The Long Short cut.

Red rumped Swallow

Mediterranean Slant-eyed Grasshopper

Red tailed Wheatear

Red tailed Wheatear

Cinereous Bunting

Pale Rock Sparrow

Pale Rock Sparrow

Day 9

The day of the Long Short cut. The management, bless 'em were sensitive to the disappointment of the group at not seeing Kurdish Wheatear, recently split from Red tailed Wheatear, by some 'authorities'. To their great credit, despite the considerable additional mileage and expense our programme was changed to make the trip to Nemrut Dagi, a reliable site for the species. In fact having 'cleaned up' in Birecik so quickly we did have the extra day to play with. After some discussion at the front of the bus it was decided to go the direct route and avoid the motorway. Fine, except the direct route included country lanes which meant pot holes which meant the coach could only travel at 30-40 mph.

We eventually arrived at our destination - well nearly. We had to walk the last few kilometres up hill as the bus couldn't turn round further up. No problem, we set off with everyone going at their own pace spotting a few birds here and there: Red rumped Swallow, Golden Oriole, Rufous Bushchat, Woodchat Shrike, Black eared Wheatear and Corn Bunting. Most interesting sight though was an insect which landed on the road, some kind of Cricket/grasshopper but I aint sure and I cant find any good insect ID websites. So if anyone can identify what it is please let me know. Anyway the hill was getting steeper, it was getting hotter so when a mini bus turned up we jumped in. The mini-bus took us to the entrance to the Nemrut Dagi park. Fortunately we didnt have to go any further as the Red tailed Wheatear was found on rocks right my the entrance and gave excellent views as it responded to a tape. Pale rock Sparrow and Cinereous Bunting also gave excellent close views.

PS Many thanks to Chris Rose for the Grasshopper identification