Iran, summer 2010. Introduction. |
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Written by Jos
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Few birders visit Iran, fewer still that travel independently. But leave aside the preconceptions and venture beyond the media stereotype, the country is truly an amazing place, inhabited by a most gracious people and blessed with a culture second to none and landscapes that incorporate all from high Alpine peaks and lush green valleys through to vast desert vistas, stark coastlines and shimmering marine environments dotted with corals, intertidal flats and mangroves. And then there are the birds - along with an impressive array of desert and mountain species and an unrivalled selection of waterbirds, Iran is home to some mighty fine specialities, including Grey Hypocolius, Iraqi Babbler, Sind Pied Woodpecker and, the jewel in the crown, inhabiting the remote deserts of the interior, the enigmatic Pleske's Ground Jay. |
Last Updated ( Saturday, 15 February 2014 )
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Written by Jos
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Not a country to share its gems on a whim, difficulties with visas, a harsh climate and a sparcity of information on birding localities all conspire to leave Iran as a challenging, albeit rewarding, destination. To ease the travels of future birders, hopefully the notes below will go someway to smoothing the trip. |
Last Updated ( Thursday, 01 March 2012 )
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Iran. Part One, Birding the South. |
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Written by Jos
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Stunning from day one, with Spotted Little Owls performing in the palm groves of Minab, followed by Crab Plovers and Sind Pied Woodpecker east of Jask. After further exploration of the coastal regions, my journey then took me north to the remote deserts of the Shahr-e-Babek region for Pleske's Ground Jay, before swinging westward for a brief stop at the ancient site of Persepolis and further to the dry Lake Arzhan. A long journey westward then took me into the hot sticky lands adjacent to the Dez River, deeply historic and home to such sensational species as Grey Hypocolius and Iraqi Babbler. And thereafter, a fitting finale to the south, a pause in the beautiful city of Esfahan, one of the true architectural wonders of the world. |
Last Updated ( Thursday, 02 February 2012 )
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Iran. Part Two, Birding the North. |
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Written by Jos
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Green valleys, snow-capped mountains, and lush forests, part two of my trip kicked off in the Alamut Valley, an exquisite location full of birds, Golden Eagles, Red-fronted Serins and Green Warblers amongst them. Next, after a trek to the 3200 m Salambar Pass, two Radde's Accentors seen en route, my trip continued with visits to Anzari Lagoon, a vast wetland crawling with herons and terns, and to the quaint village of Masuleh. And then it was off to the mighty Mount Damavand, its snowy peak a fitting finale to an amazing trip, its many birds including Grey-necked Buntings, Crimson-winged Finch and Persian Wheatears. |
Last Updated ( Sunday, 05 February 2012 )
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Written by Jos
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In total, 235 species of bird were recorded on this trip, a very respectable total for late summer. Of particular note, all the target species (Pleske's Ground Jay, Sind Pied Woodpecker, Iraqi Babbler, Grey Hypocolius, Spotted Little Owl and Crab Plover) were seen, along with many other specials, such as Egyptian Nightjar, Radde's Accentor and Dead Sea Sparrow. Of the bird groups, waders and herons were particularly well represented, with 32 and 11 species respectively, as well as wheatears (seven species), raptors (14 species) and warblers (22 species). By contrast, wildfowl were prominent by their overall absence, just one species of duck seen - a trip later in the season would remedy this lack of records. A later trip would also considerably increase the number of raptors seen, in absolute numbers if not species. |
Last Updated ( Friday, 17 February 2012 )
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