Over the hump..

Week 08, 20 February 2016 - Sabah Al Ahmad Sea City, Khiran

I was expecting a good outing today, but unfortunately came away disappointed with low species diversity in blustery and cool conditions.

There was not much to be found anywhere, as birds stayed low and out of the wind. The highlight however, was a number of Common Quail that with patience eventually showed themselves, to warm up in the early morning rays..

Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)

A pair of Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)

A pair of Crested Larks were found foraging in the desert habitat

Crested Lark (Galerida cristata)

As were a number of Isabelline Wheatears

Isabelline Wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina)

The numbers of Gulls have certainly reduced, but I found a small mixed flock of Gulls, Cormorants and Terns on a sheltered beach. Caspian was the obvious Gull

Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans)

As was the Caspian Tern

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia)

Not 100% sure about these two Gulls though...again!

Gull sp.

Possible Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans) ??

Out in the desert, the Desert Iris will soon be looking like a 'purple' carpet - they really do have stunning and delicate little flowers.

Desert Blue Flag Iris (Gynandriris sisyrinchium)

And with this post, finally, my backlog is caught up!