If you are planning a visit to Socotra to watch birds here is some information that might help you.
The BirdLife International/Darwin Initiative team studying the birds of the archipelago are regularly updating a checklist which gives the status of all species recorded on the islands. Copies can be obtained from Gina Pfaff at BirdLife International (address below). It can be sent as an attachment by email.
A helpful publication on the birds of Socotra is Sandgrouse 17 - the journal of the Ornithological Society of the Middle East. This can be obtained from OSME, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL. The price is £10.00 including postage.
There is also a simple book on the birds and plants of Socotra (20 species of each illustrated in colour) in English and Arabic which has been prepared for the island's conservation education programme. This can also be obtained on Socotra at the Biodiversity Project Centre in Hadibu (which you should visit) or from Gina Pfaff at BirdLife International in Cambridge, UK. The price is £6.00 including postage. Payment can be made by (1) cheque payable to BirdLife International (chequesdrawn on a UK bank and in pound sterling) or (2) credit card (state which - VISA, Access, etc. - card number and expiry date). All proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the Socotra Biodiversity Programme.
The most appropriate field guide that covers the birds of Socotra is the Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East by Porter, Christensen and Schiermacker-Hansen, published by T. & A. D. Poyser.
There is a useful website: http://www.rbge.org.uk/Arabia/Soqotra/birds/page01.html.
Flights go to Socotra from Sana'a, Aden and Riyan once a week. However, you do need to get permission to visit the island and this is best done through a travel company such as Ashtel Travel fax +967 1 263-371, tel +967 1 266-412 or Summer Tours and Travel fax +967 1 413-416.
These companies will help you with such arrangements such as accommodation on the island and the hire of vehicles.
If you make any records during your visit we will be very pleased to hear from you. We can provide you with recording sheets if you would find these helpful. Please send your records to Richard Porter at BirdLife International or: Richard Porter .
Thank you. BirdLife International Wellbrook Court Girton Road Cambridge CB3 0NA UK Tel: +44 1223 277-318 Fax: +44 1223 277-200 Email: BirdLife
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