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Between 13 and 30 September 2000, a waterbird census of Lake Orumieh and bordering marshes was carried out. The main purpose of the project was to update the information of the value of the wetlands of North-West Iran for migrating waterbirds, since little research has been carried out there after the 1970s.
In total 67 waterbird species were observed. The numbers of seven species meet the Ramsar criteria listed by Fiose and Scott (1997): Black-necked Grebe, Shelduck, Greater Flamingo, Slender-billed Gull, Avocet and Armenian Gull, which underlines the value of the area for migrating waterbirds. The most numerous species was Black-necked Grebe, with a total of 24,921 at Lake Orumieh. Armenian Gull (1,253) and Slender-billed Gull (2,907) were also particularly common. Greater Flamingo was very common, with a total of 15,993, almost exclusively found at the mudflats and shallows of Lake Orumieh. These parts were also attractive to Shelducks, of which 14,521 were counted. Avocet, totalling 6,599, appeared to be the most common wader. Two species in danger of extinction according to IUCN criteria (Birdlife International 2000 Threatened Birds of the World) were observed. The vulnerable Marbled Teal was observed at Gorigol and at least 21 individuals of the endangered White-headed Duck were counted at Shorgul. Among these White-headed Ducks we observed one female with three pulli, suggesting breeding nearby.
These results show significant numbers for bird species from various guilds in the Wetlands of Northwestern Iran in Autumn. Water level fluctuations are frequent in this area, and regular monitoring of bird numbers in response to this water level change should be the next step in understanding the value of this area for migratory waterfowl.
