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A Report from birdtours.co.uk

Birding South Sinai, December 1st - 7th 2000,

Tommy Pedersen

Havreveien 28, N-0680 Oslo, Norway

stingray@online.no

Sooty Gull  Larus hemprichii, Nabq Protected Area, Dec. 3rd 2000


Bruce Hansen and myself flew from directly from Oslo to Sharm el Sheikh international airport with Egyptian carrier Shorouk Air, in a modern Airbus. Service onboard was adequate, with no alcohol served. It is recommended to bring something to drink, as the trolley rarely passed in the cabin after the meal was served.

We got the passport processed by the "on-board" immigration officer, which saved us a bit of time upon arrival. If you plan to visit the Ras Mohammed National Park, it is a must to extend your visa to the "all Egypt" variety. It cost NOK 150,- (US $ 16,-). If in doubt - do it anyway, as the reward compensates for the moderate cost. There are numerous checkpoints on the Sinai Peninsula, quite a few of them asking for passport - SO DO NOT LEAVE IT AT THE HOTEL!

From Sharm el Sheikh airport there is a 15 minute drive to the centre of Naama Bay. Naama Bay is a new town completely devoted to tourism, with numerous posh hotels, restaurants, shops and even its own "Tourist Police" to ensure safety for visitors. What the city lacks in spirit it gains in cleanliness.

We stayed at Mövenpick Sport Hotel, in the centre of Naama Bay and close to the beach. All hotels here have well-watered lawns with lots of trees. They attract pipits of several species, as well as numerous Chiffchaffs and Bluethroats.

The sewage-ponds northwest of town can be reached on foot from the main road, if you follow the (only) tarmac-road going north immediately west of Marriott Hotel. This is an excellent site for birding. Even easier accessed by taxi. We found the going rate to be appx. EG£ 30,- pr. hour, and then the driver would wait for you. I can highly recommend the driver of taxi nr. 851, Mr. Medhat, found opposite the tax-free shop close to Mövenpick Hotel. He is honest, very friendly, speaks good English and eager to please. We hired him for a period of six days off and on, including one full day visiting St. Katherine Monastery. The full day ran from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and with tip cost us EG£ 400,- (US $ 110,-). Avis ren-a-car would charge US $ 100,- for a car and 500 free km, but we opted for a taxi.

The sewage-ponds southwest of town is best reached by taxi, but might be gone by early 2001. If so, try to visit the ponds north of the airport. I saw these ponds while taking off, so we did not go there ourselves. It looked promising, even if it seemed to be fenced in.

The golf-course at Mövenpick Golf Hotel is well worth a visit. It lies close to the airport, and taxis from the centre will take you there for EG£ 15-20. The grass outside the lobby held larks and pipits, and from there you can walk (north) through the southern golf-gate and along the western side to the northern main gate. There are 5-8 ponds along here, all with waterbirds present. Be aware of incoming golfballs. Hard little things.

Ras Mohammed National Parkis a delightful area to explore. The beach from the main entrance (where the huge stone monoliths that spell "Allah" are situated) and southwards held a few gulls and waders. A telescope is handy here. The sand dunes are good for larks.

Nabq Protected Areaimmediately to the north of Naama Bay is also a must. The worlds supposedly northernmost mangroves lies here.

We tried St. Katherine Monastery for the Sinai Rosefinch, but among the plentiful tourists we found none. Apparently they are here at daybreak according to a local youth (?). December might be wrong as well. If you drive the whole loop and pass by El Tur on the western coast, you might want to try the sewage-ponds east of town. Again, only seen while overflying the area going home, but it looked promising.

Western Reef-heron  Egretta gularis schistacea, Naama Bay beach - daily
Species-list:

Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis ruficollis)
1 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.

Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis nigricollis)
2 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
3 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.

Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
6 adults and immatures at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
6 adults and immatures at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
4 adults and immatures at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.

Great Cormorant [sinensis]   (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis)
10 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Common here.

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea cinerea)
2 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Seen with Eurasian Spoonbills close to the artificial ponds.
1 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.

Great Egret (Ardea alba alba)
2 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Seen in the mangroves north of the visitor-center.

Western Reef-heron [schistacea]   (Egretta gularis schistacea)
1 adult at Naama Bay on 02.12.2000.  White morph, very tame, at the beach below Mövenpick Hotel.
7 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Seen in the artificial ponds, a few with the plumage heavily blotched grey.
1 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At Mövenpick Hotel, walking on the beach.
1 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 05.12.2000.  Seen close to the mangroves.

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis ibis)
1 at Sharm el Sheikh airport on 07.12.2000.  At the entrance.

White Stork (Ciconia ciconia ciconia)
400 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
400 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
400 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.

Black Stork
(Ciconia nigra)
1 juv. at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town. Not seen later.

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia leucorodia)
6 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Seen with Grey Herons close to the artificial ponds.

Greater Flamingo [roseus]   (Phoenicopterus ruber roseus)
2 adults and immatures at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.

Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)
1 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.

Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
1 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
1 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.

Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope)
6 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, two males and four females.
6 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, two males and four females.

Gadwall (Anas strepera strepera)
4 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, one male and three females.
4 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, one male and three females.

Common Teal (Anas crecca)
2 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
20 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos)
30 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
1 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
10 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
10 at Naama Bay on 07.12.2000.  At the southwestern sewage-pond.

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
1 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
3 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
6 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, one male and five females.
4 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, one male and three females.

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
2 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
5 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, all females.
5 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, all females.

Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)
1 adult male at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
1 adult male at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
1 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  Female coloured, at the Marriott Hotel pond.
1 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, probably the same bird seen at Marriott Hotel on Dec. 1st.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus haliaetus)
2 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Common here.
2 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 02.12.2000.  Wintering here.

Black Kite [sp]   (Milvus migrans)
15 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
1 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  Status, .  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
6 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
3 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
1 at Naama Bay on 07.12.2000.  At the southwestern sewage-pond.
2 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Common here.

Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus)
1 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 02.12.2000.  Female coloured, in the mangrove channel.

Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes)
1 adult male at Naama Bay on 02.12.2000.  Flying over the beach in front of Mövenpick Hotel.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus nisus)
1 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town, in the forest there.
1 at Naama Bay on 07.12.2000.  At the southwestern sewage-pond.

Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus rufinus)
1 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  Flying above the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Western Steppe-buzzard (Buteo buteo vulpinus)
1 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  Seen in town.

Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina pomarina)
1 adult at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town, mobbed by a Black Kite.

Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca)
3 adults and immatures at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay, one adult and two juveniles.

Bonelli's Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus fasciatus)
2 at St. Katherine - El Tur road on 06.12.2000.  Quite a surprise, flying together and hunting along a hillside.

Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)
1 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  Female coloured, in town.
2 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
1 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At Mövenpick Sport Hotel.
1 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  Seen at Mövenpick Sport Hotel.
1 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
3 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
3 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
18 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 05.12.2000.  One flock migrating south.

Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus chloropus)
4 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
4 at Naama Bay on 07.12.2000.  At the southwestern sewage-pond.

Common Coot (Fulica atra atra)
50 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
40 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
4 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
4 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.

Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus ostralegus)
6 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 02.12.2000.  On the western shore.

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
4 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
1 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
6 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
1 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
3 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.

Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus)
6 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
6 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
6 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
12 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
4 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
4 at Naama Bay on 07.12.2000.  At the southwestern sewage-pond.

Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)
20 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 02.12.2000.  On the western shore.
3 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Common.

Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula hiaticula)
30 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
4 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Common here.
50 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.

Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus alexandrinus)
2 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
1 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 02.12.2000.  On the western shore.
2 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Seen close to the visitor-center.
2 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.

Greater Sand Plover [columbinus]   (Charadrius leschenaultii columbinus)
3 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 02.12.2000.  On the western shore.
4 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Seen along the shoreline.
1 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.

Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago gallinago)
1 at Naama Bay on 07.12.2000.  At the southwestern sewage-pond.

Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata arquata)
6 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 02.12.2000.  On the western shore.
2 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Common.

Common Redshank (Tringa totanus totanus)
4 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
2 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 02.12.2000.  Common.
4 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Common.
4 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
3 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
3 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
1 at Naama Bay on 07.12.2000.  At the southwestern sewage-pond.

Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)
2 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
1 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.

Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia nebularia)
2 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
1 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Seen close to the visitors-center.

Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)
1 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 05.12.2000.  Seen at the mangrove channel.

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres interpres)
3 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Seen close to the visitors-center.

Sanderling (Calidris alba)
1 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 02.12.2000.  On the western shore.

Little Stint (Calidris minuta)
10 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
10 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
10 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.

Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)
4 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Seen close to the visitors-center.

Dunlin (Calidris alpina alpina)
4 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
1 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.

Sooty Gull (Larus hemprichii)
6 second winter at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Seen close to the visitors-center, not shy.

Eastern Yellow-legged Gull (Larus cachinnans cachinnans)
1 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 05.12.2000.  Seen along the western shore, close to the main entrance.

Slender-billed Gull (Larus genei)
4  adult winter at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 02.12.2000.  On the western shore.
2  adult winter at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Seen at the artificial ponds, very vocal.
5 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 05.12.2000.  Seen along the western shore, close to the main entrance.

Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia)
1 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Seen close to the visitors-center.
2 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 02.12.2000.  In the salt lake channel.
2 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 05.12.2000.  Seen along the western shore, close to the main entrance.

Spotted Sandgrouse (Pterocles senegallus)
150 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town, coming to drink in groups of 5-25 birds between
07:15 and 07:30 - very vocal.

Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse  (Pterocles lichtensteinii lichtensteinii)
20 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town, came in to drink at late dusk (17:20), not calling, not flying overhead. Flushed from the waters edge when the light was fading.

Feral Dove (Columba livia 'feral')
10 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  In town.
20 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Seen close to the visitors-center.

Rock Dove [palaestinae]   (Columba livia palaestinae)
50 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
50 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town, coming from the mountains to drink.
100 at St. Katherine Monastery on 06.12.2000.  Common here, along the mountain-side.

Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto decaocto)
25 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town, common here.
50 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
30 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.

Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis senegalensis)
20 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  Common in town.
20 at Naama Bay on 02.12.2000.  Very common.
10 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At Mövenpick Sport Hotel.
10 at St. Katherine Monastery on 06.12.2000.  Common here.

Rose-ringed Parakeet [feral]   (Psittacula krameri "feral")
1 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  Seen close to the beach below Mövenpick Hotel.

Pharaoh Eagle-owl (Bubo ascalaphus ascalapus)
1 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At Mövenpick Sport Hotel (Jolie Cinema) at 22:15. The bird was small and pale, and was sitting on a fence eating a rodent.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis atthis)
2 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Sitting on bare rock along the shoreline, fishing in salt water.

Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis rudis)
1 at Naama Bay on 02.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town. Not seen later.

Bar-tailed Lark [arenicolor]   (Ammomanes cincturus arenicolor)
2 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 02.12.2000.  Seen in the sandy area close to the main gate.

Desert Lark (Ammomanes deserti deserti)
2 at Dahab - St. Katherine road on 06.12.2000.  In rocky, mountainous terrain, quite different from Bar-tailed Lark.
6 at St. Katherine Monastery on 06.12.2000.  Common around the monastery, in rocky terrain. Quite tame.
4 at St. Katherine - El Tur road on 06.12.2000.  Seems common.

Greater Hoopoe-lark (Alaemon alaudipes alaudipes)
1 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 02.12.2000.  Seen close to the main gate.
2 at St. Katherine - El Tur road on 06.12.2000.  Seen in the sandy desert-area north of El Tur.

Eurasian Skylark [cantarella]   (Alauda arvensis cantarella)
2 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds nortwest of town.
8 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At Mövenpick Golf Hotel, walking on the lawn.
8 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  Mövenpick Golf Hotel, same as seen here yesterday.

Pale Crag-martin (Hirundo obsoleta obsoleta)
50 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  Common everywhere.
10 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Common.
50 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
10 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
10 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
10 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 05.12.2000.  Common.
10 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
2 at St. Katherine Monastery on 06.12.2000.  At the monastery.
20 at Naama Bay on 07.12.2000.  At the southwestern sewage-pond.

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica rustica)
50 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
10 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
4 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
20 at Naama Bay on 07.12.2000.  At the southwestern sewage-pond.

White Wagtail (Motacilla alba alba)
100 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  Very common, all probably of the nominate ssp.
20 at Naama Bay on 02.12.2000.  Very common.
20 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
30 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
50 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
20 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
4 at St. Katherine Monastery on 06.12.2000.  At the monastery.
2 at St. Katherine - El Tur road on 06.12.2000.  Common.
20 at Naama Bay on 07.12.2000.  At the southwestern sewage-pond.

Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris campestris)
6 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  Common on lawns along the main road through town.
2 at Naama Bay on 02.12.2000.  Seen on a lawn along the main road.
2 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.

Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis pratensis)
2 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At Mövenpick Golf Hotel, flying over the golfcourse.
3 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
1 at Naama Bay on 07.12.2000.  At the southwestern sewage-pond.

Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus)
15 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  Common on lawns along the main road through town.
2 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
15 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At Mövenpick Golf Hotel, walking on the lawn.
10 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At Mövenpick Golf Hotel, on the lawn.

Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta coutellii)
2 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  Seen on a lawn along the main road through town.

Streaked Scrub-warbler (Scotocerca inquieta inquieta)
2 at Dahab - St. Katherine road on 06.12.2000.  Seen flying from scrub to scrub in flat, sandy area, quite vocal.
2 at St. Katherine - El Tur road on 06.12.2000.  Seen in open, sandy areas with low bushes present.

Great Reed-warbler [sp]   (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)
1 at Sharm el Sheikh airport on 01.12.2000.  Catching insects inside the terminal, at the baggage pick-up zone.
1 at Naama Bay on 07.12.2000.  At the southwestern sewage-pond, singing from the reedbed.

Common Chiffchaff [sp]   (Phylloscopus collybita)
20 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  Very common in all gardens.
25 at Naama Bay on 02.12.2000.  Very common in the gardens.
50 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town, very common here.
20 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At Mövenpick Sport Hotel.
2 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
1 at St. Katherine - El Tur road on 06.12.2000.  Seen in an acacia-tree.
30 at Naama Bay on 07.12.2000.  At the southwestern sewage-pond.

Blackcap [sp]   (Sylvia atricapilla)
1 adult male at Naama Bay on 02.12.2000.  Seen in the garden at Mövenpick Sport Hotel.

Desert Warbler (Sylvia nana nana)
1 at Dahab - St. Katherine road on 06.12.2000.  Seen in low bushes in flat, sandy terrain.

Sardinian Warbler [momus]   (Sylvia melanocephala momus)
1 adult male at Naama Bay on 02.12.2000.  Seen in the garden at Mövenpick Sport Hotel.

Bluethroat [sp]   (Luscinia svecica)
1 at Naama Bay on 02.12.2000.  Seen on a lawn along the main road.
30 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town, both svecica and cyanecula present.
20 at Naama Bay on 07.12.2000.  At the southwestern sewage-pond, both subspecies present.

Red-spotted Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica svecica)
1  adult winter male at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At Mövenpick Hotel.

White-spotted Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica cyanecula)
1  adult winter male at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Seen close to the visitors-center, at the beach near some beach-huts without vegetation.

Common Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola rubicola)
1 adult male at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
2 at St. Katherine - El Tur road on 06.12.2000.  Seen around human habitation.

White-tailed Wheatear [ernesti]   (Oenanthe leucopyga ernesti)
2 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 02.12.2000.  Seen just before entering Ras Mohammed, in a rocky hillside.
2 first winter at Dahab - St. Katherine road on 06.12.2000.  In rocky terrain.
8 at St. Katherine Monastery on 06.12.2000.  Common here.
20 at St. Katherine - El Tur road on 06.12.2000.  The most common wheatear along this road, absent from open areas.

Mourning Wheatear (Oenanthe lugens lugens)
1 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
1 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
1 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
1 at Nabq Protected Area on 03.12.2000.  Seen close to the visitors-center, fairly tame.
1 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 05.12.2000.  Seen at the park entrance.
6 at St. Katherine - El Tur road on 06.12.2000.  Less common than White-tailed Wheatear.

Desert Wheatear [sp]   (Oenanthe deserti)
1 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.

House Crow [feral]   (Corvus splendens "feral")
30 at El Tur on 06.12.2000.  Common at the harbour.

Hooded Crow [pallescens]   (Corvus corone pallescens)
2 at El Tur on 06.12.2000.  Seen immediately north of town, along the main road.
2 at Naama Bay on 07.12.2000.  At the southwestern sewage-pond.

Brown-necked Raven (Corvus ruficollis ruficollis)
1 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  Seen along the road between the airport and Naama Bay.
40 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  One large flock outside the eastern part of town.
1 at Ras Mohammed N.P. on 02.12.2000.  Seen before entering Ras Mohammed, at the security check-point.
2 at St. Katherine - El Tur road on 06.12.2000.  Flying overhead.

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris)
2 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.

Tristram's Starling (Onychognathus tristramii)
4 at St. Katherine Monastery on 06.12.2000.  Seen at an oasis immediately east of the monastery turnoff, where perched on rocks and flying overhead, very vocal.

House Sparrow [indicus]   (Passer domesticus indicus)
25 at Sharm el Sheikh airport on 01.12.2000.  Common.
100 at Naama Bay on 01.12.2000.  Very common.
100 at Naama Bay on 02.12.2000.  Very common.
20 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
20 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
10 at Naama Bay on 04.12.2000.  At Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
20 at Naama Bay on 05.12.2000.  At Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
30 at Naama Bay on 07.12.2000.  At the southwestern sewage-pond.

Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis hispaniolensis)
10 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town, in the reeds.

White-throated Munia [feral]   (Lonchura malabarica "feral")
2 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town, seen in low bushes between the forest and the ponds.  Apparently new to Egypt.

Eurasian Siskin (Carduelis spinus)
2 at Naama Bay on 03.12.2000.  At the sewage-ponds southwest of town, flying from the forest.

Spotted Sandgrouse  Pterocles senegallus, Naama Bay sewage ponds Dec. 4th 2000

Trip by date:

01.12.2000 7:00

Sharm el Sheikh airport, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Great Reed-warbler [sp] (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) Catching insects inside the terminal, at the baggage pick-up zone.
House Sparrow [indicus] (Passer domesticus indicus) Common.

01.12.2000 8:00 to 22:15

Naama Bay, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis ruficollis) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
White Stork (Ciconia ciconia ciconia) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay. Not seen later.
Greater Flamingo [roseus] (Phoenicopterus ruber roseus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Common Teal (Anas crecca) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) Female coloured, at the Marriott Hotel pond.
Black Kite [sp] (Milvus migrans) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus rufinus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Western Steppe-buzzard  (Buteo buteo vulpinus)  In Naama Bay.
Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay, one adult and two juveniles.
Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) Female coloured, in town.
Common Crane (Grus grus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Common Coot (Fulica atra atra) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula hiaticula) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus alexandrinus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Common Redshank (Tringa totanus totanus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Little Stint (Calidris minuta) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Feral Dove (Columba livia 'feral') In town.
Rock Dove [palaestinae] (Columba livia palaestinae) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis senegalensis) Common in town.
Pharaoh Eagle-owl (Bubo ascalaphus ascalapus) At Mövenpick Sport Hotel (Jolie Cinema) at 22:15. The bird was small and pale, and was sitting on a fence eating a rodent.
Pale Crag-martin (Hirundo obsoleta obsoleta) Common everywhere.
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba alba) Very common, all probably of the nominate ssp.
Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris campestris) Common on lawns along the main road through town.
Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus) Common on lawns along the main road through town.
Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta coutellii) Seen well on a lawn along the main road through town.
Common Chiffchaff [sp] (Phylloscopus collybita) Very common in all gardens.
Mourning Wheatear (Oenanthe lugens lugens) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Desert Wheatear [sp] (Oenanthe deserti) At the sewage-ponds northwest of Naama Bay.
Brown-necked Raven (Corvus ruficollis ruficollis) Seen along the road between the airport and Naama Bay.
House Sparrow [indicus] (Passer domesticus indicus) Very common.

02.12.2000 6:15 to 8:00

Naama Bay, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Western Reef-heron [schistacea] (Egretta gularis schistacea) White morph, very tame, at the beach below Mövenpick Hotel.
Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis senegalensis) Very common.
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba alba) Very common.
Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris campestris) Seen on a lawn along the main road.
Common Chiffchaff [sp] (Phylloscopus collybita) Very common in the gardens.
Blackcap [sp] (Sylvia atricapilla) Seen in the garden at Mövenpick Sport Hotel.
Sardinian Warbler [momus] (Sylvia melanocephala momus) Seen in the garden at Mövenpick Sport Hotel.
Bluethroat [sp] (Luscinia svecica) Seen on a lawn along the main road.
House Sparrow [indicus] (Passer domesticus indicus) Very common.

02.12.2000 12:00

Naama Bay, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes) Flying over the beach in front of Mövenpick Hotel.

02.12.2000 12:00

Naama Bay, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis rudis) Sewage-ponds southwest of town. Not seen later..

02.12.2000 15:00 to 17:00

Ras Mohammed N.P., Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus haliaetus) Wintering here.
Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus) Female coloured, in the mangrove channel.
Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus ostralegus) On the western shore.
Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) On the western shore.
Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus alexandrinus) On the western shore.
Greater Sand Plover [columbinus] (Charadrius leschenaultii columbinus) On the western shore.
Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata arquata) On the western shore.
Common Redshank (Tringa totanus totanus) Common.
Sanderling (Calidris alba) On the western shore.
Slender-billed Gull (Larus genei) On the western shore.
Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia) In the salt lake channel.
Bar-tailed Lark [arenicolor] (Ammomanes cincturus arenicolor) Seen in the sandy area close to the main gate.
Greater Hoopoe-lark (Alaemon alaudipes alaudipes) Seen close to the main gate.
White-tailed Wheatear [ernesti] (Oenanthe leucopyga ernesti) Seen just before entering Ras Mohammed, in rocky hillside along the main road.
Brown-necked Raven (Corvus ruficollis ruficollis) Seen before entering Ras Mohammed, at the security check-point.

03.12.2000 6:00 to 10:00

Nabq Protected Area, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Great Cormorant [sinensis] (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) Common here.
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea cinerea) Seen with Eurasian Spoonbills close to the artificial ponds.
Great Egret (Ardea alba alba) Seen in the mangroves north of the visitor-center.
Western Reef-heron [schistacea] (Egretta gularis schistacea) Seen in the artificial ponds, a few with the plumage heavily blotched grey.
Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia leucorodia) Seen with Grey Herons close to the artificial ponds.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus haliaetus) Common here.
Black Kite [sp] (Milvus migrans) Common here.
Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) Common.
Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula hiaticula) Common here.
Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus alexandrinus) Seen close to the visitor-center.
Greater Sand Plover [columbinus] (Charadrius leschenaultii columbinus) Seen along the shoreline.
Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata arquata) Common.
Common Redshank (Tringa totanus totanus) Common.
Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia nebularia) Seen close to the visitors-center.
Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres interpres) Seen close to the visitors-center.
Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) Seen close to the visitors-center.
Sooty Gull (Larus hemprichii) Seen close to the visitors-center, not shy.
Slender-billed Gull (Larus genei) Seen at the artificial ponds, very vocal.
Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia) Seen close to the visitors-center.
Feral Dove (Columba livia 'feral') Seen close to the visitors-center.
Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis atthis) Sitting on bare rock along the shoreline, fishing in salt water.
Pale Crag-martin (Hirundo obsoleta obsoleta) Common.
White-spotted Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica cyanecula) Seen close to the visitors-center, at the beach near some beach-huts without vegetation.
Mourning Wheatear (Oenanthe lugens lugens) Seen close to the visitors-center, fairly tame.

03.12.2000 10:30

Naama Bay, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Brown-necked Raven (Corvus ruficollis ruficollis) One large flock outside the eastern part of town.

03.12.2000 15:30 to 16:45

Naama Bay, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
Black Kite [sp] (Milvus migrans) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus nisus) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town, in the forest there.
Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus chloropus) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto decaocto) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town, common here.
Pale Crag-martin (Hirundo obsoleta obsoleta) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica rustica) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba alba) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris campestris) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
Common Chiffchaff [sp] (Phylloscopus collybita) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town, very common here.
Bluethroat [sp] (Luscinia svecica) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town, both svecica and cyanecula present.
Common Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola rubicola) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
House Sparrow [indicus] (Passer domesticus indicus) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town.
Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis hispaniolensis) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town, in the reeds.
White-throated Munia [feral] (Lonchura malabarica "feral") At the sewage-ponds southwest of town, seen in low bushes between the forest and the ponds.
Eurasian Siskin (Carduelis spinus) At the sewage-ponds southwest of town, flying from the forest.

04.12.2000 6:00 to 8:30

Naama Bay, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Western Reef-heron [schistacea] (Egretta gularis schistacea) At Mövenpick Hotel, walking on the beach.
White Stork (Ciconia ciconia ciconia) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Common Teal (Anas crecca) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Black Kite [sp] (Milvus migrans) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina pomarina) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town, mobbed by a Black Kite.
Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) At Mövenpick Sport Hotel.
Common Coot (Fulica atra atra) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula hiaticula) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus alexandrinus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Common Redshank (Tringa totanus totanus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia nebularia) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Little Stint (Calidris minuta) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Spotted Sandgrouse (Pterocles senegallus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town, coming to drink in groups of 5-25 birds between 07:15 and 07:30 - very vocal.
Rock Dove [palaestinae] (Columba livia palaestinae) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town, coming from the mountains to drink.
Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis senegalensis) At Mövenpick Sport Hotel.
Eurasian Skylark [cantarella] (Alauda arvensis cantarella) At the sewage-ponds nortwest of town.
Pale Crag-martin (Hirundo obsoleta obsoleta) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba alba) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Common Chiffchaff [sp] (Phylloscopus collybita) At Mövenpick Sport Hotel.
Red-spotted Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica svecica) At Mövenpick Hotel.
Mourning Wheatear (Oenanthe lugens lugens) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
House Sparrow [indicus] (Passer domesticus indicus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.

04.12.2000 15:45 to 16:45

Naama Bay, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis nigricollis) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea cinerea) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, two males and four females.
Gadwall (Anas strepera strepera) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, one male and three females.
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, one male and five females.
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, all females.
Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Common Coot (Fulica atra atra) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Greater Sand Plover [columbinus] (Charadrius leschenaultii columbinus) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Common Redshank (Tringa totanus totanus) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Little Stint (Calidris minuta) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Dunlin (Calidris alpina alpina) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto decaocto) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Eurasian Skylark [cantarella] (Alauda arvensis cantarella) At Mövenpick Golf Hotel, walking on the lawn.
Pale Crag-martin (Hirundo obsoleta obsoleta) At Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica rustica) At Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba alba) At Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis pratensis) At Mövenpick Golf Hotel, flying over the golfcourse.
Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus) At Mövenpick Golf Hotel, walking on the lawn.
Common Chiffchaff [sp] (Phylloscopus collybita) At Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
House Sparrow [indicus] (Passer domesticus indicus) At Mövenpick Golf Hotel.

05.12.2000 9:45 to 13:00

Ras Mohammed N.P., Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Western Reef-heron [schistacea] (Egretta gularis schistacea) Seen close to the mangroves.
Common Crane (Grus grus) One flock migrating south.
Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) Seen at the mangrove channel.
Eastern Yellow-legged Gull (Larus cachinnans cachinnans) Seen along the western shore, close to the main entrance.
Slender-billed Gull (Larus genei) Seen along the western shore, close to the main entrance.
Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia) Seen along the western shore, close to the main entrance.
Pale Crag-martin (Hirundo obsoleta obsoleta) Common.
Mourning Wheatear (Oenanthe lugens lugens) Seen at the park entrance.

05.12.2000 15:00

Naama Bay, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) Seen at Mövenpick Sport Hotel.
Rose-ringed Parakeet [feral] (Psittacula krameri "feral") Seen close to the beach below Mövenpick Hotel.

05.12.2000 15:30 to 16:30

Naama Bay, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis nigricollis) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, two males and four females.
Gadwall (Anas strepera strepera) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, one male and three females.
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, one male and three females.
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, all females.
Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel, probably the same bird seen at Marriott Hotel on Dec. 1st.
Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Common Coot (Fulica atra atra) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Common Redshank (Tringa totanus totanus) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Dunlin (Calidris alpina alpina) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto decaocto) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Eurasian Skylark [cantarella] (Alauda arvensis cantarella) Mövenpick Golf Hotel, same as seen here yesterday.
Pale Crag-martin (Hirundo obsoleta obsoleta) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica rustica) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba alba) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis pratensis) At the golfcourse at Mövenpick Golf Hotel.
Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus) At Mövenpick Golf Hotel, on the lawn.
House Sparrow [indicus] (Passer domesticus indicus) At Mövenpick Golf Hotel.

05.12.2000 17:00 to 17:30

Naama Bay, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
White Stork (Ciconia ciconia ciconia) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Black Kite [sp] (Milvus migrans) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Common Crane (Grus grus) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.
Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse [sp] (Pterocles lichtensteinii) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town, came in to drink at late dusk (17:20), not calling, not flying overhead. Flushed from the waters edge when the light was fading.
Mourning Wheatear (Oenanthe lugens lugens) At the sewage-ponds northwest of town.

06.12.2000 6:15 to 10:45

Dahab - St. Katherine road, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Desert Lark (Ammomanes deserti deserti) In rocky, mountainous terrain, quite different from Bar-tailed Lark.
Streaked Scrub-warbler (Scotocerca inquieta inquieta) Seen flying from scrub to scrub in flat, sandy area, quite vocal.
Desert Warbler (Sylvia nana nana) Seen in low bushes in flat, sandy terrain.
White-tailed Wheatear [ernesti] (Oenanthe leucopyga ernesti) In rocky terrain.

06.12.2000 11:00 to 12:30

St. Katherine Monastery, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Rock Dove [palaestinae] (Columba livia palaestinae) Common here, along the mountain-side.
Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis senegalensis) Common here.
Desert Lark (Ammomanes deserti deserti) Common around the monastery, in rocky terrain. Quite tame.
Pale Crag-martin (Hirundo obsoleta obsoleta) At the monastery.
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba alba) At the monastery.
White-tailed Wheatear [ernesti] (Oenanthe leucopyga ernesti) Common here.
Tristram's Starling (Onychognathus tristramii) Seen at an oasis immediately east of the monastery turnoff, where perched on rocks and flying overhead, very vocal.

06.12.2000 12:45 to 16:30

St. Katherine - El Tur road, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Bonelli's Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus fasciatus) Quite a surprise, flying together and hunting along a hillside.
Desert Lark (Ammomanes deserti deserti) Seems common.
Greater Hoopoe-lark (Alaemon alaudipes alaudipes) Seen in the sandy desert-area north of El Tur.
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba alba) Common.
Streaked Scrub-warbler (Scotocerca inquieta inquieta) Seen in open, sandy areas with low bushes present.
Common Chiffchaff [sp] (Phylloscopus collybita) Seen in an acacia-tree.
Common Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola rubicola) Seen around human habitation.
White-tailed Wheatear [ernesti] (Oenanthe leucopyga ernesti) The most common wheatear along this road, absent from open areas.
Mourning Wheatear (Oenanthe lugens lugens) Less common than White-tailed Wheatear.
Brown-necked Raven (Corvus ruficollis ruficollis) Flying overhead.

06.12.2000 17:00

El Tur, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
House Crow [feral] (Corvus splendens "feral") Common at the harbour.
Hooded Crow [pallescens] (Corvus corone pallescens) Seen immediately north of town, along the main road.

07.12.2000 6:20 to 7:50

Naama Bay, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos) At the southwestern sewage-pond.
Black Kite [sp] (Milvus migrans) At the southwestern sewage-pond.
Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus nisus) At the southwestern sewage-pond.
Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus chloropus) At the southwestern sewage-pond.
Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) At the southwestern sewage-pond.
Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago gallinago) At the southwestern sewage-pond.
Common Redshank (Tringa totanus totanus) At the southwestern sewage-pond.
Pale Crag-martin (Hirundo obsoleta obsoleta) At the southwestern sewage-pond.
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica rustica) At the southwestern sewage-pond.
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba alba) At the southwestern sewage-pond.
Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis pratensis) At the southwestern sewage-pond.
Great Reed-warbler [sp] (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) At the southwestern sewage-pond, singing from the reedbed.
Common Chiffchaff [sp] (Phylloscopus collybita) At the southwestern sewage-pond.
Bluethroat [sp] (Luscinia svecica) At the southwestern sewage-pond, both subspecies present.
Hooded Crow [pallescens] (Corvus corone pallescens) At the southwestern sewage-pond.
House Sparrow [indicus] (Passer domesticus indicus) At the southwestern sewage-pond.

07.12.2000 10:00

Sharm el Sheikh airport, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis ibis) At the entrance.

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                  Greater Hoopoe-lark  Alaemon alaudipes alaudipes        Mourning Wheatear  Oenanthe lugens lugens

            

                                       Red-throated Pipit  Anthus cervinus                   Water Pipit  Anthus spinoletta coutellii

All pictures are video-grabs from Canon MV 200i  Digital Video Camera

 

 

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