Aktobe oblast.

Between Irgiz and Karabutak the landscape quite a quickly changes from semi-desert to steppe. In early morning on roadsides I regularly watched Larks most notable of which were Black Larks (both adults and juveniles). In addition to Black Larks there were a lot of other Larks (probably Skylarks and Short-toed Larks but I am not sure). The morning was mostly overcast, in Karabutak I noticed the first northern birds - White Wagtails, Hooded Crows, Northern Wheatear. Also in Karabutak I saw one Rosy Starling.

Belkopa. The flock of Common Starlings moved on steppe with the cattle herd, also near cattle Yellow Wagtails fed. Another one Rosy Starling.

On roadsides till Aktubinsk, in asian elm thickets there were many of little falcons (mostly Red-footed Falcons and Kestrels) and Wood Pigeons. Once I saw Pallid Harrier and once the flock of White-winged Terns. Over Belkopa I saw two Sociable Lapwings (in my opinion). Pair of Demoiselle Crane was observed about 100 kilometers before Chromtau. In same place near wheat fields Black-winged Pratincoles flew by. Aktubunsk - Khobda. Evening time. Sometimes Grey Partridges were noted.