TURKEY 16 – 29 MAY / 1 JUNE 2008

TOUR REPORT LEADER: SIMON HARRAP

Another great trip to a great country! This tour must rank as one of the most spectacular in the Western Palearctic and if you have not been to Turkey it is hard to appreciate just how rich and varied it is, in terms on people, landscape and wildlife. During the tour we logged 244 species (17 of which were only recorded on the extension to the Pontic Mountains) and had fine views of virtually all of them. It should also be noted that nearly all of the birds seen were at their best, in full breeding plumage. Local specialities included Yelkouan Shearwaters, Pygmy Cormorant, Caucasian Grouse, Caspian Snowcock, See-see Partridge, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, White-spectacled Bulbul, Radde’s Accentor, White-throated Robin, Finsch’s Wheatear, Moustached, Upcher’s, Olive-tree, Ménétries’s, Rüppell’s, Green and Eastern Bonelli’s Warblers, Caucasian Chiffchaff, Iraq Babbler, Sombre Tit, Krüper’s and Eastern Rock Nuthatches, Wallcreeper, Dead Sea Sparrow, Pale Rock Finch, Redfronted Serin, Crimson-winged Finch and Cinereous Bunting. Oh, and we saw two Wolves! After an early morning flight from London to Istanbul, and quite a wait for the onward flight, it was a great pleasure to arrive at Gaziantep airport and to be met by the bus and the ever-cheerful face of Abdul, our host. We drove into town and checked in, eager to start birding in earnest. An early breakfast and a short drive, and then our Turkish adventures began - we spent the morning walking up a narrow valley that was full of great birds. White-throated Robins were everywhere, and we had several good looks at showy Upcher's Warblers, as well as Sombre Tit, Black-headed Buntings, Spanish Sparrows, Woodchat and Red-backed Shrikes, Bee-eaters and Red-rumped Swallows. Of the real specialities, Cinereous Buntings were common, singing from rocks and bushes, and a nasal call announced the presence of our first Pale Rock Sparrow. We went on to see plenty of these, as well as Rock Sparrows - a nice comparison. Another nice comparison was Western and Eastern Rock Nuthatches, both of which were showing well and allowing no doubt as to their true identities. We also saw Long-legged Buzzard feeding three chicks, Rufous Bush-Robin, Cretzschmar's Bunting, and Eastern Orphean and Barred Warblers; in short, it was a great morning. After a good lunch in town we headed east to Birecik on the Euphrates, where our first stop was a small cafe, famous for its owls. It seemed, however, that the waiters had no inside information and that we would have to look ourselves. By wandering around, craning our necks at the trees, and great good fortune, we found our target bird, a roosting Striated Scops Owl. We studied it hard, looking at 1 Birdquest: Turkey 2008

the subtle identification pointers, and were almost sure when it called, confirming its identity. Moving on to the riverbank, an area of flooded gravel workings produced a whole load of good birds, including Little Bitterns (which showed very well), Pygmy Cormorant, Roller, Pied Kingfisher, Great Reed and Caspian Reed Warblers, Graceful Warbler and Dead Sea Sparrow. We were lucky when a Black Francolin stood in full view and called, and we found a single Rose-coloured Starling. Our real target here was, however, Iraq Babbler, and we had three quite brief views of a single bird - a new bird for Turkey as recently as 2006. And, towards dusk, Bald Ibises began to fly around, and we eventually logged 61 as they came to roost on the opposite shore of the river. We returned to Birecik the next day, and our first target was See-see Partridge. A stop outside the town produced nothing, so we made for the traditional wadi running off the Euphrates valley. En route we stopped and admired a colony of Little Swifts breeding high on the cliffs. Then, walking up the wadi, we firstly admired Eastern Olivaceous Warblers and a wild nesting Bald Ibis with a single chick, before flushing a pair of partridges for a very brief view. It was too brief, so we continued onwards, finding good numbers of Ménétries’s Warblers singing from bushes in the wadi and on the cliffs themselves, but no See-sees. We were frustrated too, by Black-bellied Sandgrouse, which flew over but were on view for a nanosecond, and some fly-by Desert Finches. Then I flushed a partridge from the floor of the wadi and we climbed up the valley sides in pursuit. This proved a good move, as we firstly saw a male for a few seconds, and then a female that posed in the scope for 5 minutes or more. Hot but pleased, we returned to the bus and moved on to an area of pistachio orchards. Here we found our target bird, Yellow-throated Sparrow, within a few minutes, and went on to admire a singing Dead Sea Sparrow at a nest, Black Francolin, Hobby, Rosy Starlings and a surprise Thrush Nightingale. After lunch we re-visited the Striated Scops Owl site, but this time found a juvenile Long-eared Owl (as well as a barely visible owlet that may have been a young scops). The latter part of the afternoon was spent back at the gravel pits, where we picked up Lesser Grey Shrike and, at last, good views of Desert Finch, Slender-billed Gull and Little Owl were also logged, but there was no real second chance for the babbler (a brief sighting was followed by wind and rain - far from perfect conditions), but as a bonus a roosting European Nightjar was found by Richard, and we had more great looks at Bald Ibises. We headed back to the hills NW of Gaziantep the following morning, with a shopping list of one Kurdish Wheatear. We started at the village of Isikli, where we walked up a boulder-strewn valley beneath a clear blue sky in the cool of the morning. We did not find the wheatear, but we did see a fine male Finsch's Wheatear (which had a buffish outer tail!). Bimaculated Lark in song flight was another new bird, and raptors included a very vocal Peregrine and a fine Honey-buzzard low overhead. We had some nice views of Desert Finch, and as a real bonus found three red-billed Trumpeter Finches. After a full morning looking for the wheatear, we headed east to Birecik for lunch, and then to a new venue for me, the Ataturk Dam, where some sandpits by the River Euphrates held a fine colony of Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters. It was a long drive, but we had brilliant views, and even visited the dam viewpoint, for tea, Peregrine and Little Swift. The drive back was also long and not helped by a flat tyre, but that's life! We had a final try for Kurdish Wheatear on our last morning in the Gaziantep area. We had no luck, but did see another Trumpeter Finch as well as Pale Rock Sparrows and Cinereous Buntings. It was then time to say goodbye to the birds of the south-east and make the long drive east to Tasucu, with stops for çay, lunch (complete with White Stork and a colony of Spanish Sparrows) and at the Tarsus Delta, where we enjoyed Masked Shrike and had a brief view of White-breasted Kingfisher. We started our exploration of the Mediterranean coast with a drive up to the Roman ruins at Uzuncaburç, stopping at various points along the way. This provided great looks at a singing Rüppell’s Warbler, a very vocal Krüper’s Nuthatch that posed for scope views, and three Olive-tree Warblers, two of which performed superbly, allowing prolonged study. We also added Jay, Raven and Short-toed Eagle to the trip list, enjoyed the spectacular ruins and enjoyed a glass of çay. On the 2 Birdquest: Turkey 2008

way back to town a glint of mauve caught my eye and we stopped to look at the strange leafless orchid, Violet Limodore. After lunch and a siesta, we headed out to the Göksü Delta. An exploration of the western side of Akgöl produced our first White Pelicans, Red-crested Pochards, Marbled Duck and Grey-headed Swamphen, as well as two Caspian Terns and a Kentish Plover, but most of the birds were very distant and the views were far from satisfactory. After a while we moved to an area of flooded fields on the northern side of the lake. These were full of White Storks, Squacco and Purple Herons, Little Egrets, Ruddy Shelducks and Black-headed Wagtails, as well as a dark Peregrine of the local race. Most interesting, however, were the gulls. 50 or more Yellow-legged Gulls were joined by around six Caspian Gulls, the latter generating a great deal of interest and study. We returned to the delta early the next morning and made a circuit of Akgöl. This was very productive, with excellent views of Marbled Duck, everyone’s target bird. Great White Pelicans performed superbly, with 50 loafing near to the shore for a long while before taking off and joining a kettle of another 150, circling up into the sky. Also of note were Slender-billed Gulls and neat Little Gulls, a variety of waders including Spur-winged and Kentish Plovers and smart red Curlew Sandpipers, and hulking Calandra Larks right by the bus. With Great Egret, Spoonbill, several species of duck including Ferruginous, and some distant Whiskered Terns, the list was indeed growing, Bonus bird of the day was a smart male Citrine Wagtail, spotted in flight by Max but not relocated for another hour, when it sat up on a bush for a while. After lunch and a break, we headed back out to the delta where we started off on the north side of Akgöl. What had appeared to be an easy access to the lake proved, however, to be blocked, first by a small channel, newly dug, that we could work around, and then by a 15 m wide drain that we could not. Nevertheless, we did find a Moustached Warbler and enjoy good views of it singing in full view from a reed top. Moving to the west side of the lake sweltering temperatures had suddenly mutated into a cold onshore wind. In the stiff breeze we barely glimpsed Grey-headed Swamp-hen and otherwise only added Dabchick to the list before we headed back to the calm of our hotel for the night. The following morning it was time to say a fond farewell to our hosts Tasucu and drive west, first to Alanya for lunch and then inland to Akseki. It was a long and, for much of the first part of the trip, very winding road and there were no birds of note apart from a fly-bye Peregrine. Despite delays (for çay and a shredded tyre) we arrived in time for some initial exploration. In some fine mixed forest of pine, spruce and cedar we found Short-toed Treecreeper and Krüper's Nuthatch, and heard some mystery drumming in the distance. We explored the mountain forest further the following morning, an area of valley-bottom parkland with some magnificent trees. Krüper's Nuthatch and Masked Shrike were common, as were some ‘northern’ species such as Mistle Thrush and Chaffinch. We found Middle Spotted Woodpecker, but it was rather shy and elusive (perhaps it was on eggs?). Woodlark was more obliging, perching up on the tree tops and singing its heart out, and we eventually tracked down a pair of Common Redstarts to their nest. Other new birds included Common Crossbill and (for some) Serin. Moving on from here we headed west and stopped amongst a patch of scrubby oak woodland. This held many Eastern Bonelli's Warblers and we had very good views, as well as Ortolan Buntings and Rüppell’s Warblers, and three Honey-buzzards passed over. We then settled back for the long drive west to Nigde, passing firstly through villages that time seemed to have forgotten, and then moving out onto the endless plains of Anatolia, where we found our first Magpies and Rooks, Isabelline Wheatears and where the roadside wires were dotted with Corn Buntings. We were up very early for our day out at Demirkazik - surely one of the highlights of the tour. We arrived at the foot of the mountain and fortunately there were a couple of tractors arranged to take us all up to high altitude. Despite misgivings about the cramped conditions and bumpy ride, everyone agreed that the tractors were a GOOD THING once they realised just how much effort they had 3 Birdquest: Turkey 2008

saved. On the down side, when we arrived at the top of the road the fog immediately came down and we spent the next two hours more or less constantly in thick mist. It did clear a little from time to time, just enough for us to have great views of one of the star birds, Radde's Accentor, which sat up in full view and at close range giving its jangling little song. All the while, we could hear the eerie, mournful calls of Caspian Snowcock, but the high peaks were frustratingly out of view. The birds sounded quite close, but this could have been a trick of the mist. At last, however, it really did clear and then all of a sudden a snowcock flew down the slope, landed close by and, as panic ensued, walked rapidly up and over a ridge and out of sight. It had been a great view, but not everyone had seen it! We stayed in this area for quite some time, but the snowcocks had gone quiet and careful scanning of the crags revealed just a Chukar. In the meantime we were entertained by Snowfinches, Black Redstarts, Rufous-tailed Rock Thrushes and Crag Martins, as well as both Red-billed and Alpine Choughs. Then the snowcocks started to call again and luckily one was spotted on a high crag and remained in view for prolonged, if distant, scope views. Everyone was happy now and we began to walk downhill, admiring Shore Larks, Water Pipits and Finch's Wheatears, as well as very vocal Sousliks and two distant Ibex. Our luck with the weather now ran out, as a rumble of thunder soon turned into a torrential storm, with hailstones 1 cm across at time (well, almost) and we were all very wet by the time we got to the bottom. Fortunately Abdul was waiting with hot çay and then a hot meal, and the weather then improved again. We spent a little time in the nearby gorge where we admired some very smart Red-fronted Serins and, as we were leaving, a perched Golden Eagle and a couple of Griffon Vultures. We then started back to town, happy but missing one bird ... which, as luck would have it, popped up on the side of the road after a few hundred yards, and we all admired a superb Crimson-winged Finch as it fed in a roadside field. Fully sated, we could then really head back to the hotel and an early night. After heavy overnight rain we started out the next morning in brighter weather for the Sultan Marshes. We were within a few yards of our first birding stop when a crunching sound announced that there was something very wrong with the bus. Leaving the driver on his mobile (and with our fingers crossed), we began to explore the marshes. These were very dry, with very little open water - perhaps because of this Isabelline Wheatear and Lesser Short-toed Lark were the commonest species, giving many great views, and we also saw a Tawny Pipit. A Black Stork flew over, and we found two smart male Citrine Wagtails, one of which showed extremely well. We also had a good view of a singing Moustached Warbler and found Reed Buntings of the local thick-billed, race, while other waterbirds included a Little Bittern, Purple Herons, several Lapwings and some Whiskered Terns. After a relaxed time enjoying all these and waiting for something to happen with the bus, a replacement bus appeared an d we drove round to a small cafe on the southern side of the marshes. A short walk here produced excellent views of Calandra Larks and many more Isabelline Wheatears and lots of Sousliks. After a long wait lunch then appeared (they had not been expecting us!) and then we went on an expedition by tractor. Unlike Demirkazik, however, we rode in a trailer, which was marginally more comfortable! The tractor took us to an area of open water where we found Ruddy Shelducks, Slender-billed Gulls, Black-winged Stilts and two Avocets, and eventually also two Collared Pratincoles. Another Black Stork flew over and we saw two very distant Common Cranes. Careful inspection of the reeds produced glimpses of a Water Rail and great views of singing Savi’s Warbler. We then returned for çay and, after 20 'Turkish' minutes, the bus finally appeared, now fully functional, to take us home. Leaving Nigde, we stopped at a man-made lake on the edge of town, where we had very close views of Greater Flamingoes and also saw Black-necked Grebes and Pochards, while the single Glossy Ibis was especially appreciated by Paul. We then headed north to Kulu Gölü, arriving late morning. I was alarmed to see a shimmering salt pan rather than a lake, and it had indeed shrunk to around ten per cent of its normal size, with barely enough water in the middle to wet a flamingo's toes. Despite the lack of water, with a little time and effort we found some good birds, including Lesser Kestrels, four 4 Birdquest: Turkey 2008

Mediterranean Gulls, a host of Slender-billed Gulls (including many pink-flushed birds), good numbers of Greater Flamingoes and hundreds of Ruddy Shelducks. There were, however, no Whiteheaded Ducks, a great disappointment, so abandoning Kulu we headed north towards Ankara. On the outskirts of the city, in a last desperate bid, we stopped at a reedy lake where the shore was lined by cafes and a promenade. There were dozens of Red-crested Pochards and Black-necked Grebes, but not THE duck, so we moved on to our next overnight stop at Kizilcahamam. After dark we went out in search of Scops Owls. We did hear one, but it was up a steep slope and we gave up in the face of inquisitive youths and ghetto blasters! Next day it dawned bright and sunny and we drove a short distance down the road to an area of riverine trees and bushes in a scenic valley (although the litter was not so scenic). Exploring the bushes we found Nightingale, a smart male Barred Warbler in song, Common Whitethroat, Golden Orioles, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and a juvenile Green Woodpecker poking its head out of its nest hole. Several sightings of Black Stork allowed us to admire its 'prehistoric' looks and we then turned our attention to raptor watching. First came an Egyptian Vulture, then a Common Buzzard and a very brief Imperial Eagle. The best was yet to come, however, with great views of a Lammergeier and two or three Black Vultures. We then returned to town to load the bus, have lunch and head off to Istanbul, picking up a second Lammergeier outside the hotel in the process. Our journey was uneventful until we reached Istanbul, where we took the ferry across the Bosphorus. There were great views of the Bosphorus bridge and the old city skyline as we travelled from Asia across to Europe, as well as flocks of Yelkouan Shearwaters, Shag and around 30 Mediterranean Gulls. That evening we had dinner in the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, enjoying spectacular views of the Ayasofya and the Blue Mosque. We had a morning in Istanbul. admiring again the superb architecture before saying farewell to Peter, Paul and Margaret, having our daily kebab and heading to the airport for the flight to Trabzon. This went smoothly and after a drive along the Black Sea coast in the dark we arrived at our hotel in the mountains for a late dinner. It had rained all the way from Trabzon to Çamlik, so anxious faces greeted the dawn the next day – and it was cloudy, but dry. But, when we headed up to Sivrikaya there was low cloud and fog and things did not look promising. Indeed, the visibility was not good for much of the early part of the morning but it did clear from time to time and the cry of ‘blackcock’ went up quickly and we were soon watching our first Caucasian Black Grouse on the opposite slope, admiring its long decurved tail and little flutter-jumps. As the day brightened a total of 12 males was logged, all distant, but giving satisfactory views. We also found Ring Ouzel, Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, Common Rosefinch, a singing male Whinchat and finally two Caucasian Chiffchaffs, as well as a wealth of wild flowers, before heading up towards the Ovit pass. Snow covered much of the ground here, but by walking the road we found Water Pipit, Shore Lark, Dipper, Twite (of the distinctive brevirostris form, surely a good split) and Red-fronted Serin. After çay in the local mosque (served by the friendly iman) we headed down to Ispir for lunch. In the afternoon we staked out a large rock face where a superb male Wallcreeper appeared, as well as an Alpine Accentor, and then returned to the hotel, where we found very tame Green Warblers as well as Crossbill and Siskin, rounding off a superb day. Having seen all the main target birds, our final day’s birding in the mountains was relaxed and extremely pleasant. It dawned bright and sunny, and indeed there was hardly a cloud in the sky all day. Paradoxically, however, this seemed to depress bird activity. We started with another scan for scan for blackcocks, but only two could be found, despite a careful search, but in the good light we could admire their red combs and glossy blue-black plumage. Scanning for blackcocks was productive in another way too, when I spotted a Wolf on the opposite slopes. It quickly vanished, but came back again to sit and stare at us, allowing prolonged scope view. And, after a while, we realised that we were looking at not one but two Wolves – a rare and exciting privilege. Elated, we moved on and in valley-bottom scrub we found a singing Marsh Warbler, and the wallcreeper rock revealed male and female Wallcreepers, both of which showed very well. We had been invited to a 5 Birdquest: Turkey 2008

bar-b-cue for lunch and enjoyed an excellent meal sitting in the sunshine admiring the mountains. After a suitable rest and several glasses of çay we walked around the boulder slopes near the pass and found a group of five Alpine Accentors, while the last stop of the day, in the woods below Sivrikaya, produced excellent views of a singing Caucasian Chiffchaff. It was then time to pack and enjoy a last dinner together with Abdul, our Turkish host and the man who had not only made everything run smoothly, but had also become a good friend. The next morning, the flight from Trabzon back to Istanbul and onwards to our various destinations went smoothly as we bade farewell to not only a great birding destination, but also a magnificent country.

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SYSTEMATIC LIST Species which were heard only are indicated by the letter (H) Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the letters (NL) PODICIPEDIDAE Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis: Especially common at Magan Gölü. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus: Small numbers at the Göksü Delta and common at Magan Gölü. Black-necked Grebe (Eared G) Podiceps nigricollis: About six at the Akkaya Baraji near Nigde and 50 or more at Magan Gölü. PROCELLARIIDAE Yelkouan Shearwater Puffinus yelkouan: Just a quick intercontinental ferry crossing gave us some great views of this species as well as some stunning views of Istanbul. PHALACROCORACIDAE Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo: Five on the Bosphorus crossing and up to three for Max at Magan Gölü. The subspecies in Turkey is sinensis, as in most of Europe. European Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis: Two on the Bosphorus crossing of the Mediterranean race desmarestii. Pygmy Cormorant Phalacrocorax pygmeus: Several along the Euphrates River around Birecik. PELECANIDAE Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus: Up to 200 at the Göksü Delta, with some fantastic views of squadrons of flying birds. ARDEIDAE Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus: Great views at Birecik, and singles at the Göksü and the Sultan Marshes. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax: A few at Birecik and two at Magan Gölü. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis: Up to ten at Birecik, three at the Göksü and twelve at the Sultan Marshes. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides: Many at Birecik and the Göksü with a few at the Sultan marshes and at Magan Gölü. Little Egret Egretta garzetta: Two at Birecik, common around the Göksü Delta and ten at the Sultan Marshes. Great Egret (Great White Egret) Egretta alba: Three or four in the Göksü Delta. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea: Scattered sightings throughout the tour. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea: Several the Göksü and particularly common around the irrigation canals at the Sultan Marshes. CICONIIDAE Black Stork Ciconia nigra: Two at the Sultan Marshes and at least three at Kizilcahamam. White Stork Ciconia ciconia: A common and widespread species.

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THRESKIORNITHIDAE Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus: Just one seen, at Akkaya Baraji. Northern Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita: Up to 61 counted at Birecik, forming impressive flocks in the afternoon as they gathered to roost. A nest with one chick was seen in the wadi. Supposedly the entire Turkish population is taken into captivity in the winter. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia: Seen in the Göksü Delta where a maximum of eleven was recorded, and 25 seen distantly at the Sultan Marshes. PHOENICOPTERIDAE Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber: 110 at Akkaya Baraji and at least 500 at Kulu Gölü. The subspecies throughout the Old World is roseus. ANATIDAE Mute Swan Cygnus olor: Four on the extension on the drive to Trabzon airport. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea: One of the many jewels of the Turkish wetlands. Up to 40 at the Göksü Delta and an impressive concentration of at least 500 at Kulu Gölü, with a few other scattered sightings during the tour. Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna: Around 100 at Kulu Gölü. Eurasian Teal Anas crecca: A single make on the Göksü Delta. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos: Small numbers at the Göksü Delta and a singleton at Magan Gölü. Northern Pintail Anas acuta: Ten or so at the Göksü Delta. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata: Two at the Göksü Delta. Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris: Up to eight at the Göksü Delta, seen very well both on the water and in flight. Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina: Twenty or so at the Göksü Delta, a singleton at the Sultan Marshes and 50 at Magan Gölü, showing well at close range. Common Pochard Aythya farina: Twenty were logged at both Akkaya Baraji and Magan Gölü. Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca: Good views of two birds at the Göksü Delta. ACCIPITRIDAE European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorous: Two at Isikli (with lovely views of one overhead) and three near Akseki. Black Kite Milvus migrans: Just one seen (!!!), on the drive from Akseki to Nigde. Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus: Good views at Kizilcahamam, with one from the raptor watchpoint and another by the hotel. Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus: Two at Kizilcahamam. Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus: Just two seen, at the foot of Demirkazik. Eurasian Black Vulture Aegypius monachus: At least two at Kizilcahamam, showing quite well. Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus: Two showed nicely on the Uzuncaburç road. Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus: Particularly numerous around the Göksü Delta and Sultan Marshes with a few scattered sightings elsewhere. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo: Singles near Gaziantep, at the Göksü and from the lunch spot on the last day of the extension, with two at Kizilcahamam. Some of these records may refer to the eastern race vulpinus, which is frequently referred to as ‘Steppe Buzzard’ (although none appeared to be classic Steppe Buzzards) and it is the nominate form that breeds in northern and western Turkey. The taxonomy of Turkish buzzards seems, however, to be somewhat confused! Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus: Fairly common and livened a few of the longer journeys. Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca: One seen rather briefly at Kizilcahamam.

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Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos: Some stunning views of two adults on a nest at Demirkazik, another one on our raptor morning at Kizilcahamam and a few scattered sightings from the Pontic Mountains. FALCONIDAE Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni: Three showed very well at Kulu Gölü. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus: A widespread species but nowhere really common. Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo: Singles at Durnalik, Birecik, the Göksü, Sultan Marshes, Kizilcahamam and, on the extension, on the roadside at Sivrikaya. The nominate subspecies is found in Turkey. Peregrine (Peregrine Falcon) Falco peregrinus: A very vocal bird at Isikli, one at the Ataturk Baraji, two different birds in the fields at the Göksü Delta, one along the south coast on the drive to Akseki and, on the extension, a single at Sivrikaya. The resident subspecies in Turkey is brookei, but one of the Göksü birds seemed very pale and may have been a northern migrant of the nominate race. TETRAONIDAE Caucasian Grouse (C Black G) Tetrao mlokosiewiczi: Up to 12 seen on the extension on the high slopes above Sivrikaya, and watching them patrol their alpine habitat and perform their little flutter jumps was an experience never to be forgotten. The species is named after its discoverer, the Polish naturalist Ludwik Mlokosiewicz (1831-1909), who explored the Caucasus region. He also found the Golden Peony Paeonia mlokosewitschii, which is in cultivation (I have it in my garden) and is often known simply as ‘Molly the Witch’ because the scientific name is such a mouthful! PHASIANIDAE Caspian Snowcock Tetraogallus caspius: After some waiting around in the mist and a few tense moments, two seen on Demirkazik, the first rather close but a little brief, the second more distant but allowing prolonged scope views. Chukar Alectoris chukar: Two at Durnalik on our first morning in the field and several on Demirkazik. Represented in Turkey by the subspecies cypriotes. See-see Partridge Ammoperdix griseogularis: Four seen at Birecik, the first two very briefly but the second pair rather better, with prolonged scope views of the female. Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus: Good views of two at Birecik, one in the Göksü and one at the Tarsus delta. RALLIDAE European Water Rail Rallus aquaticus: One seen briefly and others heard at the Sultan Marshes. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus: Scattered sightings. Grey-headed Swamp-hen Porphyrio poliocephalus: Only recorded from the Göksü Delta where they seemed less obvious than in previous years with just one or two seen. Eurasian Coot (Common Coot) Fulica atra: Common and widespread in the wetlands. GRUIDAE Common Crane Grus grus: Two distant birds seen at the Sultan Marshes. HAEMATOPODIDAE Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus: Recorded from the Euphrates at Birecik and Kulu Gölü.

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RECURVIROSTRIDAE Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus: Twenty or so at the Göksü Delta, the Sultan marshes and Kulu Gölü, and two at the Akkaya Baraji. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta: Two each at the Sultan Marshes and Akkaya Baraji, and common at Kulu Gölü where about 100 were present. BURHINIDAE Eurasian Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus (NL): Seen by Peter at the Göksü. The subspecies represented here is saharae which is also found across North Africa, the Mediterranean islands and Greece to Iraq and Iran. GLAREOLIDAE Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola: Two or three each at the Göksü, Sultan Marshes and Kulu Gölü, where we had the best views. CHARADRIIDAE Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius: A couple at the Göksü Delta and also seen by Rainer at Akkaya Baraji. The subspecies here is the same as in the UK, curonicus. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula: Ten at the Göksü Delta. These birds were probably examples of the subspecies tundrae. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus: Fairly common around the Göksü Delta, with around 15 logged, also ten at the Sultan Marshes and a couple each at Akkaya Baraji and Kulu Gölü. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola: Twelve were seen in the Göksü Delta. Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus: This conspicuous and noisy shorebird was fairly common around the Göksü Delta, with singles at Birecik and Akkaya Baraji and ten at Kulu Gölü. Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus: Ten at the Sultan Marshes and 15 at Kulu Gölü. SCOLOPACIDAE Little Stint Calidris minuta: Ten at the Göksü Delta and then 20 at Kulu Gölü were the only records this year. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea: Several at the Göksü Delta including birds in full breeding plumage. Ruff Philomachus pugnax: Three at the Göksü Delta and four at Kulu Gölü were the only records. Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata: A singleton in the Göksü Delta. Common Redshank Tringa tetanus: One or two at the Göksü Delta, Sultan Marshes and Akkaya Baraji. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia: Heard at Birecik and seen by Simon at Kulu Gölü. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos: Several seen on the extension along the river between Sivrikaya and Ispir in the Pontic Mountains. LARIDAE Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus: Four at Kulu Gölü and around 30 on the Bosphorus crossing. Little Gull Larus minutus: Four at the Göksü Delta, including adults in summer plumage. Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus: Single at the Göksü Delta and Sultan Marshes, with 30 at Kulu Gölü. Slender-billed Gull Larus genei: Four by the Euphrates at Birecik, 50 in the Göksü Delta, ten at the Sultan Marshes and great views of up to 200 at Kulu Gölü, where we admired the delicate pink flush of birds bathing by the village. 10 Birdquest: Turkey 2008

Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans: Up to six adults in the wet fields at the Göksü Delta. Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis: The common and widespread big gull. STERNIDAE Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica: Common at Kulu Gölü and in the nearby fields. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia: Two at the Göksü Delta. Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis: Two at the Göksü Delta Common Tern Sterna hirundo: Ten at the Göksü Delta and four at the Sultan Marshes. Little Tern Sterna albifrons: Up to 30 at the Göksü Delta and two at the Sultan Marshes. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus: Around seven at the Göksü Delta, ten at the Sultan Marshes and 100 at Kulu Gölü, all in summer plumage; this species can be very vocal at times. Black Tern Chlidonias niger: Just one, seen by Simon, at the Göksü Delta. White-winged Tern (White-winged Black Tern) Chlidonias leucopterus: Four summer-plumaged birds at Kulu Gölü. PTEROCLIDIDAE Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis: About eight were seen very very briefly from the wadi at Birecik. COLUMBIDAE Rock Dove Columba livia: A good scatter, including numerous birds in a ‘wild’ type plumage as well as many where the influence of genes from Feral Pigeons was evident. Stock Dove Columba oenas (NL): One on the drive from Akseki to Nigde. Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus: A scarce bird with just six seen at Birecik. Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto: Common and widespread. European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur: Heard in many areas with a few seen on roadside wires. Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis: Odd birds seen at Birecik and Gaziantep and then several logged in Istanbul. The subspecies in Turkey is phoenicophila.

PSITTACIDAE Rose-ringed Parakeet (Ring-necked Parakeet) Psittacula krameri (H): Heard by Ewan and Simon in Istanbul. CUCULIDAE Common Cuckoo (Eurasian Cuckoo ) throughout the tour.

Cuculus canorus: Heard and seen at various locations

STRIGIDAE Pallid Scops Owl (Striated Scops Owl) Otus brucei: One was flushed from its daytime roost near the famous tea rooms at Birecik (by mobbing birds), sat in the open for a while and then retreated to a more obscure position where we could study it at our leisure. European Scops Owl Otus scops (H): Heard a little distantly outside the hotel at Kizilcahamam. Little Owl Athene noctua: A good number of sightings on roadside poles and wires. Long-eared Owl Asio otus: One or two young were seen well at Birecik. CAPRIMULGIDAE European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus: One found by Richard at the gravel pits at Birecik, roosting in the reeds, and one flew in off the sea at Tasucu.

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APODIDAE Common Swift Apus apus: Common and widespread. Alpine Swift Apus melba: Scattered sightings, including small numbers in Gaziantep, then plentiful in Istanbul, where we had some great views. Little Swift Apus affinis: About 25 were seen at the Birecik colony and a singleton at the Ataturk Baraji. The subspecies is galilejensis which is also found in Morocco. ALCEDINIDAE White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis: One or two showed quite briefly at the Tarsus Delta. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis: Two at the gravel pits at Birecik. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis: Two or so at the Birecik Sand Pits. MEROPIDAE Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus: At least 15 at a breeding colony near the Ataturk Baraji – one of the highlights of the trip. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster: Common in the Gaziantep-Birecik region but very few seen elsewhere. CORACIIDAE European Roller Coracias garrulous: A scatter on roadside wires, especially in the Gaziantep-Birecik area, rather few elsewhere. UPUPIDAE Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops: A good scatter of sightings, but who could ever get tired of seeing this species? PICIDAE Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus (NL): Seen briefly by Ewan at Akseki. European Green Woodpecker Picus viridis: Heard at Akseki and a juvenile seen at Kizilcahamam poking its head out of its nest hole. The subspecies in Turkey and SE Europe is karelini. Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major (H): Heard on the extension in the forests around Sivrikaya. The subspecies here is the same as in the UK, pinetorum. Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopos syriacus: Common in the Gaziantep-Birecik area but not recorded elsewhere. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor: A female showed well at Kizilcahamam. Middle Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos medius: A couple of secretive birds around Akseki. ALAUDIDAE Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra: A common roadside species particularly in agricultural areas but especially conspicuous at the Sultan Marshes. Bimaculated Lark Melanocorypha bimaculata: Just one seen, in song flight at Isikli. Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla: Three at the Göksü Delta, a singleton at the base of Demirkazik and up to three at the Sultan Marshes. The subspecies in Turkey is artemisiana. Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens: Abundant at the Sultan marshes and Kulu Gölü, giving some great views. The subspecies occurring around the salt lakes on the central plateau is niethammeri which some authorities consider should be treated as a form of Asian Shorttoed Lark C. cheleensis. Crested Lark Galerida cristata: Common and widespread. We saw birds within the ranges of both subtaurica and zion. 12 Birdquest: Turkey 2008

Woodlark Lullula arborea: One scoped as it sang from a tree top at Akseki. The race in Turkey is pallida. Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis: A couple at Kulu Gölü. Horned Lark (Shore Lark) Eremophila alpestris: Several on Demirkazik and common on the extension around Ovitdagi Geçidi in the Pontic Mountains. The subspecies involved at Demirkazik is kumerloevei and at Ovitdagi Geçidi penicillata. HIRUNDINIDAE Sand Martin (Bank Swallow) Riparia riparia: Seen in their hundreds at Birecik and a colony of 500 or more at the Sultan Marshes, with scattered sightings elsewhere. Eurasian Crag Martin Hirundo rupestris: One near Akseki, common at Demirkazik, two at Kizilcahamam and several on the extension near Sivrikaya. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica: Recorded almost daily. Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica: Fairly widespread, with especially good views in the Tarsus Delta. In Turkey it is represented by the subspecies rufula which is widespread in the Western Palearctic. Common House Martin (Northern House Martin) Delichon urbica: A common and widespread species, nesting on bridges (e.g. at Birecik) and around towns. MOTACILLIDAE Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris: Just one seen, at the Sultan Marshes. Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta: Several on Demirkazik and very common on the extension at Ovitdagi Geçidi. The subspecies in Turkey is coutellii, which is more distinctly streaked on both the upperparts and the underparts than European birds. Black-headed Wagtail Motacilla (flava) feldegg: Common in wetland areas such as the Göksü Delta and Sultan Marshes. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola: A male showed well (eventually) at the Göksü Delta while two males at the Sultan Marshes gave us some superb views. Turkish birds are usually placed with subspecies werae, but this is poorly marked and best lumped with the nominate form. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea: One at Demirkazik and a few on the extension. White Wagtail Motacilla alba: One at a petrol station on the Gaziantep-Akseki drive, two at the hotel at Kizilcahamam and several on the extension. In Turkey represented by the nominate subspecies in the west but intergrading with dukhunensis in the east. PYCNONOTIDAE White-spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthopygos: Up to four at Durnalik, Birecik, the Tarsus Delta, Uzuncaburç and the Göksü. CINCLIDAE White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus: Great views of a few on the extension on the mountain streams around Sivrikaya. These birds were the subspecies caucasicus. TROGLODYTIDAE Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes: A few at Akseki and heard on the extension at Sivrikaya. PRUNELLIDAE Dunnock Prunella modularis (H): Heard on the extension at Sivrikaya where the subspecies concerned is obscura. Radde’s Accentor Prunella ocularis: Great views of up to four birds on Demirkazik, with two males singing and chasing each other in the early morning mist. 13 Birdquest: Turkey 2008

Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris: Seen on the extension around the Ovitdagi Geçidi, with just one the first day but seven logged on the second day. The subspecies in the NE is montana. TURDIDAE Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin (Rufous Bush Robin) Cercotrichas galactotes: A few in the GaziantepBirecik area. The subspecies in this area is probably syriacus. European Robin Erithacus rubecula (H): Heard on the extension at Sivrikaya. Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia: A migrant in the pistachio orchards at Birecik. Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos: Seen well at Kizilcahamam. White-throated Robin Irania gutturalis: Common at Durnalik with a few at Isikli. Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros: Good views on Demirkazik, with the odd bird near Akseki and then common on the extension around Sivrikaya; all should be the nominate form. Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus: Three birds seen at Akseki, where the subspecies is samamisicus. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra: A singing male on the extension near Sivrikaya. Common Stonechat Saxicola rubicola: A pair at Kizilcahamam (where the nominate form occurs). Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina: First seen on the trip to Ataturk Baraji and then abundant in the central regions, with large numbers around the Sultan Marshes. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe: A few on Demirkazik and common on the extension in the Pontic mountains. Eastern Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe melanoleuca: Common at Durnalik, Isikli and along the Uzuncaburg road, with scattered sightings elsewhere. Finsch’s Wheatear Oenanthe finschii: A nice male at Isikli and then a few song-flighting on Demirkazik. Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis: Three at Demirkazik and several on the extension in the Pontic Mountains. A colourful addition to any trip list. Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius: A few around Durnalik, Isikli, the Uzuncaburç road, on Demirkazik and on the extension in the Pontic mountains. Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus: Seen nicely on the extension near Sivrikaya. The race here is amicorum. Common Blackbird (Eurasian Blackbird) Turdus merula: Scattered sightings, e.g. at Akseki and Kizilcahamam. The subspecies involved is syriacus in the SE but tending towards aterrimus in the Pontic Mountains. Song Thrush Turdus philomelos: A few on the extension around Sivrikaya. Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus: Common around Akseki and two at Kizilcahamam. SYLVIIDAE Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti: Heard at several locations but and finally got some brief views at Kizilcahamam. Graceful Prinia (Graceful Warbler) Prinia gracilis: Several at Birecik and at the Göksü Delta. The birds around the Göksü Delta were the subspecies akyildizi but those at Birecik may be irakensis. Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides: Two showed well at the Sultan Marshes. Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon: One seen well at the Göksü and two at the Sultan Marshes. These may have been the eastern subspecies mimica, which is duller than the nominate form. Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus (H): Heard at Akkaya Baraji. Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris: One on the extension in scrub near Sivrikaya. Caspian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus fuscus: Common and widespread in the wetland areas.

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Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus: Good views at Birecik and heard and seen briefly at the Tarsus and Göksü Deltas and the Sultan Marshes. Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais elaeica: A common and widespread species encountered almost daily. Upcher’s Warbler Hippolais languida: Common at Durnalik and Isikli, with a couple on the wadi at Birecik. Rather similar to the previous species but the tail waving is a good feature as is the diagnostic fluttering flight to the top of a bush to sing. Olive-tree Warbler Hippolais olivetorum: Three on the road to Uzuncaburç with some stunning prolonged views. Ménétries’s Warbler Sylvia mystacea: Common around Birecik, especially in the ibis wadi, and one of the specialities on the tour. The form here is rubescens. Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala (NL): One seen by Rainer at Uzuncaburç. Rüppell’s Warbler Sylvia rueppelli: Two on the road to Uzuncaburç and one near Akseki; the male is a really attractive bird. Eastern Orphean Warbler Sylvia crassirostris: Several at Durnalik, Isikli and Uzuncaburç. Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria: Good views at Durnalik and at Kizilcahamam. Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca: Common at Durnalik with a few at Isikli and Demirkazik. The race breeding in Turkey is not clear, but some of our birds (e.g. on Demirkazik) certainly looked different and may well be althaea. Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis: A singing male along the valley near Kizilcahamam. Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla: One on the Uzuncaburç road and also seen on the extension in the Pontic Mountains at Sivrikaya. Green Warbler (Bright Green Warbler) Phylloscopus nitidus: Common in the woods around Sivrikaya and behind our hotel at Çamlik. Balkan Warbler (Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler) Phylloscopus orientalis: Seen briefly in Birecik tea gardens and we eventually located some birds in a wooded valley near Akseki, one of which showed superbly. Caucasian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus lorenzii: Three seen on the extension at Sivrikaya. The taxonomic status of this form is still uncertain and it is often included with P. sindianus with the two combined being referred to as Mountain Chiffchaff. Goldcrest Regulus regulus: Several at Akseki and common on the extension behind the hotel at Çamlik. MUSCICAPIDAE Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata: Singles at Durnalik, Birecik and the Göksü were surely migrants, but it is hard to believe that the six or so at Akseki were not breeding there. PARADOXORNITHIDAE Bearded Reedling (Bearded Tit, Bearded Parrotbill) Panurus biarmicus: Seen and heard briefly at the Göksü Delta and at Magan Gölü. TIMALIIDAE Iraq Babbler Turdoidess altirostris: One showed three times on our first evening at Birecik, but was not seen on the second evening despite a good look. First recorded in Turkey in 2006. AEGITHALIDAE Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus: A couple seen briefly at Uzuncaburç and at Kizilcahamam, the subspecies involved is tephronotus.

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PARIDAE Sombre Tit Parus lugubris: Good numbers at Durnalik, with one or two at Isikli and Uzuncaburç. The subspecies involved is anatoliae. Coal Tit Parus ater: A few on the Uzuncaburç road and common at Akseki and on the extension at Sivrikaya. Compared to European birds, those in Turkey have incipient crests and bigger black bibs, the subspecies involved in not clear (although those in the NE should be derjugini). European Blue Tit Parus caeruleus: A few at Uzuncaburç and Akseki. Great Tit Parus major: Fairly common and widespread. SITTIDAE Krüper’s Nuthatch Sitta krueperi: Several on the road to Uzuncaburç and at Akseki, with nice scope views. Eastern Rock Nuthatch (Great Rock Nuthatch) Sitta tephronota: Common at Durnalik and Isikli, where presumed to be the subspecies dresseri. Western Rock Nuthatch Sitta neumayer: Much more widespread than the previous species with records from Durnalik, Isikli, Uzuncaburç, Akseki and high up on Demirkazik. The subspecies in the areas of Turkey that we visited is syriaca. TICHODROMADIDAE Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria: Good views on the extension near the Ovitdagi Geçidi, where a male was seen the first day and then a pair together on the second. CERTHIIDAE Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla: Several at Akseki but heard more often than seen. ORIOLIDAE Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus: Several at Kizilcahamam, seen mostly in flight, with males chasing each other. LANIIDAE Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio: A common and widespread species, even seen in the centre of Istanbul. Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor: One seen well at Birecik, and then a few more from the bus. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator: Common at Durnalik, with one or two at Isikli and also a few seen from the bus while we were in the SE. The subspecies of the majority of birds recorded was niloticus. Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus: Good views at the Tarsus Delta, on the Uzuncaburç road and at Akseki. CORVIDAE Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius: Two subspecies were involved, anatoliae in the southern and central areas (e.g. Uzuncaburç, Demirkazik, Akseki and Kizilcahamam) and krynicki on the extension around Sivrikaya. Common Magpie (Black-billed Magpie) Pica pica: Only common on the central plateau. Alpine Chough (Yellow-billed Chough) Pyrrhocorax graculus: Good numbers on Demirkazik. Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax: Common on Demirkazik and on the extension around Sivrikaya. The subspecies in these areas is docilis.

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Western Jackdaw (Eurasian Jackdaw) Corvus monedula: Only a few seen until we got to Kizilcahamam. The birds in Turkey have the pale lines on the sides of the neck characteristic of the subspecies soemmeringii. Rook Corvus frugilegus: Locally common on the central plateau. Hooded Crow Corvus cornix: Small numbers throughout. Two subspecies appear to have been involved pallescens in the SE and sharpii over the rest of the country. Common Raven Corvus corax: One at Uzuncaburç and then 15 in the air together at Kizilcahamam. STURNIDAE Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris: Widespread in small numbers, but commonest in the SE. Rosy Starling (Rose-coloured Starling) Sturnus roseus: Most numerous around Birecik, where they showed well in the pistachio orchards, then 25 high on Demirkazik, six for Ewan at the Sultan Marshes and a singleton seen by Simon on the extension, high in the mountains above Sivrikaya. PASSERIDAE House Sparrow Passer domesticus: Scattered everywhere. Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus: Fairly common around Birecik where it is represented by the subspecies mespotamicus. The males have to be one of the most attractive sparrows. Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus (NL): Three at the foot of Demirkazik. Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis: Good numbers at Durnalik and a colony in the trees above our lunch stop near Tarsus. Birds in Turkey are considered to be intergrades between the nominate form and the more eastern transcaspicus. Pale Rockfinch (Pale Rock Sparrow) Carpospiza brachydactyla: Abundant this year around Durnalik and Isikli, with many good views. Chestnut-shouldered Sparrow (Chestnut-shouldered Petronia, Yellow-throated Sparrow) Petronia xanthocollis: Two males showed well at Birecik where this species is represented by the subspecies transfuga. Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia: Small number at Durnalik, Isikli, Birecik and on Demirkazik. White-winged Snowfinch Montifringilla nivalis: Good numbers on Demirkazik and on the extension in the Pontic Mountains. All sightings relate to the subspecies leucura. FRINGILLIDAE Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs: Common on the Uzuncaburç road, at Akseki, Kizilcahamam and on the extension at Sivrikaya. The subspecies was caucasica. Red-fronted Serin Serinus pusillus: What a little stunner with its glowing forehead. Two showed well at Demirkazik and a couple were also seen on the extension. European Serin Serinus serinus: Only seen at Akseki and Kizilcahamam. European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris: Scattered in small numbers. European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis: Similarly scattered in small numbers. The subspecies of most birds is niediecki. European Siskin Carduelis spinus: A couple on the extension at the hotel at Çamlik. Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina: Especially common at Durnalik and Demirkazik. All birds seen were of the subspecies bella. Twite Carduelis flavirostris: Seen by Peter at Demirkazik and common on the extension around Ovitgagi Geçidi. Turkish birds are the distinctive subspecies brevirostris, which surely deserves specific status, as they are rather different to the nominate group in NW Europe Common Crossbill (Red Crossbill ) Loxia curvirostra: A party of five watched feeding at Akseki and up to seven on the extension by the hotel at Çamlik.

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Crimson-winged Finch Rhodopechys sanguinea: At the last moment Peter found two at Demirkazik and we enjoyed great views. It has recently been suggested that the birds in NW Africa (race alienus) may be better treated as a distinct species. Desert Finch Rhodospiza obsoleta: Several at Birecik and at Isikli. They lived up to their reputation of being a bit flighty but we eventually had some very nice views. Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus: Up to three at Isikli was a surprise. Common Rosefinch (Scarlet Rosefinch) Carpodacus erythrinus: Only seen on the extension around Sivrikaya, including some stunning males. The subspecies here is kubanensis. EMBERIZIDAE Rock Bunting Emberiza cia: Four at Demirkazik. Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea: Good numbers oat Durnalik and Isikli; all were the yellowbellied race semenowi. Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana: Small numbers at Akseki, Demirkazik, Kizilcahamam and the Ovitdagi Geçidi. Cretzschmar’s Bunting Emberiza caesia: Small numbers at Durnalik, Isikli and on the Uzuncaburç road. Common Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus: Several at the Sultan Marshes. These are representatives of the thick-billed race reiseri. Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala: Good numbers at Durnalik on the first morning and then scattered sightings; a stunning species to have as one of the common roadside birds. Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra: Several on roadside wires on the central plateau but not seen well until Kulu Gölü. MAMMALS European Hare Lepus europaeus: Three ran across the road near Akseki. Persian Squirrel Sciurus anomaluus: Seen at Uzuncaburç and Akseki. (Note that Red Squirrel S. vulgaris does not occur in Turkey and was included on the list by mistake.) European Souslik Spermophilus citellus: Common on Demirkazik and abundant at the Sultan Marshes and Kulu Gölü. Red Fox Vulpes vulpes: One at Birecik. Grey Wolf Canis lupus: Two on the extension near the Ovitdagi Geçidi came as a shock and a surprise, and were scoped for ten minutes as they sat on the far hillside and watched us. Eastern Hedgehog Erinaceus concolor (NL): One from the bus near Gaziantep. Wild Goat (Ibex) Capra aegagrus: Two at Demirkazik. Western Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus: Three seen on the extension at Sivrikaya.

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TURKEY 2008 (photos by Simon Harrap unless otherwise indicated)

CLOCKWISE: Durnalik; Pale Rock Sparrow; White-throated Robin; Cinereous Bunting; Upcher’s Warbler (Max Berlijn); Black-headed Bunting; Finsch’s Wheatear (Max Berlijn)

Turkey 2008: colour page 1

CLOCKWISE: Pallid Scops Owl; Northern Bald Ibis; European Nightjar; Dea Sea Sparrow; See-see Partridge (Max Berlijn); Iraq Babbler (Rainer Ertel); Ménétries’s Warbler (Rainer Ertel) Turkey 2008: colour page 2

CLOCKWISE: Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters (flying bird, Rainer Ertel; Persian Squirrel; Olive-tree Warbler (Rainer Ertel); Krüper’s Nuthatch (Max Berlijn); Cretschmar’s Bunting.

Turkey 2008: colour page 3

CLOCKWISE: White Stork; Wood Lark; Violet Limodore; Crimson-winged Finch (Max Berlijn); Caspian Gull; Ortolan Bunting.

Turkey 2008: colour page 4

CLOCKWISE: Demirkazik; Lesser Short-toed Lark; Aya Sofya; Moustached Warbler; Isabelline Wheatear; European Souslik.

Turkey 2008: colour page 5

Turkey 2008: colour page 6

CLOCKWISE: Wolves (Max Berlijn); Green Warbler; Ovit pass; Caucasian Grouse; Wolf (Max Berlijn); Twite; Caucasian Chiffchaff (Max Berlijn); Wolf.