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Gerard Rocamora and Joesef Bristol have reported a European Roller Coracias garrulus at the Seychelles International Airport, Mahe. The bird was observed hunting for insects in grass, using the airport perimeter fence as a perch. It was first seen and photographed by Axcel Morel and it was present from 7 May to at least 7 June 2020.
SBRC classified this species as a vagrant until 2014, when its status was changed to that of an annual visitor. However, given that there are very few reports, SBRC continues to collect all observations which are automatically accepted from relaiable observers or with supporting evidence such as a photograph. This sighting is unusual because the species has never previously been reported later than the first week of April. Almost 70% of records coincide with autumn migration from breeding grounds in Ocober to December, with a secondary peak and nearly 20% of records in March.
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Sophie Morel has reported that the long-staying Great Cormorant at Bird Island was still present on 13-14 June 2020. The record has been accepted by SBRC as only the second in Seychelles for this species.
On 15 March 2020, Martin van Rooyen reported a species of plain martin at Aldabra. The bird was seen hawking insects at Picard Island, near Basin Cabris. While perched it was persistently mobbed by an Aldabra Drongo, making photography difficult.
Seychelles is probably the only country on earth where African Plain Martin Riparia paludicola, Asian Plain Martin R. chinensis and Madagascar Plain Martin R. cowani might all be considered as potential vagrants. SBRC has previously accepted one Seychelles record of Asian Plain Martin from Mahe. At Aldabra, somewhat further from Asia the other two species might appear more likely, but in any report of a plain martin in Seychelles all three have to be considered. After due consideration, SBRC has accepted the sighting as the first record of Africa Plain Martin for Seychelles. A paper is planned to present full details and evidence and it is hoped it will be available on this website in due course. |
AuthorAdrian Skerrett Categories |