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| A Report from birdtours.co.uk |
Birding Trip to Morocco. 22/11/02 – 1/12/02,
Mechelsbroekstraat 3, B-2820 Bonheiden, Belgium
Introduction.
The participants on this trip were Filip Collet and Regis Nossent.
We took a Thalys high speed train from Brussels to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. There we took an Air France flight to Casablanca. In Paris we couldn’t take our tripods with the handluggage. We returned also with Air France from Casablanca to Paris and with the Thalys to Brussels. On the return flight we had no problems with the tripods. We paid 198 € for one two-way ticket (taxes and reservation not included).
Transport.
Car hire was arranged with Tripcar ( www.tripcar.com ) over the internet. We hired a Cat. A car but got a Cat. B car for the same price (3044 DH ≈ 304 €). The car was a Fiat Palio. We had to give a warranty of 10000 DH (≈ 1000 €) in the form of a VISA-slip, but got that back when we delivered the car.
Driving in Morocco is fairly easy outside of the cities (especially Casablanca was hell!!). The roads are in a reasonable condition. We only had 2 problems with the car. We once got stuck in the sand near the Barrage El Mansour outside Ouarzazate and it took us 2 hours to get the car out. The 2nd problem was a sandstorm near Ouarzazate with a visibility of zero meters.
Many people warned us for driving at night. Since we would have lost a lot of time not driving at night, we chose to do it anyway, but had no problems with it at all.
Information/Books.
Bird Guides – The
most complete bird guide to the birds of Britain and Europe. Mullarney,
Svensson, Zetterström and Grant.
Finding Birds in Southern Morocco. Gosney.
Finding Birds in Northern Morocco. Gosney.
Several trip reports from:
www.birdtours.co.uk
www.ifrance.com/Go-South/
Lonely Planet Morocco.
Morocco Itinerary.
22nd November 2002 – Brussels – Paris –
Casablanca – Marrakech (Hotel Du Pacha).
23rd November 2002 – Marrakech – Oukaïmeden – Ourika – Aït Ourir
– Tizi ’n Tichka – Ouarzazate (Hotel Royal).
24th November 2002 – Ouarzazate – Barrage El Mansour – Boumalme
Du Dades – Tagdilt track – Boumalme Du Dades (Auberge Soleil Bleu).
25th November 2002 – Tagdilt track – Tazenakht – Taliouine – Taroudant
(Hotel Taroudant).
26th November 2002 – Taroudant – Agadir – Tamri – Cap Rhir – Oued
Sous – Agadir (Hotel El Bahia).
27th November 2002 – Agadir – Oued Massa – Agadir (Hotel El Bahia).
28th November 2002 – Agadir – Taroudant – Tizi ’n Test – Asni –
Marrakech (Hotel Du Pacha).
29th November 2002 – Marrakech – Casablanca (Hotel Astrid).
30th November 2002 – Casablanca – Sidi Bettache – Sidi Yahya –
Lac du Sidi Bourhaba – Casablanca (Hotel Astrid).
1st December 2002 – Casablanca – Paris – Brussels.
Systematic list of species seen.
1. Little Grebe – Tachybaptus ruficollis
Seen on the 27th at Oued Massa and on the 30th
at Lac du Sidi Bourhaba.
2. Great Crested Grebe – Podiceps cristatus
Small numbers were seen at two sites: at the Barrage El Mansour (24th)
and at Lac du Sidi Bourhaba (30th).
3. Black-necked Grebe – Podiceps nigricollis
One adult in winter plumage was at Lac du Sidi Bourhaba on the 30th.
4. Northern Gannet – Morus bassanus
Regularly seen off the coast at Tamri and Cap Rhir on the 26th
and off the coast at Oued Massa on the 27th.
5. Great Cormorant – Phalacrocorax carbo
Noted at the Barrage El Mansour, Oued Massa, Oued Sous and Lac du Sidi Bourhaba.
Highest numbers were seen at Oued Sous (+50) at the 27th, mostly
of the Moroccan sub-species “maroccanus”.
6. Cattle Egret – Bubulcus ibis
Very common around Casablanca and Rabat. Scarce at other sites. At the roostside
at Lac du Sidi Bourhaba, 758 Cattle Egrets came to the lake to roost at nightfall
(among these, groups of 155 and 136 birds).
7. Squacco Heron – Ardeola ralloides
A minimum of five were seen in Oued Massa on the 27th.
8. Little Egret – Egretta garzetta
Small numbers seen at most coastal areas. I.e. two on the beach between Agadir
and Tamri, ten at Tamri-lagoon, approximately ten at Oued Sous and several
at Oued Massa.
9. Grey Heron – Ardea cinerea
Widespread and common in small numbers.
10. White Stork – Ciconia ciconia
Two at the outskirts of Marrakech on the 23rd. A large group of
over two hundred White Storks was seen at the Barrage El Mansour on the 24th.
Two individuals were seen on the rubbish dumps at the beginning of the Tagdilt
track (24th) and a group of twentysix White Storks flying in Sous
valley on the 28th. Two were seen between Sidi Yahya and Sidi Bettache
and at least seven were at Lac du Sidi Bourhaba (30th).
11. Eurasian Spoonbill – Platalea leucorodia
Seven at Oued Sous on the 26th and five at Oued Massa on the 27th.
12. Glossy Ibis – Plegadis falcinellus
A group of fiftytwo Glossy Ibises was seen at Oued Massa (27th).
13. Bald Ibis – Geronticus calvus
We didn’t see any Bald Ibises at Tamri on the 26th. But we were
more lucky at Oued Massa (27th) where six flew over to the north.
Later that day, presumably the same six individuals flew back over to the
south.
14. Greater Flamingo – Phoenicopterus ruber
Large numbers (+300) were seen at Oued Sous on the 26th and four
were seen at Oued Massa on the 27th.
15. Mute Swan – Cygnus olor
Six were seen from the Thalys in France and two were seen from the plane while
arriving at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport.
16. Gadwall – Mareca strepera
One male at Oued Massa on the 27th. Small numbers were also seen
at Lac du Sidi Bourhaba on the 30th.
17. Common Teal – Anas crecca
Seen at two places: Oued Massa (27th) and Lac du Sidi Bourhaba
(30th). Both times small numbers.
18. Mallard – Anas platyrhynchos
Small numbers at Oued Massa and Lac du Sidi Bourhaba.
19. Northern Pintail – Anas acuta
Small numbers at Oued Massa on the 27th.
20. Northern Shoveler – Anas clypeata
Small numbers were seen at Oued Sous (26th) and Oued Massa (27th).
A larger flock was at Lac du Sidi Bourhaba on the 30th.
21. Marbled Duck – Marmaronetta angustirostris
Good numbers (184 birds) at Oued Sous on the 27th. Also fifty plus
birds at Lac du Sidi Bourhaba (30th) which gave excellent vieuws.
22. Red-crested Pochard – Netta rufina
A group of nineteen was seen at Lac du Sidi Bourhaba on the 30th.
23. Common Pochard – Aythya ferina
The commonest diving duck with large numbers noted at Oued Massa on the 27th
and Lac du Sidi Bourhaba on the 30th.
24. Tufted Duck – Aythya fuligula
Very few were at Oued Massa and Lac du Sidi Bourhaba.
Tufted x Ferruginous Duck – Aythya fuligula
x A. nyroca
One hybrid was seen in a group of Tufted Ducks and Common Pochards at Lac
du Sidi Bourhaba on the 30th.
25. Black-winged Kite – Elanus caeruleus
One was seen on our first day in Morocco (22nd) while driving from
Casablanca to Marrakech. It was hovering near the roundabount before entering
the village of Settat. On the 29th, while driving back to Casablanca,
we saw two BWK at the same place. Three Black-winged Kites were seen at Sidi
Bettache and another two at Lac du Sidi Bourhaba on the 30th.
26. Western Marsh Harrier – Circus aeruginosus
The first bird we saw in Morocco was a male Western Marsh Harrier hunting
at the airport. Two were seen at the Barrage El Mansour (24th),
one at Oued Sous (26th), four at Oued Massa (27th) and
two near Casablanca (29th). At Lac du Sidi Bourhaba (30th),
a min. of twentythree Western Marsh Harriers came to roost at nightfall.
27. Eurasian Sparrowhawk – Accipiter nisus
Three Sparrowhawks were seen while driving from Agadir to Marrakech on the
28th. One flew over Lac du Sidi Bourhaba on the 30th.
28. Common Buzzard – Buteo buteo
Only one was seen near Lac du Sidi Bourhaba on the 30th.
29. Long-legged Buzzard – Buteo rufinus
Only three were seen during the whole trip. Two at the Tagdilt track on the
25th and one between Tamri and Agadir on the 26th.
30. Booted Eagle – Hieraaetus pennatus
One Booted Eagle (intermediate phase) was seen over Oued Sous on the 26th.
Two light phase ind. were seen in the Sous valley near Taroudant on the 28th.
31. Bonelli’s Eagle – Hieraaetus fasciatus
One adult was seen between Ouarzazate and Tazenakht on the 25th.
Two adults were seen together with four Common Ravens between Agadir and Tamri
on the 26th.
32. Osprey – Pandion haliaetus
A total of seven Ospreys were seen during the whole trip. One at the Barrage
El Mansour (24th), one at Cap Rhir and two at Oued Sous (26th)
and at least three at Oued Massa (27th).
33. Common Kestrel – Falco tinnunculus
Seen almost every day. Highest count (twelve) at 28/11 between Agadir and
Taroudant.
34. Peregrine Falcon – Falco peregrinus
Only one juvenile Peregrine was seen. Flying and then sitting on a pylon in
the center of Ouarzazate on the 24th.
35. Barbary Falcon – Falco pelegrinoides
An adult Barbary Falcon was seen just outside the village of Taroudant on
a pylon at the 28th.
36. Barbary Partridge – Alectoris barbara
A small party of three Barbary Partridges was seen alongside the road to Oukaïmeden
on the 23rd. Two were seen at Oued Sous (26th), fourteen
at Oued Massa (27th) and six at Lac du Sidi Bourhaba (30th).
Double-spurred Francolin – Francolinus bicalcaratus
Two birds calling in the forest area near Sidi Bettache on the 30th
were most probably this species. However, we didn't see the birds so we couldn't
be exactly sure about the species.
37. Water Rail – Rallus aquaticus
Just one (heard only) at Lac du Sidi Bourhaba on the 30th.
38. Common Moorhen – Gallinula chloropus
Small numbers at Oued Massa (27th) and Lac du Sidi Bourhaba (30th).
39. Eurasian Coot – Fulica atra
Large numbers (500+) were seen at Oued Massa on the 27th. Smaller
numbers were seen on Lac du Sidi Bourhaba on the 30th.
40. Red-knobbed Coot – Fulica cristata
A minimum of thirtyfive ind. were seen at Lac du Sidi Bourhaba on the 30th.
41. Eurasian Oystercatcher – Haematopus ostralegus
Recorded in small numbers at Oued Sous on the 26th.
42. Black-winged Stilt – Himantopus himantopus
Very common (+150) at Oued Sous on the 26th. Smaller numbers at
Oued Massa (27th).
43. Pied Avocet – Recurvirostra avosetta
Only seen at Oued Sous on the 26th.
44. Common Ringed Plover – Charadrius hiaticula
Common at Oued Sous (26th). Also recorded in smaller numbers at
Oued Massa on the 27th.
45. Kentish Plover – Charadrius alexandrinus
A small flock of about twenty Kentish Plovers was seen at Oued Massa on the
27th.
46. Grey Plover – Pluvialis squatarola
Only seen at Oued Sous in small numbers on the 26th.
47. Northern Lapwing – Vanellus vanellus
Just one, seen on the banks of Massa-river on the 27th.
48. Red Knot – Calidris canutus
Recorded only at Oued Sous (10 – 20 birds) on the 26th.
49. Sanderling – Calidris alba
Noted at 2 coastal locations: small numbers at Oued Sous (26th)
and one at Oued Massa (27th).
50. Dunlin – Calidris alpina
The commonest small wader. Seen at Oued Sous and Oued Massa.
51. Little Stint
– Calidris minuta
Only one seen at Oued Massa on the 27th.
52. Ruff – Philomachus pugnax
Small numbers were noted at Oued Sous on the 26th.
53. Common Snipe – Gallinago gallinago
Only one was recorded, at Oued Massa on the 27th.
54. Jack Snipe – Lymnocryptes minimus
One was flushed at Oued Sous on the 26th.
55. Bar-tailed Godwit – Limosa lapponica
The scarcer of the two godwits. Small numbers were noted at Oued Sous only.
56. Black-tailed Godwit – Limosa limosa
Also only recorded at Oued Sous (26th), the numbers were higher
as the former species.
57. Eurasian Curlew – Numenius arquata
Noted in small numbers at Oued Sous on the 26th.
58. Common Redshank – Tringa totanus
Good numbers at Oued Sous.
59. Common Greenshank – Tringa nebularia
Rather scarce at Oued Sous. The only place were Greenshanks were seen.
60. Green Sandpiper – Tringa ochropus
Singles at Oued Sous (26th) and Oued Massa (27th). Two
were noted at Lac du Sidi Bourhaba (30th).
61. Wood Sandpiper – Tringa glareola
Three were seen at Oued Sous only.
62. Common Sandpiper – Actitis hypoleucos
Seen at 3 locations: Oued Sous, Oued Massa and Lac du Sidi Bourhaba.
63. Ruddy Turnstone – Arenaria interpres
Five were seen at Oued Sous on the 26th.
64. Artic Skua – Stercorarius parasiticus
Four were seen off the Atlantic coast at Tamri and Cap Rhir on the 26th.
65. Black-headed Gull – Larus ridibundus
A single individual was seen on the 24th at the Barrage El Mansour.
66. Audouin’s Gull – Larus audouinii
Several large groups (+100) were seen at the Atlantic coast. Seen at Oued
Sous, Oued Massa, Tamri, Cap Rhir and between Agadir and Tamri. Some rings
were read: “AD6N” white ring on right leg, “H44” white ring on right leg and
“3JH” white ring on right leg.
67. Lesser Black-backed Gull – Larus fuscus
Very common along the coast.
68. Yellow-legged Gull – Larus michahellis
Also very common along the coast, though in smaller numbers than the previous
species.
69. Sandwich Tern – Sterna sandvicensis
Small numbers along the Atlantic coast. Larger numbers however at Oued Sous
and Oued Massa.
70. Razorbill – Alca torda
Four were flying south past Cap Rhir on the 26th.
71. Black-bellied Sandgrouse – Pterocles
orientalis
A group of ten birds was seen at the Tagdilt track on the 24th.
The next day, groups of six, four, fifteen and four birds were also seen at
Tagdilt.
72. Crowned Sandgrouse – Pterocles coronatus
A group of twentynine birds was flushed by a hunting Long-legged Buzzard and
gave brief flight views at the Tagdilt track on the 25th.
73. Feral/Rock Dove – Columba livia
Seen daily and very common. A small flock of six birds between Tazenakht and
Taliouine on the 25th appeared to be pure bred Rock Doves.
74. Wood Pigeon – Columba palumbus
Small numbers were seen at Sidi Bettache and Lac du Sidi Bourhaba on the 30th.
75. Collared Dove – Streptopelia decaocto
Widespread and common. Seen almost every day.
76. Laughing Dove – Streptopelia senegalensis
At least twenty birds were noted in and around the village of Massa on the
27th.
77. Great Spotted Cuckoo – Clamator glandarius
One adult was seen alongside the road between Taroudant to Agadir on the 26th.
78. Little Owl – Athene noctua
One Little Owl was seen near Ourika on the 23rd. One was seen near
Massa village and two at Oued Massa on the 27th.
Marsh Owl – Asio capensis
Two owls at Lac du Sidi Bourhaba (30th) were most probably this
species. They were flying together but got quick out of sight. It was almost
dark so we couldn’t be sure they were Marsh owls.
79. Little Swift – Apus affinis
Common at the big cities of Morocco. A group of thirty birds was seen at Marrakech
on the 23rd. One was seen over Taroudant (26th) and
two were seen over Casablanca (1st).
80. Common Kingfisher – Alcedo atthis
Three were at Oued Massa on the 27th.
81. Great Spotted Woodpecker – Dendrocopus
major
One noted in roadside woodlands between Sidi Yahya and Sidi Bettache on the
30th.
82. Desert Lark – Ammomanes deserti
We saw four Desert Larks near the Barrage El Mansour on the 24th.
While driving from Ouarzazate to Tazenakht on the 25th, ten more
were seen alongside the road.
83. Bar-tailed Desert Lark – Ammomanes cincturus
We saw four Bar-tailed Desert Larks at the Tagdilt track on the 25th.
It was very windy at the time so they didn’t gave us very good views. Thirteen
more were seen around Tazenakht. They were sitting on the road and flying
next to the car, so they gave us excellent views.
84. Greater Hoopoe Lark – Alaemon alaudipes
Our first two Greater Hoopoe Larks were spotted alongside the road between
Ouarzazate and Boumalme du Dades on the 24th. The next day, twelve
more were seen on the Tagdilt track.
85. Thick-billed Lark – Rhamphocoris clotbey
A group of five Thick-billed Larks gave excellent views near the main wadi
at the Tagdilt track (25th).
86. Lesser Short-toed Lark – Calandrella
rufescens
Only two Lesser Short-toed Larks were seen at Tagdilt (24th).
87. Crested Lark – Galerida cristata
Noted on almost all dates. A widespread and common roadside bird.
88. Thekla Lark – Galerida theklae
Only specifically identified on the 23rd alongside the road between
Ourika and Aït Ourir (seven), on the 25th along the Tagdilt track
(good numbers) and on the 26th between Taroudant and Agadir (two).
89. Eurasian Sky Lark – Alauda arvensis
Small numbers near Sidi Bettache and Sidi Yahya on the 30th.
90. Horned Lark – Eremophila alpestris
A group of fourty-one Horned Larks gave excellent vieuws in the snow at Oukaïmeden
on the 23rd.
91. Temminck’s Horned Lark – Eremophila bilopha
On our first day at Tagdilt (24th), we only saw two Temminck’s
Horned Larks, but they were sitting at a distance of only 5 meters so they
gave excellent views. The next day (25th) ca. thirty more were
seen.
92. Plain Martin – Riparia paludicola
Three seen very well, flying over the inland section of Oued Massa on the
27th.
93. Crag Martin – Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Noted in reasonable numbers in and around the Atlas mountains. Large numbers
were seen at the Barrage El Mansour on the 24th.
94. Barn Swallow – Hirundo rustica
Noted on the 24th only at the Barrage El Mansour.
95. Meadow Pipit – Anthus pratensis
Small numbers noted near Ourika on the 23rd and at the Tagdilt
track on the 25th.
96. Spanish Wagtail – Motacilla (flava) iberiae
Two were seen at the Sous valley near Taroudant on the 26th. Small
numbers were also recorded at Oued Massa on the 27th.
97. Grey Wagtail – Motacilla cinerea
Only one was seen alongside the road to Oukaïmeden on the 23rd.
98. White Wagtail – Motacilla alba
Relatively common species. Both subspecies (M. a. alba and M. a.
subpersonata (the Moroccan race)) were seen.
99. Common Bulbul – Pycnonotus barbatus
Very common and widespread. Recorded on every day in small numbers.
100. Winter Wren – Troglodytes troglodytes
One on the 30th in the forest near Sidi Bettache.
101. European Robin – Eritacus rubecula
Noted in the woodlands alongside the road to Oukaïmeden (23rd)
and alongside the road near Sidi Bettache (30th).
102. Bluethroat – Luscinia svecica
One noted at Oued Sous on the 26th and two noted at Oued Massa
on the 27th.
103. Black Redstart – Phoenicurus ochruros
Noted in small numbers on most dates, seeming to be quite widespread.
104. Moussier’s Redstart – Phoenicurus moussieri
Only recorded at de Sous valley and along the coast. One male and two females
were seen between Taroudant and Agadir and also one male and two females between
Agadir and Tamri, both on the 26th. It was much more numerous at
Oued Massa where at least twenty individuals were seen on the 27th.
105. European Stonechat – Saxicola torquata
Seen on most days. Widespread and common.
106. Desert Wheatear – Oenanthe deserti
One immature male near the Barrage El Mansour on the 24th. An adult
male was seen alongside the road 2 km before Tazenakht on the 25th.
107. Red-rumped Wheatear – Oenanthe moesta
Seven (five males and two females) were seen at the Tagdilt track on the 24th.
The next day, thirteen (nine males and four females) were seen at the same
track. Another female was seen 5 km after Tazenakht (together with thirteen
Bar-tailed Desert Larks), also on the 25th.
108. White-crowned Black Wheatear – Oenanthe
leucopyga
Five birds noted alongside the road from Ouarzazate to Boumalme du Dades on
the 24th (four adults and one juvenile). Two more were seen alongside
the road from Ouarzazate to Tazenakht on the 25th.
109. Black Wheatear – Oenanthe leucura
Quite widespread in the Atlas mountains. Seven recorded alongside the road
from Ouarzazate to Taliouine on the 25th. Nine more were seen alongside
the road between Taroudant and Asni on the 28th.
110. Northern Wheatear – Oenanthe oenathe
One female was noted near Massa village on the 27th.
111. Blue Rock Thrush – Monticola solitarius
One male near Tamri on the 26th and two (male and female) at Oued
Massa on the 27th.
112. Common Blackbird – Turdus merula
Fairly common, but mostly seen at the Sous valley between Taroudant and Agadir.
113. Song Thrush – Turdus philomelos
One bird recorded in a park in the centre of Casablanca on the 29th.
114. Mistle Thrush – Turdus viscivorus
Small numbers seen, i.e. four at Oukaïmeden on the 23rd.
115. Cetti’s Warbler – Cettia cetti
Common at Oued Sous and Lac du Sidi Bourhaba, though more often heard than
seen.
116. Zitting Cisticola – Cisticola juncidis
Common at Oued Sous, Oued Massa and Lac du Sidi Bourhaba.
117. Sardinian Warbler – Sylvia melanocephala
Common songbird at the suitable habitat. Seen at the Barrage El Mansour, Sous
valley, Oued Sous, Oued Massa and Lac du Sidi Bourhaba. Several birds showed
very well over the trip.
118. Blackcap – Sylvia atricapilla
Recorded in small numbers in various habitats: from the centre of Marrakech
to the forest near Sidi Bettache.
119. Northern Chiffchaff – Phylloscopus collybita
Widespread in very small numbers.
120. Fulvous Babbler – Turdoides fulvus
Five birds noted at the Sous valley near Taroudant on the 26th.
They gave excellent views.
121. Blue Tit – Parus caeruleus
Small numbers of the North African sub-species “ultramarinus” were
seen in the mountains near Oukaïmeden on the 23rd.
122. Great Tit – Parus major
Small numbers at the same place of the previous species.
123. Coal Tit – Parus ater
A small group of three birds was seen at the same spot of the previous two
species.
124. Black-crowned Tchagra – Tchagra senegala
Only recorded at Oued Massa on the 27th where at least twelve birds
were noted. Five birds were seen and seven more were heard calling or singing.
125. Southern Grey Shrike – Lanius meridionalis
Widespread and very common bird, mostly seen at roadsides. Two sub-species
were recorded: L. m. algeriensis and L. m. elegans.
126. Eurasian Jay – Garrulus glandarius
More than ten birds were seen in the woodlands near Sidi Bettache on the 30th.
127. Common Magpie – Pica pica
The moroccan sub-species “mauritanica” was mostly seen around Agadir
(Oued Sous and Oued Massa). Also fairly common at Sidi Bettache an Lac du
Sidi Bourhaba. Sometimes groups of over twenty individuals were seen.
128. Eurasian Jackdaw – Corvus monedula
Only seen from the Thalys in France.
129. Alpine Chough – Pyrrhocorax graculus
No specific count made, but several large groups (totalling 100 plus birds)
were seen alongside the road to Oukaïmeden on the 23rd. Also seen
at Oukaïmeden itself.
130. Red-billed Chough – Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocoracx
Even more numerous than the previous species with several large groups totalling
150 plus birds. Also only seen alongside the road to Oukaïmeden and at Oukaïmeden
itself.
131. Carrion Crow – Corvus corone
Also only seen from the Thalys in France.
132. Common Raven – Corvus corax
Four recorded at Oukaïmeden and four on the way down from Oukaïmeden on the
23rd. Also four birds (together with two Bonelli’s Eagles) were
seen alongside the road between Agadir and Tamri (26th), six more
birds were seen at Sidi Yahya (30th) and finally, two more birds
were seen Lac de Sidi Bourhaba.
133. European Starling – Sturnus vulgaris
Small numbers were seen in the city of Marrakech. Larger groups were seen
while driving from Marrakech to Casablanca on the 29th.
134. Spotless Starling – Sturnus unicolor
Fairly common along the coast (Oued Massa, Agadir, Casablanca), at the Sous
valley and at Marrakech.
135. House Sparrow – Passer domesticus
Widespread and abundant. Recorded daily.
136. Spanish Sparrow – Passer hispaniolensis
A large group of fifty plus birds was seen in agricultural land near Taroudant
on the 26th. Also seen at Oued Massa on the 27th.
137. Rock Sparrow – Petronia petronia
Only one seen at Oukaïmeden on the 23rd.
138. Common Chaffinch – Fringilla coelebs
Widespread in small numbers. Mostly of the North African sub-species “africana”.
139. European Serin – Serinus serinus
Noted on the 23rd, 26th, 27th, 28th
and 30th. The highest count was a group of seventy plus at Oued
Sous on the 26th.
140. European Greenfinch – Chloris chloris
Small numbers noted on almost every day.
141. European Goldfinch – Carduelis carduelis
Noted on several dates. The largest group of at least twenty birds was seen
at Oued Massa on the 27th.
142. Eurasian Siskin – Carduelis spinus
One flew over Oued Massa on the 27th.
143. Common Linnet – Carduelis cannabina
Noted at Oued Massa (27th) and alongside the road between Marrakech
and Casablanca (29th).
144. Crimson-winged Finch – Rhodopechys sanguinea
We were very pleased with a beautiful group of twentytwo birds in the snow
at Oukaïmeden on the 23rd.
145. Trumpeter Finch – Rhodopechys githagineus
A small group of four birds was seen at a dry wadi near Ouarzazate on the
24th. More birds (groups of twenty-six and two) were seen alongside
the road between Ouarzazate and Tazenakth on the 25th.
146. Cirl Bunting – Emberiza cirlus
One juvenile was seen in agricultural land near Taroudant on the 26th.
Two adult males were noted at Oued Massa on the 27th.
147. Rock Bunting – Emberiza cia
Two alongside the road to Oukaïmeden on the 23rd.
148. House Bunting – Emberiza striolata
Four in the center of Marrakech on the 23rd and the 29th.
Two alongside the road to Taliouine on the 25th. On the 27th,
more than ten were seen in the village of Massa. Four in Casablanca on the
1st.
149. Corn Bunting – Miliaria calandra
Good numbers were noted alongside the road between Sidi Bettache and Sidi
Yahya on the 30th. We also saw one individual between Ourika and
Aït Ourir on the 23rd.
Please contact us for further information: Filip Collet and Regis Nossent
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