A few recent observations from a short visit to Essaouira (6 – 11 May): There were unusually large numbers (for the Essaouira area) of several migrants, including 16 Flamingo (9 May), over 30 Spoonbill (6 – 9 May), groups of Golden Orioles up to 10 birds together (6 and 10 May) and a flock of 45 Griffon Vultures passing northward on 9 May. Other sightings included Cuckoo (7 and 9 May), Black Kite (9 – 10 May) and a single Hobby with a group of Eleonora’s Falcons on 9 May (Peter Greig-Smith).