Morocco Atlas to Sahara in Spring 1st to 13th May 2018 Trip Report

Pharaoh Eagle-Owl by David Hoddinott

Tour Leaders: David Hoddinott & Mark Beevers

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The top 10 species seen during the tour as voted by guests:

1. Pharaoh Eagle-Owl 6. Cream-colored Courser 2. Houbara Bustard 7. Barbary Partridge 3. White-faced Storm Petrel 8. Great Hoopoe-Lark 4. Northern Bald Ibis 9. Atlas Pied Flycatcher 5. Crowned Sandgrouse 10. Dupont’s Lark ______

Tour Summary

Our wonderful maiden Morocco – Atlas to Sahara in Spring adventure started off in Marrakech. Rockjumper has completed numerous trips to Morocco in Winter, but this was our first Spring adventure, and what a wonderful success it was!

On our first evening in Marrakech, we discussed the plans for the coming days. You could feel the excitement in the air in anticipation of the start of our exciting adventure into the high Atlas Mountains the following morning. We then settled down for a good night’s sleep.

The following morning, we set off for Oukaimeden in the high Atlas Mountains. Before we even left Marrakech the cry of Great Spotted Cuckoo went out and we stopped to enjoy good scope views of two sub-adults sporting their nice black caps. At the same spot, a Barbary Partridge was seen and we all enjoyed good views of this handsome species. What a start! Continuing on towards the mountains, we found a delightful pair of Little Owl. Our next birding stop yielded the beautiful Moussier’s Redstart, Cirl Bunting and a confiding Common Nightingale. A little higher up, we found the sought-after Levaillant’s Woodpecker and Subalpine Warbler; then White-throated Dipper followed by both Red- billed and Alpine Choughs. After climbing through some cloud we were welcomed to spectacular scenery, with snow-capped peaks surrounding us. Rock Sparrow and Blue Rock Thrush were a-dime-a- dozen this trip, but alas no sign of African Crimson-winged Finch. We then enjoyed a splendid typical Moroccan tagine lunch – very tasty indeed! After a wonderful day, we checked into our hotel and enjoyed a celebratory drink over dinner.

The next morning, we decided to give the finch one more try. It worked perfectly, as we found a wonderful pair plus Horned Lark and a splendid male Common Rock Thrush. Leaving the mountains, we travelled over the Tiz n’ Test pass and down the Dades Valley to Agadir. En route we were delighted to find a flock of the rarely-seen Barbary Sheep. En route we also noted a pair of Peregrine Falcon, stunning European Roller and Black-winged Kite. We then enjoyed a three-night stay in Agadir.

The following day, we enjoyed a pelagic sea birding Levaillant’s Woodpecker by David Hoddinott trip off Agadir. With very calm conditions, we headed out to deeper water and were soon seeing hundreds of Black Tern – most in full breeding plumage – and several Northern Gannet. A couple of fishing trawlers were spotted and so we headed over, adding great sightings of European Storm Petrel and Great Skua. At another trawler further out,

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we were delighted to find one White-faced Storm Petrel performing his bouncing action off the waves, and two Sabine’s Gulls. On our return trip, we had good views of Parasitic Jaeger. Thereafter we travelled up the coast, where we found Audouin’s Gull, and this was followed by amazing sightings of the highly sought-after Northern Bald Ibis. A great end to another fabulous day’s birding!

The next day, we spent time at two fabulous estuaries, Oued Massa and Oued Souss. Oued Massa was very rewarding and we added many species, including Common Shelduck, several sought-after Marbled Duck, Glossy Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, a Little Bittern right out in the open, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Eurasian Stone-curlew, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Kentish Plover, Black- crowned Tchagra and several handsome Black- eared Wheatear. After lunch we travelled to Oued Souss, where we noted a flock of Greater White-faced Storm Petrel by David Hoddinott Flamingo, Pied Avocet, Eurasian Curlew, Ruddy Turnstone, Red Knot, Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, Slender-billed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Little Gull, and Lesser Crested and Little Terns. The highlight was seeing several Eleonora’s Falcons flying in to roost – an unexpected and superb sighting!

Leaving the coast, we headed east to Boumalne-du-Dades. It was really a travel day; however, we enjoyed some very productive birding stops. Our first stop netted a wonderful confiding flock of Fulvous Babblers and Spanish Sparrow. En route we observed huge numbers of Common and Pallid Swifts feeding over the Orange and Olive groves. A coffee stop gave us a good opportunity to buy the special Saffron spice, and then it was back to birding as we found a splendid male Woodchat Shrike in the garden. After lunch we visited Hassan Addakil Dam, where we picked up several waders including Temminck’s Stint, Common Snipe and Wood Sandpiper, plus Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin. Other birds of interest seen en route included a superb Short-toed Snake Eagle perched up alongside the road and a splendid Thick-billed Lark, which gave great views. We then settled into our wonderful hotel conveniently situated next to the Tagdilt desert. Eleonora’s Falcon by David Hoddinott

The following morning, we enjoyed a phenomenal time on the Tagdilt as we traversed a network of roads across this stony desert. We found all our key targets in record time. Here we picked up Temminck’s Lark, Red-rumped Wheatear, Greater and Lesser Short-toed Larks, Bar-tailed Lark, more of the very impressive Thick-billed Lark, Long-legged Buzzard, Cream-colored Courser, flocks of Black-bellied Sandgrouse and a few of the highly-nomadic Pin-tailed Sandgrouse; plus a fabulous Houbara Bustard. With time to spare, we headed over to a rocky escarpment where we found the elusive Mourning Wheatear. Wow, what a morning!!! After a delicious lunch, we travelled to the Dades Gorge. Here we found Desert Lark and a superb pair of Bonelli’s Eagle.

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The next day, we started off with a visit to the impressive Todgha Gorge, where after some time we located a family group of the sought-after North African endemic, Tristram’s Warbler. From here, we travelled to the great Sahara Desert near Erfoud. A birding stop along a dry wadi produced memorable sightings of Streaked Scrub Warbler feeding young, several Melodious Warbler, a superb African Desert Warbler and migrant Whinchat. Blue-cheeked Bee- eaters were in full breeding plumage and also showed very well. We then settled into our accommodation right near the beautiful red sand dunes at Erg Chebbi.

The following morning, we used 4x4s to explore the sandy Sahara Desert, and were soon watching flocks of Spotted and Crowned Sandgrouse coming in to drink – an impressive sight indeed. Our next stop saw us watching a superb male Desert Sparrow. We then went in search of Egyptian Nightjar and en Northern Bald Ibis by David Hoddinott route watched a fabulous displaying Greater Hoopoe-Lark. With local help, we then located a splendid roosting Egyptian Nightjar. It was then time for lunch and a good siesta. In the afternoon, we stopped off at some Tamarisk bushes where we found Eastern Olivaceous Warbler before making our way to some cliffs. After a good search in the rocky crags, we found a female with a chick and a superb male Pharaoh Eagle-Owl, plus a nice pair of Red Fox and a huge flock of Brown-necked Raven. At our final stop for the day, we found a superb pair of Lanner Falcon

From Erg Chebbi, we travelled north to Midelt. Our first stop at a wetland yielded two Squacco Herons, several Eurasian Reed Warblers followed by numerous European Honey Buzzard observed migrating north. Next, we paid a visit to the fossil works, which was most interesting. Thereafter we continued north, stopping at a dam where we enjoyed great views of Desert Lark and scoped Great Crested Grebe. In the late afternoon, we checked into our comfortable hotel for a good night’s rest.

An early start to Zaida meant we needed to dress up very warmly, as the surrounding Middle Atlas Mountains were still covered in snow. To our utter delight, the notorious Dupont’s Lark proved remarkably easy to find this year and we were soon enjoying great scope views of several. Continuing north to Azrou, we stopped in some tall coniferous woodland and were delighted to find a slew of birds – most importantly the Atlas Pied Flycatcher, which was observed entering his nest hole. Other species seen here included Eurasian Sparrowhawk, lovely Common Firecrest, superb Eurasian Nuthatch and Short-toed Treecreeper. A little further on, we first found a Western Orphean Warbler at the roadside Pin-tailed Sandgrouse by David Hoddinott and then both Red-knobbed and Eurasian Coots nesting, several Lesser Kestrel and a pair of Common Redstart. The Barbary Apes put on a good show for us, where we also enjoyed good views of Eurasian Jay. At lunch, we found Alpine Swift soaring

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overhead. In the afternoon we visited Dayet Aoua, which was very low but nonetheless produced some great woodland birds, including European Roller, Eurasian Hoopoe, Eurasian Golden Oriole in full breeding plumage, splendid Hawfinch and a lone Red Crossbill. Nearby, we enjoyed wonderful views of a singing Woodlark.

It was then time to travel to Asilah. En route we stopped off at the fabulous Loukos Marshes, where we found many Glossy Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Garganey, Egyptain Vulture and Griffon Vulture migrating north overhead, Gull-billed and Caspian Terns, European Bee-eaters in their full splendour, Western Jackdaw, Brown-throated Martin, Cetti’s and superb Savi’s Warblers, a male Montagu’s Harrier and numerous Collared Pratincole.

The following morning, we searched the area in the hope of finding the rare Great Bustard (only 60 left in Morocco). We had no success, but we did see Western Osprey, several Little Owl, a pair of Lanner Falcon and many Corn Bunting. Heading Houbara Bustard by David Hoddinott south to Rabat, we stopped off at Lac Sidi Boughaba where we noted a single Northern Pintail, Red- crested and Common Pochards, Ferruginous Duck, dozens of White-headed Duck, Eurasian Hobby and Western Swamphen.

Our final morning was spent on in the Zaer Cork Oak woodlands, where we enjoyed a good sighting of four Black Storks before making our way to Casablanca. Here we enjoyed a delicious farewell lunch before saying our goodbyes as some guest headed to the airport for their return flights home; whilst others overnighted in order to start the Canary Islands adventure.

And so ended our wonderful 13-day Morocco tour. Besides seeing some incredible birds, we had seen diverse and spectacular scenery, seen ancient Kasbahs and Medinas, stayed in some superb accommodations and enjoyed fabulous meals. The trip, which took us from the Atlas Mountains, the highest peaks still snow-covered, to rugged Atlantic cliffs, stony desert, the magnificent Sahara and northern wetlands, gave us a good cross section of North African species. These included all six of the North African specialities – the critically endangered Northern Bald Ibis, Moussier’s Redstart, Tristram’s Warbler, Levaillant’s Woodpecker, African Crimson-winged Finch and Atlas Pied Flycatcher – plus majestic Pharaoh Eagle-Owl, camouflaged Egyptian Nightjar and whopping Houbara Bustard. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable tour with great Atlas Pied Flycatcher by David Hoddinott birding and great company.

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Annotated List of species recorded Note: Number in brackets ( ) indicate number of days on the tour the species was recorded. List powered through the report generator of our partner iGoTerra.

Birds (226 in total: 222 seen, 4 heard) Nomenclature and taxonomy follows Gill, F and D Donsker (Eds). 2018. IOC World Bird List (v 8.1). Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Ducks, Geese & Swans Anatidae Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna (1) 3 Oued Souss 4.5. Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea (5) 2 Tamri 3.5, 2 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 1 Merzouga 8.5, 1 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5 and 120 Ifran 10.5. Garganey Spatula querquedula (2) 2 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 1 Asilah 12.5. Gadwall Mareca strepera strepera (1) 21 Ifran 10.5. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos (4) 3+6 heard Oued Massa 4.5, 20 Ifran 10.5, 50 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 60 observed 12.5. Northern Pintail Anas acuta (1) 1 observed 12.5. Marbled Duck (VU) Marmaronetta angustirostris (3) 4 Oued Souss 4.5, 5 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 1 observed 12.5. Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina (2) 60 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 40 observed 12.5. Common Pochard Aythya ferina (1) 30 observed 12.5. Ferruginous Duck (NT) Aythya nyroca (1) 14 observed 12.5. White-headed Duck (EN) Oxyura leucocephala (1) 74 observed 12.5. Good numbers.

Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies Phasianidae Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara (3) 1+3 heard Marrakech 1.5, 1 Oued Massa 4.5 and 2 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5. Great sightings. Common Quail Coturnix coturnix coturnix (1) 1 heard Asilah 12.5. Heard near Asilah.

Austral Storm Petrels Oceanitidae White-faced Storm Petrel Pelagodroma marina (1) 1 Pelagic - Atlantic Ocean out of Agadir 3.5.

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Wow!

Northern Storm Petrels Hydrobatidae European Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus (1) 40 Pelagic - Atlantic Ocean out of Agadir 3.5. Good numbers on pelagic.

Grebes Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis ruficollis (1) 10 observed 12.5. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus cristatus (3) 15 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 16 Ifran 10.5 and 20 observed 12.5.

Flamingos Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus (2) 20 Tamri 3.5 and 25 Oued Souss 4.5.

Storks Ciconiidae Black Stork Ciconia nigra (1) 4 Zaers 13.5. Good sighting in the Zaer. White Stork Ciconia ciconia ciconia (9) 5 Marrakech 1.5, 20 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 1 Oued Souss 4.5, 4 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 2 Dades Valley-- Dades Gorge 6.5, 6 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 10 Ifran 10.5, 50 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 50 observed 12.5.

Ibises, Spoonbills Threskiornithidae Northern Bald Ibis (CR) Geronticus eremita (2) 70 Tamri 3.5 and 10 Oued Massa 4.5. Wonderful sightings! Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (3) 7 Oued Massa 4.5, 100 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 10 observed 12.5. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia leucorodia (4) 21 Tamri 3.5, 5+12 heard Oued Massa 4.5, 100 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 4 observed 12.5. Numerous.

Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus minutus (1) 1 Oued Massa 4.5. Fabulous sighting. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax (1) 2 Rabat 11.5. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides (1) 2 en route--Erfoud-Errachidia 9.5. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (8) 10 Oukaïmeden 2.5, 30 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 15 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 10 en route-- Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 3 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 200 Ifran 10.5, 100 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 200 observed 12.5.

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Grey Heron Ardea cinerea cinerea (3) 5 Oued Massa 4.5, 1 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5 and 3 observed 12.5. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea purpurea (2) 2 Oued Massa 4.5. Little Egret Egretta garzetta garzetta (3) 5+5 heard Oued Massa 4.5, 1 Boumalne Dades 5.5 and 10 Oued Loukos 11.5.

Gannets, Boobies Sulidae Northern Gannet Morus bassanus (1) 20 Pelagic - Atlantic Ocean out of Agadir 3.5.

Cormorants and Shags Phalacrocoracidae Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo (4) 3 Pelagic - Atlantic Ocean out of Agadir 3.5, 3+3 heard Oued Massa 4.5, 1 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5 and 1 Ifran 10.5.

Osprey Pandionidae Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus haliaetus (1) 1 Asilah 12.5. One near Asilah.

Kites, Hawks & Eagles Accipitridae Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus caeruleus (2) 1 Tizi N'Test 2.5 and 3 Agadir 5.5. Egyptian Vulture (EN) Neophron percnopterus percnopterus (1) 1 Oued Loukos 11.5. A juvenile on migration. European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus (4) 23 Merzouga 8.5, 60 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 60 Ifran 10.5 and 1 Oued Loukos 11.5. Numerous. Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus fulvus (1) 46 Oued Loukos 11.5. Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus gallicus (4) 1 Oued Massa 4.5, 1 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 1 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5 and 4 Oued Loukos 11.5. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus (8) 2 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 2 Oukaïmeden 2.5, 1 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 1 observed 8.5, 1 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 1 Ifran 10.5, 3 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 2 observed 12.5. Many. Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciata fasciata (1) 2 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5. Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus (1) 2 Ifran 10.5. Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus (3) 1 Agadir 5.5, 10 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 8 observed 12.5. Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus (2) 1 Boumalne Dades 5.5 and 1 Oued Loukos 11.5. Superb male at Oued Loukos.

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Black Kite Milvus migrans migrans (6) 3 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 2 Agadir 5.5, 100 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 15 Ifran 10.5, 3 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 60 observed 12.5. Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus (6) 1 Agadir 5.5, 2 Tagdilt Track 6.5, 1 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 1 Merzouga 8.5, 1 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5 and 2 Ifran 10.5.

Bustards Otididae Houbara Bustard (VU) Chlamydotis undulata undulata (1) 1 Tagdilt Track 6.5. Fabulous sighting in the Tagdilt.

Rails, Crakes & Coots Rallidae Western Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio (2) 1 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 3 observed 12.5. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus chloropus (4) 2 Oued Massa 4.5, 1 en route--Erfoud-Errachidia 9.5, 2 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 1 observed 12.5. Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata (3) 9 Ifran 10.5, 3 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 20 observed 12.5. Nesting. Eurasian Coot Fulica atra atra (5) 22 Tamri 3.5, 3 Oued Massa 4.5, 6 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 11 Ifran 10.5 and 10 Oued Loukos 11.5. Nesting

Thick-knees Burhinidae Eurasian Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus (3) 7 Oued Massa 4.5, 2 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 2 Asilah 12.5.

Oystercatchers Haematopodidae Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus ostralegus (1) 4 Oued Massa 4.5.

Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus (3) 10 Oued Souss 4.5, 30 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 20 observed 12.5. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta (1) 2 Oued Souss 4.5.

Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola squatarola (2) 20 Oued Souss 4.5 and 11 Asilah 12.5. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula (5) 500 Oued Souss 4.5, 1 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 15 Ifran 10.5, 6 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 40 Asilah 12.5. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius curonicus (4) 8 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 5 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 15 Ifran 10.5 and 1 Asilah 12.5. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus alexandrinus (1) 15 Oued Massa 4.5.

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Sandpipers and Allies Scolopacidae Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus phaeopus (1) 4 Oued Souss 4.5. Eurasian Curlew (NT) Numenius arquata arquata (2) 1 Oued Souss 4.5 and 1 Oued Loukos 11.5. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica lapponica (1) 3+11 heard Oued Massa 4.5. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres interpres (2) 3 Oued Souss 4.5 and 4 Oued Loukos 11.5. Red Knot Calidris canutus (2) 1+5 heard Oued Massa 4.5 and 6 Asilah 12.5. Ruff Calidris pugnax (1) 1 Oued Souss 4.5. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea (2) 2+3 heard Oued Massa 4.5 and 7 Asilah 12.5. Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii (1) 1 Boumalne Dades 5.5. Sanderling Calidris alba alba (1) 3+12 heard Oued Massa 4.5. Dunlin Calidris alpina (3) 200+100 heard Oued Massa 4.5, 1 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 40 Asilah 12.5. Little Stint Calidris minuta (1) 9 Oued Souss 4.5. Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago gallinago (1) 1 Boumalne Dades 5.5. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos (7) 1 Pelagic - Atlantic Ocean out of Agadir 3.5, 11 Oued Massa 4.5, 1 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 1 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 12 Ifran 10.5, 3 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 1 Asilah 12.5. Common Redshank Tringa totanus (3) 1+4 heard Oued Massa 4.5, 9 Ifran 10.5 and 3+7 heard Asilah 12.5. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola (1) 1 Boumalne Dades 5.5. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia (2) 1 Oued Massa 4.5 and 1 Oued Loukos 11.5.

Pratincoles and Coursers Glareolidae Cream-colored Courser Cursorius cursor cursor (2) 5 Tagdilt Track 6.5 and 6 Zaida 10.5. Great sightings! Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola pratincola (2) 70 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 50 Asilah 12.5.

Gulls, Terns & Skimmers Laridae Sabine's Gull Xema sabini (1) 2 Pelagic - Atlantic Ocean out of Agadir 3.5. Great views of two. Slender-billed Gull Chroicocephalus genei (1) 1 Oued Souss 4.5.

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Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus (4) 1 Pelagic - Atlantic Ocean out of Agadir 3.5, 10 Oued Souss 4.5, 3 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 1 Asilah 12.5. Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus (1) 1 Oued Souss 4.5. Lucky. Audouin's Gull Ichthyaetus audouinii (3) 10 Pelagic - Atlantic Ocean out of Agadir 3.5, 7 Oued Souss 4.5 and 4 Oued Loukos 11.5. Several. Mediterranean Gull Ichthyaetus melanocephalus (2) 10 Oued Souss 4.5 and 2 Oued Loukos 11.5. Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis (6) 2 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 500 Pelagic - Atlantic Ocean out of Agadir 3.5, 100 Oued Souss 4.5, 2 Agadir 5.5, 200 Rabat 11.5 and 10 Asilah 12.5. Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus (3) 200 Pelagic - Atlantic Ocean out of Agadir 3.5, 20 Oued Souss 4.5 and 20 Rabat 11.5. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica nilotica (1) 3 Oued Loukos 11.5. Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia (1) 1 Oued Loukos 11.5. Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus bengalensis emigratus (1) 13 Oued Souss 4.5. Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis (2) 6 Pelagic - Atlantic Ocean out of Agadir 3.5 and 150 Oued Souss 4.5. Little Tern Sternula albifrons albifrons (2) 1+51 heard Oued Massa 4.5 and 2 Oued Loukos 11.5. Common Tern Sterna hirundo hirundo (2) 4 Pelagic - Atlantic Ocean out of Agadir 3.5 and 2 Oued Souss 4.5. Black Tern Chlidonias niger niger (4) 200 Pelagic - Atlantic Ocean out of Agadir 3.5, 30 Oued Souss 4.5, 3 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5 and 2 Oued Loukos 11.5. Great sightings on the pelagic.

Skuas and Jaegers Stercorariidae Great Skua Stercorarius skua (1) 1 Pelagic - Atlantic Ocean out of Agadir 3.5. Great views. Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus (1) 2 Pelagic - Atlantic Ocean out of Agadir 3.5. Superb views.

Sandgrouse Pteroclidae Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata caudacutus (2) 7 Tagdilt Track 6.5 and 1 observed 8.5. Great sightings. Spotted Sandgrouse Pterocles senegallus (1) 125 observed 8.5. Many.

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Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis orientalis (1) 25 Tagdilt Track 6.5. Crowned Sandgrouse Pterocles coronatus coronatus (1) 200 observed 8.5. Many.

Pigeons and Doves Columbidae Rock Dove Columba livia (12) 8 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 10 Oukaïmeden 2.5, 20 Tamri 3.5, 10 Oued Massa 4.5, 20 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 30 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 20 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 30 Merzouga 8.5, 20 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 20 Ifran 10.5, 20 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 30 observed 12.5. Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus palumbus (5) 10 Marrakech 1.5, 2 Oukaïmeden 2.5, 6 Oued Souss 4.5, 2 Agadir 5.5 and 10 Ifran 10.5. European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur (10) 10 Marrakech 1.5, 10 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 2 Tamri 3.5, 6 Oued Massa 4.5, 20 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 10 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 2 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 2 Ifran 10.5, 2 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 10 Asilah 12.5. Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto decaocto (12) 6 Marrakech 1.5, 20 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 2 Tamri 3.5, 2 Oued Massa 4.5, 20 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 10 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 10 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 10 observed 8.5, 6 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 2 Ifran 10.5, 2 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 10 Asilah 12.5. Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis (7) 10 Oued Massa 4.5, 2 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 1 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 4 en route-- Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 2 Merzouga 8.5, 2 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5 and 2 Oued Loukos 11.5.

Cuckoos Cuculidae Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius (1) 2 Marrakech 1.5. Superb sighting in Marrakech. Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus (1) 1 Oued Loukos 11.5.

Owls Strigidae Pharaoh Eagle-Owl Bubo ascalaphus (1) 3 Merzouga 8.5. Splendid views. Tawny Owl Strix aluco mauritanica (1) 1 heard Oukaïmeden 2.5. Little Owl Athene noctua (4) 2 Marrakech 1.5, 1 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 2 Boumalne Dades 5.5 and 5 Asilah 12.5.

Nightjars and Allies Caprimulgidae Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius saharae (1) 1 Merzouga 8.5. Fabulous views.

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Swifts Apodidae Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba (2) 1 Tizi N'Test 2.5 and 3 Ifran 10.5. Common Swift Apus apus apus (10) 50 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 6 Oued Massa 4.5, 200 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 10 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 20 Todra Gorge 7.5, 100 Merzouga 8.5, 50 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 30 Ifran 10.5, 10 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 20 Asilah 12.5. Pallid Swift Apus pallidus brehmorum (9) 10 Marrakech 1.5, 100 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 6 Agadir 3.5, 20 Oued Souss 4.5, 500 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 20 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 10 Todra Gorge 7.5, 20 Ifran 10.5 and 6 Asilah 12.5. Little Swift Apus affinis galilejensis (2) 1 Marrakech 1.5 and 4 Boumalne Dades 5.5.

Rollers Coraciidae European Roller (NT) Coracias garrulus garrulus (4) 2 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 1 observed 8.5, 6 Ifran 10.5 and 1 Rabat 11.5.

Kingfishers Alcedinidae Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis (1) 1 Oued Massa 4.5.

Bee-eaters Meropidae Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus chrysocercus (3) 4 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 3 Merzouga 8.5 and 6 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5. Great views. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster (7) 2 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 1 Oued Massa 4.5, 3 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 4 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 1 Ifran 10.5, 10 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 5 Asilah 12.5.

Hoopoes Upupidae Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops epops (5) 1 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 1 Oued Massa 4.5, 2 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 1 Merzouga 8.5 and 3 Ifran 10.5.

Woodpeckers Picidae Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major mauritanus (2) 3 Oukaïmeden 1.5 and 1 Ifran 10.5. Levaillant's Woodpecker Picus vaillantii (2) 2 Oukaïmeden 1.5 and 1 heard Tizi N'Test 2.5. Superb pair.

Falcons and Caracaras Falconidae Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni (1) 3 Ifran 10.5. Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus tinnunculus (12) 3 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 2 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 3 Tamri 3.5, 3+3 heard Oued Massa 4.5, 6 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 2 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 3 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 4 Merzouga 8.5, 2

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en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 3 Ifran 10.5, 2 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 1 observed 12.5. Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae (1) 2+2 heard Oued Massa 4.5. Splendid sighting. Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo subbuteo (1) 2 observed 12.5. Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus erlangeri (2) 2 Merzouga 8.5 and 2 Asilah 12.5. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus (2) 2 Oukaïmeden 2.5 and 2 observed 8.5.

Bushshrikes and Allies Malaconotidae Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus cucullatus (1) 2 Oued Massa 4.5. Superb sightings!

Shrikes Laniidae Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis (8) 1 Marrakech 1.5, 2 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 1 Tamri 3.5, 1 Oued Massa 4.5, 1 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 1 Merzouga 8.5, 1 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5 and 3 Asilah 12.5. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator (7) 4 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 2 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 1 observed 8.5, 3 en route-- Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 4 Ifran 10.5, 1 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 1 Asilah 12.5.

Old World Orioles Oriolidae Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus (1) 6 Ifran 10.5. Cracking views.

Crows, Jays, and Magpies Corvidae Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius (2) 2 Tizi N'Test 2.5 and 3 Ifran 10.5. Eurasian Magpie Pica pica mauritanica (7) 4 Marrakech 1.5, 10 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 1 Agadir 3.5, 10 Oued Souss 4.5, 10 Agadir 5.5, 3 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 6 observed 12.5. Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax barbarus (3) 6 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 1 Oukaïmeden 2.5 and 4 Ifran 10.5. Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus graculus (2) 60 Oukaïmeden 1.5 and 30 Oukaïmeden 2.5. Western Jackdaw Coloeus monedula (3) 3 Ifran 10.5, 8 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 10 observed 12.5. Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis (3) 4 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 250 Merzouga 8.5 and 3 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5. Northern Raven Corvus corax tingitanus (3) 1 Tamri 3.5, 20 Ifran 10.5 and 2 Rabat 11.5.

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Tits, Chickadees Paridae Coal Tit Periparus ater (2) 2 Oukaïmeden 1.5 and 3 Ifran 10.5. African Blue Tit Cyanistes teneriffae ultramarinus (7) 6 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 2 Oukaïmeden 2.5, 1 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 1 Todra Gorge 7.5, 6 Ifran 10.5, 1 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 2 observed 12.5. Great Tit Parus major (3) 3 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 1 Oued Massa 4.5 and 1 Ifran 10.5.

Larks Alaudidae Greater Hoopoe-Lark Alaemon alaudipes alaudipes (3) 3 Tagdilt Track 6.5, 2 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5 and 3 observed 8.5. Splendid. Thick-billed Lark Ramphocoris clotbey (3) 1 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 5 Tagdilt Track 6.5 and 5 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5. Magnificent. Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti (2) 1 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5 and 2 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5. Bar-tailed Lark Ammomanes cinctura arenicolor (3) 4 Tagdilt Track 6.5, 6 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5 and 4 observed 8.5. Woodlark Lullula arborea (1) 1 Ifran 10.5. Great sighting. Thekla's Lark Galerida theklae (6) 1 Oukaïmeden 2.5, 3 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 4 Tagdilt Track 6.5, 2 Todra Gorge 7.5, 2 en route-- Errachidia to Midelt 9.5 and 6 Ifran 10.5. Crested Lark Galerida cristata (7) 4 Marrakech 1.5, 3 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 6 Tamri 3.5, 6 Oued Souss 4.5, 10 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 8 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 20 observed 12.5. Maghreb Lark Galerida macrorhyncha (4) 2 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 2 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 1 Merzouga 8.5 and 1 en route- -Errachidia to Midelt 9.5. Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris atlas (2) 1 heard Oukaïmeden 1.5 and 3 Oukaïmeden 2.5. Temminck's Lark Eremophila bilopha (2) 6 Tagdilt Track 6.5 and 2 Zaida 10.5. Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla (5) 1 Tagdilt Track 6.5, 3 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 1 observed 8.5, 15 en route-- Errachidia to Midelt 9.5 and 8 Zaida 10.5. Dupont's Lark (NT) Chersophilus duponti (1) 3 Zaida 10.5. Fabulous views! Lesser Short-toed Lark Alaudala rufescens (2) 1 Tagdilt Track 6.5 and 30 Zaida 10.5.

Bulbuls Pycnonotidae Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus barbatus (11) 20 Marrakech 1.5, 20 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 10 Tamri 3.5, 10+10 heard Oued Massa 4.5, 30 Agadir 5.5,

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6 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 10 Todra Gorge 7.5, 2 observed 8.5, 2 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 1 Ifran 10.5 and 6 observed 12.5.

Swallows Hirundinidae Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola mauritanica (1) 6 Oued Loukos 11.5. Sand Martin Riparia riparia riparia (4) 3 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 100 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 6 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5 and 20 Oued Loukos 11.5. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica rustica (10) 20 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 20 Oued Massa 4.5, 100 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 50 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 50 Todra Gorge 7.5, 6 observed 8.5, 100 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 2 Ifran 10.5, 10 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 20 observed 12.5. Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris (6) 3 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 2 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 2 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 6 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 10 Todra Gorge 7.5 and 2 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5. Common House Martin Delichon urbicum (7) 6 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 2 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 30 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 10 Todra Gorge 7.5, 6 observed 8.5, 50 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5 and 2 Oued Loukos 11.5. Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica rufula (2) 3 Tizi N'Test 2.5 and 4 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5.

Cettia Bush Warblers and allies Cettiidae Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti cetti (5) 1 heard Tizi N'Test 2.5, 1 Oued Massa 4.5, 1 heard Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 1 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 1 heard observed 12.5.

Streaked Scrub Warbler Scotocercidae Streaked Scrub Warbler Scotocerca inquieta (1) 5 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5. Great sighting.

Leaf warblers and allies Phylloscopidae Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus (2) 1 Boumalne Dades 5.5 and 2 Todra Gorge 7.5. Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita (1) 1 heard Oukaïmeden 1.5.

Reed warblers and allies Acrocephalidae Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus scirpaceus (2) 6 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5 and 1 Oued Loukos 11.5. Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Iduna pallida reiseri (2) 3 Merzouga 8.5 and 1 heard Merzouga 9.5. Western Olivaceous Warbler Iduna opaca (5) 1 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 1 heard Tizi N'Test 2.5, 1 Oued Massa 4.5, 3 Boumalne Dades 5.5 and 2 Todra Gorge 7.5. Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta (5) 1 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 4 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 6 en route--Errachidia to Midelt

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9.5, 3 Ifran 10.5 and 1 Asilah 12.5.

Grassbirds and allies Locustellidae Savi's Warbler Locustella luscinioides luscinioides (1) 5 Oued Loukos 11.5. Superb sightings.

Cisticolas and allies Cisticolidae Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis (3) 5 Oued Massa 4.5, 3 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 2 Asilah 12.5.

Laughingthrushes Leiothrichidae Fulvous Babbler Turdoides fulva (3) 5 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 2 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5 and 1 heard en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5.

Sylviid Babblers Sylviidae Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla (2) 2 Oukaïmeden 1.5 and 1 heard Ifran 10.5. Western Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis hortensis (2) 1 Agadir 5.5 and 1 Ifran 10.5. Great sightings. African Desert Warbler Sylvia deserti (2) 1 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5 and 4 observed 8.5. Superb. Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis communis (2) 4 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5 and 1 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5. Tristram's Warbler Sylvia deserticola (1) 4 Todra Gorge 7.5. Lucky! Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata conspicillata (1) 1 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5. Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans (3) 1 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 1 Oukaïmeden 2.5 and 1 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5. Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala (5) 1 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 1 heard Tamri 3.5, 4 Oued Massa 4.5, 1 Boumalne Dades 5.5 and 2 Asilah 12.5.

Kinglets Regulidae Common Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla (2) 2 Oukaïmeden 1.5 and 1 Ifran 10.5.

Wrens Troglodytidae Eurasian Wren Troglodytes troglodytes (2) 1 heard Oukaïmeden 1.5 and 1 heard Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5.

Nuthatches Sittidae Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea hispaniensis (1) 4 Ifran 10.5.

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Treecreepers Certhiidae Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla mauritanica (1) 1 Ifran 10.5.

Starlings Sturnidae Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor (9) 10 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 20 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 6 Agadir 3.5, 18 Oued Massa 4.5, 20 Agadir 5.5, 5 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 30 Ifran 10.5, 100 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 100 Asilah 12.5.

Thrushes and Allies Turdidae Common Blackbird Turdus merula (12) 10 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 20 Oukaïmeden 2.5, 2 Tamri 3.5, 6 Oued Massa 4.5, 20 Agadir 5.5, 4 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 2 Todra Gorge 7.5, 1 Merzouga 8.5, 2 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 2 Ifran 10.5, 2 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 2 Asilah 12.5. Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus (4) 1 heard Oukaïmeden 1.5, 4 Oukaïmeden 2.5, 4 Ifran 10.5 and 4 Ifran 11.5.

Chats, Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas galactotes galactotes (3) 1 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 2 observed 8.5 and 1 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata striata (5) 2 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 3 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 3 Todra Gorge 7.5, 1 Merzouga 8.5 and 3 en route-- Errachidia to Midelt 9.5. European Robin Erithacus rubecula (2) 2 Oukaïmeden 1.5 and 1 Ifran 10.5. Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos megarhynchos (4) 1 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 1 heard Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 1 Todra Gorge 7.5 and 1 heard Ifran 10.5. European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (5) 1 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 1 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 2 Todra Gorge 7.5, 2 en route-- Errachidia to Midelt 9.5 and 1 Ifran 10.5. Atlas Pied Flycatcher Ficedula speculigera (2) 2 Ifran 10.5 and 2 Ifran 11.5. Fabulous sightings! Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros gibraltariensis (4) 3 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 6 Oukaïmeden 2.5, 1 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5 and 1 Todra Gorge 7.5. Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus phoenicurus (1) 2 Ifran 10.5. Moussier's Redstart Phoenicurus moussieri (4) 2 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 2 Oukaïmeden 2.5, 4 Oued Massa 4.5 and 2 Boumalne Dades 5.5. Common Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis (1) 1 Oukaïmeden 2.5. Splendid male. Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius solitarius (4) 1 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 1 Oukaïmeden 2.5, 6 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5 and 3 Todra Gorge 7.5. Whinchat Saxicola rubetra (2) 2 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5 and 2 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5. European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola rubicola

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(4) 3 Oued Massa 4.5, 1 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 3 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 3 Asilah 12.5. Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe (5) 4 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 4 Oukaïmeden 2.5, 1 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 2 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5 and 1 Ifran 11.5. Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti homochroa (6) 2 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 8 Tagdilt Track 6.5, 4 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 2 observed 8.5, 1 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5 and 1 Zaida 10.5. Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica (2) 3 Oued Massa 4.5 and 2 Zaida 10.5. Red-rumped Wheatear Oenanthe moesta (2) 4 Tagdilt Track 6.5 and 2 Zaida 10.5. Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura riggenbachi (6) 2 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 3 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 2 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 3 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 2 Todra Gorge 7.5 and 2 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5. White-crowned Wheatear Oenanthe leucopyga (5) 2 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 2 Tagdilt Track 6.5, 10 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 5 observed 8.5 and 4 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5. Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens halophila (1) 1 Tagdilt Track 6.5. Great find!

Dippers Cinclidae White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus minor (1) 1 Oukaïmeden 1.5.

Old World Sparrows Passeridae House Sparrow Passer domesticus (12) 2 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 6 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 2 Agadir 3.5, 2 Oued Massa 4.5, 10 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 10 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 20 Merzouga 7.5, 30 observed 8.5, 30 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 10 Ifran 10.5, 50 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 20 Asilah 12.5. Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis hispaniolensis (1) 20 Boumalne Dades 5.5. Desert Sparrow Passer simplex saharae (1) 3 observed 8.5. Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia (3) 6 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 15 Oukaïmeden 2.5 and 8 Ifran 10.5.

Wagtails, Pipits Motacillidae Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava (7) 2 Oued Massa 4.5, 3 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 1 observed 8.5, 2 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5, 1 Ifran 10.5, 6 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 2 Asilah 12.5. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea cinerea (2) 2 Oukaïmeden 1.5 and 2 Todra Gorge 7.5. White Wagtail Motacilla alba (4) 1 Tamri 3.5, 4 Oued Souss 4.5, 1 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5 and 1 Ifran 10.5. Tawny Pipit 1 was seen near Erg Chebbi by the third vehicle

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Finches Fringillidae Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs (6) 20 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 20 Oukaïmeden 2.5, 2 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 1 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5, 40 Ifran 10.5 and 2 Oued Loukos 11.5. Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes (2) 1 Oukaïmeden 1.5 and 10 Ifran 10.5. Fabulous. African Crimson-winged Finch Rhodopechys alienus (1) 2 Oukaïmeden 2.5. Superb views of a pair. Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus zedlitzi (2) 2+4 heard Tagdilt Track 6.5 and 2 Zaida 10.5. European Greenfinch Chloris chloris (5) 1 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 1 heard Tizi N'Test 2.5, 1 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 2 Ifran 10.5 and 1 heard Oued Loukos 11.5. Common Linnet Linaria cannabina (4) 1 heard Tizi N'Test 2.5, 10 Oued Massa 4.5, 1 Todra Gorge 7.5 and 1 Ifran 10.5. Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra (1) 1 Ifran 10.5. European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis (3) 3 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 1 Oued Massa 4.5 and 1 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5. European Serin Serinus serinus (9) 2 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 2 Tizi N'Test 2.5, 6 Oued Massa 4.5, 1 heard Agadir 5.5, 2 Dades Valley-- Dades Gorge 6.5, 6 Todra Gorge 7.5, 2 Ifran 10.5, 20 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 6 observed 12.5.

Buntings, New World Sparrows and allies Emberizidae Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra calandra (3) 2 Ifran 10.5, 3 Oued Loukos 11.5 and 6 Asilah 12.5. Rock Bunting Emberiza cia cia (2) 1 Oukaïmeden 1.5 and 2 Oukaïmeden 2.5. Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus (3) 1 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 1 Oukaïmeden 2.5 and 2 Oued Massa 4.5. House Bunting Emberiza sahari sahari (6) 1 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 4 Oued Massa 4.5, 2 Boumalne Dades 5.5, 3 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5, 2 Todra Gorge 7.5 and 2 en route--Errachidia to Midelt 9.5.

Mammals (5 in total: 5 seen) Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Old World monkeys Cercopithecidae Barbary Macaque Macaca sylvanus (1) 24 Ifran 10.5.

Rabbits, Hares Leporidae

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Cape Hare Lepus capensis (2) 1 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5 and 1 Merzouga 8.5. Squirrels Sciuridae Barbary Ground Squirrel Atlantoxerus getulus (4) 1 Oukaïmeden 1.5, 3 Oukaïmeden 2.5, 6 Boumalne Dades 5.5 and 2 Dades Valley--Dades Gorge 6.5.

Wolves, Coyote, Foxes, Jackals Canidae Red Fox Vulpes vulpes (1) 2 Merzouga 8.5.

Cattle, Antelopes, Sheep, Goats Bovidae Aoudad Ammotragus lervia (1) 15 Tizi N'Test 2.5. Good scope views.

Reptiles (5 in total: 5 seen) Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Tortoises Testudinidae Spur-thighed Tortoise Testudo graeca (1) 1 Zaers 13.5.

Asian River Turtles, Leaf and Roofed Turtles, Asian Box Turtles Geoemydidae Mediterranean Turtle Mauremys leprosa saharica (2) 30 Oued Massa 4.5 and 20 Rabat 11.5.

Agamas Agamidae North African Spiny-tailed Lizard Uromastyx acanthinura (1) 1 Merzouga 8.5.

Lacertidae Busack’s Fringe-fingered Lizard Acanthodactylus busacki (2) 1 Oued Massa 4.5 and 1 en route--Boumalne Dades to Erfoud 7.5. Small-fingered Psammodromus Psammodromus microdactylus (1) 1 Ifran 10.5.

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Rockjumper Birding Ltd The Hive, Lot 23 Tel: (USA & Canada) toll-free: 1-888-990-5552 Centre Commercial du Barachois Email: [email protected] La Place Cap, Tamarin Alternative email: [email protected] Mauritius Website: www.rockjumperbirding.com

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