#Black-winged Pratincole

[alonglistofbirds]

[1350/10977] Black-winged Pratincole - Glareola nordmanni

Order: Charadriiformes Suborder: Lari Family: Glareolidae (pratincoles and coursers)

Photo credit: Christophe Gouraud via Macaulay Library

[ornithological]

a selection of lifers i got for 2023! in order: forster's tern, whinchat, black-throated diver, twite, black-winged pratincole, little stint, european pied flycatcher, carrion crow x hooded crow hybrid, ring-necked duck and velvet scoter

lifers i didn't get photos of were the great shearwater, the grey phalarope and the western bonelli's warbler!

i also saw two birds that i've seen before in other countries, but last year i saw them in ireland for the first time: the cory's shearwater and the eurasian hoopoe

[ifelten]

Sortvinget braksvale (Glareola nordmanni)

En sjælden trækgæst fra området omkring Sortehavet og østpå har nu holdt til blandt viber (Vanellus vanellus) på Skjern Enge siden 8. oktober.

Forhåbentlig finder fuglen ud af at trække væk igen, inden vejret bliver alt for slem for den. Men desværre går mange af disse tilfældige gæster til grundet de ugunstige forhold i det område, hvor de nu er endt på fejltrækket.

Black-winged Pratincole (Glareola nordmanni)

A rare vagrant from the area around the Black Sea and further east has been seen amongst Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus) in Skjern Enge since the 8th of October.

Hopefully, the bird will leave before the weather turns to harsh for it. But unfortunately, many of these vagrants perish because they are unsuited to the conditions in the area where they ended up on their failed migration.

[sneeuwmanfred]

Inktober day 5 and 6:  Black-winged pratincole and Clematis

[squawkoverflow]

A new variant has been added!

Black-winged Pratincole (Glareola nordmanni) © Joseph Wolf

It hatches from black, difficult, dry, elegant, other, outer, primary, similar, and whitish eggs.

squawkoverflow - the ultimate bird collecting game          🥚 hatch    ❤️ collect     🤝 connect

[avianeurope]

Black-winged Pratincole (Glareola nordmanni) >>by Johan van Rensburg

[fromtraveldiaries]

Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary

Having missed flamingo sighting at Chilika lake in mid-December 2021, we drove to the Bhigwan bird sanctuary in Maharashtra in late December upon receiving news of flamingo sightings. Much to our delight, we spotted more birds than just greater flamingos. On a 6-hour boat ride (during which we changed boats to get to the other side of the lake), we spotted the following birds.

1. Greater-spotted eagle

2. Grey heron

3. Great cormorant

4. Little cormorant

5. Painted stork

6. Greater flamingo

7. Glossy ibis

8. Black-winged stilt

9. Indian spot-billed duck

10. River tern

11. Small egret

12. Inermediate egret

13. Black-headed ibis

14. Northern shoveler (male and female)

15. Small pratincole

16. Common kingfisher

17. White-throated kingfisher

18. Purple swamp-hen

19. Little grebe

20. Eurasian marsh-harrier

21. Garganey

22. Whiskered tern

23. Brown-headed seagull

24. Black-headed seagull

25. Black eagle

26. Woolly-necked stork

27. Northern pintail

28. Pheasant-tailed jacana

29. Eurasian spoonbill

30. Long-legged buzzard

31. Black kite

32. Osprey

33. Tree pipit

34. Little egret (dark morph)

35. Common sandpiper

36. Bar-headed geese

Since we didn’t find good accommodation near Bhigwan, we stayed at Jakson Inns at Phaltan, which is a good 2-hour drive away. This route is very busy and the roads are bad. There was significantly more traffic than usual due to the long caravans of bullock carts and tractors that transported sugarcane harvests to the nearby mills.

At Bhigwan, we went to the Kranti Flamingo Point (original) to take a boat. You may contact Dattatreya Nagare (+91-8087767691) who manages this place to book a boat and guide. Our guide Rahul (+91-8380879448), on finding out that we were especially interested in flamingos, called up his friend Sandip (+91-7038033089) who operated a smaller boat on the other side of the lake. Big as it is, the lake is divided by the single-lane narrow Kettur-Bhigwan road that cuts through it. While one side is frequented by tourists, the other side is relatively unfrequented. The other side of the lake, Sandip informed, had bigger flocks of flamingos that numbered more than a couple hundred.

We spent a lot of time watching flamingos, tracking their movements, and studying their physiognomy. Towards the end of the ride, our cameras ran out of batteries and we ran out of patience and energy. Exhausted, we disembarked at the point from where we had started. We still had a 2-hour drive to the hotel ahead of us. However, the rest of the trip was drowned in our boisterous chatter. Pictures and stories from the trip will appear in the following days.

[crazy-fruit]

1, 4 and 18 for the birds asks, if you'd like to. :)

I got carried away a bit so answers are under the cut. (If you always wondered what I look like grinning like an idiot you’ll also find the answer)

1. what is your favorite bird?Common Swift. Every March/April I become a bit obsessed of seeing the first one for the year. (Top 5: Common Swift, Northern Gannet, Bearded Vulture, Red-Necked Phalarope, Collared Pratincole)4. what’s the coolest bird you’ve seen/coolest birding experience you’ve had?Get yourself ready for a story!So during my volunteer year a immature Beared Vulture was spotted on the mainland. For a few days me and my boss always made terrible jokes about it. Like when our ways parted we said stuff like: Make sure you call me, when you see itThen we had a day with south wind bringing raptors like a Honey Buzzard and a Black Kite onto the island. Midday, when we were back at the office the wife of my boss calls. She probably spotted an Egyptian Vulture flying east. No chance for us to see it. The weather predections for the next day where terrible and we sort of last minute decided to give it a try and survey the breeding birds at the eastern end of the island. Fast forward shortly before the spot where we normally did our breakfast break I see an enormous brown bird flying over a small forest. Most logic identification for me was a white-tailed eagle. I ran up the next dune in the hopes to see it again but didn’t. My boss came from behind me and said our other colleague saw a vulture ahead of us.So we slowly made our way and thanks to a few gestures from my colleague in the distance we found the bearded vulture sleeping on a dune. After we sort of calmed down we had a 30min breakfast with in sight of the vulture. At the end it decided to give us a full show of his size and flew directly over our heads.

Chilling in the dune.

Btw the right bird is an Oystercatcher who attacked the vulture.

And that’s me looking at the vulture. (Ignoring the ticks slowly crawling up my pants)Other cool contestens are:- predicting before I left for counting the resting birds that I may see a Red-Necked Phalarope (I did it was in full breeding plumage in beautiful!)- spending 2 days with friends ringing both short-eared owl chicks, aswell as marsh harrier chicks- all the ringing I did! (Shoutout to the dunlin, sanderling and to YMROY the colouring Wheatear. I hope you all are still alive)- standing in Germany’s biggest black-headed-gull colony while a raptor flys over it (they all fell completly silent and sort of dropped a few meters down before beating there wings again. Most of us got goosebumps)- seeing about 50 pelicans flying above Burgas while waiting at the cash register18. ever considered doing a big year?Not really. Too expensive and I kind of feel like you don’t can enjoy all the birds you see. (Although the recent world wide big years looked like a pretty cool trip)

[rockjumperbirdingtours]

Tour Leader, Rob Williams, and his group managed to have a fantastic time birding through Spain and the Strait of Gibraltar. The main tour gave access to most of the habitats in northern and central Spain, including Mediterranean woodlands and snow-covered Alpine environs, and they managed to record over 250 bird species during their time of exploration. Amongst the top records were the incredible Wallcreeper, a male Baillon’s Crake, Collared Pratincole and Bonelli’s Eagle.

The Strait of Gibraltar extension saw the remaining group enjoying views of the Critically Endangered Northern Bald Ibis, White-headed Duck and Black-winged Kite.

Added to this, they were able to marvel at the spectacular and varied landscapes, ancient villages, castles and churches and enjoyed fine and varied local food and the odd glass or two of local wines!

Photos – Baillon’s Crake, Collared Pratincole, Bonelli’s Eagle, Northern Bald Ibis, White-headed Duck and Black-winged Kite by Rob Williams.

[nunoxaviermoreira]

Special Protection Area (SPA) Castro Verde in Baixo Alentejo, Portugal - May 2012 by SaffyH The Castro Verde is an absolutely magical area. The rolling Steppe habitat comes to life in Spring and a whole range of colours can be seen. The landscapes are open and rolling, making the sky look big and wide. The region does not receive many visitors and are very tranquil. In spring the land comes to life with the sound of Blackbirds, Calandra Larks, Quail too name but a few. I was lucky to see Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Lesser-Short-toed Lark, Thekla Lark, Nightingale, Melodious Warbler were just some of the birds I added to my list in this region. I also saw an Iberian Hare. It is a great place to relax in. algarvebirdman.com/ 1. Special Protection Area (SPA) Castro Verde This vast area (790 square kms) of rolling steppe land is a complete contrast to the Algarve and highly recommended for a day trip, being only around an hour’s drive north. Comprising the largest expanses of the steppic grassland plains in Portugal that form a mosaic with wide savannah-like open Holm Oak montado woodlands. Throughout the year the whole area is absolutely enchanting, both for its birds and the outstanding scenery that never fails to induce a vow to return. This seemingly never-ending wilderness is lush and liberally coated with wildflowers in the winter and spring, while in the summer and autumn the area becomes extremely arid and often desert-like. The SPA Castro Verde is one of the most important areas in Europe for sought after species like Lesser Kestrel, Great and Little Bustards and Black-bellied Sandgrouse. The area also supports a great diversity and high density of raptors, which includes nearly all of Portugal’s breeding species. What to see when, around Castro Verde During spring and early summer the best grasslands resound with the impressionable sound of Calandra Larks and the incredibly abundant Corn Buntings, while Montagu’s Harriers, Lesser Kestrels and Black Kites arrive to breed in quantity and become common birds in these pristine habitats. Great and Little Bustards display in early spring the latter being at its easiest to see at this time of year. Short-toed, Booted and Bonelli’s Eagles all breed in the general area and use the grasslands as regular hunting grounds. Other species that breed in this region include Stone-curlew, Great Spotted Cuckoo, European Roller, European Bee-eater, Pallid Swift, Woodlark, Short-toed, Crested and Thekla Larks, Tawny Pipit, Crag Martin, Black-eared Wheatear, Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin, Cetti’s, Great Reed and Melodious Warblers, Woodchat and Southern Grey Shrikes, Golden Oriole and Spanish Sparrow as well as the omnipresent Azure-winged Magpies and Hoopoes. Both Collared Pratincole and Gull-billed Terns occur in the area regularly and sometimes breed, depending on the water levels at key sites. In an undisclosed area Spanish Imperial Eagles have recently set up territories and by employing great care and patience they can often be seen soaring over the area. Simon supplies all his observations to the team that is monitoring this exciting re-establishment. Eurasian Black and Eurasian Griffon Vultures use the area almost daily on their searches for carrion, involving birds of a non-breeding age and one cannot help but prophesise the eventual colonisation of the Eurasian Black Vulture in this admirably suitable area. Outside the breeding season the absence of the summer visitors is compensated by the arrival of an array of winter birds that join the many attractive resident species, including the omni-present bustards, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Calandra Larks and resident raptors. Red Kites occupy in considerable numbers and its not at all unusual to see over 30 individuals are in a day, Hen Harriers hunt over the grasslands in good numbers too while the occasional Peregrine or Merlin add further interest to the raptors. Eurasian Black and Eurasian Griffon Vultures are more regularly seen outside the breeding season, as are Spanish Imperial Eagles due to dispersal of younger birds from Spain. Golden Eagle is more wide ranging at this time of year too and 1st year birds are often recorded. Large numbers of wintering Lapwing and Golden Plover settle here and Skylarks and Meadow Pipits become truly abundant. Around 1000 Common Cranes occur, often feeding on fallen acorns in the open Holm Oak woodlands from late October to March (the highest count in the winter of 2007-8 revealed 1300 inds) This region is well worth visiting all the year round but during the incredibly hot July and August, when birding is often uncomfortable and the heat-haze can make for frustrating viewing, seriously early starts are recommended. On these days we can include a short afternoon visit to Castro Marim (see “Wetlands”). For the most enthusiastic, a 2-3 day tour is ideal and can be easily arranged together with attractive and economic accommodation in the area. This will give ample time for the more difficult species and permit a deeper appreciation of this superb area. Access in the SPA Castro Verde Important information (particularly relevant to the observation of Great Bustard): It is thanks to the Liga da Proteção da Natureza (LPN www.lpn.pt) for the continued existence of high quality steppic habitats in this region. In 1993 the LPN purchased 5 properties in this area (total: 1700ha.) at a time when the whole region was under imminent threat of becoming forested with non-native eucalyptus forest. This would have meant the loss of one of the most important areas of its kind in Europe. Not only did the LPN manage to prevent this from happening on land they purchased but also, through a successful lobby, actually caused a complete turn around within the government and achieved SPA status for the whole area in 1993. The LPN continue to work with the implementation of wide-ranging nature protection projects, notably a long-term program centred on the conservation of the pseudo-steppe habitats within the SPA; “ O Programa Castro Verde Sustentavel”. Unfortunately, excessive pressure from visiting birdwatchers in recent years has driven the LPN to prohibit free access onto their land (all entrances have large green gates labelled LPN and usually clear signs depicting a design with a Little Bustard’s head and a tractor). These gates should always be closed but as some local farmers tend to leave them open it encourages un-informed birders to just drive in. (Always close them if you see them open!). Due to the increasing numbers of visiting birdwatchers and the proximity of the tracks to Great Bustard leks some disturbance has been unavoidable. Sadly, a few people have even walked across managed habitats in the breeding season, usually in attempts to get closer photographs. Because of this, the LPN have desperately been trying to halt access onto their land - this has been difficult because of lenient Portuguese laws and also because local farmers need to have access to their land by thoroughfare. There has even been a recent case of attempted egg collecting (not birders), which was investigated by the local police and Interpol. Great Bustards will just not tolerate approach within at least 500 metres and if they are displaying any disturbance of this nature will cut down display time and consequently, reduce their breeding success. As the LPN is almost solely responsible for the dramatic increase in this, by far the largest Great Bustard population in Portugal, these recent trends have become a cause for concern and are counter-productive to their ongoing habitat management etc. Understandably, some birdwatchers just do not realise the consequences of pushing too close and making these creatures fly - just once a day in the breeding season can have a marked effect on their population. The great majority of birdwatchers don't mean to be selfish but in actual fact one cannot closely approach these birds without disturbance. If you should be lucky enough to encounter Great Bustards outside of the LPN land, please observe the following: Great Bustard observation code as practiced and encouraged by the LPN 1.Keep to an absolute minimum distance of 5-600 metres when at all possible. 2. Stay part of the car - ie; get out but don’t separate one-self visually. 3. Stay on tracks 4. Keep movements very gentle and be very quiet 5. Keep observations to less than around 20 mins 6. Drive away slowly In this way one can enjoy the Great Bustards without making them nervous LPN Castro Verde Environmental Education Centre: “Centro de Educação Ambiental de Vale Gonçalinho” Simon strongly suggests to anyone visiting the area for the first time to make a visit to this centre; it’s an ideal way to start the day being only some 10 mins drive north-east from Castro Verde. Tel: (00351) 286 328 309 (Usually closed on Sundays and Mondays). One can visit this centre freely from 9am - 5 pm. There are free walking trails here that are very good for Little Bustard, European Roller, Lesser Kestrel and Calandra Lark and to a lesser extent, Great Bustard and Black-bellied Sandgrouse. The charming staff speak excellent English and will give birdwatching advice for the whole region, including details of recent interesting sightings. Books and T-shirts etc. are available for purchase in the small shop, as well as a selection of free informative leaflets (donations welcome!). At the centre one can easily become a member of the non-profit making LPN and help them with their many conservation projects. Through advance booking, the LPN will take small groups (up to 6) to see the wildlife of the region including the Bustards etc. Note that as over the years Simon has led voluntary trips for members of the LPN and SPEA and regularly supplies data from the region, he has a special arrangement for entering some LPN land in the SPA Castro Verde. To reach the Centro de Educação Ambiental de Vale Gonçalinho: Take the Beja road (IP2) from Castro Verde - soon one will see an adjacent (the old road) road to the right. Get on this at the first opportunity at around 2.5 kms from Castro Verde. Continue in the Beja direction and after around another 2 kms a well-made track to the right is clearly signposted for the centre. Drive down here for approx 1 km (looking out for Calandra Larks and Little Bustards!) until you come to a long white building - you are at the centre. Some conservation dependent species of the SPA Castro Verde The Castro Verde region is the most important area in Portugal for a number of rare and endangered birds that depend totally or partially on extensive steppic habitats. The sustainability of these depends largely on man’s influence. The major threats are; intensification of agriculture through modern farming methods, the reduction of traditional grazing pastures and afforestation. Below is some general information and up to date facts and figures about the conservation of some of the most important species that are found in the Castro Verde region and its environs. Great Bustard According to an extensive and rigorous survey of the Great Bustard population in Portugal in 2005 this fabulous species recently suffered some small extinctions in a couple of areas but had increased overall. This increase is largely due to the existence of one large high-quality area – the SPA Castro Verde. Here the total number of 1,093 individuals counted in 2005 represents nearly 80% of the Portuguese total – a marked increase since the last major census in 2002 when 912 individuals were detected. Countrywide, the major threats to Great Bustard in Portugal were identified as; agricultural intensification, afforestation as well as collision with power lines, illegal hunting and road building. In the Castro Verde region, where the LPN works with local farmers to achieve environmentally sustainable agricultural practices and habitat management, the main cause for concern are power lines – 19 Great Bustards were found to have collided with them between October 2004 and September 2005. Undoubtedly the Castro Verde region is as good as anywhere in the world for observing this shy and vulnerable species although due to its extreme sensitivity, especially during the breeding season it is imperative that visiting birdwatchers respect access rules to private land and follow the observation code set out by the LPN (see above). Citation: Leitão, D; Jolivet, C; Rodriguez, M and Tavares, J., eds Bustard Conservation in Europe in the last 15 Years: current trends, best practices and future priorities. Birdlife International, 2006. Little Bustard The LIFE-nature funded project: “Project Tetrax – Conservation of Little Bustard in the Alentejo” included intensive surveys of both the breeding and wintering population. Also, and importantly, action plans with the co-operation of local farmers and central administration were developed. The breeding population census (2003-2005) showed that the SPA Castro Verde was by far the most important single area for this species, holding 3440 displaying males. Data collected also revealed densities as high as 9.8 males per 100 hectares, which is the highest recorded anywhere and further highlights the crucial importance the area has for grassland species in general. As this survey forms a baseline for future monitoring it is not yet possible to conclude an actual trend for the Little Bustard population in Portugal, although the initial results indicate a substantial increase in comparison to previous fieldwork. It is likely however, that the increased coverage and the high data quality collected during this project have largely clouded any reliable comparison with the past. As with many steppe-land species the main threats identified during Project Tetrax were agricultural intensification and afforestation. If these changes to land use are not halted it is believed, despite the present large population in Portugal that Little Bustard could be threatened with extinction in the short to medium term. Citation: Leitão, D; Jolivet, C; Rodriguez, M and Tavares, J., eds Bustard Conservation in Europe in the last 15 Years: current trends, best practices and future priorities. Birdlife International, 2006. Lesser Kestrel Due to drastic reductions in the breeding populations of this charming falcon the Lesser Kestrel is considered an endangered species. The LPN has been working closely with this species throughout Portugal since 1993 when the national population had hit a low of less than 150 pairs. Now, thanks to the efforts of the LPN there are over 450 breeding pairs in Portugal and are still increasing. Presently, the SPA Castro Verde holds over 70% of the country’s population. Between 2002 and 2006 the LPN launched a Life-nature project: “Re-establishment of the Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanii) in Portugal”. Among the many actions taken by the LPN the provision of new nesting sites and the improvement of old ones have benefited this colonially nesting species. Meanwhile, ongoing deals with landowners that promote friendly farming practices have substantially increased the amount of insect prey so important to this migratory falcon. During the project’s 4 years the incredible figure of 2797 juveniles were ringed and preliminary understanding indicates that most of these return to their birthplace. Citation: Henriques, I & Alcazar, R. 2006. Um olhar sobre o Peneiriero-das-torres (Falco naumanii) do projecto LIFE-Natureza Peneiriero-das-torres – “Recuperação de Peneiriero-das-torres (Falco naumanii) em Portugal. LPN, Lisboa, Portugal. Black-bellied Sandgrouse This is another scarce species that is entirely restricted to large and undisturbed areas of steppe-type habitats. Again this bird’s stronghold in Portugal is the SPA Castro Verde, which holds more than half of the total national population. There are now believed to be more Black-bellied Sandgrouse than previously thought in Portugal, although the population is almost certainly less than 1000 individuals. It is an extremely difficult species to census – a recent study in the region of Morão in central-east Portugal revealed that over 300 individuals are now known to be resident. A reliable census of their situation in the whole of Portugal is awaited. The Black-bellied Sandgrouse is a notoriously elusive species that demands, maybe more than any other in the region, previous experience in order to be seen. The usual view is of small groups in flight that are flushed unknowingly by the observer, their atmospheric flight calls giving them away. Views on the ground, if at all, are nearly always at great distance as this bird will usually get up and fly on approach to within 1 km. only to settle even further away! Montagu’s Harrier The first Montagu’s Harriers return to the SPA Castro Verde to breed from as early as late February where they occupy most of this enormous area. From mid-March this easily seen raptor becomes quite literally abundant and due to its apparent lack of fear, delights observers as they quarter at low level over the grasslands and cereal crops of the region. In a single day it is not unusual to see 20 different individuals. Thanks to LPN’s efforts with the local farmers their habitat has improved in recent years and their nest sites protected from machinery during harvest time, which often coincides with the times that unfledged young are still in the nest. Interestingly, a pair of Marsh Harriers has been breeding in similar cereal-steppe habitats, which is quite normal in Eastern Europe but practically unheard of in the west where they are almost exclusively confined to reedbeds. European Roller Only around 100 pairs breed in Portugal, being much more scarce than many visitors imagine. The European Roller has suffered considerable declines over much of its range and once again, the decline of suitable habitat due to modern agricultural practices is the key factor. This much sought after species is a staggeringly colourful migrant and flight views never fail to leave an unforgettable impression on the observer. The SPA Castro Verde has the highest density of breeding pairs in the country, partly due to the placement of nest boxes and breeding walls for Lesser Kestrel by the LPN in suitable habitat and partly because of the ideal conditions that this area presents. It is a fairly late migrant, the first birds tending to arrive around the 1st week of April with occasional sightings considerably earlier. The European Roller, despite its colours is not always easy to see and is absent from many apparently suitable areas. A visit to a known breeding site is the most reliable method! Calandra Lark This, the largest of all larks is another specialist of the interior arid areas of Portugal where it is rather patchily distributed. The winter flocks can comprise of many 100’s of birds while in late winter these split up to occupy favoured sites. Even in the breeding season Calandra Lark is gregarious – breeding in loose colonies when it is normal to witness the memorable sight and sound of various birds in slow-motion song flight at their favoured spots. Their distinctive sounds are an integral part of the best habitats in the region and one will find that their presence coincides with other sought-after species of the region. Short-toed Larks, Tawny Pipits and Black-eared Wheatears often occupy the same areas as this species. Common Crane A large proportion of the European wintering population resides in central-western Iberia with most occupying favoured areas in the Spanish Extramadura. Portugal receives its portion though, confined mainly to central-eastern areas on the Spanish border and around Castro Verde. Well over 1000 Common Cranes winter in the SPA Castro Verde, arriving in numbers around late October and leaving by mid-March. Despite their numbers it is rather difficult to find them in their preferred feeding areas below the extensive Holm Oak montado woodlands, where they feed on fallen acorns. The best strategy for success is to stakeout one of their roosting sites, with care not to cause any interruptions that can cause considerable stress when incoming groups are settling. The sight and sound of wild Common Cranes assembling to roost must be one of the most awe-inspiring spectacles that nature has to offer. Black-shouldered Kite The stronghold in Europe for this enchanting raptor are the interior wooded plains of the western Spanish Extramadura and its natural continuation in Portugal’s Alentejo. In winter they can sometimes be seen hunting over the open plains of the Castro Verde region but this is not their breeding habitat. This is a bird of savannah-like Holm Oak montado-type woodland interspersed with cereal crops. This habitat forms a large part of the SPA Castro Verde and well-travelled visitors to the area in the dry season often comment on its uncanny resemblance to the African savannah. Although quite a common resident species it is becoming apparent that after the breeding season, many birds vacate the searing heat of mid-summer. It is then, that they often hunt in the periphery of wetlands and other cooler coastal areas of the Alentejo and especially, in the Lisbon region. By mid-autumn most of the local breeders are back in territory and are usually easily seen from then and to the end of the breeding season. https://flic.kr/p/c57QGQ

[boyahia]

أبو اليسر مطوق او خطاف عمان (الاسم العلمي: Glareola pratincola) (بالإنجليزية: Collared Pratincole) هو طائر ينتمي إلى (فصيلة: Glareolidae). طائر جوال هوائي في الغالب، يشبه خطاف بحر المستنقعات في طيرانه السريع والرشيق، الأجنحة مدببة طويلة، الذيل عميق التشعب والمنقار قصير. يشاهد عادة في أسراب متفرقة لمطاردة الحشرات المجنحة. يشبه القطقاط على الأرض في حركاته السريعة على أرجل قصيرة نوعاً ما، غالباً في وضع منتصب ويكون الرأس عالياً. رقبة البالغ مصفرة يحيطها الأسود، نهاية الذيل والأجنحة متساوية، يظهر أثناء الطيران أعلى الجسم بني زيتوني داكن (ريش الطيران قاتم بعض الشيء) والحافة الخلفية للثواني دقيقة لكنها بيضاء واضحة، ويتباين مع البطن والعجز الأبيض، غطائيات أسفل الجناح بنية محمرة، لكنها تبدو كأنها مظللة بالأسود. أبو اليسر أسود الجناح (الذي يشاهد) أجزاءه العليا قاتمة أكثر بشكل عام، ولا توجد الحافة الخلفية البيضاء للأجنحة، وغطائيات أسفل الأجنحة سوداء. ============ @boyahia ============ The collared pratincole or common pratincole (Glareola pratincola) is a wader in the pratincole family, Glareolidae. This pratincole is 24–28 cm (9.4–11.0 in) long with a 60–70 cm (24–28 in) wingspan. It has short legs, long pointed wings, a long forked tail, and a short bill, which is an adaptation to aerial feeding. The back and head are brown, and the wings are brown with darker flight feathers. The belly is white. The underwings are chestnut, but look dark below. Very good views are needed to distinguish this species from other pratincoles, such as the black-winged pratincole and the oriental pratincole, which may occur in its range. The latter species also has a chestnut underwing, but is shorter-tailed. (at Damanhour) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0F1PC-AEZ7/?igshid=1h8lk6h9ogx2h

[ornithological]

still processing yesterday tbh. like manx shearwaters, a european storm petrel, two great skuas, a peregrine, a golden eagle & a black-winged pratincole (third irish record) all in one day??? plus some other nice sightings like golden plover & whooper swan?? it's fucking nuts man /pos

the pratincole was a cutie, i saw a collared pratincole in portugal but not a black-winged so that's a lifer for me! it was sitting nicely with the lapwing & curlew, before flying off into the evening - got to see its black underwings! according to another birder it hadn't done anything for the previous, like, two hours. goals <3

skuas & peregrine were great too!! skuas were a little bit away but could still see their brown feathers & nice white wing flashes! peregrine was a juvenile & it had fun mock diving at the gulls & crows

eagle gets its own post because i have a lot to say <3

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Golden Plover, Lapwing, Black-winged Stilt, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Pratincole, Curlew, Woodcock, Jack-snipe, Solitary Snipe - high resolution image from old book.

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Kenya Birdwatching Safaris, Kenya Birding Tour

Kenya Birdwatching Safaris, Kenya Birding Tour

KENYA FOR THE KEEN BIRDER

Welcome to our Kenya Keen Birders Tour.This Tour is specially designed for the Keen birders, the Tour can be re-designed to include destinations primarily omitted, such as the Arabuko Sokoke Forest on the Coast as well as Coastal National Parks such as the Tsavo and other birding sites such as the Taita hills… for those who will have more time than the time scheduled on this Original Itinerary.

Welcome! Karibu!

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Nairobi .over night at the Boulevard Hotel.Depending on the time of arrival,we may have chance for an excursion into Nairobi National Park,returning tou Hotel for Dinner and Overnight.

Day 2: We begin our Safari from Nairobi into the Rift Valley Lakes of Naivasha,there are several bird species around Lake Naivasha. These include; White Pelican, Long-tailed and Great Cormorants, Black Crake, African Jacana, several duck species, Long-toed Lapwing, Malachite Kingfisher, Green Woodhoopoe, White-headed Barbet, Bearded and Cardinal Woodpeckers, Grey-capped and Lesser Swamp Warblers, White-fronted Bee-eater, Winding and Rattling Cisticolas, Grey-headed Bush-shrike and many more. Hirundines can be plentiful, and over half of the species in Kenya can be seen. In the evening, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl hunts along the lakeshore acacias.Over night at Elsamere Centre.

Day 3: In addition to exploring the surroundings of your cottage, there is also the possibility of visiting Hell’s Gate NP . This is one of the few parks where it is possible to walk, and the cliffs have breeding Nyanza and Mottled Swifts, and a colony of Rueppell’s Vultures. Lammergeier have been recently reintroduced, and other species which are regular include Schalow’s Wheatear and Pectoral-patch Cisticolas may be sited.Over night and Meals at Elsamere Centre.

Day 4: Today, you will head for Lake Victoria. On the way, you may wish an option to spend three or four hours passing through Lake Nakuru NP , which is again excellent for waterbirds and acacia species, and has additional specialities including Hildebrandt’s Francolin, Arrow-marked Babbler, Wailing Cisticola, and is one of the best places for Lappet-faced Vulture. It also has both White and Black Rhino, protected here from poachers, and sometimes both Lion and Leopard may be seen. On the way to Kisumu, you may wish to visit some diminishing grasslands above Molo, where Sharpe’s Longclaw is regular, along with Wing-snapping Cisticola. When you reach Kisumu, if time permits, you will be able to visit Hippo Point, where the papyrus beds have specialities such as Black-headed and Papyrus Gonoleks, Carruther’s Cisticola, Swamp Flycatcher, Papyrus and Yellow-fronted Canaries, Black-billed Barbet, White-browed and Blue-headed Coucal, Greater Swamp Warbler an! d others. Over night at Imperial Hotel Kisumu.

Day 5: There are two possibilities on this day. The journey to Kakamega is quite short, but can be extended along the coast of the lake, where the area around Sioport has further papyrus specialities, as well as western species such as Copper Sunbird, Black and Black-winged Bishops, Woodland Kingfisher, Bar-breasted and Black-bellied Firefinches and Grey Kestrel. Also, there are two river crossings where Rock Pratincole is regular. Some grassland in the west is also productive for species such as Uganda Spotted Woodpecker, Red-headed Lovebird, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird and Blue Swallow. These sites could also be visited in a long morning from Kakamega town, so are possible on a different day. Overnight Golf Hotel Kakamega.

Day 6: Today, it will be possible to spend all day exploring Kakamega Forest. There are two excellent areas, around Isecheno in the south and Kakamega in the north. Visiting both parts provides the best opportunities, and local guides will help tremendously. In the northern part, Solomon is recommended, and in the south Wilberforce. The number of birds is incredible, and include Great Blue and Black-billed Turacos, Grey Parrot, Yellow-billed, Grey-throated, Yellow-spotted and Hairy-breasted Barbets, several Woodpeckers, Scaly-throated and Thick-billed Honeyguides, Turner’s Eremomela, Banded and White-chinned Prinias, Blue and Dusky Crested Flycatchers, Chapin’s Flycatcher, several Greenbuls and Illadopsises, Yellowbill, Bar-tailed Trogon, Equatorial Akalat, Black-and-White Casqued Hornbill, Snowy-headed and Blue-shouldered Robin-chats and many more. Over night Golf Hotel Kakamega

Day 7: It is recommended to spend one day in the northern Part of the Forest and the in the southern Part of the Forest. . Both are fairly Spartan. Accommodations will depend on the requested arrangements which may include Udos Bandas or Isecheno Rest house for the budget Groups or Golf Hotel and Rondo retreat for these requiring a little luxury.

Day 8: After some final forest birding, we will head north to the market town of Kitale. Nearby are two excellent birding localities, Kongolei and Saiwa Swamp. At Kongolei, there are several dry country birds scarce elsewhere, including Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver, Lesser Blue-eared Starling, White-crested Turaco and Brown-rumped Bunting. Saiwa is home to the Sitatunga antelope, as well as De Brazza Monkey, and is a good site for Blue-headed Coucal, Double-toothed Barbet, Hartlaub’s Marsh Widowbird, Black-throated Wattle-eye and Splendid and Purple Glossy Starlings. Overnight Alakara Hotel.

 Day 9: Today, we skirt the Cherangani Mountains, and head through the spectacular Kerio Valley and Tugen Hills. On the way, we can stop to seek out similar birds to Kongolei, and in the valley, species such as Little Weaver and D’Arnaud’s Barbet. When we arrive at Lake Baringo, and we should see our first special birds of the area. During the few days, we should encounter Slender-tailed Nightjar, Heuglin’s Courser, Spotted Thick-knee, Northern Masked, Little, Jackson’s and Vitelline Masked Weavers, Bristle-crowned Starling, Hemprich’s and Jackson’s Hornbills, Mouse-coloured Penduline Tit, Brown-tailed Rock Chat, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, White-faced Scops Owl, Beautiful Sunbird and much more.Over night Lake Baringo Country Club.

 Day 10: All day will be spent around Lake Baringo. You may wish to use a local guide, who will help find the difficult species. Over night at Lake Baringo Country Club.

 Day 11: We head south from Baringo, and skirt the Aberdares, stopping at Thompson’s Falls where we can seek out Slender-billed Starling, African Snipe and Tinkling Cisticola. We then pass across Solio Plains, sometimes good for Bustards, which can include the scarce Denham’s, as well as Capped Wheatear, Long-tailed Widowbird and wintering Lesser Kestrels and Montagues and Pallid Harriers. Finally, we arrive at Naro Moru River Lodge, where a self-catering two-bedroomed cottage is recommended. Food can be bought en-route at Nyahururu, or meals can be obtained at the lodge. Overnight Naro Moru River Lodge.

 Day 12: The lodge grounds are excellent for birding, and can have such species as Giant Kingfisher, Black Duck, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Red-fronted Parrot, Narina Trogon, Grey Apalis, Rufous Chatterer, Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Crowned Hornbill and up to nine sunbird species. It is also a base for Mt Kenya, and there are options to explore on a day trip the lower slopes, where some mountain specialities such as Mountain Greenbul, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Brown-chested Alethe, Brown Woodland Warbler, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, Hunter’s Cisticola and White-tailed Crested Flycatcher can be seen. An option is to take a 4WD up to the Meteorological Station, where one night can be spent, and species such as Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, Alpine Chat, Jackson’s Francolin, Abyssinian Ground Thrush and rarely, Olive Ibis can be seen. Overnight Naromoru River Lodge.

 Day 13: After final birding around Naro Moru, we head north, stopping to look for Dusky Turtle Dove and the near-endemic Boran Cisticola. Once in Samburu , birds are profuse, and include Somali and White-throated Bee-eaters, Golden Pipit, Vulturine Guineafowl, Somali Ostrich, White-headed Mousebird, Kori and Buff-crested Bustards, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Violet Woodhoopoe, Donaldson-Smith’s Sparrow-weaver, Black-capped Social Weaver, Shining and Black-bellied Sunbirds, Bare-eyed Thrush and Palm-nut Vulture. In addition, dry-country mammals are present, including Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx and Reticulated Giraffe, and Elephant, Lion, Cheetah and Leopard are all possible. Over night Samburu Block lodge.

Day 14: A further day will be spent in Samburu . Samburu Block Hotels.

 Day 15: Heading back slowly into the highlands, we will stop at Wajee Camp, where the endemic Hinde’s Babbler lives in the grounds. In addition, African Wood Owl roosts, and there is a selection of other highland birds around. Overnight Wajee Bungalows.

 Day 16: After leaving Wajee, we will visit some rice-paddies, where waterbirds are profuse, and often include Yellow-crowned Bishop and White-winged Widowbird. We will stop at Thika Blue Posts, and have the option of an afternoon at Kieni Forest. This remnant patch seems very quiet at first, but is home to many scarce highland birds, including Chestnut-throated and Black-throated Apalises, Black-fronted Bush-shrike, Bar-tailed Trogon, Ayre’s Hawk-eagle, Olive and Bronze-naped Pigeons, White-headed Woodhoopoe and Tullberg’s Woodpecker. The grounds of the New Blue Posts are also good for birding, and have scarcities which can include African Penduline Tit, Black Duck, Grey-olive Greenbul, Giant Kingfisher, Trumpeter Hornbill, Black-collared Apalis and Purple-crested Turaco. Overnight New Blue Posts Thika.

 Day 17: The final day will still be bird-filled. After breakfast, we will have an Option to head for Nairobi NP or straight to the Airport or spend more time reluxing at the Lodge grounds. The park is excellent for many grassland species, including up to 9 species of Cisticola! Hartlaub’s Bustard is regular, and other birds can include Northern Pied Babbler, African Darter, Red-throated Tit, Shelley’s Francolin, Jackson’s Widowbird, and African Finfoot at the Hippo Pools. And Transfer to airport for Flight Home.

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