Subject: Request for hight quality manuscript for PODOCES journal in 2009From: Abolghasem Khaleghizadeh <akhaleghizadeh AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 8 Dec 2008 02:53:18 -0800 (PST) Dear all
The 2008 issue of PODOCES will be published in the near future. Many thanks to
all contributors. However we are increasing the quality of PODOCES issues and
their papers from time to time. The first bilingual issue becomes now a full
english with higher quality.
I'm requesting everyone to send their higher qualfied manuscripts to our
ornithological journal. However the boundaries of the region for manuscripts is
not rigid and every well-presented paper from Central Europe to Far East could
be evaluated.
With best regards,
Abolghasem Khaleghizadeh
Editor of PODOCES,
West & Central Asian Ornithological Journal
New Email names for you!
Get the Email name you've always wanted on the new AT ymail and AT rocketmail.
Hurry before someone else does!
http://mail.promotions.yahoo.com/newdomains/aa/
Subject: Re: bird lists arabicFrom: "Richard Klim" <richard AT klim.co.uk> Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2008 18:05:23 -0000 Suzanne, Perhaps not exactly what you're seeking, but the Arabic version of the Middle East field guide by Porter et al could be helpful: http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2005/01/mid_east_guide.html http://www.nhbs.com/birds_of_the_middle_east_in_arabic_tefno_148634.html Richard Klim Somerset, UK http://www.freewebs.com/holarcticlisting ----- Original Message ----- From: bonmarchand suzanne To: MEBirdNet AT yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, December 06, 2008 5:36 PM Subject: [MEBirdNet] bird lists arabic Where can I find check lists in Arabic (with Arabian characters) with English or latin translation for the birds of the Arabian peninsula ? Thanks a lot Suzanne BonmarchandSubject: bird lists arabic From: "bonmarchand suzanne" <bonmarchand AT skynet.be> Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2008 18:36:49 +0100 Where can I find check lists in Arabic (with Arabian characters) with English or latin translation for the birds of the Arabian peninsula ? Thanks a lot Suzanne Bonmarchand [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Moussier's Video From: "Raymond Galea" <raygalea AT onvol.net> Date: Tue, 2 Dec 2008 07:55:32 +0100 Hi A short digiscoped video of the male Moussier's Redstart in Malta, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pzA2FP-l7Y Ray [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Moussier's Redstart in Malta From: "Raymond Galea" <raygalea AT onvol.net> Date: Sun, 30 Nov 2008 18:13:57 +0100 Hi all Today a fine male Moussier's Redstart was found in Malta. This is about the 10th record for Malta and the second for Autumn. You can see a picture here: http://www.surfbirds.com/cgi-bin/gallery/display.cgi?gallery=gallery11 Raymond Galea [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Al Asad Iraq summary, 17-26 NOV From: Randel Rogers <Randel_Rogers AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2008 04:55:44 -0500
Another good week here at Al Asad:
New additions:
Coot (6+)
Ferruginous Duck (3)
Bittern
Robin
Stonechat
Little Crake
Water Rail
Moorhen
Kestrel
Tawny Pipit
Bluethroat
Spanish Sparrow
White Wagtail
Black Redstart
Rook
Hooded Crow
Common Teal
Graceful Prinia
Booted Eagle
Iraq Babbler - saw these in small numbers this summer (most babblers here are
common babbler), re-spotted a group of 3 Iraq babblers this morning.
unidentified:
accipiter, probably a sparrowhawk, but lightly marked and gave the impression
of a relatively shorter tail, just a little smaller than the hooded crow that
was chasing it, and I thought I saw a supercillium stripe. possibly a smaller,
juvenile male goshawk?
large, dark raptor
2 medium shorebirds
2 types of warblers
Mammals crested porcupine, hyena tracks, several jackals, jungle cat, tracks
that may be from a honey badger
Other Egyptian boa (2 this week), green toads, caspian turtles
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Subject: Re: mystery falcon with red trousersFrom: steveshrike AT aol.com Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:06:47 EST Hi Norman having now studied your photos I think there are a number of things to consider, firstly the bird has a blue cere & orbital to the eye features usually of a juvenile falcon, most adult falcons gain yellow cere & eye ring. Secondly what size was this bird? if the prey item is a wheatear then this is a much bigger bird than a Merlin given the size of the prey item it appears to be mantling. Thirdly the overall proportions of the bird are to me quite heavy, look at the size of the bill, it appears much bulkier than in a Merlin or indeed a Hobby. Four look at the breast markings they are more blotches than streaks, this feature is shown by Merlin but not streaked as on Hobby & most of the other smaller falcons. Given tail length & apparent width (look in 1 photo where the tail tip is visible) I think you can safely rule out either Merlin or Hobby. Take a look in Forsmans book at plates 647 & 648 Lanner Falcon juvenile & compare the overall structure of your bird & plumage patterning (taking into account individual variation), facial markings including the long narrow moustachial & the creamy,sandy throat & supercilium, also the extent of blotching on the trousers & thier size & shape compared to leg length. Tail length & overall build also could fit here but rule out several species. The main feature inconsistent is the reddish colour to the trousers but if this bird had been on the ground in an area with this colour dust then the plumage could be discoloured rather than actual plumage colouration. I will admit that at first glance the bird has a Merlin like look but the photos are a little blurred & given that Merlin was initially considered heading thoughts that way are we in fact looking in the wrong area? I think that the Hybrid theory may have some ground but in my opinion we are still looking at a larger falcon sp hope this does not confuse things even more Steve Cale [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]Subject: Re: Birding in Iraq From: "rdklim" <richard AT klim.co.uk> Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:29:18 -0000 Hi Abdul. Compare your answers with others in the ID-FRONTIERS archives at http://listserv.arizona.edu/archives/birdwg01.html Richard --- In MEBirdNet AT yahoogroups.com, "alsirhan AT ..."Subject: Re: Re: Birding in Iraq From: Raffael Aye <raffael.aye AT birding.ch> Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:21:40 +0100 Dear Abdulrahman, dear all no. 2: the bill looks small & short, the underparts are not particularly white, the legs are yellowish & pale (instead of more grey), the wing shows clear paler feather edges, the upperparts and general colouration are buffish rather than greyish or olive brown... I would NOT opt for Basra Reed on this one. Why not another Marsh? cheers, raffael On Nov 21, 2008, at 10:48 PM, alsirhan AT alsirhan.com wrote: > I have just scrolled down and saw more photographs. > > No. 3 is a Marsh Warbler > No. 4 is a Barred Warbler > no. 5 is a Marsh Warbler > no. 6 is a Marsh Warbler > no. 7 is a Barred Warbler > no. 8 is a Moustached Warbler > no. 9 is Upcher's Warbler > no. 10 I don't know ( a Chiffchaff? but long wing) > > AbdulRahman > > From: rdklim > Sent: Sat 22-Nov-08 12:24 AM > To: MEBirdNet AT yahoogroups.com > Subject: [MEBirdNet] Re: Birding in Iraq > > ...forgot to mention the associated warbler photo quiz: > http://americanbirding.org/birding/v40n6p46w1.pdf > > Richard > > --- In MEBirdNet AT yahoogroups.com, "Richard Klim"Subject: RE: Re: Birding in Iraq From: "alsirhan AT alsirhan.com" <alsirhan@alsirhan.com> Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:48:42 +0300 I have just scrolled down and saw more photographs. No. 3 is a Marsh Warbler No. 4 is a Barred Warbler no. 5 is a Marsh Warbler no. 6 is a Marsh Warbler no. 7 is a Barred Warbler no. 8 is a Moustached Warbler no. 9 is Upcher's Warbler no. 10 I don't know ( a Chiffchaff? but long wing) AbdulRahman From: rdklim Sent: Sat 22-Nov-08 12:24 AM To: MEBirdNet AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [MEBirdNet] Re: Birding in Iraq ...forgot to mention the associated warbler photo quiz: http://americanbirding.org/birding/v40n6p46w1.pdf Richard --- In MEBirdNet AT yahoogroups.com, "Richard Klim"Subject: RE: Re: Birding in Iraq From: "alsirhan AT alsirhan.com" <alsirhan@alsirhan.com> Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:31:56 +0300 Hi Richard, The first is Barred Warbler, the second is Basra Reed Warbler, congratulation you found the Basra Reed Warbler. Regards, AbdulRahman From: rdklim Sent: Sat 22-Nov-08 12:24 AM To: MEBirdNet AT yahoogroups.com Subject: [MEBirdNet] Re: Birding in Iraq ...forgot to mention the associated warbler photo quiz: http://americanbirding.org/birding/v40n6p46w1.pdf Richard --- In MEBirdNet AT yahoogroups.com, "Richard Klim"Subject: Re: Birding in Iraq From: "rdklim" <richard AT klim.co.uk> Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:24:16 -0000 ...forgot to mention the associated warbler photo quiz: http://americanbirding.org/birding/v40n6p46w1.pdf Richard --- In MEBirdNet AT yahoogroups.com, "Richard Klim"Subject: Bab al Mandeb, Yemen From: "ianbirds" <ianbirds AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:39:06 -0000 Raptors at Bab al Mandeb, Yemen, Friday 7 November (06.30 - 14.30) Raptor migration beginning to slow down but some good numbers still. Very windy - SW force 7 and many of the smaller birds (Common Buzzard and Eurasian Sparrowhawk) finding it very difficult. Black Kite 3 Marsh Harrier 2 Pallid Harrier 1 Eurasian Sparrowhawk 30 Common Buzzard 1500 Long-legged Buzzard 4 Lesse |