Ushkonyr Plateau.

The Raptors Day. During the day we watched nine (or probably ten) raptors species. The trip plan included the observation of Lammergeiers which were noticed 4 times, all birds were adult, probably some of them were twice recorded. In addition to Lammergeiers we also watched Black Vulture, Long-legged Buzzard, Pallid Harrier, Sparrowhawk, some Black Kites, Golden Eagle, pair of Himalayan Gryphons, a lot of Kestels, and probably Saker Falcon. For the rainless summer the plateau was dried, the grass almost everywhere is dry and yellow. Birds were a bit, sometimes in the dry grass we noticed flocks of Meadow Buntings and Tree Pipits. Pipits have greenish tinge on plumage especially on the mantle. Near the steams (or near the Cows which stay near the streams) there were a lot of Barn Swallows and Pale Sand Martins in less number, and also White and Masked Wagtails. On the descent from Plateau in the rocky gorge we saw Chukar family and hen of Pheasant. Birds were not a lot but the mood from the trip was enjoyable.

1. Himalayan Vulture (Gyps himalayensis)

2. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

3. Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus)

4. Common Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)

5. Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus)

6. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

7. White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)

8. Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar)