Ushkonyr, Degeres.

The road to Ushkonur lake was blocked and guarded as in all of my previous visits. Birds I saw: a lot of Common Rollers (first time in this year); on the way to the plateau we watched one Chukar Partridge; and at the plateau the Kestrel, Long-legged Buzzard, the pair of Himalayan Gryphon-Vultures, one Golden Eagle, many Rollers and the pair of Common Stonechats.

The small lake in foothills. Pair of Mallards, some unidentified ducks (presumably Garganeys), some Moorhens. Grey-headed Goldfinches flew around.

Though it was raining along the foothills until to Sunkar, the nesting Rooks were active and most noticeable of birds. There were many singing Corn Buntings perching on the wires. We also watched Rollers, Linnets, Grey-headed Goldfinches, Wood Pigeons, Magpies, Masked Wagtails, and Lesser Grey Shrike. One Greater Spotted Eagle was attacked by several Rooks. First, the eagle perched in a tree, then trying to keep a distance from us, moved farther to the field and then disappeared. It was escorted by the Rooks all the way. Sometimes we saw Cuckoos flying by. In Sunkar we watched another Lesser Grey Shrike.

Degeres. Again, many Rooks and Wood Pigeons. Little Falcons - Kestrel and the pair of Hobbies perched on top the poles along the road. The rocks, as usual, give shelter to Chuckar Partridges. We also watch the pair of Pied Wheatears and singing Grey-necked Bunting.

1. Stonechat (Saxicola torquata maura)

2. Eurasian Roller (Coracias garrulus semenowi)

3. Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus)

4. Grey-headed Goldfinch (Carduelis caniceps paropanisi)

5. Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)