RICHARD HOATH, DR DEREK RUSSELL, RAFIK KHALIL AND DINA KHALIL

In summer 1994, two ornithological surveys were undertaken of some of the islands north of Hurghada, at the Gulf of Suez mouth in the Egyptian Red Sea. Their primary objective was to ascertain the number and species of breeding seabirds, in comparison with Jennings et al. (1985). Notes on non-breeding birds were also taken. With respect to the islands visited in 1994, comparisons with Jennings et al. (1985) show few changes in species composition and in the cases of Brown Booby Sula leucogaster and Osprey Pandion haliaetus, for which the islands are important breeding areas, no decline in numbers. However, oil and other pollutants were widespread, and this, combined with a dramatic growth in tourism, pose significant problems for the future. Tourist pressure has already had a negative impact on breeding terns on inshore islands. A comprehensive survey of the area in the near future is recommended.

INTRODUCTION

Some inshore islands, e.g. Giftun Kebir, Abu Minqar and Umm Agawish el Kebir, are easily accessible and frequently visited by tourists. Many other islands north of Hurghada are more difficult to visit because of the distances involved, the variety of permits required and a lack of mooring points. The islands were extensively surveyed (28 of the 29 islands being covered) in spring 1983 and autumn 1984 (Jennings et al. 1985). Our survey was more limited in scope owing to time considerations and accessibility: fringing reefs require that a Zodiac or similar craft is necessary in order to land on, or survey at close quarters, most of the islands.

The islands discussed in this paper share a common topography. Formed of fossil reef, they are largely low- lying, excepting North Geisum, where two parallel ridges, divided by a wadi, run through the island's centre. Their surfaces are almost entirely stony with sand accumulating in wadis and depressions. On Tawila, in particular, there are saltwater lagoons. Shorelines are generally low to moderate cliffs with sheltered coves, sand or shingle spits and beaches. With the exception of mangrove Avicennia marina and other salt-resistant plant species along restricted areas of coastline, the islands are largely unvegetated and surrounded by extensive fringing reefs. Distance from the mainland ranges from two km (Umm Agawish Kebir) to 17 km (Tawila).

THE 1994 SURVEYS

Proven or possible breeding was assessed according to the criteria in Goodman & Meininger (1989); non-breeding species were also recorded. With the exception of Brown Booby, the number of proven breeding records during the first trip was low, due to the time of year and the fact that only limited areas were covered. The second survey, restricted to a single island, found more extensive evidence of breeding. Note was taken of the extent of oil pollution, the western shores of all islands being heavily polluted. On Umm Agawish el Kebir, near Hurghada, the impact of tourism and local fishing activities was recorded. The systematic list of species proven or suspected to breed on the islands visited is compared with the observations of Jennings et al. (1985) and significant records discussed.

BREEDING SPECIES

Brown Booby Sula leucogaster
Present off all islands visited and at sea between them and Hurghada in June 1994; usually singles, although breeding pairs were noted on Umm el Heimat Saghira and North Geisum. The former was surveyed by boat, three pairs were noted on the eastern cliffs. A more thorough survey was undertaken on foot on North Geisum, where there were 29 active nests on the eastern cliffs. The figure of 32 pairs in 1994 should be regarded as an absolute minimum, since nesting adults were not approached closely to avoid disturbance and nests on the lower cliffs may have been missed as a result. Furthermore, there was at least one active nest on a small inaccessible islet off the north-east cliffs, others may have been nesting on its eastern side, invisible from the main island. A large number of unoccupied nest sites - 'guano rings' - were seen, indicating a larger breeding population.

Jennings et al. (1985) found the species breeding on Middle Ashrafi, North Geisum and Umm el Heimat Saghira; 46 breeding pairs in spring 1983 and a further 15 active nests in autumn 1984. The observations of Jennings et al. (1985) show birds still nesting in late September, by which time all the June chicks would have fledged (fledging period is approximately 100 days). By reasonable extrapolation it appears the breeding population is probably stable at c. 50 pairs.

In 1994, most active nests held chicks at various stages of development, ranging from very recently hatched to almost fledged. The most advanced chick was developing chocolate-coloured adult plumage on the secondaries. No fledged immatures were noticed with the adults, suggesting that it was early in their breeding season. Some nests held eggs - usually one, although at least one nest had two. Fresh eggs were chalky white, the chalky layer wearing off to reveal a smooth, pale blue base colour in older eggs. Nests were shallow, whitened with guano and sparsely decorated with twigs, rope, string and other flotsam.

Striated Heron Butorides striatus
Along with small numbers in the mangroves of South Sinai, the islands hold the only breeding population in the Western Palearctic. An adult flew north off the south tip of South Geisum (11 June), probably heading towards the mangrove channel on the island's west side. On both 11 and 12 June, a juvenile was in these mangroves. Three separate adults on 13 June were along the rocky shores and shallow reefs of the south tip of North Geisum. A juvenile was on the south-west tip of Umm Agawish el Kebir (23 August). Jennings et al. (1985) found it breeding on South Geisum and possibly North Geisum but no evidence of breeding on Umm Agawish el Kebir. North Geisum lacks suitable breeding habitat but has ideal feeding areas. It appears likely that those breeding on South Geisum feed further afield.

Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis
Recorded on all islands visited in 1994. A single dark-phase on Tawila on 11 June. Common on southern South Geisum with at least four nests in mangroves on the east side of the island. None were active, although a white-phase bird was standing on an empty nest. Eggshell fragments were found in two nests. In this area six birds were noted, four white-phase and two dark-phase. In the mangrove channel on the west side of the island a further seven were noted, five white-phase and two intermediate. On North Geisum a single white-phase flew north past the west side of the island (12 June). A possible nest was found at the northern tip but, after comparison with a plate in Jennings et al. (1985), Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia could not be discounted. Two nests on north-east Umm Agawish el Kebir in August. One contained a single egg - surprisingly late for this species - while the other contained two almost fully fledged dark-phase juveniles. Jennings et al. (1985) recorded definite breeding on all three islands but noted no intermediate birds. The overall ratio of white: intermediate: dark phase birds in 1994 was 10: 2: 5. Jennings et al. (1985) found a ratio of 6:1, white: dark phase birds.

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
Not recorded in 1994. As stated above, a single nest on North Geisum may have been of this species. Jennings et al. (1985) found old nests on Umm Agawish el Kebir and Tawila, as well as four birds on Tawila. Goodman & Meininger (1989) describe it as a "rare and local breeding resident" along the Egyptian Red Sea with a total population of 30-50 pairs.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Breeding noted on all three islands visited in June 1994 and also seen flying between islands and perching on oil installations at sea. On Tawila six nests were found at the south tip, one with a single chick, one with two young and another with three fledged young still returning to the nest to be fed. Seven were counted in this relatively small area, with others present on an offshore oil installation. On southern South Geisum four nests were found, one with three fledged young, and at least seven individuals noted. Three of the nests were on the mangrove edge, the fourth along the coastal edge. On North Geisum three nests were found, two of which were active, and ten birds counted. At the north tip, where the two active nests were on a beach, there was a total of six birds including immatures. In August, two on Umm Agawish el Kebir but no evidence of breeding.

Jennings et al. (1985) recorded breeding on 23 islands, including all those visited by us in 1994. From the numbers of birds seen, the statement that "the islands of the Red Sea probably hold the densest population of this species anywhere in its range" (Jennings et al. 1985) appears well founded.

In 1994, all were ground nests. While some were barely raised above the level of the ground, others, probably older nests, were raised mounds of accumulated debris up to 1.5 metres tall and three metres across. Nest materials included sticks (flotsam and mangrove twigs), shells and debris. Food remains included skulls and jaws of parrotfish (Scarus sp.?), pigeon, gull and tern wings, whilst a Western Reef Heron skull was found in one nest on South Geisum but it is likely that this was nest material rather than food. In four nests on Tawila, a long dead chick was found in one and a head in another. Of three nests examined on South Geisum, one half-grown chick was found dead.

Sooty Falcon Falco concolor
Recorded on Tawila (one) and North Geisum (two). Jennings et al. (1985) found it breeding on South Geisum and possibly North Geisum and Tawila, but no evidence of breeding found by us. This was unsurprising as the species breeds in autumn, preying on southbound migrating passerines. None of these islands are mountainous or possess the rugged habitat favoured by this species for nesting.

Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides
Not recorded in 1994. Jennings et al. (1985) found two on Giftun Kebir but no evidence of breeding.

Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor
Pair on southern Tawila on 13 June in suitable breeding habitat. No nest or young found but the species may breed on the islands. Jennings et al. (1985) recorded an agitated pair on South Geisum in 1983.

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
Recorded on South Geisum (one on south-east shore, 11 June) and Tawila, where there was one, possibly two breeding pairs at the south end. Although no nest, eggs or young were found, the broken wing display was observed on two occasions in suitable breeding habitat. Jennings et al. (1985) found two pairs on Tawila in April-May 1983.

Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii
Present on all three islands visited in June but no evidence of breeding, although it presumably does so. No evidence of breeding on Umm Agawish el Kebir in August 1994 but adult White-eyed Gull were defending their chicks from a small number of marauding Sooty Gulls. It is interesting to note that, although Jennings et al. (1985) recorded a number of juveniles, the only chick found was a desiccated individual on Umm el Heimat Saghira. The fact that Jennings et al. (1985) found the largest concentration of this species on the Ashrafi islands, where there were only small numbers of White-eyed Gull (50 pairs), implies that the latter species out-competes it for nesting sites.

White-eyed Gull Larus leucophthalmus
Common on all islands visited. Individuals and small flocks noted at sea and on the mainland coast, even in Hurghada. All breeding evidence in June was from Tawila: a scrape with a single egg in the shade of an overhanging boulder on the south of the island, a pair mating on the south-east shoreline and nest scrapes with old regurgitated food and feathers by an enclosed saline lagoon in the south of the island, where over 100 agitated birds were present. Courtship display was observed between two birds in a flock on south-east Tawila: a male and female rubbing bills then dipping them in the water in unison. Common and widespread on the other two islands and breeding doubtless occurs. A possible mating approach by a pair observed on North Geisum. On Umm Agawish el Kebir on 23 August, c. 100 pairs of White-eyed Gull were defending a crèche of 90 fledged young against Sooty Gulls.

Jennings et al. (1985) recorded 905 pairs and several hundred adults on Tawila, North Geisum, South Geisum and Giftun Kebir in April-May 1983 and around 5000, of which 70% were juveniles, on the same islands in September-October 1984. The records of Jennings et al. (1985) for Umm Agawish el Kebir were: 312 adults and 519 individuals (60% juveniles). The virtual lack of breeding records in June 1994 was unexpected. However, as many hundreds of the species were seen there is every indication that breeding takes place, especially as, excepting North Geisum, only small portions of each island were visited.

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
Present on all islands visited and patrolling reefs along other islands. On South Geisum, a pair was calling incessantly. Although at least ten were in the small area of South Geisum visited, no nests were found there. Widespread on Tawila where an active nest was found with one egg (13 June), in a shallow scrape by a small boulder. At least three similar scrapes were found in the same area of southern Tawila; the species is known to breed in small loose colonies as well as alone (Cramp & Simmons 1983). It seems probable that, whilst still paired, the species had largely finished nesting. At least one pair on the north shore of North Geisum. On 23 August a single was off Umm Agawish el Kebir.

Jennings et al. (1985) recorded breeding on Tawila (four pairs) and Giftun Kebir (three pairs) in April-May 1983 but no breeding in autumn 1984.

Swift Tern Sterna bergii
No evidence of breeding found but small numbers on North and South Geisum. At the former, four on a shoal at the south tip of the island with White-cheeked and Lesser Crested Terns S. bengalensis. On South Geisum (11 June), six with White-cheeked (eight), Lesser Crested (c. 20), Caspian (two) and Common Terns S. hirundo (one). Goodman & Meininger (1989) found no definite evidence of the species breeding in Egyptian waters. Jennings et al. (1985) found only "circumstantial evidence" of breeding on Ashrafi and South Geisum. However, there is suitable breeding habitat (low sandbars) and the area is little disturbed, so the presence of the species during the summer breeding season is encouraging. We agree with Jennings et al. (1985) that oil pollution may pose a threat to this species.

Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis
Common on all islands visited and often seen at sea. No breeding noted but this was unsurprising as Jennings et al. (1985) state that breeding probably commences in mid-summer.

White-cheeked Tern Sterna repressa
Present on North and South Geisum, breeding suspected on the former. On northern North Geisum at least 12 nest scrapes found (12 June). On approach the terns became very agitated and it is probable that the scrapes were of this species. Large flocks on sandbars at the south tip of the island with Lesser Crested and Swift Terns. On southern South Geisum, White-cheeked Terns flocked with Lesser Crested, Swift, Caspian and Common Terns. On 23 August, 30-40 nest scrapes on the west side of Umm Agawish el Kebir on cliffs of elevated fossil reef, interspersed with sheltered bays. In these bays, 10-15 fledged young were being fed, possibly taking advantage of shade and protection from predators.

Jennings et al. (1985) recorded the species breeding on 15 islands, including South Geisum and Umm Agawish el Kebir. The absence of active nests in June 1994 was unsurprising as Jennings et al. (1985) found none in May 1983 but noted 500 with chicks and juveniles in autumn 1984. The timing of fledged young in August 1994 agrees with Jennings et al. (1985).

Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus
Recorded from all islands visited, breeding suspected on Tawila, North Geisum and Umm Agawish el Kebir. Individuals and loose flocks at sea. On Tawila, 20 feeding over the island's west side, frequently alighting and apparently agitated. Numerous on North Geisum where eight exhibited similar behaviour, on a beach on the island's west side which was heavily oil- polluted. The lack of conclusive breeding evidence was unsurprising as Bridled Tern has a similar breeding pattern to White-cheeked Tern. On Umm Agawish el Kebir, 40 pairs on the island's north-east side on 23 August. All birds perched in low bushes, two to four per bush. Courtship was observed, males regurgitating food for females. They appeared agitated, gathering overhead and approaching to within one metre, but no eggs or chicks were found beneath the bushes where they might have been expected.

Jennings et al. (1985) noted breeding or evidence of breeding on ten islands, including all those visited in 1994. Goodman & Meininger (1989) considered it to be a fairly common migrant breeder in this area.

Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis
A single on South Geisum on 12 June but no evidence of breeding. Jennings et al. (1985) found it breeding on South Geisum and estimated that the population on the islands was two or three pairs.

NON-BREEDING BIRDS

Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber
Single photographed on 10 and 11 June on a saline lagoon on southern Tawila. No previous summer Red Sea record from Egypt.

Buzzard sp. Buteo sp.
A flock of c. 20 buzzards from the boat south-west of South Geisum on 13 June were flying east. It was impossible to assign them to either Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus or Steppe Buzzard B. buteo vulpinus. Probably unusually late spring migrants.

Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii
Single in summer plumage on south Tawila in the same area as breeding Kentish Plovers (13 June). Occasional breeding resident along the Egyptian Red Sea.

Redshank Tringa totanus
Four on 11-12 June in the mangrove channel on south-west South Geisum. Small numbers summer along the Red Sea coast.

Curlew Numenius arquata
Single near the jetty on South Geisum on 11 June. Rare summer visitor in the area.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
Two first-summers in the bay on the west side of North Geisum. Rare in summer.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo
One photographed with Lesser Crested, White-cheeked and Swift Terns on a sandbar on southern South Geisum (12 June). Scarce non-breeding summer visitor to the northern Red Sea.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Single light-breasted (i.e. not H. r. savignii) individual over mangroves on west side of South Geisum. Probably a late spring migrant.

OIL POLLUTION

Each of the three islands visited in June was heavily polluted on its western and, in the case of North Geisum, northern shore - with sheltered bays being particularly affected by an accumulation of oil and related pollution, presumably due to prevailing currents. Eastern shores were much less affected. The seaward side of the mangrove channel on west South Geisum was badly affected, placing marine life in the mangrove ecosystem at risk; mangroves are the nursery of the coral reef with many juvenile fish and invertebrates there. Breeding terns are also at risk from oil pollution, as they frequently favour low-lying sandbars. Probable nest sites of Bridled and White-cheeked Terns on North Geisum appeared especially vulnerable.

Most of the oil pollution on the western coasts and beaches was accumulated and not fresh, perhaps indicating improvements in oil pollution control. Oil companies operating in the area and the Egyptian General Petroleum Company (EGPC) maintain that pollution control standards are subject to constant revision, which may mean that pollution is now less of a threat to the region's breeding avifauna. However, other forms of pollution were prevalent. Plastic bags, bottles and sheeting were widespread on beaches and bays, in addition to oil drums, sections of pipe and more degradable flotsam such as wooden pallets. Plastic safety helmets were an unusually common item. The west shores of North Geisum and South Geisum were badly affected, being closest to offshore oil platforms.

DISCUSSION

Umm Agawish el Kebir is the only island we visited, regularly visited by tourists, being close to Hurghada and easily accessible. Tourists swim and snorkel from the beaches, bringing potential disturbance, especially to breeding terns. Additional disturbance comes fom local fishermen, both offshore and on land, several of whom were seen searching for eggs on the island's beaches. Whilst Jennings et al. (1985) found breeding White-cheeked, Bridled, Caspian and Lesser Crested Terns, we only found the first-named species nesting, despite visiting the island at the peak of the breeding season. It is interesting to note that our boatman in June reported that terns no longer breed on Umm Agawish el Kebir, as a direct result of tourism.

CONCLUSION

Insufficient data is available to formulate current estimates of breeding bird numbers in the area, excepting Brown Booby. A comprehensive survey is therefore recommended. Whilst the islands' physical and bureaucratic remoteness has favoured many breeding bird populations, the alarming rate of tourist development and massive hotel construction programme underway along the Red Sea coast around Hurghada may adversely affect the avifauna. Tourism is probably now a much more serious threat than the oil industry, although non-oil related pollution and garbage is unsightly and may affect species dependant on the shoreline for breeding or feeding.

Richard Hoath, Dr Derek Russell, Rafik Khalil and Dina Khalil, c/o The American University in Cairo, 113 Kasr el Aini, Cairo, Egypt.