May 2016 : New records, some nice images, watch out for Barka Indigobird in Niger

Over the past month 464 records from Chad have been added and 183 from Niger.  The records from Chad include the first record for the WABDAB of Winding Cisticola; many palearctic migrants on their way north, including Masked Shrike; and Chestnut Sparrows in non-breeding plumage.  New images include a shot by Tim Wacher showing why Red-billed Quelea are also called 'feathered locusts'.  The Niger records include nice images of Bearded Barbet and of Pearl-Spotted Owlet with eyes in front and in the rear of its head.  Note that Barka Indigobird has been observed by Bob & Françoise Dowsett in Benin near Pont Triple, only 50 m from the border with Niger.  Keep an eye out for it in W, it parasitises Black-faced Firefinch.

Edited: 2016-05-25 [JBr]