Dispersion and overwintering of Spanish Imperial Eagles (Aquila adalberti) in Morocco, and northern Africa in general, is becoming regular and in relatively good numbers (for an endangered ‘sedentary’ species). As in previous years, this autumn at least 4 eagles crossed the Strait of Gibraltar to North Africa. We say “at least” because not every bird […]
Spanish Imperial Eagle dispersion in North Africa in 2017 Read More »
Census of vultures and other raptors in the 2017 prenuptial migration on the southern shore of the Strait of Gibraltar, Jbel Moussa – Morocco During the spring migration of 2017 at Jbel Moussa, and depending on the prevailing weather conditions and in particular with moderate westerlies, the census was carried out during 64 days from
Spring raptor migration at Jbel Moussa in 2017 (report) Read More »
During a recent 3-hour tour between Oued Bou-Issafene and the Fort Bou Jerif track in Guelmim region, Karim Laïdi, Juan Navarro Rodriguez and Brahim Bakass recorded 23 Atlas Long-legged Buzzard, 2 Golden Eagles and 1 Lanner Falcon. The majority of these birds were juveniles (1cy) and immatures. Along the same transect, they found 3 recently electrocuted
The Algerian Nuthatch population has declined at one of its main breeding areas according to a study published recently. In this guest-blog, the lead author, Riadh Moulaï, shares with us the main results of the study. En français, voir au dessus de la vidéo. The Algerian Nuthatch (Sitta ledanti) is endemic to Algeria, and it’s
Algerian Nuthatch status and breeding biology at the Guerrouch forest Read More »
During one of his marine surveys off the Moroccan coast, Andy Williams photographed a Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) flying c. 30 km off Agadir on 23 March 2013. However, he could not get access to the photos from the trip for a long time until last summer (see Andy’s comment below). The ‘WP reports’ (Ławicki &
A White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) was observed on 5, 6 and 8 July 2017 at Jbel Moussa, northern Morocco (Rachid El Khamlichi). The bird was flying in the area with 4 Rüppell’s (Gyps rueppelli) and Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus). This would be the second record for Morocco if accepted by the Moroccan Birds Rare Committee
Yet another ‘big day’ for raptor migration (especially vultures) at the southern shore of the Strait of Gibraltar. Last Friday, Rachid El Khamlichi, Cécile Krystelle and Radu Adrian counted: 2700 Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus). We are now used to seeing such big numbers crossing the Strait in late autumn (October/November). 4 Cinereous Vultures (Aegypius monachus).
4 Cinereous Vultures crossing the Strait of Gibraltar in one day Read More »
A Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla) captured and ringed at Ceuta on 7 November 2017 by the Chagra Ringing Group. It’s the first record for the city and the third for Morocco. There are two confirmed records in Morocco: one captured and ringed at Souss-Massa National Park in October 2013 (Ramírez et al. 2013), and another
At least two Olive-backed Pipits (Anthus hodgsoni) were found at Rabat on 5 November 2017 by Pedro Fernandes. This is the 6th record for Morocco. Au moins deux – peut-être trois – Pipits à dos olive dans le Jardin d’Essais Botanique à Rabat le 5 novembre 2017 (Pedro Fernandes). C’est la 6ème mention pour le
On 18 May 2017, Rachid observed an immature Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) at Jbel Moussa. The bird was migrating northward along with Short-toed Snake Eagles (Circaetus gallicus) and Honey Buzzards (Pernis apivorus) at an altitude of about 1500 m. This is the first record for Morocco. In the Maghreb, the species was previously recorded in