The only viable wild population of Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) exists in Morocco. The tiny wild population in Syrian desert is unfortunately on the verge of extinction. There is also a semi-wild population in Turkey. In Europe, there are two reintroduction projects: one in Austria and Germany (Waldrapp Project), and another in Andalusia, Spain
Northern Bald Ibis crossing between Spain and Morocco Read More »
The following describes the experience of Juan Ramírez Román and his friend Antonio Román Muñoz in northern Morocco. They visited the area around Jbel Moussa between 2 and 4 November to witness vulture migration. Afterwrd, they also made a short visit to lower Loukkos marshes. Both the English summary and the detailed Spanish version below
Vulture migration at the Strait of Gibraltar, November 2016 Read More »
Yet another productive birding trip to Zemamra – located some km inland from Oualidia – this autumn. A Baird’s Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii) was photographed at this site by Benoît Maire on 28 October 2016. Three weeks earlier, an American Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominica) was photographed there by the same observer. The Baird’s Sandpiper observation would
Birding at Oualidia region is always interesting and rewarding. Below we cite some rare birds observed at Sidi Moussa-Oualidia wetland complex and adjacent areas. Of course, no need to repeat that the “star bird” of the region is the Andalusian Buttonquail (Turnix sylvaticus). – A Cinnamon Teal (Spatula cyanoptera) at Oualidia saltpans, plus an American
Birding at Oualidia region, Atlantic coast of Morocco Read More »
A Demoiselle Crane (Grus virgo) was found by the Civil Protection personal at the port of Oran, western Algeria in January 2016. It was taken to the Oran section of the Forest Conservation Service where it was helped to recover its strength. In mid-February, it was released at a daya (intermittent wetland) where some individuals
La Bergeronnette du Maroc (Motacilla alba supersonata) est un taxon endémique à l’Afrique du Nord-Ouest. Avant les années 1960, ses zones de reproduction principales sont situées dans la partie ouest du Maroc entre le Haut Atlas et la côte atlantique, ainsi que dans le nord-est du pays. Depuis les années 1960, elle a commencée à
Premières observations de la ‘Bergeronnette du Maroc’ en Algérie Read More »
A birding visit by GOMAC member Benoît Maire and 7 other birders to Oualidia region two days ago proved productive. The birding party managed to see a total of 70 different species including some rare birds: An American Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominica) was seen and photographed at Zemamra some 27 Km inland from Oualidia (coordinates:
Cinnamon Teal and American Golden Plover, Oualidia region, Morocco Read More »
Black-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis): A clutch of two eggs of the Black-bellied Sandgrouse was photographed two days ago near Oued Massa in southern Morocco by Mohamed Bargache (see photo). Available data up to early 2000s as summarized by Thévenot et al. (2003) are as follows: “egg-lying in Morocco is usually from end April to June,
Black-bellied Sandgrouse and Laughing Dove breed in autumn in North Africa Read More »
A record breeding season for the Eleonora’s Falcon at Mogador islands, one of the largest colonies in the world. A recent census of the breeding population of the Eleonora’s Falcon (Falco eleonorae) at Mogador archipelago carried out by members of GREPOM led by Prof Abdeljebbar Qninba has shown once more the healthy status of this
Record breeding season for Eleonora’s Falcon at Mogador islands Read More »
In October 2015, three Spanish Imperial Eagles were found electrocuted in the Guelmim region, southern Morocco. It was thanks to a satellite-tracked eagle that these birds were found by Ali Irizi and two agents from the Moroccan Forestry Administration. This bird was one of six Spanish Imperial Eagles fitted with satellite transmitters in 2015 (and all have
Raptor mortality by electrocution in power lines in Morocco (report) Read More »