This time the border between Europe and Asia gathered more than 200 ornithologists from the CIS countries. Compared with previous similar conferences in Kazan and Stavropol, it was participated by less number of ornithologists, as the meeting was held in the middle of the field season and Orenburg is a rather distant place to reach for most ornithologists. Nevertheless, it is nice to note that this international conference was attended by 13 ornithologists from Ukraine.

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As for the conference structure, each day began with a plenary reports, and then it was held parallel work of several sections. Reports were heard on 15 sections, and, in addition, some reports were presented as posters. It was also a series of round-table discussions. To organize such a large-scale conference is a big job, and we would like to thank all the organizers, and above all a well-known birds of prey expert Anatoly Davygora. Among other positive aspects of the conference organization we would like to mention that all the information was placed at the website of Menzbir Ornithological Society. The original idea was daily broadcasting of the proceedings by students journalists, who prepared wonderful multimedia presentations and demonstrate them in-between sessions. Very convenient for the participants was the organization of daily sightseeing tours. And a special appeal of Orenburg were field trips offered in several variants and enjoyed by many participants.

Below we would like to pay a particular attention to presentations on the birds of prey.

Among the plenary sessions it should be noted a report of V.M. Galushin in co-authorship with A.B. Kostin (Moscow) about tolerant ornithology. This definition the authors understand as to study of birds by methods, minimizing the “investigation press” on their populations and communities. This aspect is of particular relevance for the study of birds of prey, which are sensitive to the research impact.
Presentation of the report: Galushin, V.M., Kostin, A.B. Tolerant Ornithology..
File size 167 KB.

The work of the section on birds of prey took place on 2 May.Conveners of the first part were V.M. Galushin and Yu.V. Milobog, second part – E.A.Rustamov, and A.V. Kuznetsov.
In the first, morning part, the following reports were presented.

Alexandr Sharikov (Moscow) gave a presentation on the peculiarities of population dynamics of birds of prey and small mammals in the northern and southern suburbs of Moscow. On the basis of nine yearm studies on two permanent plots it was analyzed the relationship of dynamics of Falconiformes and Strigiformes with abundance of small mammals. Among other things, it was found that:
− changes in the number of different species of breeding birds of prey at two permanent plots didn’t go synchronously;
− number dynamics of birds of prey is largely determined by peculiarities of specific conditions of a habitat, not just by the abundance of small mammals in a particular year;
− clear correlation between changes in the number of birds of prey and small mammals (as a whole and for individual species) was not detected, except for the Long-eared and Short-eared Owls;
− stable relationship of number dynamics of birds of prey is traced only if at once take into account fluctuations of abundance for several main prey species.
Presentation of the report: Sharikov, A.V., Volkov, S.V., Basova, V.B., Grinchenko, O.S., Ivanov, M.N., Makarov, A.V., Sviridova, T.V. Peculiarities of the number dynamics of birds of prey and small mammals in the northern and southern suburbs of Moscow.
File size 2.5 MB.

Evgeny Bragin (Naurzum Reserve) presented very interesting results of the study of summer concentrations of large raptors in Kazakhstan.Researchers have managed to combine visual methods of number estimation of such concentrations with analysis of genetic material derived from molting feathers of birds. In summer concentrations in Naurzum forest were simultaneously observe up to 50-60 Imperial Eagles, while the analysis of feathers has shown that in a single season this territory was visited by 287 individuals of this species. This fact indirectly confirms extensive migrations of immature birds within the area in searching for food. In favourable sites the Imperial Eagles can stay for a long time, forming a concentration. Today, this phenomenon remains poorly studied in relation to all birds of prey.
Presentation of the report: Bragin, E.A., Kattsner, T., Bragin, A.E. Summer concentrations of large birds of prey and a problem of estimating their numbers.
File size 15.4 MB.

Studies of Svetlana Korkinа (Penza) have showed that the construction of Penza (Surskoye) Reservoir, located in the forest-steppe zone, eventually led to increase in species diversity and density of breeding birds of prey. The situation is different within intrazonal sites of forest areas – with high rates of species diversity, population density is twice less than in the forest-steppe. An undoubted interest was caused by the news of finding four chicks in the second downy plumage in one nest of the White-tailed Eagle. The presentation has photos of this brood.
Presentation of the report: Korkina S.A. Formation of the population of birds of prey in intrazonal landscapes.
File size 9.7 MB.

Tatyana Makarova (Moscow) presented results of wintering concentrations of the Long-eared Owls in Moscow and some other regions of Russia. In the winter of 2009-2010 it was made the first attempt to coordinate the counts of these owls in cooperation with colleagues from other countries. The initiators of these works are ornithologists from Serbia, which developed a questionnaire to conduct censuses. The questionnaire was translated into Russian and adapted to the conditions of Russia. These studies overlap with the review of wintering Long-eared Owls, which we made recently at our website. We would like to express hope that from next year this project will involve Ukrainian ornithologists as well. Conference participants were interested in facts, mentioned in this report, of wintering of Short-eared Owls on trees together with Long-eared Owls.
Presentation of the report: Makarova, T.V., Sharikov, A.V. European project for monitoring of wintering Long-eared Owls and some results of this species study in Moscow.
File size 3.9 MB.

Stanislav Viter (Kharkiv), made a presentation on breeding success and productivity of the Imperial Eagle in the Seversky Donets river basin.During the years 2003-2009 eight pairs were under observation, breeding in forests of the Seversky Donets valley and 5 pairs of species in agricultural landscapes. The small sample size did not allow reliable conclusions, but found that breeding productivity was fairly stable, a slight increase of breeding success was registered. For birds in agricultural landscapes, it was observed a strong variation of the productivity of reproduction and breeding success.
Presentation of the report: (MS Power Point 2007 XML) Viter, S.G. Breeding success and productivity of the Imperial Eagle in the Seversky Donets basin.
File size 6.5 MB.

Viktor Belik (Rostov-on-Don) in collaboration with an amateur ornithologist, Valery Pimenov (Volgograd), made an interesting and colorful presentation on the Long-legged Buzzard in in the vicinity of Volgograd in Transvolga area. Amount of material collected by V.N. Pimenov is amazing. For 5 years it was surveyed approx. 3000 square kilometers, found 115 breeding sites, tracked 330 cases of breeding. This is despite the fact that most of the movements in hot arid deserts were carried by bicycle. Undoubted interest was caused by a picture the Long-legged Buzzard’s nests with 12 eggs. In recent years it had been found the Buzzard’s nests on the ground, which we saw ourselves during an expedition to Elton area after the Orenburg conference. In general, in the 2000s, despite the disappearance of sousliks and deterioration of breeding conditions in the Transvolga area, the Long-legged Buzzard continued distribution and growth of population. It began actively colonizing grown forest belts, as well as abandoned sheepyards, gardens and even residential villages.
Presentation of the report: Pimenov, V.N., Belik, V.P. Long-legged Buzzard in the vicinity of Volgograd in Transvolga area.
File size 64.4 MB.

In the second, evening part of sections on birds of prey, there were presented five reports.

The report of Alexandr Sokolov (Labytnangi City) was impressive in respect to results and emotionality. He told about satellite tracking of Peregrines breeding on the Yamal Peninsula. It turned out that the Peregrines breeding in unpopulated tundra, may spend the winter in a very crowded places. One male spent the winter at a rather limited area in the city of Baghdad (Iraq). A female spent the winter in a resort town in Portugal. Another female flew the longest distance of migration – she wintered in Africa in the Sudan. It turned out that the migration distance of this falcon does not depend on the time duration of migration.
Presentation of the report: , A.A.., Dixon, E., Sokolov. V.A. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus calidus) on the south-western Yamal Peninsula: results of satellite tracking.

Petr Tilba (Sochi) presented the results of long-term studies of number dynamics and ecology of Peregrine Falcons in the North Caucasus. Current status of the population of this raptor in the region is estimated as stable. In recent years, the population growth and tendency to increase reproductive capacity is observed.
Presentation of the report: Tilba, P.A., Mnatsekanov, R.A. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus brookei) in the North Caucasus.
File size 7.1 MB.

Yashin Atadzhanov (Turkmenistan) presented a report on the theme: “Current state of birds of prey in Kaplankyr Reserve (Turkmenistan). It was described the species composition, status and number of birds of prey in the investigated region. The report of Yashin was his debut at scientific conferences and warmly supported by all present participants.

Valentin Muzaev (Elista), made a presentation on the status of populations of the Lesser Kestrel and White-tailed Eagle in Kalmykia. The number of the Lesser Kestrel is low, but stable. The authors found five colonies of the first species, totally about 160 pairs. Four of them were located in sheepyards, one (small) in a destroyed building of the meat plant.The number of breeding White-tailed Eagle is low, the increasing trend is observed.
Presentation of the report: Muzaev, V.M., Erdnenov, G.I., Bortsov, G.E. The Lesser Kestrel and White-tailed Eagle in Kalmykia.
File size 17.1 MB.

Viktor Belik (Rostov-on-Don) gave a well-illustrated presentation on the Imperial Eagle in Volgograd Region. The data collected by a working group for over 10 years, showed a very different picture of the distribution and abundance of species than was previously known.The current number of the Imperial Eagle in Volgograd region is 75-95 pairs.Despite the deterioration of feeding conditions (reduction of sousliks), the Imperial Eagle population continues to grow.The most important adaptations, which allowed this eagle to stay and settle in anthropogenic habitats, were changes in its ecology and behavior:
- relocation to roads and villages, with more cattle and sousliks;
- occupation of forest belts and power lines for nesting.
Also essential changes were in the attitude of local population to birds of prey, increased tolerance to the eagles, which become familiar in pastures and villages and do not cause now high of curiosity of people.
Presentation of the report: (MS Power Point 2007 XML) Belik, V.P., Guguyeva, E.V., Babkin, I.G., Mahmutov, R.Sh., Mazin, O.V. The Imperial Eagle in Volgograd region.
File size 30.6 MB.

Vitaly Vetrov (Luhansk) presented a report on the current state of the Imperial Eagle in Eastern Ukraine. In recent decades, in the steppe between the rivers Seversky Donets and Dnieper it was noted a rapid increase in the numbers of this eagle at the expense of occupying a new habitat – shelter forest belts that have reached a ripe age, as well as single trees or small groves in steppe gullies. The number of the Imperial Eagle in the eastern part of Ukraine is currently estimated at not less than 70 pairs, and continues to grow.
Presentation of the report: Vetrov, V.V., Milobog, Yu.V., Vetrova, E.N. The Imperial Eagle in the interfluve of the Dnieper and the Seversky Donets.
File size 30.4 MB.

Several reports related to the study of birds of prey were presented in other sections:

Presentation of the report: Sapelnikov, S.F. Distribution of birds of prey and ravens in Kamennaya Steppe.
File size 7.9 MB.

Presentation of the report: Pokrovsky, I.G. The method of analysis of stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in determining the diets of birds of prey.
File size 2.0 MB.

Presentation of the report: Bragin, E.A Reproductive efficiency of clutches of different size of birds of prey of the family Falconidae.
File size 1.8 MB.

On the 2nd May it was a session of the Working Group on Birds of Prey,chaired by Vladimir Galushin.
It considered several issues.
1) About the 4th Conference on birds of prey in North Eurasia, which was agreed to hold in Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine) in October 2012.
2) About the preparation of essays in the volume on birds of prey “Birds of Russia and adjacent regions”.
Reference: Works on this volume was started in 2008 after the 5th Conference on Birds of Prey, held in Ivanovo. For each species of bird of prey 2-3 authors were appointed. By 2010 it had been planned to write chapters on distribution and abundance of all species. The progress at the end of April 2010: completely prepared essays of 15 species (out of 56). Some of the authors who had agreed to write essays didn’t submit yet the information on the progress of their work (the Black-winged Kite, Black Kite, Hen Harrier, Montagu’s harrier, Marsh Harrier, Rough-legged Buzzard, Bonelli’s Eagle, Hymalayan Griffon Vulture, White-rumped Vultire, Eleonora’s Falcon, Common Kestrel, American Kestrel). It was decided to replace the authors of essays if they failure to meet the deadline. The coordinator of the work on writing this monograph is V.P. Belik, which can be addressed on all relevant questions.

By the start of the conference the proceedings have been published, containing over 400 abstracts:

Ornithology of North Eurasia. Proceedings of the 13th International Ornithological Conference of North Eurasia. Abstracts / Edited by E.N. Kurochkin, A.V. Davygora. – Orenburg: Publ. House of Orenburg State Pedagogical University, IPK GOU OGU, 2010. – 362 pp.

Like every big meeting, the Orenburg conference was full of discussions, communication with friends and colleagues. Undoubtedly, all participants remembered a banquet organized at the end of the conference in the national village. All of us will remember for a long time the most interesting moments of this conference and expect next meeting as well. As a preliminary decision, it was approved to hold the 14th International Ornithological Conference of North Eurasia in 2015 in Penza City.

Maxim Gavrilyuk

According to results of the conference the proceedings were published: Zoological science in modern society. Proceedings of the all-Ukrainian Scientific Conference dedicated to 175-years anniversary of foundation of the Department of Zoology of Kyiv National University named after T.G.Shevchenko (15-18 September 2009, Kyiv-Kaniv). Kyiv: Fitosociotsentr, 2009. 532 p. [in Ukrainian]. The proceedings include three publications on birds of prey:

Modern Study of Birds of Prey and Owls. Materials of ІІІ International Scientific Conference «Birds of prey and Owls of Ukraine», Kryvyi Rih, 24–25 October 2008 / Gavrilyuk M.N., Fesenko H.V. (eds.). – Kryvyi Rih, 2008. – 412 p.

The book includes reports and posters submitted on scientific conference held in Kryvyi Rih on October 2008 and contains data of last study in broad range of questions of ecology, protection and use of birds of prey and owls distributed mainly in Eastern Europe. Materials of the book can be interested by professional ornithologists, environmental workers and amateurs in pedigreed pigeons breeding and falconry.

If you are not an author of one of articles included in the book, it costs for you 25 UAH. The book can be bought in Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Bogdan Hmelnitsky str, 15 – to apply to Hennadiy Fesenko.

If you want to receive the book by post, contact please Yurij Milobog ym@raptors.org.ua. For additional information just send a message to info@raptors.org.ua.

Contents:

1. Abuladze, А. V. Bonelli’s Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus (Vieill.) in Georgia and adjacent areas. 5−10.
2. Abuladze, А. V. Edisherashvili, G.V. Results of winter birds-of-prey census in Georgia in February 2006. 11–18.
3. Andryushchenko, Yu. A., Popenko, V. M. New data on birds of prey and owls in the steppe Crimea. 19−24.
4. Belik, V. P., Vetrov, V. V., Milobog, Yu. V., Malovichko, L. V. Breeding of the Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca Sav.) in the steppe Stavropolie. 25−27.
5. Belik, V. P., Milobog, Yu. V., Vetrov, V. V, Guguieva, E. V. Materials for estimating numbers of the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina C.L. Brehm) on Krasnodar Territory and Adyghei. 28−32.
6. Bokotey, A. A., Dziubenko, N. V. Location and numbers dynamics of birds of prey in Lviv. 33−38.
7. Buchko, V. V., Cheremnykh, N. M. Trophic links of the Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo (L.) in Halytsky National Natural Park. 39−44.
8. Veselsky, M. F., Kratiuk, O. L. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos (L.) in Zhytomyr region. 45−50.
9. Vetrov, V. V., Milobog, Yu. V. Distribution of the Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca Sav.) in the steppe area of Ukraine. 51−54.
10. Vetrov, V. V., Remizov, A.Yu., Shkrabaliuk, A. P. About breeding of the Barn Owl (Tyto alba (Scop.) in the Crimea. 55−57.
11. Vintchevski, D. E. Selective consumption of different parts of small prey by Montagu’s Harriers (Circus pygargus (L.) in Western Belarus. 58−64.
12. Vintchevski, D. E., Koks B., Trierweiler C., Visser E. Satellite tracking of Montagu’s Harriers (Circus pygargus (L.) origing from Western Belarus: preliminary data. 65−72.
13. Havrylenko, V. S., Listopadsky, M. А. Birds of prey in natural and transformed ecosystems of the Biosphere Reserve “Askania-Nova”. 73−78.
14. Gavrilyuk, M. N., Gryshchenko, V. M. Breeding productivity of the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla (L.) in Ukraine in 1988-2008. 79−85.
15. Galushin, V. M., Kostin, A. B. Birds of prey and tolerant ornithology. 86−90.
16. Herasymchuk, O. O. About fauna of birds of prey on sludge pits and technogenic pools of Kryvbas (Kryvyi Rih area). 91−94.
17. Gorban, I. M., Dzyziuk, O. I. Birds of prey of the “Maidan” hunting area (Lviv region). 95−98.
18. Gryshchenko, V. N. Birds of prey in the Kaniv Reserve and neighbouring areas. 99−105.
19. Domashevsky, S. V. Birds of prey and owls in the “Mezhrechensky” Regional Landscape Park. 106−117.
20. Domashevsky, S. V., Vetrov, V. V. A new record of the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus (L.) in the Crimea. 118.
21. Domashevsky, S. V., Vetrov, V. V., Ragyov, D. N., Dixon, A. A case of the Saker (Falco cherrug J.E. Gray) incubating a clutch of the Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus L.). 119.
22. Domashevsky, S. V., Kostiushin, V. A. Breeding of the Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus L.) in the south of Kyiv Polissia. 120−121.
23. Domashevsky, S.V., Kostiushin, V. A., Pismennyi, K. A. A breeding group of the Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus (Cretzschm.) in the south of Kyiv region. 122−124.
24. Dombrovsky, V. Ch., Zhuravlev, D. V. Rare species of birds of prey in strictly protected nature areas of Belarus Polissia bordering with Ukraine. 125−133.
25. Ivanovsky, V. V. Results of long-term experience in attraction of birds of prey to artificial nests. 134−138.
26. Kapeliukh, Ya. I. Birds of prey and owls in the Natural Reserve “Medobory”. 139−145.
27. Kyiko, A. O, Gorban, I. M., Gorban, L. I. Birds of prey (Falconiformes) in the Natural Reserve “Roztochchia”. 146−150.
28. Kinda, V. V. A record of the Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes (Severtzov) in the Crimea. 151−152.
29. Kitel, D. A., Prokopchuk, V. V. Breeding of the Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo (L.) on artificial nesting platforms in the south-west of Belarus. 153−157.
30. Knysh, N. P. Status of population and biology of the Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus (L.) in the forest-steppe area of Sumy region. 158−161.
31. Knysh, N. P., Stativa, A. I., Bugaev, I. A., Savostian, V. M., Kuksa, Yu. V. Spring migration of birds of prey (Falconiformes) in the forest-steppe zone of the North-Eastern Ukraine. 162−167.
32. Kostin, S. Yu. Retrospective analysis of Falconiformes status in the Crimea. 168−182.
33. Koshelev, A. I., Kopylova, T. V., Koshelev, V. A. Birds of prey occupying Corvidae nests in the Northern Priazovie. 183−186.
34. Koshelev, A. I., Koshelev, V. A., Peresadko, L. V., Dubinina, Yu. Yu. Resistance of waterbird colonies to attacks birds of prey. 187−192.
35. Koshelev, A. I., Nikolenko, A. N., Gorshkov, A. A. Birds of prey and owls, pedigreed pigeons and pigeon-breeders in Ukraine: escalation of conflict. 193−198.
36. Koshelev, А. I., Peresadko, L. V., Spenser, I., Spenser, B. Birds of prey of Texas: autumn aspect. 199−201.
37. Кошелев В. А., Koshelev, V. A. Birds of prey in ornithocomplexes of Northern Priazovie. 202−204.
38. Kravchenko, S. H. Data on feeding the Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus (Cretzschm.) in Prysamarie. 205−209.
39. Kuzmenko, Yu. V., Fedun, O. M., Kornienko, T. M. Autumn migration of birds of prey in Chernihiv region. 210–216.
40. Kucherenko, V. N. Birds of prey (Falconiformes) in Western Crimea. 217−222.
41. Malovichko, L. V., Konstantinov, V. M. Influence of the Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus (L.) on breeding success of Waders in the Central Ciscaucasia. 223−228.
42. Malovichko, L. V., Fedosov, V. N., Blokhin, G. I., Safatov, P. V. About birds-of-prey death on the Central Ciscaucasia highways. 229−234.
43. Matviychuk, O. A., Pirkhal, A. B. Numbers and distribution of birds of prey in Vinnytsia region. 235−240.
44. Matsiura, O. V., Matsiura, M. V. Black-Sea-region-meteorological-condition influence on time and intensity of migration of some birds-of-prey species in the Middle East. 241−248.
45. Melnikov, V. N. Falcons (Falco) in the east of the upper Volga region. 249−254.
46. Milobog, Yu. V., Vetrov, V. V. Current status of the Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus (Gm.) in Ukraine. 255−259.
47. Mistriukova, L. M. Peculiarities of Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus (L.) breeding in Bilogrudivskyi Forest of Uman district. 260−262.
48. Mitiay, I. S., Strihunov, V. I. Problems and prospectives of studying egg forms of Falconiformes. 263−273.
49. Moroz, V. A., Halushchenko, S. V., Rusin, M. Yu. Data on numbers of birds of prey in Provalskaia steppe. 274−278.
50. Nadtochy, A. S. New records of the Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus (Cretzschm.) in Kharkiv region. 279−280.
51. Oleinik, D. S., Redinov, K. A., Formaniuk, O. A. About migration of birds of prey across the Kinburn Peninsula in autumn 2006. 281−285.
52. Petrovych, Z. O., Redinov, K. O. Revealing the concentration site of Red-footed Falcons (Falco vespertinus L.) during autumn migration in the North-Western Black Sea area. 286−289.
53. Petrovych, Z. O., Redinov, K. O. Breeding birds of prey on the Kinburn Peninsula. 290−295.
54. Petrovnin, S. V. Use of different types of falconry perches when keeping birds of prey. 296−299.
55. Pilipenko, D. V. Birds of prey of artificial forests in the south of Donetsk region: historical review and current status. 300−306.
56. Pismennyi, K. A. Breeding of the Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus (Gm.) in Kyiv region and problems of its adaptation to human economic activity. 307−311.
57. Polishchuk, I. K. Influence of snow cover on the diet of the Long-eared Owl (Asio otus (L.) in the Biosphere Reserve “Askania-Nova”. 312−318.
58. Ponomarenko, O. L. Comparative analysis of feeding of the Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis (L.) and Buzzard (Buteo buteo (L.) in Prisamarie (Dnipropetrovk region). 319−325.
59. Redinov, K. O., Petrovych, Z. O., Oliynyk, D. S. The Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis (L.) in Mykolayiv region. 326−337.
60. Redinov, K. O., Petrovych, Z. O., Formaniuk, O. O., Panchenko, P. S. Winter records of the Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga Pall.) and Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos (L.) in the North-Western Black Sea area. 338−343.
61. Remizov, A. Yu., Vetrov, V. V. A find of nestlings of the Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo (L.) in the Crimea. 344.
62. Seliverstov, N. M. Problems and prospectives of studying egg colouration of birds of prey (Falconifomes). 345−349.
63. Strihunov, V. I. History of Ukrainian Working Group on Birds of Prey and Owls. 350−353.
64. Syzhko, V. V. About the status of the Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga Pall.) and the Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca Sav.) in Dnipropetrovsk region. 354−358.
65. Fesenko, H. V. Ethic and natural aspects of the conflict between amateur pigeon-breeding and protection of birds of prey and owls. 359−363.
66. Tsvelykh, A. N. Wintering of the Buzzard (Buteo buteo (L.) in Mountainous Crimea. Analysis of colouration morphs and population origin of wintering birds. 364−369.
67. Tsvelykh, A. N. Fauna of birds of prey of Mountainous Crimea in Upper Pleistocene. 370−373.
68. Chaplyhina, A. B. Ecological characteristics of the Long-eared Owl (Asio otus (L.) in urban landscapes (in Kharkiv in particular). 374−377.
69. Shevtsov, A. O. Current status of population of the Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus (Cretzschm.) in Kirovohrad region. 379−384.
70. Shepel, A. I. Some results of studying trophic links of birds of prey (according to meetings in North Eurasia). 385−389.
71. Shergalin, E. E. The history of falconry in the Crimea. 390−394.
72. Yanchuk, I. S. Birds of prey (Falconiformes) in the eastern outskirts of Kryvyi Rih. 395−401.

The meeting was hosted by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, EAD and International Wildlife Consultants Ltd., IWC (Great Britain).

The agenda included three main sections of issues. The first section reviewed current knowledge of the Saker range and numbers. The second considered problems of CITES, and the third raised problems of captive breeding of the bird in countries of Europe and GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council).

12›

Reports from all Saker Range Countries were presented. From Ukraine reported Vitaly Vetrov and Yury Milobog, members of the Ukrainian Birds of Prey Research Centre. Their presentation told about distribution and numbers of this raptor in Ukraine and Moldova. Basing on results of researches from other European countries it has been concluded that Ukraine holds the biggest population of the Saker in European part of the range. Nowadays the species numbers in Ukraine are estimated up to 270-310 breeding pairs. Majority of the population concentrates in the steppe zone and nests on poles of power lines.

Among reports of other participants we would like to pay attention to the following ones.
The presentation of author’s group (Istvan Balazc, Janos Bagyura, Hans-Martin Berg, David Horal, Andras Kovacs) on the Saker population in Central Europe (Germany, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro). By now in these countries it is recorded up to 299-338 breeding pairs, of them 180-200 breed in Hungary. It is nice to see an increasing trend in numbers. The report by Jevgeny Shergalin (IWC, Great Britain) analyzed the species population in Central Asia. Over the last eight years numbers of this falcon were greatly reduced, and suggested reasons are illegal trade, loss of habitats and electrocution. Elvira Nikolenko (Siberian Environmental Centre, Russia) in her presentation reviewed current status of Russian population and habitat fidelity, using massive data of field researches.
Participants of the meeting were also interested in the report by Matyas Prommer (MME/BirdLife, Hungary) telling about first results of the satellite tracking of Sakers in Central Europe. As it became evident, birds breeding in Hungary visit not only Ukraine during their movements and migrations but also Belarus and Russia.
A number of presentations touched problems of the Saker conservation. The report by Alexey Vaisman (TRAFFIC, Europe-Russia) analyzed scale of trapping and illegal trade in Russia. Over the last decade the volume of illegal trade has increased. According to author’s estimation in Altai-Sayany region about 1000 Sakers are trapped annually! It was mentioned that one of the routes of illegal transportation lies through Ukraine as we had written earlier at our website. Hungarian colleagues in their report analyzed the Saker mortality rate from electrocution on power lines. According to their estimation, it causes deaths of 3-5% Hungarian population.

In general, we would like to note rather high level of study and conservation of the Saker in Hungary. They have a large-scale population monitoring programme, and place a large quantity of artificial nests (as a result, most nests on power lines are located on these artificial nest sites), carry out activities to increase safety of power lines for preventing electrocution of birds.
The second and third sections of issues were a follow-up of the 9^th Meeting of Parties of UNEP’s Convention of Migratory Species (CMS), held in Rome in 2008, where a proposal to upgrade the species to Appendix 1 of the Convention had been deferred till all aspects of Saker conservation is discussed in a separate meeting of the Saker Range States and other key stakeholders.
During a three-day meeting in Abu-Dhabi the participants reviewed status of the Saker population in Europe, Russia, Central Asia, Mongolia and China. Information presented in the reports concerned practical aspects of conservation and captive breeding, there was discussed an actual scale of illegal trade and legal use of birds in Arabian falconry.

The delegates also visited Falcon Hospital in Abu Dhabi.

Conclusions and recommendations of the meeting are presented below.

Yury Milobog, Vitaly Vetrov

For me, conferences look like meetings of friends – some you meet often, others you haven’t seen for ages. On arriving you also see new faces. This time it was similar.

The conference gathered many people in love with birds of prey. They had a lot to discuss. Undoubtedly, importance of the conference was added by participation of Russian and Byelorussian colleagues, represented by such well-known ornithologists as V.M. Galushin, V.P. Belik, V.V. Ivanovsky, L.V. Malovichko. Among other Byelorussian colleagues of ‘young and middle generation’ it was pleasant to see V.Ch. Dombrovsky, D.E. Vinchevsky, D.A. Kitel, taking active part in the conference.

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Photos by: S.A. Gladkevich, E.V. Gugueva, M.N. Gavrilyuk, K.A. Pismennyi, N.M. Seliverstov

Probably many participants wondered why the conference is called ‘third’. All doubts were cleared up by Vladimir Strigunov, the Chairman of Working Group of Falcons and Owls of Ukraine. The first workshop was in 1985, Melitopol, the second in 1988, Kyiv, during the second conference on birds of prey of the USSR.

Over 40 reports were presented at Kryvyi Rih conference. As for me I would like to mention the following.

The presentation of Vladimir Galushin about tolerant ornithology touched actual problems of bioethics. When study birds of prey, we do not always think about birds suffering from investigation press. Mr. Galushin correctly reminded us about it, using a postulate that ‘a blank spot in science is better than emptiness in nature’.
Sincere interest and I could say, even admiration, caused a report by Vladimir Ivanovsky about attraction of birds of prey to artificial nests. If someone did at least a birdhouse or nestling box, he can understand scale of this work. During 25 years it was made and hung out 219 artificial nests (2 to 5 nests in each group)! Here is a real contribution of a scientist in conservation of birds!
Vitaly Vetrov without extra pomposity told about results of investigations of birds of prey in steppe zone of Ukraine for the last decade. A work group including V.V. Vetrov, Yu.V. Milobog and V.I. Strigunov surveyed it almost completely, length of automobile routes exceeded 50,000 km. The steppe zone of Ukraine is undoubtedly best investigated for birds of prey.
The report of V. Dombrovsky revived the audience. Though dedicated to transboundary protected areas, it awoke interest in translocation of Sakers. These three falcons, marked with satellite transmitters flew (in spite of generally accepted views on their migration) across Belarus, Ukraine, and even into Russia.
Ivan Mitiay always surprises. It seemed nothing new could be discovered in oology. But it turns out there are many unsolved issues. Results are also interesting: according to oological indices it is possible to distinguish related species and subspecies of birds of prey (Black Kite and Red Kite, Lesser Kestrel and Common Kestrel, Buteo buteo buteo and Buteo buteo vulpinus, etc.)
Speeches of Viktor Belik were also an example of high ornithological professionalism. Earlier, literature data of the Imperial Eagle breeding in Stavropol Territory were limited by finds of 2 nests in 1980s. However, in May 2008, Viktor Belik investigated Stavropol Territory by car together with Vitaly Vetrov, Yury Milobog and Lyubov Malovichko and found 2 new nests for two days. During this trip they also discovered 28 breeding sites of other rare species of the Northern Caucasus namely the Lesser Spotted Eagle.
D.E. Vinchevsky presented interested data on diet traits of the Montagu’s Harrier, earlier I had been puzzled why they do not eat entrails of mouse-like rodents. I would like to note a high observation keenness of the author, large volume of collected material and its high scientific quality.
The report of N.A. Bagrikova on breeding of Black Vulture in the Crimea proved my idea that some species are not rare, but poor studied. Sometimes unexpected discoveries wait for us nearby. The same can be said about reports of V.V. Vetrov on breeding Barn Owl and Eagle Owl in the Crimea.
Presentation of A.N. Tsvelykh about wintering of different coloration morphs of the Buzzard in the Crimea impressed by thoroughness of collected material. Indirect data, without use of traditional methods of investigation, demonstrate their migratory relocations.
It was interesting to listen to S. Gladkevich about his experience of taking pictures of birds. It’s a pity that little time remained for this report.

Generally, the conference stayed in memory with its warm atmosphere, friendly reception and sincere interest of participants in study and conservation of raptors. A light feeling of sorrow remained because the conference so quickly finished…
The only regret you had no time to communicate with someone, ask something or share some news. It means, this can be done at next meetings.

Impressions presented by Maxim Gavrilyuk

The conference was organized by Kryvyi Rih State Pegagogical University, Bohdan Khmelnitskyi National University in Cherkasy, Ukrainian Centre of Investigation on Birds of Prey.

The reports and discussions have shown increased interest of biological science in studying of Falconiformes, high scientific and methodical level of researches of different aspects of their ecology, distribution and numbers in Ukraine and neighboring countries, and care about protection of these birds in modern ecosystems.

The conference has resolved:

An agenda of the 3d International scientific conference «Birds of prey of Ukraine» is offered to your attention.

The Organization Committee

We invite you to take part in the 3d International scientific conference “Birds of prey of Ukraine”, which will be held 24-25th October 2008, at Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University.
INFORMATION LETTER No 1.

The conference covers the following issues:
− territorial distribution and numbers of birds of prey in Ukraine;
− changes in bird’s ranges;
− breeding biology;
− feeding;
− migrations;
− practical value and protection;
– use of birds of prey in hunting;

The Organizing Committee encourages the participants to propose scientific topics for the conference and round-table discussions, to propose your videofilms for watching, etc. Your propositions will be taken into account in a final programme of the conference. This programme will be sent each person, applied for participation.
The proceedings of the conference will be published as a separate edition.
Languages of the conference are Ukrainian, Russian, and English.
The application form is submitted before 15th April 2008 by the following address:

Strigunov Volodymyr,
Prospekt Gagarina 54,
Department of Zoology
Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University
Kryvyi Rih, 50086, Ukraine
or via E-mail: milobog@gmail.com

All information about accommodation costs and rules for publications will be given in Information Letter No 2, which we shall send after receiving your filled application form. Additional information can be received by the phone:
+38 056 4094302, +38 067 5640095 – Yury Milobog.