51 
There should be little possibility of confusion with Whimbrel because of 
that species' distinctive head pattern and voice. The above features 
should allow confident separation from Curlew, particularly where the two 
species are seen together. Care must be taken, however, where 
Slender-billed Curlew is seen in isolation, particularly in autumn, as 
immature Curlew can be notably small and short-billed, whilst individuals 
of the eastern sub-species of Curlew ( N. a. orientalis ) can be quite pale, 
with white underwings. 
References 
Berg, A. B. van den 1988. Identification of Slender-billed Curlew and its 
occurrence in Morocco in winter of 1987/88. Dutch Birding 10: 45-53. 
Marchant, J. H. 1984. Identification of Slender-billed Curlew. British 
Birds 77: 135-140. 
Porter, R. F. 1984. Mystery Photographs: Slender-billed Curlew. British 
Birds 77: 581-586. 
Sultan Marshes and Seyfe G81U receive full protection 
Turkey's State Planning Organisation has now given full protection to both 
the Sultan Marshes and Lake Seyfe, in Central Anatolia. Both areas have 
been declared "strict nature reserves" under relatively new legislation, 
and are the largest wetlands so far to have been protected under these 
laws. It is hoped that the legislation is sufficient to deal with the 
various threats to the areas. The ornithological importance of the Sultan 
Marshes is described in "Die Sultanssumpf e" and of Seyfe Golii in Birds of 
Turkey 2; both publications are available from OSME Sales. (Information 
supplied by Max Kasparek.) 
Little Egret colony protected 
Following the construction of a dyke and some years of low rainfall, the 
water level in Lake Bafa, southwest Anatolia, fell considerably after 
1985. (see Der Bafasee, available from OSME Sales). The site of a Little 
Egret colony dried out, and the birds moved to an olive grove. The 
numbers (based on nest counts after the breeding season were: 
Little egret 
Grey heron 
1987 
97 
3 
1988 
247 
47 
