[wolfbirder]

Seems to me its near Birecek in Eastern Turkey. I have a couple of sites near to Ataturk Baraj and might try next May-June. Not sure exactly when they return though.

Any easier alternatives?

[Captain_of_Crunch]

I think the area around the reservoir just east of Ouarzazate in Morocco is pretty reliable. Saw about 20 to 30 birds at two random stops there last year.

Haven't been to Turkey so I can't say how the two sites compare. Still, an amazing bird to see.

[Steve Lister]

Saw loads around Rissani and Cafe Yasmina in SE Morocco on an early spring trip a few years ago but they were probably migrants. Have also seen migrants in Cyprus and Israel.

The SE Turkey breeding colonies are probably a safer bet.

Steve

[Robin Edwards]

And then there is Eilat in spring

[johnraven]

There was about 15 at the Estagfirrulah colony here:
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en...69609&t=m&z=14

[wolfbirder]

Thanks folks, appreciate the responses. That photo is stunning! That is why i want to see them in breeding plumage. Never had any luck in Cyprus with them where you have to be lucky as they are on passage.

Thinking of going mid May or early June to Birecek to see them. They are apparently late arrivals.

[Robin Edwards]

thanks Nick although the picture is of a bird in the hand at IBRCE on 20th March, part of a group of 20 or so birds passing north so not really late. Close views could be had though as they alighted on the ground. They do breed nearer the Dead Sea and probably do arrive somewhat later.

[walshey]

Hi Nick,

I think it you went to Birecik area in late May/early June you cant really miss these. Saw plenty en-route Birecik -> Diyarbakir 2009 and I guess you have already pin-pointed some colonies. The one at Huyuklu was particularly impressive. Plenty of other goodies to see too.

John

[wolfbirder]

Originally Posted by walshey

Hi Nick,

I think it you went to Birecik area in late May/early June you cant really miss these. Saw plenty en-route Birecik -> Diyarbakir 2009 and I guess you have already pin-pointed some colonies. The one at Huyuklu was particularly impressive. Plenty of other goodies to see too.

John

Hi John /Robin

I have 2 small colonies in close proximity near Estugrallah (30-50 kms east of Birecek near Ataturk Baraj) though not sure if they are dead reliable annually. Don't know about any others but they are my number one target and of course 3-4 days based at Birecek could also get me Dead Sea Sparrow, Pale Rock Sparrow, Pale Scops Owl, See-see Partridge, Menetries & Upcher's Warbler, maybe Desert Finch, Bald Ibis.

But Blue-Cheeked Bee-eater are my number one target. Looking at Googlemaps, Huyuklu is about 200 miles east of Birecek and right by the Syrian border. Might be an interesting experience!

[walshey]

Must be more than one Huyuklu Nick. The one I meant is also SE of the Ataturk res. about 2 mile W of the D390. You can see it on Google maps

http://goo.gl/maps/TvZ4H

Hope that link works

John

PS Dont forget Iraq Babbler, and Nemrut Dagi for Red-tailed (Kurdish) Wheatear amongst other goodies

[wolfbirder]

Originally Posted by walshey

Must be more than one Huyuklu Nick. The one I meant is also SE of the Ataturk res. about 2 mile W of the D390. You can see it on Google maps

http://goo.gl/maps/TvZ4H

Hope that link works

John

PS Dont forget Iraq Babbler, and Nemrut Dagi for Red-tailed (Kurdish) Wheatear amongst other goodies

Ah, thats brilliant, many many thanks John. So I now have 3 potential sites within a small radius.

And yes I forgot Iraq Babbler. I fortunately don't need Kurdish Wheatear having jammily picked up a wintering male at Ayia Napa Sewage works, Cyprus, last year. Nevertheless, might still go up there (Nemrut Dagi) as I need Cinereous Bunting.