1/2 MAY 2007, Khovd - A. Braunlich
1 May: A group of four Demoiselle Cranes resting at the river were new local arrivals. The first two Northern House Martins inspected their breeding sites at our apartment block. Other species seen today for the first time this spring are: 1 male Siberian Stonechat, 1 Ortolan Bunting, and 1 Northern Hobby. A male Linnet at the river was a nice bonus, the species breeds in Mongolia only in the west. The local Black-eared Kite roost held a least 190 birds.
2 May: The warm weather and the (rare) rain last night brought several new arrivals: 5 Tree Pipits, 6 Green Sandpipers, 1 Hume’s Leaf Warbler, and c.20 Paddyfield Warblers in town. An immature Steppe Eagle soared over the river, and a mixed flock of 5 Twite and 7 Ortolan Buntings was a rather unusual sight.