BirdWatching in the Middle East? Some Common Birds Found in Iraq

When people think of birdwatching, perhaps the last thing they think of is Iraq, especially if you are living in the United States. This is most likely not only due to the ongoing war but also because most people in America see Iraq and the middle east as a place that is arid and dry and...well, sandy. However, there are tons of species of birds in Iraq and unlike what you are picturing in your head, Iraq is not all desert but is a country of mountains and rich ecosystems that are perfect for some types of birds. And while it is most likely not advisable to visit this area at the moment, perhaps you can put Iraq on the "to-do" list for your future world wide birding vacation.

NOTE: A lot of these birds are migratory and not indigenous to Iraq.

So, What types of birds can you expect to find in Iraq?

Grebes- This avian class is better known as "fresh water diving birds" and most can be found all through Iraq, but mostly throughout the southern and middle of Iraq. Some of the species include...

• Great Crested Grebe
• Red Necked Grebe
• Horned Grebe
• Black Neck/ Eared Grebe
• Little Grebe

Passeriformes- This class of birds actually covers a huge range of expanse of the middle east and rightfully so as the avian class comprises more than half of all bird species. Here are some birds that can be found in Iraq as well as the middle east on the whole...

Finches found in Iraq and the Middle East

• Hawfinch
  
• Twite Carduelis
  
• European Greenfinch Carduelis
  
• Desert Finch
  
• Eurasian Bullfinch
• Fire-fronted Serin Serinus
  
• Eurasian Siskin Carduelis
• Crimson-winged Finch
  
• European Serin Serinus
• Common Rosefinch Carpodacus
  
• Common Redpoll Carduelis
  
• Brambling Fringilla
  
• Chaffinch Fringilla
  
• Eurasian Linnet Carduelis
• Syrian Serin Serinus
  
• European Goldfinch
• Trumpeter Finch
  
• Pale Rockfinch
  
• Dead Sea Sparrow Passer
  
• Chestnut-shouldered Petronia
• Spanish Sparrow Passer
• Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer
  
• White-winged Snowfinch
  
• House Sparrow Passer
  
• Rock Petronia
  

Buntings Found in Iraq and the Middle East

• Corn Bunting
• Yellowhammer
• Ortolan Bunting
  
• Black-headed Bunting
  
• Cinereous Bunting
• Red-headed Bunting
  
• Rock Bunting
  
• Yellow-breasted Bunting
  
• Pine Bunting
• Reed Bunting
• Rustic Bunting

Starlings and Mynas Found in Iraq and the Middle East

• Eurasian Starling
• Common Myna
• Rosy Starling Pastor
• European Starling

Jay, Ravens, Crows and Magpies Found in Iraq and the Middle East

• Yellow-billed Chough
  
• Brown-necked Raven
• Eurasian Jay Garrulus
• Red-billed Chough
  
• Rook Corvus
  
• Hooded Crow
  
• Common Raven
• Eurasian Jackdaw
  
• Carrion Crow
• Eurasian Magpie
  

Tits Found in Iraq and the Middle East

• Long-tailed Tit
  
• Great Tit
• Eurasian Penduline Tit
• Sombre Tit
  
• Blue Tit

Shrikes Found in Iraq and the Middle East

• Masked Shrike
• Southern Gray Shrike
• Red-backed Shrike
  
• Woodchat Shrike
  
• Rufous-tailed Shrike
• Lesser Gray Shrike

Nuthatches Found in Iraq and the Middle East

• Rock Nuthatch
  
• Persian Nuthatch
  
• Eurasian Nuthatch
  

OldWorld Flycatchers and Wheatears Found in Iraq and the Middle East

• Spotted Flycatcher
• European Stonechat Saxicola
  
• Isabelline Wheatear
• Finsch's Wheatear
  
• Whinchat Saxicola
  
• European Robin
  
• White-throated Robin
  
• Semicollared Flycatcher
  
• Black Redstart Phoenicurus
• Hume's Wheatear
  
• Black-eared Wheatear
  
• Common Redstart Phoenicurus
• Thrush Nightingale
  
• Red-breasted Flycatcher
• Rufous-backed Redstart Phoenicurus
• White-tailed Wheatear
• Red-tailed Wheatear
• Pied Bushchat Saxicola
  
• Bluethroat
  
• Collared Flycatcher
  
• Siberian Stonechat Saxicola
  
• Mourning Wheatear
• Desert Wheatear
  
• Northern Wheatear
  
• Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin
• Common Nightingale
• Red-rumped Wheatear
• Hooded Wheatear
• Pied Wheatear
  

Old World and Grass Warblers Found in Iraq and the Middle East

• Moustached Warbler
  
• Upcher's Warbler
  
• Eastern Bonelli's Warbler
• Garden Warbler
• Common Chiffchaff
  
• Icterine Warbler
  
• Eurasian River Warbler
• Eastern Olivaceous Warbler
• Eurasian Reed-Warbler
  
• Sedge Warbler
  
• Clamorous Reed-Warbler
  
• Grasshopper Warbler
  
• Cetti's Warbler
  
• Great Reed-Warbler
  
• Zitting Cisticola
• African Desert Warbler
  
• Mountain Chiffchaff
  
• Yellow-browed Warbler
• Menetries's Warbler
  
• Eastern Orphean Warbler
  
• Savi's Warbler
  
• Basra Reed-Warbler
• Small Whitethroat
• Sardinian Warbler
• Marsh Warbler
  
• Willow Warbler
• Lesser Whitethroat
  
• Graceful Prinia
  
• Spectacled Warbler
  
• Streaked Scrub-Warbler
• Wood Warbler
  
• Barred Warbler
• Blackcap Sylvia
  
• Greater Whitethroat
  

I will continue my list of Birds in found in the Middle East and Iraq in the future. In the meantime, Happy Birding!

BirdWatching Binoculars

Birdwatching...What's the Big Deal?|Best BirdWatching Binoculars

I was over at Yahoo Answers the other day and read a question that asked why on earth would anyone be interested in birding and also was questioning whether bird watching would be considered a sport. Now, I didn't even humor this question with a response as obviously this person was not interested in bird watching but merely wanting to pick a fight. I seriously doubt that this person would be interest in finding the best birdwatching binoculars or digging into a bird field manual. However, I will answer these questions here and now.

So, here is the skinny....Birdwatching is a hobby. In fact, it is the second most popular hobby with over 50 million people actively participating. So, what is the big deal about birdwatching? I think that birdwatching goes far beyond simply watching the birds. It is two parts bird watching and one part enjoying the outdoors. It gives many people a reason to actually get outside, do some hiking and at the same time to actually learn a little. And with so many species out there, ranging in habitats from the very cold to the very hot (and everywhere in between), there is all sorts of reasons to go out there and discover something new.

Why bother even getting into birdwatching?

Well, like I said before, there are so many birds out there that this can be a fun learning experience for most. Plus, considering that most people don't bother getting outside as much anymore, this is a great excuse to "just do it". The emotional and physical benefits of being outdoors are well documented.

Do I need special equipment for birdwatching?

Actually, you really don't need anything although binoculars and scopes are what most birders use. The best part of using binoculars is you get to see the colorful feathering of the birds up close. Of course, you most likely are going to want to know what you are looking at and therefore may want to pick up a bird field manual as well, which you can do for around $30 at your local bookstore...(I personally highly recommend one. One of the best things about birding is actually identifying the species).

What Should I look for in a field manual?

Like I said in the previous answer, if you are planning on bird watching on the cheap, you will be best served to grab a bird watching field manual. The best field manuals will group bird species by locale and will have large colorful pictures that will aid you in locating the bird in the wild. It is even better to find one that will show what a species will look like throughout its life as well, from young to old as well as show the differences between the males and females. I have seen bird watching field manuals that show the migratory paths for the birds that migrate (great for locating a bird that happens to fly through your area twice a year at a certain time), as well as the feeding habit of each species. The bottom line is the more detailed of a handbook you can find, the better off you are in the long run...so don't skimp!
Do I need to go somewhere special to bird watch?

Absolutely not. A lot of people can simply open up the back door to their backyard to view birds but if you live in a more urban setting (like I do), you may want to pack up for the day and head to a national park. There are also wildlife refuges that offer all sorts of bird viewing as well. And of course, if you are very adventurous, you could always go to a locale far away, like the bahamas or Aruba to get a really good taste of the "other" species that you normally wouldn't find in your locale. A lot of these bird conservatories actually offer birding tours for bird watchers.
What Should I wear?

Actually, you can wear anything you like although I suggest you wear a hat that can shield your eyes from the sun. Remember, you are going to be looking up for the most part and nothing is going to stink more than if you find a bird species that you were hoping to see only to lose it to the sun and sky. If I just want to bird watch from my backyard, is there anything that I can do to attract birds?

Obviously, a bird feeder would attract birds the best. However, if you are into gardening, there are certain plants and flowers that will naturally attract birds. Flowers such as Zinnias and Daisies are both very much liked by birds (just don't prune them when they start to wilt). Also, hummingbirds are very fond of flowers that are the color red and obviously the ones that have the sweet nectar. Also, if you have lots of shrubbery, plants or any type of greenery, this should attract some type of bird from your area.

I want to join a birdwatching group...where can I find a list?

There is something to be said for joining a birdwatching group. Not only will you be around like minded folks who love the same things as you, you will likely get more out of bird watching and most of these groups go out on expeditions from time to time. That said, the best place is probably to look for groups locally through the yellow pages or simply go to a pet store and ask around. I found a wonderful group in my area via the internet though. There are tons and tons of associations world wide that are devoted to bird observation and bird watching.

I know bird watching doesn't sound like a lot of fun right off-hand. However, for those who want a hobby that has a nice mix of light exercise and is educational, I can't think of a better hobby.

Best Birdwatching Binoculars

Best Birdwatching Binoculars| The different Scopes

In the last two posts, I gave the answer to what the best birdwatching binoculars were, as vague as it may have been and also went over what to look for when you are about to purchase your first set of birdwatching binoculars. Today, I am going to expound on this a little more. Before we do this, understand that I do this primarily as a hobby too, so any information that you might have is welcome.

The angled scope and the straight scope: the pros and cons of each....

Unlike binoculars, birders will use scopes because it allow for a more stabilized way to view birds in the distance. Since most scopes are simple mounts with legs, what it gives in stability, the birder will lose in mobility. However, serious birders will want to eventually look into investing in a scope. But, which one is best for you?

If you were to ask what scope is best for a birdwatcher, you would probably get a mixed variety of answers as well as reasons as to why they like one scope better than the other one. Many like the straight scope because you can simply point the scope in the direction you are looking and you get exactly what you see. Others like the angled scope (which is typically angled at a 45 degree).

Obviously, if you are not accustomed to viewing the world through a looking glass, then either scope is going to feel a bit weird. In this case, perhaps the straight scope would be a better fit for you as it kind of takes less time to adjust to position the optic in the way you want it.

However, as you become more accustomed to using a scope, the angled scope definitely has its advantages....

• With a straight scope, you can only view it one way....however, with an angled scope, you can angle it from the side or from above. The cool thing about an angled scope is that you the image will look right side up no matter what position you are trying to view it. Plus, if you are sharing your scope with a fellow birdwatcher, there is absolutely no need for the other person to "find" what you are looking at; they can just readjust the scope to their height and see it.
• Unlike a straight scope, an angled scope can be mounted lower, which can provide a more steady and better image. Think about it...think of a straight scope kind of like a telescope...you can only mount it as low as the scope is long and imagine if you were trying to mount a straight scope really low, then you too would have to get very low as well (and you can only get so low)...so, if you want more stability, like in the case of less shaking in the wind, an angled scope would be better.
• Angled scope makes it easier to look up and down- Once again, if you want to look at a bird from way up in a tree, you will find it way more difficult to look at it with a straight scope. However, with an angled scope, you will be less likely to get on your hands and knees. As far as looking down, it is the exact same thing. Let's say you are taking a look at something down hill. Once again, with an angled scope, you simply adjust your scope and voila!...no standing on your tippie toes.
• Finally, you can use an angled scope from a smaller space, such as a car- Because you can swing the scope in virtually any direction, you can easily see from the frontseat to the rear or visa-versa without having to awkwardly crane your head into a cramped position.

What ever you decide to choose, whether it be an angled scope or a straight scope, both have thei pros and cons. I think that as you start to get more and more into birdwatching, you will probably like the angled scopes more. Best Birdwatching Binoculars

Best BirdWatching Binoculars for those with Glasses

In the last post, I went over some things to look for when you are searching for best birdwatching binoculars and if you missed it, then you can check it out if you want. However, I am sure many of you weren't too happy with the vague answer I gave in regard to this issue. To recap, there isn't a such thing as a general "best birdwatching binoculars" but rather the answer would be to find the best binoculars for you......

Today, I am going to add to the last post and go over what you need to look for if you are choosing a set of binoculars and you wear glasses. The reason why I am doing this is because it is important to realize that if you wear eyeglasses, you are going to really want to pay attention to a few things; in particular, you are going to want to find a set of optics that have long eye relief.

What do I mean when I say Eye Relief?

Basically eye relief is the distance behind the eyepiece that will show the whole field of view. In other words, it is how far back your eye can be from the eyepiece where you can still see the image in the viewfinder. Eye Relief is measured in millimeters and in order for someone that wears glasses (or sunglasses) to comfortably handle this obstacle, they will need to find a pair that has a minimum of 14 mm and preferably higher. And as you can probably imagine, nothing can push your eye further back from the eyepiece than a pair of spectacles.

Thankfully, most of the newer binoculars have taken this into account and actually have fold-down rubber caps which can improve the view immediately. However, if you wear glasses, you are going to want to find a set of binoculars that actually can accomodate those that have this issue.

One of the "key phrases" that you are going to want to look for when choosing a set of binoculars will be high eye point, which basically is another way of say long eye relief. Most binocular manufacturers have this printed in their specs but if you can (assuming you aren't ordering them online), I recommend that you test a pair out firsthand before making a decision.

Remember, the higher the eye relief, the better field of vision you will have if you wear glasses. That's it for today. Finding the best birdwatching binoculars is not about price but about what is best for you....I am out.

The Best BirdWatching Binoculars

Bird Watching can be a fun, community based hobby but it is easy to spend way too much on bird watching binoculars before you know that this hobby is something for you, longterm. I liken it to learning how to play guitar.....when you are first learning the basics, you don't really need to go with the best birdwatching binoculars...just a pair that is good enough to grow into. When you have made the decision that you like birding, then you can ante up on a good set of binoculars.

So what are the best birdwatching binoculars?

I am not here to sell you on any specific pair but there are several things that you need to look for when choosing binoculars for birding.

1. The more powerful lenses are not necessarily the "right binoculars" for bird watching- While we, as Americans are obsessed with bigger, better, faster, stronger things, contrary to popular belief, the higher the magnification, the less you are going to see although the more focused you will have to be on a smaller object. And if you have the shakes, this can prove especially disastrous for the novice bird watcher. Bottom line: A set of optics that have 10x magnification is probably the limit for bird watching.
2. You don't necessarily need "bigger" bird watching binoculars either- Once again, bigger should be better, right? Well, not necessarily....it is easy for a novice birdwatcher to naturally assume that if they buy one of the larger pairs of optics that they would be better but the truth is the power in binoculars is the design and magnification of the eyepiece itself, not the actual size of the binoculars. In fact, the only reason why a set of birdwatching binoculars would be bigger is because of the objective lens on the end of the binoculars.
3. And while we are on the topic of bigger binoculars, except in dim light, there is no difference in the brightness of the image you are viewing- Common sense would tell you that the more light you can expose to the lens, the brighter the actual image would be that you are trying to view. The difference is negligible and unless you plan on birdwatching at night, there is really little difference between a 42mm+ pair of optics and a typical (and cheaper) 32mm pair of binoculars.
4. The "Field View" has very little to do with the size of binoculars for birdwatching- Once again, bigger isn't necessarily indicative of best birdwatching binoculars. While it is easy for a novice to assume that a bigger pair of optics will equate to a larger field of view, in some cases, the opposite can be true. One thing to remember is that the lower the magnification, the greater the field view. So, let's say you are looking at a bird using 10x magnification...you could easily get a better (although not closer) point of view by lowering the magnification down to 8x. And although you could get a larger field view at a higher magnification with some binoculars, expect to pay a premium price for these, usually at $1,000+...not exactly a good price for the beginner just exploring the hobby of birdwatching.
5. If you have "special needs", you are going to have to pay more for your binoculars- This used to be the case a few years back but as technology has increased, the prices for these optics have gone down. Things such as waterproof binoculars, once a perk reserved only for the high end types, are now made available for the mid-priced binoculars. Now, even those birdwatchers who wear glasses can purchase a good set of binoculars without having it bankrupt their bank account.
6. And speaking of waterproof binoculars, go ahead and invest in a pair that has this perk- Even if you don't think that you will ever have to brave the rain to watch your avian friends, go ahead and purchase a set that is waterproof. The reason is simple....although you may never go out into the rain, the fact is that moisture can build up in your birdwatching binoculars regardless of whether there is rain in the forecast or not. Think of it this way; if you have ever gotten into your car on a humid evening and had your windshield fog up when it wasn't raining, you can expect a set of binoculars to do the same from time to time. And this can ruin an afternoon of bird watching. Waterproof binoculars help deal with this common issue.
   
7. Don't assume that just because your friend has a particular set of binoculars, that that set will fit you as well- Binoculars are like cars...there isn't an exact fit for everyone. If you wear glasses, you will need a set that will give you long eye relief. You should factor in the steadiness of your hands as well. Some binoculars are better for those who don't have a nice steady hand. If you have larger hands, a set of larger binoculars may be in order for you. Finally, there are intangibles like how the pair of binoculars feels in your hands. The bottom line is that different binoculars are made for different types of birdwathers. The good news is that there is a set out there for you.

The best birdwatching binoculars is more dependent on you, as an individual birdwatcher, and therefore there are a lot of "if, ands, or buts" involved when you are making your decision as to what set if good for you. The important thing to realize is that you don't necessarily have to go out and buy the most expensive set to get the most benefit and the best birdwatching binoculars for you could be a mid-priced set.

Bird Watching Binoculars

How to find the Right Binoculars for Bird Watching

Next to gardening there is not many hobbies that are as popular as bird watching. After all, who isn't interested in our fine, feathery airborne friends that come in all shapes, sizes and colors? And the best part is all you really need to enjoy this hobby is a book that shows the different species of birds and a great pair of bird watching binoculars. That's it. So are you ready to explore this fun hobby?

The biggest challenge that you might face when bird watching is that it requires a good deal of patience and practice when you are first getting started. However, once you get the idea and know what to look for, you will find yourself addicted to this hobby in no time.

So, why do you need a pair of binoculars for bird watching. Just like most wild life, getting close to these creatures will most likely prove a challenge. Couple this with the fact that most birdwatching is done by peering into trees and up in the sky and you have to understand why binoculars are so important.

Best Birding Binoculars

Finding a decent pair of binoculars will allow you to see the birds close up and personal..pick a poor set and you will likely get frustrated. When you are investigating different types of binoculars, go with a branded pair; Now this may seem expensive, understand that you are investing in the long term. Don't short change yourself by purchasing a sub par pair.

You are going to want to search for a set that can magnify by at least 7x power. Any lower and you run the risk of not "seeing" them as well. Of course, there are other brands that have higher power but remember that the higher the power, the steadier your hand will need to be.

Also, there is a second number on the binoculars that you will want to take notice of....this number could be 35 or 40. This number is actually the diameter in millimeters in comparison to how large the lens is when looking at the bird (or whatever you are looking at)



The higher the figure, the great the light. And the more light you have, the more clear the binoculars will be.

Compact and pocket sized binoculars may sound like a good deal at first but remember that most have too narrow of a field of view for you to keep track of the birds you are watching.

Now that we have gotten what type of binoculars are best when bird watching, the other thing to get is a good book which will help you identify the bird you are looking at. The best ones are those that will show you the different birds in each region of the country as not all birds will be found in all locales.

With just a book and a pair of binoculars, you can now set off on your bird watching expedition. You can do this anyway you like. You don't even have to leave your home. Some people like to start from a window in their home and move to the zoo before finally going to a national park. After all, practice makes perfect, right?

There are also bird watching clubs found in all cities that you can join. These clubs do fun things like organizing field trips on the weekends and you can learn alot about the birds and their habitats in this way.

In conclusion, wouldn't it be nice if we had an eagle eye and didn't have to bring a pair of binoculars for bird watching? Well, since this isn't an option, our next best option is to grab us a book and a pair of bird watching binoculars with us to view birds in their natural habitat. Bird watching- It is a fun hobby that anyone can do!