A - Trap sprung B - Trap set 
Figure 3: The Samus trap for catching a lone bird. 
Results 
Migrants of 33 species were identified during the project, of which 25 
were passerines and eight non-passerines. The total number of indi- 
viduals collected was 8,214 in 1990; 8,305 the next year and 11,140 in 
1992 (see appendix 1). The daily occurrence of the fifteen most abun- 
dant species during spring 1990-1992 is displayed in tables 1-3. 
Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus proved to be the commonest species 
caught on Qummah, constituting 15% of the total number of birds 
captured. Most arrived between 20-25 April (see figure 4). Red- 
backed Shrike L.collurio constituted between 8-12% of the total catch in 
the three springs. This species acts as a signal to the villagers of the 
beginning of the massive arrivals of other migrants In consequence a 
special ceremony, where the local people gather to dance and recite 
chants, is held upon the first day of this species' arrival. The phenolo- 
gy of the Red-backed Shrike was similar each spring despite the low 
, total numbers in 1991 (see figure 5). The Great Grey Shrike L.excubitor 
and the Lesser Grey Shrike L.minor showed no overlap in their arrival; 
4 
