15/04/2009 at Abraq Al Habari and Zour Port

Finnish/Swedish group visited Al Abraq this morning finding many migrants after obviously good migration  night. The biggest surprise was to find many c. 10 Bassra Reed Warblers.  Probably it is too early to say that this species has recovered from Saddam’s drainage project at Basra. Anyhow last spring was good and seems that this spring is even better for this species. Other birds in this morning were: Great Reed Warbler 6, Marsh Warbler 2, Icterine Warbler 4,  Olivaceous Warbler 5, Eastern Orphean Warbler 2, Blackcap 3, Spotted Flycatcher 2, Sparrowhawk 2, Steppe Buzzard 1, Night Heron 1, Cattle Egret 5, Squacco Heron 2, Wood Sandpiper 1.

Basra Reed Warbler Acrocephalus griseldis

Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina

At Port Zour and Khiran area we found at least 4 Socotra Cormorants and appr. 50 Bridled Terns.