Amur Falcon, Red-throated Pipit and Western Honey Buzzard at Alphonse

Amur Falcon at Alphonse (Pep Nogues)

Several rarities have been reported at Alphonse: Amur Falcon Falco amurensis, Western Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus and Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus.

Amur Falcon is an annual visitor to Seychelles in small numbers, with more than 95% of sightings collected by SBRC in November-December. This individual was located at the IDC village by Chris Narty on 18 December and was also seen by Pep Nogués and Ari Fernadez.

The Western Honey Buzzard was first sighted by Murray Collins, over the airstrip on 17 December. It was also seen by Pep Nogués. This species has been recorded on 7 previous occasions in Seychelles including once in the Amirantes (at D'Arros). This is the most southerly report to date

Western Honey Buzzard mobbed by Fairy Terns (Pep Nogues)

The Red-throated Pipit was seen and photographed by Chris Narty SBRC has accepted 29 previous records of this species including 7 from Alphonse. This latest sighting means it has been reported from Alphonse more often than any other island.

Red-throated Pipit at Alphonse (Chris Narty)