Introduction

In May-June 2003, the excursions committee of the Copenhagen section of the Danish Ornithological Society (DOF) carried out its first tour to Russia. The destination was Ussuriland and Amurland in the Far East Siberia.

The tour was designed to give the participants a thorough coverage of Far East Siberia. We had chosen a selection of excellent and different habitats. The number of bird species recorded was very impressive. We made up a bird list of 250 species and additional 60 species on our days in Moscow region.

The time for the trip was elected for trying to see all the breeding birds and still see some migrating too. In fact, some of the breeding birds had not arrived e.g. Lesser Cuckoo and Swinhoe's Storm-Petrel. In the first days in the southern area we had a lot of migrating passerines. But it should be considered to start the trip a week later!

The weather on the tour was very changing. In southern Ussuriland the weather on the coast was influenced by the cold sea, being misty, and with few showers and 10 - 15ºC most days. 30 kms inland from the coast, the climate changed and it got warmer. At Bikin River and Udyl Lake it was sunny and nice. In the Muravievka Crane Park it was colder with few showers but most days were sunny.

Be aware that winters can get extremely cold and summers very hot in the entire region. In April and May temperatures are very moderate. Always have in mind that rain is normal, though we had almost none of this in what they call a very dry spring.

The participants were: Annelis Martinussen, Anne Birgitte Dahl-Hansen, Inger Andersen, Jørgen Bech, Erling Krabbe, Mogens Henriksen, Ebbe Arnfeldt Hansen, Henning Vikkelsøe Rasmussen, Flemming Quist Møller, Jette Kriegel, Finn Kriegel, Lise Fabricius, Jens Fabricius, Marianne Mølgaard, Gorm Vognsen Jensen, Erik Mølgaard (tour leader), Eric Schaumburg (tour leader).

The tour fee was DKK 27,800 including all transportation, accommodation, full board, guides, and "official" tips, tour leaders as well as the usual DOF services.

Derzu Usula "Eco-travel" in Moscow with Elena Ledovskikh (elenik@deol.ru) organized the whole trip. The arrangement was well organized but they still need to learn more for making perfect bird trips. E.g. the boat we used the first days from Vladivostok was only approved for 12 passengers and we were 19 ! Almost all the coaches in Siberia were very old and were in poor condition with too few seats for our group. It would be more convenient to have vans instead, even if the price would have risen a little bit. All the accommodation apart from Moscow and Khabarovsk was very basic and in some places the beds were quite bad. But the over all impression was very good having the possibilities in mind. Banja – the Russian way of sauna and bath - was available at most places. There are no chances of starving, the food is solid and good and the hosts think of it as an important issue. At most places there are small shops where chocolate and soft drinks as well as beer and vodka are available. Finally, we have not got any problems to recommend Derzu Usula for your trip.

Our main guide for the whole trip was Konstantin Mikhailov from Moscow. Konstantin had worked in many years in the Bikin River area and the southern Ussuriland, but never been at Udyl Lake and Muravievka Crane Park. He was extremely skilled in all biological matters at Bikin River and very good for the voices of the forest birds too. He was not interested in water birds and took no interest in learning! It was his first trip with a large group (14 pax) and he did not manage this very well being the reason that we had a lot of minor problems during the tour. He never accepted the role as our guide being expected to give the tour leaders the information enabling the tour leaders to make the right decisions as regard to arrangement. Lacking information was the rule and often he did not give any! He only translated to the locals what he thought best to him and not what we asked for if he did not agree. It seems like he was not interested to learn from us what we expected, wanted, and needed to make a great tour. In the field he always ran in high speed so only half the group could follow him. He rarely looked back and waited for everybody. His preparations for the trip were not very good either. He had not tried to get information for the rare and endemic species even though he had promised to do so, e.g. Blackinston's Fish-Owl and Swan Goose. We cannot recommend Konstantin as a guide for a bird trip. During the trip we met a guide Sergey Ivanov from Vladivostok who seemed more committed and we have been informed of some other guides too.

In addition to Konstantin we had several local guides on the tour. With us in Ussuriland we also had Anna, director from the Biological Museum in Vladivistok. Her job was to make food, coffee and being the local contact to the accommodations and coaches. A nice lady – the only problem was the fact that she did not speak English.

In the southern Ussuriland we also had the local birdwatcher "Juri" with us. He knew a lot of the birds in the area but did not speak English either.

At Udyl Lake the local manager for the hunters had made the arrangement there. He did not know much about the passerines and the other target birds apart from Steller's Sea-Eagle.

In the Muravievka Crane Park the manager Sergei Smirenski (E-mail: sergei@savingcranes.org) was also our bird guide. He was brilliant. Sergei knew all the birds in the reserve and told us a lot about the protection of the cranes, storks etc.

The report contains the following,

1. Summary of the Journey
2. Description of the Localities Visited
3. List of Birds Recorded in Ussuriland and Amurland
4. List of Birds Recorded in Moscow Region
5. List of Mammals and reptiles

We wish to thank the following persons for their assistance in writing this report: Jørgen Bech, Erling Krabbe, Ebbe Hansen, Mogens Henriksen, and Marianne Mølgaard.

Species observed only by one or two persons are marked in the bird and mammals lists with initials of the observers in brackets.

It should not be forgotten that the whole trip was characterised by good fellowship and pleasant being together. Again it is a pleasure to look back on a successful DOF tour! We hope to see you all another time!

Eric Schaumburg Erik Mølgaard

Østre Allé 43A Ekströms Väg 27g

3250 Gilleleje 230 44 Bunkeflostrand

Denmark Sweden

moel@telia.com
 
 
 
 
 
 

SUMMARY OF THE JOURNEY

17.05.03 10.45 Copenhagen Airport
12.00-13.30 Arlanda Airport (Stockholm)
17.30-19.30 Moscow Airport
21.05- Svenigorod (Sanatorium Hotel)

18.05.03 05.30-09.10 Morning forest walk at biological station, Svenigorod (Pos 55,41 N-36,44 E)
Walk along Moscow River, Svenigorod
15.00- Bus drive to Moscow Airport. Evening flight to Vladivostok

19.05.03 09.45-11.00 Vladivostok Airport.
11.45-16.30 Vladivostok. (Lunch in Marine Biological Institute).
16.30-17.00 Boat trip to Popov Island.
17.00- Popov Island and some had a evening boat trip to nearby seabird rock.

20.05.03 -09.15 Morning at Popov Island
09.15-17.20 Boat trip to nearby islands (Pleskes Warbler island 10.45-13.40).
17.40- Evening at Popov Island

21.05.03 -09.15 Morning at Popov Island
09.25-12.15 Boat trip to Eastern Marine Reserve
12.15-16.40 Forest walk on Stenin Island, Easten Marine Reserve Island.
16.40-20.00 Boat trip to Vityaz.
20.00- Evening in village of Vityaz.

22.05.03 06.15-20.00 Full day boat trip to and walk at Khasan Nature Park.
Evening in the village of Vityaz.

23.05.03 -08.45 Morning in Vityaz.
08.45-20.10 Full day bus trip to Khasan Nature Park.

24.05.03 06.00-09.00 Morning at Vityaz.
09.25-12.20 Bus drive to Kedrovaya Pad National Park.
12.20-20.00 Walk in Kedrovaya Pad N.P.

25.05.03 06.00-20.00 Kedrovaya Pad National Park. Walk in forest and open areas.

26.05.03 06.30-13.40 Kedrovaya Pad National Park. Walk in forest and along river.
13.40-18.00 Bus drive to Vladivostok
Night train: Vladivostok – Luchegorsk.

27.05.03 06.00-07.00 Luchegorsk railway station surroundings.
07.00-11.05 Bus drive to village of Verkniy Pereval at Bikin River.
12.10-17.15 Walk in Verkniy Pereval and sourrundings. Museum and forest hill top.
19.30-23.30 Evening walk to wetland and river near Verkniy Pereval.

28.05.03 07.00-08.45 Morning birding in Verkniy Pereval at Bikin River
08.45-10.00 Boat trip upstream Bikin River
10.00-12.25 Walk from riverside to vast peat bog. Breeding site for Hooded Crane.
12.25-18.00 Continued boat trip upstream Bikin River to village of Krasny Yar.
18.00- Evening at Krasny Yar.

29.05.03 06.15-12.15 Forest walk at Krasny Yar
15.25-21.10 Boat trip upstream Bikin River. Walk in river forest (pos. 46,42 N- 135,30 E. 525 ft. a.s.l. 16 km from Krasny Yar)

30.05.03 06.30-09.00 Forest walk at Krasny Yar.
11.30-17.00 Bus drive Krasny Yar – Khabarovsk.
17.00- Evening in Khabarovsk

31.05.03 06.00-08.20 Khabarovsk at Amur River
08.20-14.00 Bus drive Khabarovsk to Komsomolsk
14.20-21.00 Hydrofoil boat trip down Amur River to village of Bogorodskoyie.

01.06.03 06.30-07.10 Bogorodskoyie.
08.15-21.00 Boat trip to Lake Udyl.
21.00- Evening in Bogorodskoyie.

02.06.03 06.00-17.00 Bus trip to taiga hill forest and stream 30-50 km east of Bogorodskoyie.
Evening in Bogorodskoyie.

03.06.03 04.50-13.00 Hydrofoil boat trip from Bogorodskoyie to Komsomolsk.
13.50-20.15 Bus drive from Komsomolsk to Khabarovsk.
20.15- Evening in Khabarovsk.

04.06.03 06.35-12.30 Bus trip to farmland and wetland area 1½ hours drive south of Khabarovsk. Visit to Derzu Usulas grave at highway.
Flight from Khabarovsk to Blagoveshchensk.
18.20-21.00 Bus drive airport - Muravievka Crane Park.

05.06.03 All day Muravievka Crane Park. Morning walk along lake slope. Afternoon bus trip to burnt grass area and ponds.

06.06.03 All day Muravievka Crane Park. Morning walk from HQ across dried out lake area for Pechora Pipit. Afternoon bus trip to central part of park.

07.06.03 All day Muravievka Crane Park. Morning bus trip to ponds i north western part of the park. Afternoon bus trip to Japanese Crane breeding site.

08.06.03 04.10-07.00 Muravievka Crane Park at HQ.
07.00-08.00 Bus drive to Blagoveshchensk airport.
10.40 Flight to Moscow.
Afternoon sightseeing in Moscow.

09.06.03 -15.55 Sightseeing in Moscow and transfer to the airport.
16.40- Copenhagen Airport.

Far Eastern Marine Reserve

Far Eastern Marine Reserve is situated in Peter the Great Golf south of Vladivostok and consists of a bunch of small islands. Most of the islands are uninhabited and the reserve has not been open to tourists until recent years. The islands vary from wooded islands to uncovered rocks.

Popov Island (42°58'N, 131°44'E): A small forested island only 1½ hours by boat from Vladivostok. It is the only island being inhabited and it is possible to stay at the biological station (as we did).The station is very basic. The island is a very good place for migrating passerines and to set out from to visit the other islands. We can recommend staying here at least two days in the migrating season.

"Bird Island" (42°53'N, 131°48'E): A small island consisting of a larger seabird colony containing a lot of breeding Ancient Murrelet and Rhinoceros Auklet. The island is also known to hold a population of Swinhoe's Storm-petrel and 10-11 pairs of Streaked Shearwater.

"Grasshopper Warbler's Island": In the reserve there are several small islands holding a population of the Pleske's Grasshopper Warbler. We visited one of them and heard a few birds. It is very difficult to see without play-back!

Stenin Island (42°44'N, 131°30'E): This Island is one of the larger in the group. The island holds a huge colony of Black-tailed Gull, and interesting forest and fields.
 
 

Khasan Nature Park (42°27'N, 130°47'E)

Khasan Nature Park is situated in the southernmost Ussuriland at the border to North Korea and China. The Nature Park consists of extensive areas of meadows, lakes, mudflats, and beaches. In the central part of the Park is some high rocks called Golubiny ("Pigeon's") Knoll. You can reach the area from the sea and from road from Vladivostok to China.

You cannot stay in the Park. The nearest place to stay is the village of Vityaz (42°37'N, 131°08'E). From Vityaz it took 2 hours by boat to the park and approx. 1 hour by bus.

We visited the park twice:

First time by boat we visited the extensive mudflats and meadows. From the landing site you have to walk 3 kilometres on the beach along wetlands and mudflats. After 3 kilometres you reach the huge Golubiny Knoll which is a very nice place and hold a lot of migrants in the ravines. It is not clear what time is the optimal to look for shorebirds. We missed the waders by coming on the 22^nd of May though the optimal time was told to be the 15^th.We simply do not know whether the waders already passed or still were in Korea.

The second time, we visited the area from the road. Along the road from Vityaz we stopped at several excellent wetlands containing considerable more birds than in the Nature Park itself. At one of the stops we saw the rare Chinese Egret (42°42'N, 130°50'E). This rare Egret breeds in the area with 2-3 pairs. We had lunch at the Park Entrance (42°34'N, 130°42'E), where the surrounding bushes teemed with migrants. Among these the trip's only Siberian Thrush was observed. Finally entering the Park we reached the conclusion that here was not as many birds as we had been watching outside the Park, and we turned back close to North Korea (42°27'N, 130°38'E).

Vityaz (42°37'N, 131°08'E): The nearest place to stay is this little village near a little harbour surrounded by a forest. In the village we saw Chestnut-cheeked Starling and Band-bellied Crake.
 
 

Kedrovaya Pad' Nature Reserve (43°06'N, 131°34'E)

Kedrovaya Pad' N.R. is the oldest Russian nature reserve established in 1925. The Park is situated 200 km south of Vladivostok near the southern highway. The park is famous for having the only breeding Amur Leopards in Russia. It is a large beautiful pristine forest situated along the Kedrovaya River with huge trees like Manchurian Pine and Korean fir. Birding is very good in the forest as in the neighbouring grasslands. Among the specialities are Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Lesser Cuckoo (had not arrived), Chinese Goshawk etc. It is worth staying three days to be able to get the thrushes, raptors and to get the peace of enjoying the forest and maybe to get the chance of seeing leopard. Parrotbills takes time to find. In the park is a forest quarter where it is possible to stay. When we were there no birders lived there but some nature guides.
 
 
 
 

Bikin River

One of the most beautiful places on earth. The River is also called the Russian Amazon and that it true. Here you find huge areas of wild virgin forest where footprints of Tiger and Bear are common. Along the river Scaly-sided Merganser, Mandarin Duck, and Long-billed Plover are common.

We arrived in the morning at Luchegorsk and continued by bus to Verkney Pereval. Our first stop was where the road crosses the Bikin River. Here we had the first Azure Tit. We stayed one night in Verkney Pereval (46°34'N, 134°40'E), a little town with a small hotel. The surrounding forest holds a number of good birds e.g. Meadow Bunting and (for Russia) the rare Forest Wagtail.

Next day was one of the best on the trip. By small motorised canoes we spent the whole day on the river on our way to Krasny Yar (46°33'N, 135°22'E). On the way we had a walk to a marsh which holds Hooded Crane and Far Eastern Curlew. Back on the river we saw many Scaly-sided Merganser and Long-billed Plover. After 9 hours we finally arrived at Krasny Yar.

We were told that Krasny Yar is the last stop before vast area of virgin forest. From the village several trails lead into the excellent virgin forest. We also had an afternoon trip up the river but we did not see anything we had not seen on the first trip.

There is no hotel in Krasny Yar, so we stayed with families in their private homes and the group really enjoyed that.
 
 

Khabarovsk

There is no sublime birding area near the town. We visited a place where the local birder had found a pair of Oriental Stork and Daurian Jackdaw one hour south of the city. Part of the group spent time in the city, which was much more beautiful than Vladivostok.
 

Udyl Lake Area

This was an interesting place to visit and mostly because of the Steller's Sea Eagle. It was a very long trip to Bogorodskoya from Khabarovsk. The water level in Amur River was very low and the hydrofoil boat could not sail from Khabarovsk. Hence, we were forced to take a bus half the way - to Komsomolsk-na-Amure - and then continue by the river. That means that two full days were spent (vasted) on transportation to visit Udyl Lake, but we found it was worth while. With better information Swan Goose and Siberian Accentor would also have been possible.

We stayed at Bogorodskoya (52°22'N, 140°26'E) at the riverside of Amur River. The town has a small hotel and some shops but not many birds around.

Udyl Lake (52°00'N, 140°27'E)

This huge lake is known for the high breeding density of Steller's Sea Eagle – and we were not disappointed! The Lake is more than 60 km long and can only be visited by boat. Rental of boats can be arranged in Bogorodskoya. In and around the Lake several pairs of Swan Goose are known to breed, but due to the low water level we could not visit these areas.

Forest near Bogorodskoya (around 52°30'N, 140°27'E)

We visited the taiga hill forest and dry marshes around Bogorodskoya, about 1 hour drive. We did not find any really excellent places, but we saw some new species for the trip, e.g. Orange-flanked Bluetail, Pine Grosbeak, Nutcracker and Siberian Grouse. All the forest was much logged and only very few patches of good forest was found. We were told that the area holds Siberian Accentor, but we were not lucky to find any! The local guides also told us about some virgin forest 100 km away (3 hours drive) that should hold Black-billed Capercaillie.
 
 

Muraviovka Crane Park (49°52'N, 127°42'E)

Muravievka Crane Park is the first privately operated Russian territory of sustainable land use and is situated only 1½ hours drive from Blagoveshchensk. It includes wetlands of international importance (Ramsar site). The territory consists of vast wetlands and grasslands in the Amur River Valley as well as croplands on the river terraces, small islands of forest, and small rivers forming many shallow lakes. The Park holds a number of rare breeding birds like Red-crowned Crane (2-3 pairs), White-naped Crane (10-15 pairs) and Oriental Stork (7 pairs). In the migrating season of mid May good numbers of Lesser White-fronted Goose, Baikal Teal can be included and if you are lucky few Siberian Cranes. In the lakes and surroundings you can find many interesting birds like Schrenk's Bittern, Amur Falcon, Spotted Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Daurian Jackdaw etc. In special short wet grassy area you can find the Pechora Pipit. Around the lodge you will see most of the warblers, but Gray's Grasshopper Warbler and Chinese Bush Warbler arrive late (around 6^th of June).

The lodge is a nice place with a nice look over the wetlands. At the lodge you can see most of the species. At the viewpoint, look for rails and crakes in a trail through the reeds at dusk and dawn. The people at the Park Centre are very friendly and everything is arranged to fit to the birding programme. All the food is served outside and was very nice but the dinner were very limited. Book in advance, since the manager Sergei Smirenski travels a lot and we are sure he wants to be there when you come!
 
 

LIST OF BIRDS RECORDED IN USSURILAND AND AMURLAND
 
 

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata (Rødstrubet Lom)

20/5 1 + 1 at sea, Eastern Marine Reserve.

Arctic Diver Gavia arctica (Sortstrubet Lom)

22/5 3 at sea between Popov Island and Vityaz/Khasan.

Pacific Diver Gavia pacifica

21/5 3 at sea and 22/5 2 at sea Popov Island-Vityaz.

Arctic/Pacific Diver Gavia arctica/pacifica

22/5 10 at sea Popov Island-Vityaz.

Note: Differentiation between these two species was often very difficult. Typical arctic divers identified on larger size, heavier bill, and pronounced white patch on flanks.

Yellow-billed Diver Gavia adamsii (Hvidnæbbet Lom)

22/5 2 imm (2.cal) at sea between and Vityaz and Khasan Nature Park.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis poggei (Lille Lappedykker)

22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 4 en route Khasan Nature Park, 1 Khasan Nature Park.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus (Toppet Lappedykker)

21/5 1 at sea, 22/5 1 at sea off the Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 13 en route Khasan Nature Park, 30 Khasan Nature Park, 5/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park.

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena (Gråstrubet Lappedykker)

22/5 1 at sea off the Khasan Nature Park, 22/5 3 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 1 en route Khasan Nature Park, 10 Khasan Nature Park, 31/5 2 Kabarovsk - Bogorodskoyie, 1/6 6 Lake Udyl, 3/6 2 Komsomolsk - Khabarovsk, 5/6 2 Blagoveshchenck- Muravievka Crane Park, 4 5/6 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 6 and 7/6 2.

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo (Skarv)

23/5 42 en route Khasan Nature Park, 1 Khasan Nature Park, 27/5 2 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 6 Bikin River, 29/5 2 Bikin R., 31/5 9 Komsomolsk - Bogorodskoyie, 1/6 Udyl Lake, 3/6 20 Bogorodskoyie-Komsomolsk, 5/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 6 and 7/6 5.

Japanese Cormorant Phalacrocorax capillatus

23/5 75 Vladivostok - Popov Island, 20/5 500 and 21/5 200 Eastern Marine Reserve, 22/5 50 boattrip to Khasan Nature Park.

Note: The two large cormorants are difficult to separate in the field – generally cormorants at the sea were referred to as Japanese (or Temminck´s) Cormorant – inland birds as Great Cormorant.

Pelagic Cormorant Phalacrocorax pelagicus

23/5 10 Vladivostok - Popov Island, 20/5 50 seatrip, 21/5 50 en route by boat, 22/5 1 boattrip to Khasan Nature Park.

Bean Goose Anser fabalis (Sædgås)

7/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park (left-over from winter/migratory flocks).

Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons (Blisgås)

5/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park (left-overs from winter/migratory flocks).

Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata (Mandarinand)

22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 2 en route Khasan Nature Park, 26/5 1 en route to Vladivostok, 27/5 9 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 44 Bikin river (Verkniy Pereval to Krasny Yar), 29/5 12 Bikin River (upstream from Krasny Yar), 4/6 1 S of Khabarovsk.

Note: This handsome duck is classified as near-threatened. A total of 70 were seen. 56 of the Mandarin Ducks were seen at the Bikin River – a significant locality for this species with undisturbed surrounding forests providing nestholes. Peak-numbers were between Verkniy Pereval and Krasny Yar (44). Most birds observed were post-breeding males. Confined to the Manchurian forest-zone of the South.

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope (Pibeand)

23/5 9 en route Khasan Nature Park, 6 Khasan Nature Park, 1/6 3 Udyl Lake, 5/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park.

Falcated Duck Anas falcata (Segland)

23/5 2 en route Khasan Nature Park, 1 Khasan Nature Park, 26/5 2 en route to Vladivostok, 28/5 2 Bikin River, 31/5 1 Khabarovsk - Bogorodskoyie, 1/6 7 Lake Udyl, 3/6 5 Komsomolsk – Khabarovsk, 5/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park.

Note: This fine duck was found to be widespread but in low numbers (21 in total)

Gadwall Anas strepera (Knarand)

23/5 2 Khasan Nature Park.

Common Teal Anas crecca (Krikand)

22/5 32 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 4 en route Khasan Nature Park, 1/6 9 Lake Udyl.

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos (Gråand)

21/5 3 Eastern Marine Reserve island, 22/4 2 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 13 en route Khasan Nature Park, 12 Khasan Nature Park, 26/5 1 en route to Vladivostok, 27/5 2 Luchegorsk-Verkniy Pereval, 28/5 8 Bikin River, 29/5 3 Bikin River, 31/5 1 Khabarovsk - Bogorodskoyie, 22 Komsomolsk - Bogorodskoyie, 1/6 55 Udyl Lake, 3/6 8 Bogorodskoyie-Komsomolsk, 4/6 2 Blagoveshchensk-Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 30 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 10 and 7/6 25.

Spot-billed duck Anas poecilorhyncha zonorhyncha

21/5 2 Eastern Marine Reserve island, 22/5 5 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 3 en route Khasan Nature Park, 5 Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 4 en route Kedrovaya Pad, 26/5 2 en route to Vladivostok

Northern Pintail Anas acuta (Spidsand)

22/5 2 Khasan Nature Park, 3/6 2 Komsomolsk - Khabarovsk.

Garganey Anas querquedula (Atlingand)

23/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 1/6 4 Udyl Lake, 4/6 Blagoveshchenk- Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 10 Muravievka Crane Park, and 7/6 2.

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata (Skeand)

23/5 6 en route Khasan Nature Park, 110 Khasan Nature Park, 1/6 3 Udyl Lake.

Common Pochard Aythya ferina (Taffeland)

23/5 12 Khasan Nature Park.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula (Troldand)

22/5 2 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 250 Khasan Nature Park, 1/6 26 Udyl Lake.

Greater Scaup Aythya marila (Bjergand)

23/5 6 en route Khasan Nature Park, 3 Khasan Nature Park, 1/6 2 Udyl Lake.

Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus (Strømand)

20/5 12 Eastern Marine Reserve, 21/5 1 Eastern Marine Reserve, 1 en route by boat, 22/5 1 off the Khasan Nature Park.

Note: Typically found at rocky outlines of the marine islands – main flock at the "Pleske"-island.

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis (Havlit)

21/5 1 at sea Eastern Marine Reserve.

Black Scoter Melanitta nigra americana (Sortand)

21/5 2 Eastern Marine Reserve, 22/5 20 off the Khasan Nature Park.

Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca (Fløjlsand)

20/5 3 Vladivostok -Popov Island, 5 seatrip, 21/5 97 Eastern Marine Reserve, 22/5 240 boattrip to Khasan Nature Park, 31/5 28 Komsomolsk - Bogorodskoyie.

Note: Belongs to the race steijnegeri of the subspecies "White-winged Scoter".

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula (Hvinand)

1/6 6 Udyl Lake.

Smew Mergellus albellus (Lille Skallesluger)

1/6 3 Udyl Lake.

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator (Toppet Skallesluger)

21/5 5 Eastern Marine Reserve, 22/5 26 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 25 en route Khasan Nature Park 1/6 50 Udyl Lake.

Scaly-sided Merganser Mergus squamatus

28/5 60 + 1 female w. 10 pull Bikin River (between Verkniy Pereval and Krasny Yar), 29/5 11 + females w. 22 pull Bikin River (upstream from Krasny Yar).

Note: Classified rare and declining and is probably threatened! Maybe less than 2000 pairs are left in the world. On the Bikin River more than 70 birds were counted, the majority post-breeding males. Two flocks of pulli (32). The species is confined to clear, fast-floating rivers in the Manchurian zone, and the Bikin River is obviously of great importance. Birds were most numerous between Verkniy Pereval and Krasny Yar where the river was much more divided in multiple streams than upstream from Krasny Yar (as with Mandarin Duck). The birds seem to be under some hunting pressure – they lifted at quite a distance and flew towards alternative streams.

Common Merganser Mergus merganser (Stor Skallesluger)

28/5 18 Bikin river.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta (Silkehejre)

23/5 3 en route Khasan Nature Park, 1 Khasan Nature Park.

Chinese Egret Egretta eulophotes

23/5 1 in breeding plumage on the riverplains on the way to Nat.reserve of Khasan.

Note: Classified as endangered (maybe only about a 1000 birds left). A very unexpected observation. The bird was found in the interior part of the river-plains in a system of shallow lagoons or former riverbeds (pos 42,42 N-130,50 E.).

A few Little and Great White Egrets in the proximity. Observation: The birds was seen at quite close range offering splendid telescope-views. Full breeding plumage including yellow bill, very long elongated crest, and blue fascial skin. The species is known to the Russians – some 2 or 3 pairs were found on an island inside the Reserve three years earlier, but no news for the last years!

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea (Fiskehejre)

19/5 10 Vladivostok, 10 Vladivostok -Popov Island , 5 Popov Island, 20/5 1 en route by boat, 21/5 1 Marine reserve island, 22/5 20 boattrip to estuary Khasan, 40 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 75 en route Khasan Nature Park, 5 Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 4 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 1 Kedrovaya Pad, 26/5 1 Kedrovaya Pad, 2 en route to Vladivostok, 28/5 2 Bikin River, 29/5 1 Bikin R., 31/5 2 Kabar-Bogorodskoyie, 17 Komsomolsk - Bogorodskoyie, 1/6 30 Udyl Lake, 2/6 5 Bogorodskoya, 3/6 8 Bogorodskoyie-Komsomolsk, 4/6 1 trip S of Khabarovsk. , 2 Blagoveshchensk- Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 16 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 10 and 7/6 15.

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea (Purpurhejre)

23/5 1 en route Khasan Nature Park, 5/6 4 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park, 7/6 3 and 8/6 1.

Great Egret Casmerodius albus (Sølvhejre)

19/5 1 Vladivostok, 20/5 1 Popov Island, 22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 8 en route Nat.Reserve of Khasan 26/5 2 en route to Vladivostok, 4/6 1 trip S of Khabarovsk.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (Kohejre)

20/5 1 Popov Island.

Note: North of distribution-area – migratory over-shoot.

Striated Heron Butorides striatus

19/5 1 Vladivostok – Popov Island, 23/5 1 en route Khasan Nature Park, 27/5 1 Verkney Pereval.

Von Schrenck's Little Bittern Ixobrychus eurhythmus

29/5 1 Bikin River - inside the forest at a small stream!, 5/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park, 7/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park.

Note: Observed, flushed, and heard – voice an owl-like hoot given at dusk. A quite scarce species and may be considered nearthreatened.

Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris (Rørdrum)

4/6 1 trip s. of Khabarovsk, 5/6 3 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 1 and 7/6 1. (All heard only).

Oriental Stork Ciconia boyciana

4/6 2 at nest + 1 S of Khabarovsk, 4/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 2 pairs at nest with pull Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 5 Muravievka Crane Park, 7/6 5 Muravievka Crane Park.

Status: Endangered! World population estimated to may be less than 700 pairs and under steady decline. 7 pairs breed in the Muravievka Crane Park. Not accustomed to man. Nests in trees (Muravievka Crane Park) or occasionally on electric pylons (pair south of Khabarovsk).

Osprey Pandion haliaetus (Fiskeørn)

23/5 1 en route Khasan Nature Park, 28/5 1 Bikin river, 29/5 2 Bikin River, 31/5 3 Komsomolsk - Bogorodskoyie, 1/6 6 Udyl Lake, 3/6 2 Bogorodskoyie-Komsomolsk, 1 Komsomolsk - Khabarovsk.

Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus

25/5 2 Kedrovaya Pad, 26/5 2 Kedrovaya Pad , 3 en route to Vladivostok, 27/5 5 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 4 Bikin River, 29/5 2 Bikin River, 30/5 1 Bikin River, 2 31/5 Kabarovsk- Bogorodskoyie, 1/6 1 Udyl Lake, 7/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park.

Note: The misty climate at the coastal zone made registration of soaring raptors difficult, but the airspace in SE-Siberia is certainly not rich in raptors, the honey-buzzard being the most frequent.

Black-eared Kite Milvus (migrans) lineatus (Sort Glente)

29/5 4 Bikin River, 30/5 2 Bikin River, 31/5 2 Kabar.- Komsomolsk, 13 Komsomolsk - Bogorodskoyie, 1/6 5 Udyl Lake, 2/6 3 Bogorodskoya, 3/6 9 Bogorodskoyie-Komsomolsk, 1 Komsomolsk-Khabarovsk, 4/6 1 trip S of Khabarovsk, 5/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 1 and 7/6 2.

White-tailed Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla (Havørn)

31/5 17 Komsomolsk - Bogorodskoyie, 1/6 5 River connecting Udyl Lake with Amur River, 2/6 2 Bogorodskoyie, 3/6 13 Bogorodskoyie-Komsomolsk.

Note: A total of 37 all but a few adult birds and all in the upper Amur. Breeding in the same area as Stellers Sea-Eagle, but absent in the Udyl Lake that seemed to be totally dominated by Steller´s.

Steller's Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus pelagicus (Stellers Havørn)

31/5 7 ad Komsomolsk - Bogorodskoyie (first bird ab. 100 km from the mouth of the Amur), 1/6 12 ad Udyl Lake, 2/6 1 ad Amur River (Bogorodskoyie village), 3/6 2 ad + 1 imm Bogorodskoyie-Komsomolsk.

Note: A total of 22 adults and 1 imm. This huge and legendary eagle was certainly one of the bird of the trip! Seemed to be of an ancient time paying little attention to the observers. Huge nests close to the lake-shores, also 1 nest noted on upper Amur. Piles of partly eaten fish on the shores of Udyl. Clearly this is breeding area and only 1 imm. bird was seen. Dominates White-tailed Sea-Eaglewhich is absent in the Udyl Lake.

Classified as rare with a world-population about 7500 birds (5600 adults). Upper Amur including

the Udyl Lake (and Mounth of Amur) is a major breeding site away from the main-population on Kamchatcka.

Eastern Marsh-Harrier Circus spilonotus (Østlig Rørhøg)

22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 2 en route Khasan Nature Park, 1 Khasan Nature Park, 26/5 1 en route to Vladivostok, 28/5 1 Bikin River, 4/6 1 Blagoveshchenck - Muravievka Crane Park , 5/6 7 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 8 and 7/6 10.

Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos

22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 2 en route Khasan Nature Park, 26/5 2 en route to Vladivostok, 27/5 4 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 3 moorland Bikin River, 30/5 1 Bikin River, 4/6 2 S of Khabarovsk, 1 Blagoveshchenck- Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 1 and 7/6 3.

Note: The majority of the birds were adult males (esthetical highlights!) – A total of 21 but seen at all major, suitable localities.

Japanese Sparrowhawk Accipiter gularis

20/5 1 Popov Island, 25/5 1 Kedrovaya Pad and 26/5 2, 28/5 1 Bikin River, 29/5 3 Bikin River.

Chinese Goshawk Accipiter soloensis

25/5 1 Kedrovaya Pad (EK).

Note: Only known from the extreme SE of Sibiria

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus (Spurvehøg)

21/5 1 Vityaz, 27/5 1 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 1 Bikin River, 5/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 1 and 7/6 2.

Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis (Duehøg)

28/5 1 Bikin River.

Grey-faced Buzzard Butastur indicus

25/5 2 Kedrovaya Pad 26/5 1, 27/5 2 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 1 Bikin river, 29/5 2 Bikin River.

Note: Rather elusive – spends much time in the canopy, quite uncommon and declining.

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo (Musvåge)

30/5 1 Bikin River, 31/5 2 Kabarovsk - Komsomolsk.

Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius

5/6 2 at active nest Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 1, 7/6 1.

Note: A surprise that this bird of mountain- and dry steppes not only showed up at this locality in the Amur River Valley, but was successfully breeding! One of the breeding birds was very worn and only seen in the vicinity of the nest.

Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga (Stor Skrigeørn)

7/6 1 subad/ad Muravievka Crane Park.

Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis (Steppeørn)

6/6 and 7/6 1 imm Muravievka Crane Park.

Note: Same individual both days – east of main range.

Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus (Tårnfalk)

19/5 2 Vladivostok, 20/5 1 "Pleskes island", 23/5 3 en route Khasan Nature Park, 31/5 1 Kabarovsk -Komsomolsk, 3/6 2 Komsomolsk - Khabarovsk, 4/6 4 S of Khabarovsk, 1 Blagoveshchenk - Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 2 and 7/6 1.

Amur Falcon Falco amurensis (Amurfalk)

22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 30/5 1 Krasny Yar - Kabarovsk, 31/5 1 Komsomolsk - Bogorodskoyie, 3/6 1 Komsomolsk- Khabarovsk, 4/6 1 S of Khabarovsk, 2 Blagoveskchenck- Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 3 + 1 at nest Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 10, 7/6 7 and 8/6 1.

Note: A total of 29 and only regular at Muravievka Crane Park (24). Maybe higher counts were expected but breeding population may be affected by the drought and burns. Anyway – 1 bird was seen at the legendary Amur!

Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo (Lærkefalk)

19/5 1 Vladivostok (airport), 27/5 3 Verkney Pereval, 28/51 Bikin River, 29/5 4 Bikin River, 31/5 3 Kabarovsk -Komsomolsk, 3/6 9 Bogorodskoyie - Khabarovsk, 5/6 4 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6, 2 and 7/6 3.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus (Vandrefalk)

19/5 2 ad Eastern Marine Reserve, 20/5 2 ad (same), 21/5 1 ad + 1 ad Islands between Popov Island and Vityaz.

Note: Peregrines probably breed at most suitable coastal islands or islets S of Vladivostok – feeding on sea-birds and swift – the birds 19/5 were seen catching Fork-tailed Swifts.

Japanese Quail Coturnix japonica

22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 2 Kedrovaya Pad, 4/6 1 Blagoveshchenck-Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 15 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 20 and 7/6 2.

Ring-necked Pheasant Phasianus colchicus (Fasan)

22/5 3 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 3 en route Khasan Nature Park, 4 Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 3 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 6, 31/5 1 Kabarovsk - Komsomolsk, 4/6 5 Blagoveshchenck-Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 20 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 15 and 7/6 15.

Note: The race pallasi with broad neck-ring. Shy and elusive and much more spectacular than the introduced hybrid-mess at home.

Siberian Grouse Dendragapus falcipennis

2/6 2 heard (display) Bogorodskoyie taiga forest (FQM).

Hazel Grouse Bonasa bonasia (Hjerpe)

25/5 1 male flushed Kedrovaya Pad, 2/6 1 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest, 5/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park.

Yellow-legged Buttonquail Turnix tanki

23/5 1 heard Vityaz – around mid-night.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus (Vandrikse)

5/6 3 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 2 and 7/6 2.

Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla (Dværgrørvagtel)

5/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park 7/6 1.

Band-bellied Crake Porzana paykullii

23/5 1 heard Vityaz, 24/5 2 seen Vityaz (MM & EM)

A restricted-range bird heard from moist forest-edge in the proximity of the village of Vityaz. Voice peculiar – like a rattle. Responds to play-back and brought into view on the 24/5.

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus (Rørhøne)

23/5 5 en route Khasan Nature Park, 1 Khasan Nature Park, 27/5 1 Verkney Pereval, 31/5 3 Kabar-Bogorodskoyie.

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra (Blishøne)

23/5 2 Khasan Nature Park.

Hooded Crane Grus monacha (Munketrane)

28/5 3 (1 pair + a single bird) on a vast raised bog close to Bikin River, 5/6 32 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 50 and 7/6 52.

Note: The Bikin-birds were on a typical breeding site. The birds of Muraviovka Muravievka Crane Park were non-breeding flocks. With an estimated world-population of 10.000 birds the most numerous of the three cranes but highly dependent on artificial crops esp. during winter.

White-naped Crane Grus vipio

4/6 28 Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 20, 6/6 50 and 7/6 22.

Note: Classified vulnerable/near-threatened – world population only about 5000 individuals. Perfect views of breeding-pairs and non-breeding flocks (6 pairs and 100-150 individual in the reserve).

Red-crowned or Japaneese Crane Grus japonensis

4/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6, 6 (3 pairs) Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 6 Muravievka Crane Park, 7/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park.

Note: Vulnerable/near-threatened – world-population estimated to be 1700 individuals making this great crane the second rarest of the world. (11 individuals in the park – including 4 breeding pairs).

Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola (Skovsneppe)

7/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park (JB)

Swinhoe's Snipe Gallinago megala

27/5 1 flushed Luchegorsk- Verkney Pereval, 3 birds in display after dusk Verkney Pereval, 1/6 1 Udyl Lake (heard).

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago (Dobbeltbekkasin)

22/5 2 Khasan Nature Park, 6/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa (Stor Kobbersneppe)

28/5 5 in display at raised bog near Bikin River, 1/6 47 on mudflat Udyl Lake.

Note: The distinct eastern race melaronoides – small and short-legged.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus (Lille Regnspove)

22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 3/6 6 Amur River at Komsomolsk.

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata (Stor Regnspove)

22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park.

Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis

28/5 6 raised bog Bikin River, 31/5 2 Kabarovsk - Bogorodskoyie, 3/6 8 Amr River at Komsomolsk, 4/6 1 S of Khabarovsk , 7/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park.

Note: The birds on the bog of the Bikin River-valley were displaying pairs.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus (Sortklire)

22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 4 en route Khasan Nature Park, 4 Khasan Nature Park.

Common Redshank Tringa totanus (Rødben)

20/5 21 migrating north "Pleskes island", 23/5 1 en route Khasan Nature Park. 4 Khasan Nature Park.

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (Damklire)

5/6 12 Muravievka Crane Park, 7/6 6.

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia (Hvidklire)

20/5 40 migrating north "Pleskes island", 8 migrating north at sea, 23/5 11 en route Khasan Nature Park, 31/5 10 Komsomolsk - Bogorodskoyie, 1/6 20 Udyl Lake.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola (Tinksmed)

22/5 2 Khasan Nature Park, 23/53 en route Khasan Nature Park, 1 Khasan Nature Park.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos (Mudderklire)

20/5 1 "Pleskes island", 23/6 3 en route Khasan Nature Park, 27/5 3 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 30 Bikin River , 29/5 15 Bikin River, 2/6 10 Amur at Bogorodskoyie, 3/6 10 Bogorodskoyie-Komsomolsk, 4/6 1 S.of Khabarovsk.

Grey-tailed Tattler Heteroscelus brevipes

20/5 1 Popov Island, 1 "Pleskes island", 22/5 4 Khasan Nature Park , 23/5 en route Khasan Nature Park , 6 Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 1 coast close to Vityaz.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres (Stenvender)

3/6 30 Bogorodskoyie-Komsomolsk – migrating north + roosting at Komsomolsk.

Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis (Rødhalset Ryle)

22/5 2 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 12 en route Khasan Nature Park, 3/6 30 migrating north and 2 roosting Bogorodskoyie-Komsomolsk, 5/6 5 Muravievka Crane Park.

Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta (Langtået Ryle)

22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 7/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata (Spidshalet Ryle)

3/6 25 Bogorodskoyie-Komsomolsk – migrating north at Komsomolsk, 5/6 3 Muravievka Crane Park.

Dunlin Calidris alpina (Almindelig Ryle)

22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea (Krumnæbbet Ryle)

23/5 3 Khasan Nature Park, 1/6 1 Udyl Lake, 3/6 70 (40+30) Bogorodskoyie-Komsomolsk migrating north, 5/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus (Stylteløber)

23/5 2 Khasan Nature Park, 31/5 2 Kabar.- Komsomolsk, 3/6 2 Komsomolsk – Khabarovsk.

Long-billed Plover Charadrius placidus

28/6 7 Bikin River between Verkniy Pereval and Krasny Yar, 29/5 1 Bikin River at Krasny Yar.

Note: Rare and considered near-threatened – estimated world population perhaps 10,000 individuals. The birds were invariably found on certain river-islets with pebble-stones along the shores, fast-floating stream, and a central elevation high enough to avoid floating with sandy/grassy flats. 4-5 breeding islands were found from the boats on about 100 km of river. Readily distinguished from Little Ringed Plover by longer bill, tail, and legs – giving the bird a little Kildeer-like shape.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius (Lille Præstekrave)

23/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 8 Bikin River between Verkniy Pereval and Krasny Yar, 29/5 4 Bikin River at Krasny Yar, 2/6 1 Amur at Bogorodskoyie Village.

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus (Hvidbrystet Præstekrave)

22/5 10 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 1 en route Khasan Nature Park 23/5

Mongolian Plover Charadrius mongolus (Mongolsk Præstekrave)

23/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 3 en route Khasan Nature Park.

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva (Sibirisk Tundrahjejle)

3/6 12 migrating north Bogorodskoyie-Komsomolsk.

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus (Vibe)

23/5 2 en route Khasan Nature Park, 1 Khasan Nature Park, 30/5 7 Bikin, 31/5 2 Kabarovsk. –Komsomolsk, 1/6 9 Udyl Lake, 3/6 8 Komsomolsk- Khabarovsk, 5/615 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 8 and 7/6 10.

Black-tailed Gull Larus crassirostris

19/5 300 +Vladivostok and Vladivostok-Popov Island, 20/5 50.000 pairs at breeding colonies islands of Eastern Marine Reserve and adjacant islands, 21/5 20.000 Marine reserve island, 22/5 1000+ at sea Vityaz-Estuary Khasan + at the estuary, 23/5 200 en route Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 1 Vityaz, 2 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 4 Kedrovaya Pad, 26/5 80 en route to Vladivostok

Note: By far the most numerous bird along coasts and islands with huge colonies, but does not penetrate to the interior.

Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans mongolicus

1/6 16 Udyl Lake – breeding colony on an island.

Note: Traditionally regarded as subspecies of Caspian, but more closely related to Vega Gull Larus vegae birulai. Could attain fully specific status based on differences from cachinnans in plumage, breeding season, migration routes and winter quarters (Yésou 2001a and 2002) This breeding site may be an eastern extension of the breeding area of the mongolicus race.

Slaty-backed Gull Larus schistisagus

19/5 10 Vladivostok- Popov Island boat trip, 20/5 20 20"Pleskes island", 40 adj. islands, 21/5 50 Easten Marine Reserve, 22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 5 en route Khasan Nature Park, 1/6 2 (breeding pair) island in Udyl Lake.

Note: Coastal – but found at Udyl ab. 100 km from the coast. First-summer birds are whitish – avoid confusion with sub ad. Glaucous Gull (not identified on the trip).

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus (Hættemåge)

19/5 1 Vladivostok, 22/5 7 boattrip to estuary Khasan, 23/5 18 en route Khasan Nature Park, 23/5, 10 Khasan Nature Park, 27/5 40 Bikin/Verkney Pereval, 30/5 2 Bikin- en route, 31/5 160 Khabarovsk - Bogorodskoyie, 1/6 250 Udyl Lake, 3/6 200 Komsomolsk - Khabarovsk, 5/6 8 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 5 and 7/6 8.

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus (Hvidskægget Terne)

7/6 3 Muravievka Crane Park.

White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus (Hvidvinget Terne)

23/5 10 en route Khasan Nature Park, 27/5 8 Verkney Pereval, 30/5 27 Bikin River at Krasny Yar, 31/5 118 Khabarovsk - Bogorodskoyie, 3/6 100 Bogorodskoyie-Komsomolsk , 7/6 8 Muravievka Crane Park.

Note: Both Chlidonias-terns were once common breeders in Muraviovka – sadly ended by 5 years of drought. Especially White-winged Terns used to be numerous.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo longipennis (Fjordterne)

19/5 2 Vladivostok, 2 Vladivostok- Popov Island, 23/5 15 en route Khasan Nature Park, 2 Khasan Nature Park, 26/5 1 en route to Vladivostok, 27/5 1 Verkney Pereval, 30/5 1 Bikin, 31/5 220 Khabarovsk - Bogorodskoyie 31/5, 1/6 200 Udyl Lake, 3/6 220 Bogorodskoyie - Khabarovsk, 5/6 6 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 2 and 7/6 10.

Note: A distinct race "longipennis" showing black legs, black bill, and rather dark plumage.

Little Tern Sterna albifrons (Dværgterne)

22/5 2 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 5 en route Khasan Nature Park, 31/5 9 Khabarovsk - Bogorodskoyie, 3/6 2 Bogorodskoyie-Komsomolsk, 5/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park 7/6 6.

Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus (Mellemkjove)

31/5 1 Amur River in Khabarovsk (ES).

Common Guillemot Uria aalge (Lomvie)

19/5 20 Vladivostok- Popov Island, 20/5 1500 at sea and colonies Eastern Marine Reserve, 21/5 30 Eastern Marine Reserve, 22/5 11 Vityaz - Khasan Nature Park.

Spectacled Guillemot Cepphus carbo

19/5 200 Vladivostok- Popov Island, 20/5 500 Eastern Marine Reserve, 21/5 150 Eastern Marine Reserve, 22/5 100 Vityaz - Khasan Nature Park, 20 off The Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 2 Vityaz.

Marbled Murrelet Brachyramphus marmoratus

19/5 1 and 20/5 6 Eastern Marine Reserve, 22/5 2 Vityaz – Khasan Nature Park.

Note: Belongs to the race perdix - by some considered a full species (Long-billed Murrelet).

Ancient Murrelet Synthliboramphus antiquus

19/5 100 Valdivostok - Popov Island, 20/5 80 and 21/5 30 Eastern Marine Reserve and adjacant islands, 22/5 30 Vityaz to Khasan Nature Park.

Rhinoceros Auklet Cerorhinca monocerata

19/5 60 Vladivostok - Popov Island, 20/5 35 and 21/5 20 Eastern Marine Reserve and adjacent islands, 22/5 2 Vityaz – Khasan Nature Park.

Hill Pigeon Columba rupestris

23/5 13 en route Khasan Nature Park - a flock seen some kilometers from Vityaz.

Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis (Østlig Turteldue)

19/5 1 Popov Island, 20/5 4 Marine reserve islands, 2 Popov Island, 21/5 1 Marine reserve island, 22/5 1 Marine reserve island, 23/5 2 en route Khasan Nature Park, 1 Vityaz, 24/5 2 Vityaz, 10 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 40 and 26/5 10. 27/5 10 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 2 Bikin river, 30/5 5 Krasny Yar, 31/5 5 Kabar-Koms, 2/6 10 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest, 3/6 6 Komsomolsk - Khabarovsk, 4/6 10 S of Khabarovsk, 30 Blagoveshchenk - Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 25 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 10 and 7/6 20.

Hodgson's Hawk-Cuckoo Cuculus fugax

26/5 1 Kedrovaya Pad, 30/5 1 Krasny Yar, 1 Bikin R at Krasny Yar – all heard only.

Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus (Gøg)

21/5 1 Eastern Marine Reserve island, 23/5 2 en route Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 2 Kedrovaya Pad 25/5 6 and 26/5 3. 27/5 5 Verkney Pereval, 30/5 7 Krasny Yar, 2 Bikin at Krasny Yar, 31/5 1 Kabar.–Komsomolsk, 2/6 6 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest, 3/6 5 Komsomolsk-Khabarovsk, 4/6 18 S of Khabarovsk , 5/6 35 Muravievka Crane Park , 6/6 30 and 7/6 30.

Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus (Skovgøg)

19/5 1 Popov Island 20/5 3 Popov Island, 1 "Pleskes island", 21/5 2 Eastern Marine Reserve island, 1 Popov Island, 1 Vityaz, 23/5 1 Vityaz, 24/5 5 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 16, and 26/5 7. 27/5 2 Verkney Pereval, 30/5 5 Krasny Yar, 2 Bikin at Krasny Yar, 1/6 1 Udyl lake1, 2/6 5 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest, 4/6 3 S of Khabarovsk

Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus

27/5 1 heard Verkney Pereval, 4/6 4 heard S of Khabarovsk.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl Bubo bubo (Stor Hornugle)

22/5 1 seen Khasan Nature Park.

Note: Roosting on old sea cliffs on the riverplain – race ussurensis, huge, with ochre wash.

Ural Owl Strix uralensis (Slagugle)

25/51 Kedrovaya Pad, 27/5 3 Verkney Pereval, 30/5 1 Bikin at Krasny Yar (FQM).

Note: Not vocal at this time of the year but splendid views of birds found in the forests.

Brown Hawk-Owl Ninox scutulata

21/5 and 22/5 2 heard and seen Vityaz, 23/5 1 Khasan Nature Park – found roosting in bright daylight in isolated trees on the riverplain, 24/5 1 Kedrovaya Pad and 25/5 1. 30/5 1

Krasny Yar.

Long-eared Owl Asio otus (Skovhornugle)

5/6 1, 6/6 2 and 7/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park (2 breeding pairs)

Jungle Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus

27/5 1 Verkney Pereval , 6/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park, 7/6 1.

White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus (Tornhalesejler)

28/5 18 Bikin river between Verkniy Pereval and Krasny Yar, 29/5 3 Bikin River at Krasny Yar, 31/5 4 Khabarovsk - Bogorodskoyie, 2/6 2 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest, 3/6 7 Bogorodskoyie -Khabarovsk, 4/6 4 S of Khabarovsk, 7/6 6 Muravievka Crane Park.

Note: 44 birds located – half of which found along the Bikin River where the undisturbed forest provides the species with nest-holes for breeding – an extremely fast flier often seen passing by at low height.

Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus

19/5 300 Vladivostok - Popov Island incl. islands, 20/5 250 Popov Island + "Pleskes island", 21/5 5 Eastern Marine River Island, 22/5 3 Vityaz-Khasan Nature park, 1 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 50 en route Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 5 Kedrovaya Pad, 26/5 100+ Kedrovaya Pad, 30/5 Krasny Yar - Khabarovsk, 31/5 5 Khabarovsk –Komsomolsk, 100 1/6 Khabarovsk, 2/6 5 Bogorodskoyie village, 4/6 60 Blagoveschchenk-Muravievka Crane Park.

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis (Isfugl)

23/5 2 en route Khasan Nature Park , 24/5 1 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 1 Kedrovaya Pad, 27/5 3 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 7 Bikin river, 29/5 4 Bikin river at Krasny Yar, 1/6 1 Udyl Lake, 2/6 1 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest .

Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis

24/5 2 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 4, and 26/5 4. 27/5 12 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 6 Bikin River, 29/5 7 Bikin River at Krasny Yar.

Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops (Hærfugl)

23/5 2 en route Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 1 Kedrovaya Pad and 26/5 1. 27/5 6 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 2 Bikin River, 4/6 1 S of Khabarovsk, 1 Blagoveshcheck-Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 4 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 3 and 7/6 5.

Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla (Vendehals)

24/5 3 Kedrovaya Pad and 25/5 1. 26/5 1 en route to Vladivostok, 27/5 3 Verkney Pereval.

Grey-capped Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus

24/5 1 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 1 and 26/5 1.

Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos kizuki

20/5 5 Popov Island, 21/5 1 Eastern Marine Reserve island, 23/5 2 Vityaz, 24/5 4 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 3 and 26/5 3.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor (Lille Flagspætte)

24/5 2 Kedrovaya Pad and 25/5 1.

White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos (Hvidrygget Spætte)

24/5 1 Vityaz, 5 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5, 6 26/5 and 6 27/5 1 Verkney Pereval, 30/5 4 Krasny Yar, 2/6 2 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest, 3/6 2 Komsomolsk - Khabarovsk

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major (Stor Flagspætte)

27/5 2 Verkney Pereval, 29/5 8 Bikin/Krasny Yar, 4/6 2 S of Khabarovsk.

Three-toed Woodpecker Picoides tridactylus (Tretået Spætte)

30/5 1 female Krasny Yar forests.

Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius (Sortspætte)

30/5 3 Krasny Yar forests, 31/5 1 Kabarovsk - Komsomolsk, 2/6 2 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest, 3/6 1 Komsomolsk - Khabarovsk

Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus (Gråspætte)

24/5 2 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 4 and 26/5 2, 1 en route to Vladivostok, 27/5 5 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 1 Bikin River, 29/5 2 Krasny Yar and 30/5 1. 1/6 1 Udyl lake, 2/6 2 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest.

Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius (Skovskade)

21/5 2 Popov Island, 1 Marine reserve island, 26/5 2 Kedrovaya Pad , 27/5 1 Verkney Pereval, 30/5 2 Krasny Yar, 31/5 1 Khabarovsk - Komsomolsk, 1/6 1 Udyl Lake, 2/6 2 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest, 6/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park.

Azure-winged Magpie Cyanopica cyana (Blåskade)

26/5 1 en route to Vladivostok, 30/5 4 Krasny Yar-Khabarovsk, 2/6 2 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest, 4/6 2 S of Khabarovsk, 5/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 11 and 7/6 12.

Note: Few seen but easy seen at the Muravievka Crane Park where a noisy group stayed in a near-by patch of wood, it differs slightly from the Iberian birds, somewhat paler.

Eurasian Magpie Pica pica (Husskade)

Seen at all localities at numbers up to 25. Different nest-style than European Magpies.

Eurasian Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes (Nøddekrige)

2/6 2 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest

Daurian Jackdaw Corvus dauricus

1/6 1 imm Udyl Lake, 4/6 6 S of Khabarovsk, 8 Blagoveshchenk-Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 4 Muravievka Crane Park and 8/6 2.

Note: Certainly not a common chimney-breeder in towns and villages. More of a scarce steppe-species and often relates to cattle – exactly where we found them!

Rook Corvus frugilegus (Råge)

26/5 8 en route to Vladivostok, 1/6 2 Udyl Lake, 4/6 1 S of Khabarovsk, 40 Blagoveshchenk-Muravievka Crane Park.

Carrion Crow Corvus corone (Sortkrage)

Common at most places. Dominates at more urban or cultivated areas.

Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos

Common, especially along rivers, lakes, forest-edge.

Common Raven Corvus corax (Ravn)

1/6 2 Udyl Lake.

Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis

20/5 1 "Pleskes island", 3 Popov Island, 21/5 and 2 23/5. 2 Vityaz, 2 Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 3 Vityaz, 1 en route Kedrovaya Pad, 5 24/5 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 25 and 26/5 3. 27/5 5 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 3 Bikin River, 29/5 2 Krasny Yar, 30/5 1 Krasny Yar-Khabarovsk, 4/6 5 S of Khabarovsk, 6/6 3 Muravievka Crane Park and 7/6 4.

Ashy Minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus

20/5 6 Popov Island, 24/5 15 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 25 and 26/5 20. 27/5 20 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 25 Bikin River, 30/5 5 Bikin/Krasny Yar, 3 Bikin River.

Note: Often heard and glimpsed flying restlessly over the forest canopy – from time to time seen roosting, common in the Ussuriland forests.

Tiger Shrike Lanius tigrinus

23/5 1 Khasan Nature Park (EM)

Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus

19/5 1 Vladivostok, 20/5 2 "Pleskes island", 21/5 4 Marine reserve island, 22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park and 23/5 2. 2 en route Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 2 Vityaz, 5 Kedrovaya Pad , 25/5 3 Kedrovaya Pad and 26/5 1. 1 en route to Vladivostok, 27/5 2 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 2 Bikin river, 30/5 1 Krasny Yar, 1/6 1 Udyl Lake, 2/6 1 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest, 4/6 2 S of Khabarovsk, 5/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park and 6/6 4.

Chinese Grey Shrike Lanius sphenocercus

23/5 1 Vityaz, 4/6 4 + 4 juv S of Khabarovsk.

Japanese Waxwing Bombycilla japonica

21/5 2 heard and seen briefly Eastern Marine Reserve island (migrants), 26/5 3 Kedrovaya Pad.

White-throated Rock-Thrush Monticola gularis

25/5 2 Kedrovaya Pad and 26/5 1 (same), 27/5 2 Verkney Pereval, 1/6 2 Udyl lake, 2/6 1 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest.

Note: Local and not common – but found on 4 localities, song is soft and melancolic. Invariably found on well-wooded steep rocky. Difficult to see unless you penetrate to it´s territory where we got beautiful views of singing males including short display-flights.

Blue Rock-Thrush Monticola solitarius philippensis (Blådrossel)

20/5 1 "Pleskes island", 2 20/5 Eastern Marine Reserve island and 21/5 1. 22/5 3 Khasan Nature Park , 23/5 1 en route Khasan Nature Park .

Siberian Thrush Zoothera sibirica (Sibirisk Drossel)

23/5 1 female Khasan Nature Park, 2/6 1 male Bogorodskoyieforests (MH).

Only 2 birds seen on the trip, but the female was a migrant roosting in a few trees and bushes on the otherwise open coastal riverplain - a typical migrant and unable to skulk!

Scaly Thrush Zoothera dauma (Gulddrossel)

26/5 1 heard Kedrovaya Pad.

Note: The soft whistles in this fabulous forest were the only contact with this species on the trip.

Grey-backed Thrush Turdus hortulorum

20/5 3 Popov Island and 21/5 1. 23/5 1 Vityaz, 24/5 1 Vityaz, 1 en route Kedrovaya Pad, 2 Kedrovaya Pad, 26/5 1 Kedrovaya Pad, 30/5 1 Krasny Yar-Khabarovsk, 3/6 2 Komsomolsk-Khabarovsk, 4/6 1 S of Khabarovsk , 8/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park.

Pale Thrush Turdus pallidus

25/5 1 Kedrovaya Pad, 26/5 3 Kedrovaya Pad, 30/5 4 Bikin/Krasny Yar, 4/6 1 S of Khabarovsk

Note: Needs conifers – found where such patches are available – some banks at the Bikin River are very sandy with coniferous trees and a good option for Pale Thrush.

Dusky Thrush Turdus naumanni (Naumanns Drossel/Brundrossel)

21/5 1 Popov Island, 22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park.

Note: The bird of the Estuary was the race eunomus – a late migrant, main population passes much earlier.

Brown-eared bulbul Ixos amaurotis

20/5 1 Popov Island.

Note: Probably the first observation of this species on Popov Island, but it is expanding north along the coast and is very common in Japan.

Purple-backed Starling Sturnus sturninus

19/5 4 Popov Island 20/5 2 and 21/5 2. 3 EasternMarine Reserve island, 23/5 2 Vityaz, 24/5 2 Vityaz, 10 Kedrovaya Pad and 25/5. 27/5 8 Verkney Pereval, 30/5 4 Krasny Yar, 2 Bikin at Krasny Yar.

Chestnut-cheeked Starling Sturnus philippensis

24/5 2 Vityaz.

Note: In Russia a rare starling from the south and only found in the extreme SE. It was a breeding pair – so the village of Vityaz had 3 species of breeding starlings.

White-cheeked Starling Sturnus cineraceus

19/5 12 Vladivostok, 10 19/5 Popov Island 20/5 10 and 21/5 10. 21/5 20 Vityaz 22/5 10 and 24/5 10. 20 en route Kedrovaya Pad, 24/5 10 Kedrovaya Pad and 25/5 40. 26/5 50 en route to Vladivostok, 27/5 40 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 3 Bikin river,30/5 2 Krasny Yar, 12 at Bikin at Krasny Yar, 4/6 30 S of Khabarovsk, 20 Blagoveshchenck-Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 40 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 20 and 7/6 25.

Grey-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa griseisticta

23/5 1 Khasan Nature Park (migrant-fall), 24/5 1 Kedrovaya Pad.

Siberian Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica

30/5 1 Krasny Yar inside the forest.

Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica (Brun Fluesnapper)

19/5 3 Popov Island, 20/5 1"Pleskes island", 1 Popov Island and 21/5 5. 21/5 1 Eastern Marine Reserve island, 22/5 6 Khasan Nature Park and 23/5 6. 24/6 50 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 40 and 26/5 10, 27/5 1 Verkney Pereval, 30/5 1 Bikin River, 30/5 1 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest.

Yellow-rumped Flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia

19/5 1 Popov Island 3 20/5 and 10 21/5. 20/5 2 "Pleskes island", 11 Eastern Marine Reserve island, 22/5 5 Khasan Nature Park and 1 23/5, 23/5 4 Vityaz and 24/5 2, 1 en route Kedrovaya Pad , 20 Kedrovaya Pad 25/5 15 and 26/5. 27/5 14 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 2 Bikin River, 30/5 5 Krasny Yar, 1 Bikin at Krasny Yar, 1/6 6 Udyl Lake, 4/6 6 2 S of Khabarovsk, 5/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 1 and 7/6 2.

Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki

20/5 2 "Pleskes island", 21/5 1 Popov Island, 23/5 5 Krasny Yar forest, 2/6 2 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest.

Note: Few on migration on the coast compared to the very common Yellow-rumped and Brown Flycatchers. In the "Tiger-forest" of Krasny Yar readily heard singing from top of conifers and some were seen.

Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva albcilla (Lille Fluesnapper)

21/5 2 Popov Island, 1 Eastern Marine Reserve island, 22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 1/6 1 Udyl Lake.

Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana

19/5 1 Popov Island 20/5 2 and 21/5 2. 23/5 1 Vityaz, 24/5 8 Kedrovaya Pad 25/5 15 and 26/5 5, 27/5 3 Verkney Pereval, 30/5 10 Krasny Yar.

Rufous-tailed Robin Luscinia sibilans

20/5 1 "Pleskes Island" , 23/5 1 Vityaz, 30/5 1 Krasny Yar, 2/6 10 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest.

Note: Skulky! Characteristic monotonous, whirring song.

Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope (Rubinnattergal)

27/5 2 Luchegorsk-Verkney Pereval, riverside, 31/5 1 Khabarovsk-Komsomolsk, 1/6 1 Udyl Lake, 2/6 2 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest, 4/6 8 S of Khabarovsk, 1 4/6 Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 5, 6/6 3, 7/6 5 and 8/6 2.

Note: Did not show up on the coastal migratory spots – but seen and heard from the Bikin-area and more commonly in Amurland. Sings both in day- and nighttime. Skulky at times – but eventually some of the birds will perch for a short while in the open showing the glowing ruby throat.

Siberian Blue Robin Luscinia cyane

19/5 2 Popov Island, 24/5 2 Kedrovaya Pad 25/5 6 and 26/5 2. 30/5 5 KrasnyYar forests, 6 Bikin River, 1/6 1 Udyl Lake, 2/6 1 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest, 4/6 2 S of Khabarovsk, 6/6 3 Muravievka Crane Park.

Note: Quite common in Ussuriland broadleaf forests but an extreme skulker in the breeding range, even surpassing notorious skulkers like locustellas and stubtails. Only showed its beauty in short glimpses – responds to play-back but mostly keeps out of sight. So – majority are singing males. Song is a striking series of melodious whistles.

Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus (Blåstjert)

1/6 1 Udyl Lake, 2/6 4 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest.

Note: Few – migration seemed to have been earlier and found only when we reached the southern part of the taiga in Amurland. Anyway – classic singing Bluetails from the top of a conifer!

Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus

21/5 1 Vityaz, 23/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 2 Kedrovaya Pad 25/5 1 and 26/5 10. 27/5 10 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 1 Bikin river, 30/5 10 Krasny Yar, 5 Bikin River, 2/6 2 Bogorodskoyie village.

Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura (Sibirisk Sortstrubet Bynkefugl)

21/5 2 Marine reserve island, 22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 5 en route Khasan Nature Park, 1 Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 10 Kedrovaya Pad and 25/5 36. 26/5 3 en route to Vladivostok 27/5 4 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 15 Bikin River, 30/5 1 Krasny Yar to Khabarovsk, 31/5 1 Khabarovsk – Komsomolsk, 4/6 2 S of Khabarovsk, 4 Blagoveshchenck-Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 50 Muravievka Crane Park 6/6 50 and 7/6 30.

Note: A recent split from Stonechat (S. saxicola). Common on open grassy areas – the birds of Kedrovaya refer to the areas of fallow fields outside the forest – here as on the Muravievka "steppe" it was a character bird.

Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea (Spætmejse)

19/5 3 Popov Island and 20/5, 21/5 1 Marine reserve island, 24/5 1 en route Kedrovaya Pad, 20 Kedrovaya Pad 25/5 40 and 26/5 25, 27/5 2 Verkney Pereval, 30/5 10 Krasny Yar, 1 Bikin at Krasny Yar, 1/6 8 Udyl Lake, 2/6 1 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest.

Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris (Træløber)

25/5 3 Kedrovaya Pad 26/5 1.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus (Halemejse)

20/5 2 Popov Island, 23/5 2 Vityaz, 24/5 6 Kedrovaya Pad 25/5 20 and 26/5 10, 27/5 2 Verkney Pereval, 30/5 8 Bikin at Krasny Yar.

Bank Swallow Riparia riparia (Digesvale)

19/5 1 Popov Island, 23/5 6 en route Khasan Nature Park, 27/5 1 Verkney Pereval, 31/5 4 Komsomolsk - Bogorodskoyie, 1/6 3 Udyl Lake, 3/6 30 Bogorodskoyie-Komsomolsk, 6/6 10 Muravievka Crane Park.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica (Landsvale)

19/5 30 Vladivostok, 10 19/5 Popov Island and 20/5 20, 5 "Pleskes island", 21/5 2 at sea and 5 Eastern Marine Reserve islands, 22/5 5 Khasan Nature Park , 23/5 100 en route Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 12 Kedrovaya Pad and 25/5 2, 26/5 50 en route to Vladivostok, 27/5 50 Verkney Pereval, 29/5 30 Bikin River, 30/5 20 Bikin at Krasny Yar, 5 Krasny Yar-Khabarovsk, 4/6 2 S of Khabarovsk, 120 Blagoveshchenk-Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 50, 6/6 60 and 7/6 60.

Note: Dominantly the nominate race rustica, but some were manchurica (very red underparts) esp. at the Muravievka Crane Park.

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica (Rødrygget Svale)

19/5 50 Vladivostok, 20/5 5 Popov Island, 23/5 25 en route Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 3 Vityaz, 10 en route to Vladivostok, 27/5 30 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 5 Bikin River, 29/5 20 Krasny Yar, 20 Bikin at Krasny Yar, 31/5 2 Khabarovsk-Komsomolsk, 4/6 Blagoveshchenck-Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park.

Common House-Martin Delichon urbica (Bysvale)

27/5 4 Verkney Pereval, 31/5 200 Khabarovsk-Komsomolsk, 5/6 10 Blagoveshchenk-Muravievka Crane Park.

Asian Martin Delichon dasypus

6/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park (MH)

Goldcrest Regulus regulus (Fuglekonge)

21/5 2 Marine reserve island, 30/5 3 Krasny Yar forests.

Chestnut-flanked White-Eye Zosterops erythropleurus

19/5 15 Popov Island and 20/5 50, 24/5 15 Kedrovaya Pad 25/5 10 and 26/5 10, 27/5 5 Verkney Pereval.

Asian Stubtail Urosphena squameiceps

25/5 3 Kedrovaya Pad, 26/5 5, 30/5 10 Krasny Yar, 6 Bikin at Krasny Yar.

Note: Characteristic high-pitched voice (like Goldcrest) and a challenge to the ears – next challenge is to see the bird that skulks like a mouse in the forest bottom, but with patience it will eventually appear.

Manchurian Bush-Warbler Cettia (diphone) canturians

22/5 3 Khasan Nature Park and 23/5 2, 24/5 4 Kedrovaya Pad 25/5 7 and 26/5 3.

Note: A recent split from Japanese Bush-Warbler (C.diphone) primarily based on differences in song. Heard and seen – typically from rich herbal vegetation in open areas, has an extremely loud song – an oriolelike explosion followed by a chatter.

Chinese Bush-Warbler Bradypterus tacsanowskius

5/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park 6/6 7, 7/6 8 and 8/6 4.

Note: Arrives late, in early June – song insectlike and monotonous.

Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata (Stribet Græshoppesanger)

21/5 2 Popov Island, 1 Eastern Marine Reserve island, 23/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 25/5 1 Kedrovaya Pad, 28/5 2 on the large moor at Bikin River, 1/6 6 Udyl Lake, 3/6 1 Komsomolsk- Khabarovsk, 4/6 2 S of Khabarovsk, 1 4/6 Muravievka Crane Park 5/6 15, 6/6 15, 7/6 10 and 8/6 3.

Note: Song very like Grasshopper Warbler – seen at quite a few occasions, migrants flushed and excited birds occasionally were singing from an open branch at the Muravievka Crane Park (heavy competition!)

Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola (Pallas´Græshoppesanger)

27/5 1 Verkney Pereval, 1/6 4 Udyl Lake, 3/6 4 Komsomolsk- Khabarovsk, 4/6 1 S of Khabarovsk, 6 Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 30 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 30 Muravievka Crane Park, 7/6 10 Muravievka Crane Park, 8/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park.

Note: Also called Rusty-rumped Warbler. Arrival late May increasingly common during the trip and quite easy to watch.

Pleske's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella pleskei

20/5 2-3 "Pleskes island"

Note: Closely related to and split from Middendorff´s Grasshopper Warbler (of Sakhalin Island) and extremely local on off-shore islands. Arriving in bright daylight it was not an easy job to locate the warbler, but it was vocal in short intervals and eventually 2 or 3 birds were heard or seen briefly.

Gray's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella fasciolata (Stor Græshoppesanger)

7/6 1 heard and 1 observed (ES) Muravievka Crane Park, 8/6 1 heard.

Note: Known to pass Happy Island at China coast in the beginning of June, and thus a very late arrival to the breeding grounds. Arrival of Chinese Bush-Warbler created some optimism and eventually 7/6 the bird was heard in the evening (app. 10:30 PM) and even observed in the afternoon. Responded to tape. Strong, persistent song (loud, rich, and very dominant) was heard 8/6 from 4 o´clock until dawn (4:50 AM sharp). The habitat is forest edge with dense vegetation (small patch of wood, close to Muravievka Crane Park HQ).

Black-browed Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus bistrigiceps

20/5 1 Popov Island, 1 "Pleskes island", 22/5 1 Khasan Nature Park , 23/5 18 en route Khasan Nature Park, 4 Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 3 Vityaz, 15 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 32 and 26/5 1, 27/5 15 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 1moor at Bikin River, 29/5 1 Bikin River, 30/5 2 Krasny Yar-Khabarovsk, 31/5 2 Khabarovsk – Komsomolsk, 1/6 2 Udyl Lake, 2/6 1 Bogorodskoyie, 3/6 2 Komsomolsk-Khabarovsk., 4/6 25 S of Khabarovsk, 4 Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 50, 6/6 30, 7/6 15 and 8/6 1.

Oriental Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus orientalis

23/5 8 en route Khasan Nature Park, 1 Khasan Nature Park, 25/5 1 Kedrovaya Pad, 27/5 1 Verkney Pereval, 3/6 3 Komsomolsk - Khabarovsk, 4/6 15 S of Khabarovsk, 5 5/6 Muravievka Crane Park 6/6 1 and 7/6 1.

Thick-billed Warbler Acrocephalus aedon (Tyknæbbet Rørsanger)

24/5 1 Vityaz, 1 Kedrovaya Pad , 27/5 3 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 2 moor at Bikin River, 30/5 1 Bikin River, 30/5 3 Krasny Yar-Khabarovsk, 4/6 2 S of Khabarovsk, 5/6 20 Muravievka Crane Park 6/6 5 and 7/6 10.

Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus (Brun Løvsanger)

21/5 2 Eastern Marine Reserve island, 27/5 2 Luchegorsk-Verkney Pereval, 1/6 15 Udyl Lake, 2/6 5 Bogorodskoyie, 4/6 3 S of Khabarovsk, 5/6 3 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 2 and 7/6 1.

Note: Mainly in moist wood – typically found in willows.

Radde's Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi (Schwarz Løvsanger)

21/5 1 Popov Island, 1 Eastern Marine Reserve island, 24/5 3 Kedrovaya Pad 25/5 10, 28/5 1 Bikin River and 30/5 1, 30/5 1 Krasny Yar, 1/6 4 Udyl Lake, 2/6 7 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest, 3/6 1 Komsomolsk - Khabarovsk

Note: Found in dense brush in forest underground often at forest edge or edges to clearings, heard and seen with a bit of patience.

Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus (Fuglekongesanger)

21/5 1 Eastern Marine Reserve island, 24/5 5 Kedrovaya Pad 25/5 15 and 26/5 3, 30/5 2 Krasny Yar, 1 Bikin River, 1/6 9 Udyl Lake, 2/6 2 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest.

Note: Sings from the canopies of tall trees making it difficult to watch properly.

Inornate Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus (Hvidbrynet Løvsanger)

20/5 1 Popov Island and 21/5, 21/5 1 "Pleskes island", 22/5 3 Khasan Nature Park and 23/5 4.

Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis (Nordsanger)

19/5 1 Popov Island, 23/5 2 Khasan Nature Park, 1/6 3 Bogorodskoyie village and 2/6 3, 1 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest, 4/6 1 S of Khabarovsk.

Two-Barred Warbler Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus

20/5 1 "Pleskes island", 5/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 4 and 7/6 2.

Pale-legged Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus tenellipes

21/5 5 Popov Island, 24/5 10 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 15 and 26/5 7, 28/5 1 Bikin River, 30/5 5 Bikin/Krany Yar, 2/6 2 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest.

Eastern Crowned-Warbler Phylloscopus coronatus (Østlig Kronesanger)

19/5 1 Popov Island 20/5 5 and 21/5 10, 8 20/5 Eastern Marine Reserve island , 23/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 30 Kedrovaya Pad 25/5 35 and 26/5 10, 27/5 3 Verkney Pereval, 1/6 1 Udyl lake1/6, 4/6 1 S of Khabarovsk

Note: A character phylloscopus of esp. the Ussuriland forests – as with many other passerines easier to see on migration than on the breeding spot.

Vinous-throated Parrotbill Paradoxornis webbianus

20/5 1 Popov Island (HVR), 24/5 2 Kedrovaya Pad (ES).

Note: The habitat is stands of grass or reeds that have not (!) been burned down – at Kedrovaya Pad good habitat was just outside the forests, but only ES saw these birds.

Marsh Tit Parus palustris (Sumpmejse)

20/5 2 Popov Island, 23/5 1 Vityaz, 24/5 25 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 25 and 26/5 10, 27/5 5 Verkney Pereval, 7/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park, 8/6 1.

Willow Tit Parus montanus (Fyrremejse)

19/5 3 Popov Island 20/5 3 and 21/5, 24/5 5 Kedrovaya Pad and 25/5 10, 27/5 2 Verkney Pereval, 29/5 2 Krasny Yar, 2 Bikin River, 1/6 8 Udyl Lake, 2/6 10 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest.

Coal Tit Parus ater (Sortmejse)

26/5 2 Kedrovaya Pad, 29/5 3 KrasnyYar, 1 Bikin River, 1/6 12 Udyl Lake, 2/6 16 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest.

Great Tit Parus major (Musvit)

19/5 1 Popov Island 20/5 2 and 21/5 4, 6 20/5 Marine reserve island 21/5, 22/5 4 Khasan Nature Park, 23/5 3 Vityaz and 24/5 6, 15 Kedrovaya Pad 25/5 40 and 26/5 10, 27/5 10 Verkney Pereval, 29/5 2 Krasny Yar, 30/5 1 Krasny Yar-Khabarovsk, 7/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park, and 8/6 1.

Note: The majority belongs to the "minor-complex"apart from the birds in the Muravievka Crane Park that might have been the major-race kapustini. It is very complex and we prefer to treat "Parus minor" (Oriental Tit) as part of P. major.

Azure Tit Parus cyanus (Azurmejse)

27/5 2 where bridge cross Bikin River between Luchegorsk and Verkney Pereval, 1 Kransny Yar – Khabarovsk (ALM & HVR).

Note: This species is not common in the Far East, but was found here in typical river-side habitat breeding in willows. The birds were found from the bridge and seen flying and roosting on both sides of the bridge.

Chinese Penduline-Tit Remiz consobrinus

22/5 3 Khasan Nature Park at nest and 23/5 1, 27/5 1 Verkney Pereval, 4/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park and 6/6 1.

Sky Lark Alauda arvensis (Sanglærke)

22/5 10 Khasan Nature Park and 1 23/5, 23/5 5 en route Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 4 Kedrovaya Pad and 25/5 1, 1/6 5 Udyl Lake, 5/6 10 Muravievka Crane Park and 6/6 14.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus (Gråspurv)

31/5 2 Kabarowsk City, 4 Komsomolsk - Bogorodskoyie (river-harbour in a small town).

Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus (Skovspurv)

Very common especially in towns and settlements

Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus

27/5 1 seen and heard Verkney Pereval. Seen at the forested slopes of the hill behind town.

Note: A rarity in Rusland – found only 10 years ago!

White Wagtail Motacilla alba (Hvid Vipstjert)

19/5 1 Vladivostok, 21/5 2 Vitayaz, 22/5 5 Khasan Nature Park and 6 23/6, 23/5 8 en route Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 5 Kedrovaya Pad 25/2 4 and 26/5 2, 2 en route to Vladivostok, 27/5 6 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 6 Bikin River, 29/5 Krasny Yar, 2 Bikin River, 30/5 2 Krasny Yar-Khabarovsk, 2/6 2 Bogorodskoyie village,4/6 3 S of Khabarovsk, 2 4/6 Muravievka Crane Park and 5/6 2.

2 different races involved. Amurland: baikalensis. Ussuriland interior: leucopsis.
 
 

Black-backed Wagtail Motacilla lugens

19/5 2 Vladivostok-Popov Island, 2 19/5 Popov Island 20/5 8 and 21/5 2, 2 21/5 "Pleske Island", 21/5 2 Eastern Marine Reserve.

Note: We found lugens strictly coastal – a distinct White agtail with white wings.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava (Gul Vipstjert)

21/5 4 Marine reserve island, 23/5 30 en route Khasan Nature Park, 1 Khasan Nature Park, 28/5 1 Bikin River, 1/6 3 Udyl Lake, 2/6 16 Bogorodskoyie village.

Note: Identified races were macronyx and 3 taivana. Low numbers!

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea (Bjergvipstjert)

20/5 1 "Pleskes island", 21/5 1 Eatern Marine Reserve island, 24/5 1 en route Kedrovaya Pad, 2 24/5 Kedrovaya Pad 25/5 4 and 26/5 3, 27/5 2 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 4 Bikin River and 30/5 1, 29/5 5 Bikin River at Krasny Yar, Krasny Yar-Khabarovsk, 1/6 6 Udyl Lake, 2/6 6 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest, 4/6 1 S of Khabarovsk, 6/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park.

Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi (Storpiber)

23/5 1 Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 2 Kedrovaya Pad, 1/6 1 Udyl Lake, 6/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park.

Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni (Indisk Skovpiber)

20/5 3"Pleskes island", 21/5 2 Marine reserve island, 1 Popov Island, 22/5 5 Khasan Nature Park, 27/5 1 Verkney Pereval, 30/5 1 Krasny Yar, 31/5 1 Kabar –Komsomolsk, 1/6 7 Udyl Lake, 2/6 20 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest.

Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi menzbier (Pechorapiber)

6/6 4 in territorial song display Muravievka Crane Park, 7/6 1.

Note: The population is referred to as the race "menzbier". This subspecies breeds in north-east China and south-easternmost Russia. The song is markedly different from that of gustavi, and it has been suggested that they be treated as separate species (e.g. Leonovich at al. 1997). The subspecies is known from Amur Valley between 130°E and 135°E (Allström et al. 2002). Muravievka may then hold one of the westernmost populations at 127.42°E.

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla (Kvækerfinke)

20/5 1 Popov Island and 21/5 1, 1 Eastern Marine Reserve island, 2/6 2 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest.

Grey-capped (Oriental) Greenfinch Carduelis sinica

19/5 1 Popov Island and 20/5 10, 23/5 4 en route Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 2 Vityaz, 10 24/5 Kedrovaya Pad and 25/5 1, 27/5 30 Verkney Pereval, 29/5 10 Krasny Yar, 10 Bikin River, 31/5 2 Khabarovsk-Komsomolsk, 1/6 5 Udyl Lake.

Eurasian Siskin Carduelis spinus (Grønsisken)

20/5 30 Popov Island, 22/5 20 Khasan Nature Park, 2/6 35 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest.

Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea (Gråsisken)

2/6 2 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest.

Long-tailed Rosefinch Uragus sibiricus

19/5 1 Popov Island and 20/5 2, 16 20/5 "Pleskes island", 21/5 2 Eastern Marine Reserve island, 23/5 5 en route Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 1 Vityaz, 2 en route Kedrovaya Pad, 2 24/5 Kedrovaya Pad and 25/5 6, 27/5 7 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 1 Bikin River, 31/5 2 Khabarovsk –Komsomolsk, 4/6 2 Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 2, 6/6 6 and 7/6 8.

Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus (Karmindompap)

20/5 1 Popov Island, 28/5 1 Bikin River, 29/5 1 Krasny Yar, 1/6 5 Udyl Lake, 1/6 6 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest.

Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator (Krognæb)

2/6 3 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest.

Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra (Lille Korsnæb)

2/6 1 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest

Note: Another 4 crossbills might have been White-winged Crossbil, but not properly identified.

Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula (Dompap)

29/5 2 Krasny Yar forests, 1/6 5 Udyl Lake.

Note: Races griseiventris and cineracea – both referred to as "Eastern Bullfinch" and by some given status as a species.

Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes (Kærnebider)

25/5 4 Kedrovaya Pad and 26/5 2, 27/5 1 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 1 Bikin River and 29/5 3, 29/5 2 Krasny Yar, 3/6 3 Komsomolsk-Khabarovsk.

Japanese Grosbeak Eophona personata

24/5 2 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 15 and 26/5 15, 27/5 1 Verkney Pereval, 29/5 15 Krasny Yar, 10 Bikin.

Meadow Bunting Emberiza cioides

20/5 1 Popov Island and 21/5 1, 27/5 4 Verkney Pereval (foot of hillside).

Ochre-rumped Bunting (Japaneese Reed) Emberiza yessoensis

22/5 12 Khasan Nature Park and 23/5 1, 5/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 8 and 7/6 3.

Note: A very local bunting – found in the reed-fringes along the lagoons of the Khasan Nature Park, but we were a bit surprised to find the bird so far west and inland at the Muravievka Crane Park.

Tristram's Bunting Emberiza tristrami

20/5 1 Popov Island, 21/5 10 Eastern Marine Reserve island, 22/5 6 Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 20 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 15 and 26/5 8, 29/5 4 Krasny Yar.

Chestnut-eared Bunting Emberiza fucata

19/5 1 Popov Island, 20/5 6 and 21/5, 1 20/5 "Pleskes island", 10 Eastern Marine Reserve island, 22/5 50 Khasan Nature Park and 23/5 100, 23/5 100 en route Khasan Nature Park, 24/5 2 en route to Kedrovaya Pad , 40 24/5 Kedrovaya Pad and 25/5 5, 26/5 1 en route to Vladivostok, 27/5 20 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 10 Moor at the Bikin River.

Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla (Dværgværling)

21/5 1 Popov Island (IA).

Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica (Pileværling)

22/5 2 Khasan Nature Park.

Note: It was a male and a female and unexpected – it is far south of the breeding range and migration is weeks earlier.But it seemed to be a pair - observed at close range leaving no doubt to the identification.

Yellow-throated Bunting Emberiza elegans

19/5 2 Popov Island, 20/5 3, 21/5 3, 23/5 1Vityaz, 24/5 7 Kedrovaya Pad 25/5 3 and 26/5 8, 29/5 5 Krasny Yar forests.

Note: A beautiful bunting dwelling in the Ussuriland broadleaf forests – often takes a little time to get a good view.

Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola (Gulbrystet Værling)

20/5 2 Popov Island, 22/5 3 Khasan Nature Park, 27/5 1 Verkney Pereval, 29/5 1 Krasny Yar, 1/6 30 Udyl Lake, 4/6 1 Muravievka Crane Park, 5/6 30, 6/6 40 and 7/6 30.

Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila

19/5 1 Popov Island and 20/5 1 (EKR).

Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala

20/5 10 Popov Island and 21/5, 10 "Pleskes island", 4 Marine reserve island, 22/5 2 Khasan Nature Park and 23/5, 24/5 1 Vityaz, 2 en route to Kedrovaya Pad, 10 24/5 Kedrovaya Pad, 25/5 10 and 26/5 2, 3 en route to Vladivostok, 27/5 15 Verkney Pereval, 28/5 5 Bikin River, 29/5 3 Krasny Yar, 1/6 10 Udyl Lake, 2/6 30 Bogorodskoyie taiga forest, 3/6 8 Komsomolsk - Khabarovsk, 4/6 30 S of Khabarovsk, 5/6 10 Muravievka Crane Park, 6/6 5 and 7/6 10.

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus (Rørspurv)

6/6 3 Muravievka Crane Park and 7/6 2.
 
 
 
 

List of Birds Recorded in Moscow Region
 
 

European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus (Hvepsevåge)

1 Svenigorod biological station.

Black Kite Milvus migrans (Sort Glente)

2 Svenigorod biological station.

Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus (Hedehøg)

1 Svenigorod biological station.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus (Spurvehøg)

1 Svenigorod biological station.

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo (Musvåge)

1 Svenigorod biological station.

Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus (Tårnfalk)

3 Svenigorod biological station.

Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo (Lærkefalk)

2 Svenigorod biological station.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos (Mudderklire)

1 Svenigorod biological station.

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus (Vibe)

10 Svenigorod biological station.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus (Sølvmåge)

10 Svenigorod biological station.

Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus (Ringdue)

1 Svenigorod biological station.

Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus (Gøg)

1 Svenigorod biological station.

Common Swift Apus apus (Mursejler)

60 Svenigorod biological station.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor (Lille Flagspætte)

1 Svenigorod biological station.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major (Stor Flagspætte)

3 Svenigorod biological station.

Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius (Skovskade)

4 Svenigorod biological station.

Eurasian Jackdaw Corvus monedula (Allike)

50 Svenigorod biological station.

Rook Corvus frugilegus (Råge)

10 Svenigorod biological station.

Carrion Crow Corvus corone (Krage)

50 Svenigorod biological station.

Common Raven Corvus corax (Ravn)

4 Svenigorod biological station.

Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio (Rødrygget Tornskade)

1 Svenigorod biological station.

Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula (Solsort)

2 Svenigorod biological station.

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris (Sjagger)

35 Svenigorod biological station.

Redwing Turdus iliacus (Vindrossel)

15 Svenigorod biological station.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos (Sangdrossel)

5 Svenigorod biological station.

European Starling Sturnus vulgaris (Stær)

50 Svenigorod biological station.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata (Grå Fluesnapper)

10 Svenigorod biological station.

European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (Broget Fluesnapper)

20 Svenigorod biological station.

Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva (Lille Fluesnapper)

1 male Svenigorod biological station.

European Robin Erithacus rubecula (Rødhals)

4 Svenigorod biological station.

Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia (Nattergal)

1 Svenigorod biological station.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra (Bynkefugl)

3 Svenigorod biological station.

Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea (Spætmejse)

2 Svenigorod biological station.

Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes (Gærdesmutte)

1 Svenigorod biological station.

Bank Swallow Riparia riparia (Digesvale)

4 Svenigorod biological station.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Landsvale)

15 Svenigorod biological station

Common House-Martin Delichon urbica (Bysvale)

50 Svenigorod biological station.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus (Fuglekonge)

10 Svenigorod biological station.

River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis (Flodsanger)

2 Svenigorod biological station.

Blyth's Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum (Buskrørsanger)

1 Kremlin Moscow.

Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris (Kærsanger)

1 Kremlin Moscow.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus (Løvsanger)

15 Svenigorod biological station.

Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita (Gransanger)

10 Svenigorod biological station.

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Skovsanger)

20 Svenigorod biological station.

Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides (Lundsanger)

1 Kremlin Moscow.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla (Munk)

15 Svenigorod biological station.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin (Havesanger)

6 Svenigorod biological station.

Greater Whitethroat Sylvia communis (Tornsanger)

10 Svenigorod biological station.

Willow Tit Parus montanus (Fyrremejse)

3 Svenigorod biological station.

Great Tit Parus major (Musvit)

25 Svenigorod biological station.

Sky Lark Alauda arvensis (Sanglærke)

15 Svenigorod biological station.

White Wagtail Motacilla alba (Hvid Vipstjert)

50 Svenigorod biological station.

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis (Skovpiber)

1 Svenigorod biological station.

Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs (Bogfinke)

50 Svenigorod biological station.

Eurasian Siskin Carduelis spinus (Grønsisken)

10 Svenigorod biological station.

European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis (Grønirisk)

2 Svenigorod biological station.

Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula (Dompap)

4 Svenigorod biological station.

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella (Gulspurv)

3 Svenigorod biological station.

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus (Rørspurv)

2 Svenigorod biological station.

Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra (Kornværling)

Seen at Svenigorod biological station.
 

List of mammals and reptiles
 
 

Wolf (Canis lupus)

Tracks of a pack of wolves on a forest trail at Krasny Yar.

Common Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

One seen Muravievka Crane Park

Racoon-Dog (Nyctereutes procyonides)

One Racoon-Dog was seen by FQM in the Muravievka Crane Park.

Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)

Tracks of Brown Bear were found in the mud on the forest track at the village of Krasny Yar.

Badger (Meles meles amurensis)

Badgers were common in the Muravievka Crane Park,. 4 were seen at very close range in one day. Badgers are considered a threat to the breeding cranes, since they are not able to chase it away from the nest. Especially during the present drought badgers are a problem.

Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis)

We expectedly did not encounter the rare Amur Leopard in Kedrovaya Pad Nature Reserve, but we found fresh tracks in the sand banks along the river, and fresh droppings on forest track. We also visited the cave, where it lives. Here, a photo tower had been erected, and meat placed in front of the cave entrance by a Korean photographer.

Tiger (Panthera tigris)

Tracks of Siberian Tiger were seen on a muddy forest track close to the village of Krasny Yar, at the Bikin River. According to the villagers, it is not uncommon in the surrounding forests, and during winters, it is even some times seen inside the village!

Common Seal (Phoca vitulina)

Several colonies at islets in the marine park off Vladivostok.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)

Tracks of Wild Boar found in Kedrovaya Pad N.P.

Sika Deer (Cervus nippon)

6 seen in Kedrovaya Pad N.P.

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)

Common at the Muravievka Crane Park

Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris mantchuricus)

1 seen Kedrovaya Pad N.P.

Squirrel sp. (Sciurus sp.)

Unidentified, grey squirrels seen in Kedrovaya Pad forest.

Siberian Chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus)

A few seen at Verkniy Pereval and taiga near Bogorodskoyie

Longtailed Siberian Souslik (Citellus undulatus)

Seen at Muravievka Crane Park

Musk Rat (Ondatra zibethica)

Introduced from North America due to the valuable fur, and now widespread in Eurasia and Siberia. It was seen in several freshwater areas during the trip a.o.Khasan N.P. and Bikin River

Whale sp.

An unidentified whale was spotted 22. May off Khasan.
 
 

Reptiles

Snake sp.

An unidentified, brown Grass Snake seen at Khasan River Mouth 22. May.