Kuwait Birding

Flies, damn flies!

2012-02-20T15:35:00.003+03:00

Week 07 - Wafra Farms and Kirhan

A Masked Wagtail had been found a week ago by a visiting Swiss group of birders, in the south of the country. After my son's golf lesson, armed with a Google map provided by Abdulrahman, we headed south in gloomy overcast weather in the hope that it would still be there. This gave me the opportunity to teach my son how to read a map and foir him to navigate us to the site. It was a long drive for what is still considered a sub-species of White Wagtail, but we took it as an adventure to have a look at this striking bird.

When we arrived at the location, pretty much a compost heap from a nearby chicken battery - we found Pekka, whose car was almost 40% covered in flies (on the outside), so much so that it looked mottled. The reason for the bird activity was obvious, the flies were their food too.

Wasnt this going to fun to open the window for a photograph. The bird was around, but it took some time for us (actually Jaden) to locate it - but unfortunately on the other side of a fence.

I grabbed a few record shots of the Masked Wagtail (through the fence), but in doing so, provided an opportunity for very many flies to come swarming into the car.

Masked Wagtail (Motacilla a. personata)

Since we already had flies irritating us in the car, we missed photographing a skittish Finschs Wheatear, but got another record shot of an early arrival in the form of a Woodchat Shrike - letting in some more flies.

Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator)

By now the flies were too much for us, so we headed back East finding a large herd of camels on the Wafra Road

Camel herd on the Wafra Road

We then headed a short way south past Kirhan, where we were able to relocate the Red-tailed Wheatear still in gloomy conditions.

Red-tailed Wheatear (Oenanthe chrysopygia)

By now lunch was calling, so a drive back to friends, still trying to get rid of the flies in the car (in fact that took a few days) for any enjoyable rest of the day. What was quite amazing though, is that a fly can stick to the bonnet (a pretty smooth surface) up to 120 km/h before it could hold on no more!

In search of the Med

2012-02-15T21:10:00.002+03:00

Week 05 - 04 February 2102, Green Island and Sharq

A Med Gull had been found by Pekka and his group earlier in the week, while I was in South Africa. So, after my son Jaden's golf lesson we headed to Green Island for a look see...

It was a long shot and we were unsuccessful, nevertheless we enjoyed a stroll around this man-made island and I was able to try and teach Jaden some id features of the more common birds.

We found a small group of Great Cormorants on an exposed Sandbank

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Then flushed a pale form Indian Pond Heron that was feeding on the bank.

Pale form Indian Reef Heron (Egretta g. schistacea)

Today, the Red-vented Bulbuls were a little more obliging

Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer)

and the male Ruppells Weaver made a statement in it's breeding plumage with a number of new nests hanging in a nearby tree

Ruppell's Weaver (Ploceus galbula)

At Sharq Mall, someone was feeding the gulls and quite a frenzy was created. The majority were Caspian and Common Black-headed Gulls, although I did check to see if there was a Med Gull lurking amongst them.

Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans)

Caspian Gulls? and Common Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) squabbling over scraps

A few days with Biodiversity East

2012-02-08T13:21:00.002+03:00

Week 04 - 25 - 28 January 2012, various sites around Kuwait

We are working on an exciting project with the team from Biodiversity East and they were in Kuwait for a few days to meet with the Sponsor of the project and to visit some of our birding hotspots.

25 Jan 12

The first site visited was Pivot Fields and this is truly a fantastic location that has turned up many specials and rarities throughout the year. Following the very little rain, some flowers added a splash of colour in amongst the green

A splash of colour

This male Spanish Sparrow one of the victims from a shooter seen driving around on the outside of the farm

Wounded male Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis)

Today was one of the biggest solar flares in the last 6-years and I'm not sure if this caused some of the strange cloud formations in the sky

I understand this is called a Sun Dog and is caused by ice crystals very high up in the atmosphere

Sun Dog?

Here a very strange circular cloud that slowly dissipated

Strange clouds

We had some good bird sightings, including some obliging Desert Wheatears

Male Desert Wheatear (Oenanthe deserti)

A Black-crowned Night Heron coming in to roost, after it had been flushed by a Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)

We then headed to another great site called Jahra Pools Reserve where we found Bluethroat

Red-spotted Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica)

and still many White Wagtails

White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)

And this injured adult Greater Flamingo - possibly, actually probably from shooters

Injured/wounded Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)

At Sulaibikhat, we were surprised to see White-winged Tern in full breeding plumage as we wrapped up the day

White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus)

26 Jan 12

This was a special afternoon as we had managed to arrange a recce to Boubiyan Island with the coastguard. Unfortunately, due to fading light we were not able to see as much of the island we had hoped for - but it still was very exciting nevertheless

Some Grey Herons on the breakwater as we departed

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)

One of 4 Great Black-headed Gulls seen while steaming north up the Gulf

Great Black-headed Gull (Larus ichthyaetus)

Heading North

Many Great Cormorants were seen on the water and roosting on some of the buoys

Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Once at Boubiyan, we encountered numbers of Armenian Gulls

Armenian Gull (Larus armenicus)

As the light was fading, photograph opportunities were limited - but we were able to land on the island and explore some of the habitat

Boubiyan Island habitat

On the way back to the mother ship, we were treated to a glorious sunset

Magnificent Boubiyan sunset

27 Jan 12

Most of the day was spent inside SAANR and although we did not see a variety of birds, this pristine desert was enjoyed by all

The Wadi's on the ridge just inside the reserve produced Eastern Mourning Wheatear and Arabian Red Fox

Eastern Mourning Wheater (Oenanthe lugens) in wadi habitat

As well as some pretty cool landscape

SAANR landscape

At Tuhla, we had an Eurasian Sparrowhawk roosting in the cover and an Eastern Imperial Eagle pass by overhead in the strong wind

Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca)

28 Jan 12

Our last day together was spent at the Al Abraq oasis farm in the far west.

We arrived early in the morning and again enjoyed exploring all aspects of this farm.

A slow orientation drive around the farm produced one of many adult Blackbirds

Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula)

We then parked the cars and explored on foot, finding Daurian Shrike

Daurian Shrike (Lanius isabellinus)

Mauryan Grey Shrike

Mauryan Grey Shrike (Lanius lahotra)

In one of the pens, we saw an injured Cinereous Vulture that was been kept for safe keeping

Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus)

and a few Water Pipits at the big pond in front of the house; where Aris had seen and photographed a single male Dead Sea Sparrow

Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta)

Here is the very happy team after the end of a successful visit to Kuwait

L to R - Graham, Stamitis, Vasso, Nancy, Aris and yours truly

2-days Guiding

2012-02-05T16:34:00.002+03:00

Week 03 - 20 and 21 January 2012 - various sites in Kuwait

I had the pleasure of guiding David Fisher from the UK for 2-days and to find a few specific species he was after.

This winter has been one of the more dismal years for Hypcolius, for unknown reasons and of course this was David's key target bird.

After picking David up from the Ibis we headed straight to Green Island, Jahra Farm and back to Green Island for this enigmatic species. The fruiting trees they normally feed on in winter had already lost their fruit, so we check all other trees and palms that may have fruit - but to no avail.

We did find White-eared Bulbul, one of the easier target species

White-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus l. leucotis)

Of interest the male Ruppells Weaver (present last year) was in the process of nest building in full breeding plumage. There is no reason why this species should not establish a sustainable breeding population over the coming years

Ruppells Weaver (Ploceus galbula)

Since we had no luck with the key bird, we headed off stopping at Sharq Harbour and finding a stunning Great Black-headed Gull

Great Black-headed Gull (Larus ichthyaetus)

No luck at all with Crab Plover in Sulaibikhat or Doha Spur, but a Long-legged Buzzard was a consolation

Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus)

We then headed to Jahra Pools finding many Pallid Swift hawking over the ponds

Pallid Swift (Apus pallidus)

together with Barn Swallows - it appears some may have over-wintered in Kuwait

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

Along the Jahra coast we were very fortunate with an obliging Macqueen's Bustard and the best views I have had since arriving in Kuwait in 2006 and a great bird to wrap up the first day's birding.

Macqueen’s Bustard (Chlamydotis macqueenii)

Saturday brought bitterly cold weather and the mercury didnt get into double figures the whole day. We headed to Pivot Fields, but could not get access today. As it was still early, we headed a long way south just past Khiran and were successful in finding Red-tailed Wheatear, in fact this was the only bird we found at this site.

Red-tailed Wheatear (Oenanthe chrysopygia)

Although a long drive, it was worth it for David. Now it was back up to Green Island in time for the gates to be opened. A Red-vented Bulbul was of no interest

Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer)

I had talked to Pekka who described where only one bird was seen earlier in the week (although I had already checked this place carefully yesterday). David and I agreed to stay in this place for as long as possible and would you know, we were rewarded with a single male bird that flew in. Very quickly it dropped down to feed briefly on some dates lying on the floor before disappearing. It re-appeared later to quickly feed and then was not seen again - but David was elated, as was I.

Hypocolius (Hypocolius ampelinus)

We stopped again at Sharq harbour finding another Great Black-headed Gull

Great Black-headed Gull (Larus ichthyaetus)

and many Common Black-headed Gulls

Winter plumage Common Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

together with a few Caspian Gulls

Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans)

Again no Crab Plovers at Sulaibikhat, but we did find around 137 Pied Avocets

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)

A brief stop in SAANR didnt produce to much with birds doing their best to stay out of the cold, although we did find a male Desert Wheatear to wrap up the 2-days birding. For David, bird of the trip was undoubtable the Hypocolius with a few other highlights in what was an enjoyable 2-days birding.

Male Desert Wheatear (Oenanthe deserti)

Heavy cloud, little rain

2012-01-09T17:03:00.000+03:00

Week 01 - 07 January 2012, Jahra Pools, Jahra Bay, SAANR and Sulaibikhat Bay

My first day out in this new year and it was a dull and overcast day with enough precipitation to only dirty your car. I was going to start at Pivot Fields to see if the Dotterel was still present, but access was not allowed today, so it was off to Jahra Pools.

Unfortunately a lone shooter had gained access to the reserve and spooked all the birds when he tried to shoot at some Flamingoes. I alerted the guards who soon chased him off - but it is sad that a shooter will disregard the fact that this is a reserve where birds are supposed to be protected. Here the Greater Flamingos taking flight with the adult sporting a broken leg, not sure if this was caused by the shooter.

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)

I did find a Greater Spotted Eagle away from where the shooter was with a full crop. Judging by the feathers around it's feet, it was an avain breakfast.

Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga)

Chiffchaff's were abundant in the reedbeds, although light was poor, I caught this one trying to snap a passing gnat and a few others gleening in amongst the reeds

Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)

After the shooter was chased off, the Tufted Duck that has been around for a week or so, made an appearance from where it was hiding.

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)

Coot numbers have really increased with the stable water conditions

Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)

From here I drove along the coast from Jahra East where I was really surprised to see Macqueens Bustard - I guess this is the first bit of land they find, if they have migrated across the Gulf

Macqueen's Bustard (Chlamydotis macqueenie)

I finally got to SAANR, where some light rain started to fall so not too much was seen other than a foraging Greater Hoopoe Lark

Greater Hoopoe Lark (Alaemon alaudipes)

Three species of Wheatear, with Isabelline being the most common

Isabelline Wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina)

A Barn Swallow together with a Common House Martin at Tuhla was checked carefully to make sure it was not Asian House Martin at this time of year - it wasnt, as it had pale not dark underwing coverts!

Common House Martin (Delichon urbicum)

On the way to the gate, a Mauryian Grey Shrike posed obligingly for a photograph, this one taken as a RAW image (my new years resolution is to try and get to grips with RAW)

Mauryan Grey Shrike (Lanius lahotra)

The last stop on the way home was Sulaibikhat Bay where I found a huge flock of Greater Flamingos (no Lesser lurking amongst them) as well as a big flock of Mallards

Mallard (Anas platyrhnchos)

Common Shelduck

Common Shelduck (Tadoma tadoma)

and on the shores Terek Sandpiper

Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus)

Common Greenshank

Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)

and large numbers of Common Black-headed Gulls all still in winter plumage

Common Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

and a few Heuglins Gulls

Heuglins Gull (Lanius f/h heuglini)

and fewer Gull-billed Terns (this one and the next hand-held with the 600mm)

Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica)

There was another Tern that I managed to get one image, which I suspect may be Common

Possible Common Tern?

Not too bad a morning overall, despite gloomy conditions, with 42 species recorded

2011 - The year that was

2012-01-02T13:49:00.003+03:00

31 December 2011

Like all good things 2011 has now come and gone and was filled with both high's and low's in all respects, but as time and life is precious we must appreciate it for what it was.

So, we say goodbye to 2011 and look forward to 2012; may it be all that we wish for and more!

2011 - It is not over, until it is over

2012-01-02T13:34:00.002+03:00

Week 52 - 30 November 2011, Jahra Pools, SAANR and Pivot Fields

On the 29th (a working day) 9 Red-crested Pochard were found by Bouda at Jahra Pools. The family 'granted' me a pass on the New Years weekend, so at 6:45am I was at the reserve gates with the temperature reading 5 degrees, so it was fresh.

As it was still to early, there was no sign of any life at all on the pool, but as the sun slowly rose birds started appearing.

I was quite surprised to see a large flock of Greater Flamingo fly in, normally these birds are only seen here in one's and two's

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)

A Eurasian Sparrowhawk also made a brief appearance

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)

Finally a flock of ducks was seen at the far end of the pools and these were identified as the flock of 9 Red-crested Pochards, really smart looking ducks. I put the 1.4 extender onto the beast, but they never came close enough for frame filling images. The early morning and distance over water is far from ideal for an extender too, so image quality was a little disappointing for a bird that deserves more. Nevertheless, a great tick for the year.

Male Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina)

Male and female Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina)

I thought I would try for the Common Cranes at SAANR, but alas had no luck finding them. However, on the way home I received a call from Pekka who had found a single Dotterel at Pivot Fields, so I was able to make the detour to see, but not photograph the bird.

From a birding perspective, a very rewarding last week of 2011 with 3 new species added to my Kuwait list

2011 Kuwait Round-up

2011-12-29T15:37:00.003+03:00

Week 52 - 29 December 2011

Well another eventful year gone by in what feels like a flash and 2012 rushing headlong toward us…

From a birding perspective and being on the migration route, Kuwait had another exciting year with a few 1^strecords and many other rarities showing up during the course of the year.

I ended the 2011 birding year on a good note with 11 Greylag Geese in Jahra, a bird which I had'nt yet seen in Kuwait, so a lifer for me. 2010 finally took me over 300 to 303 species and for 2012 I finished up on 307 species out of the 387 species recorded in Kuwait.

As KORC (Kuwait Ornithological Rarities Committee) we adjudicate and ratify all vagrants reported in Kuwait to ensure that they are genuine records. Once a species is recorded 15 times, we then review its vagrant status based on frequency of sightings. With more and more birders/photographers reporting their sightings we are getting a better understanding of distribution and status of rare species. A very good example in the 5-years I have been in Kuwait is Black-winged Kite that is now considered an annual but uncommon visitor, when in 2006 it was still considered a vagrant.

On that note, here are the highlights for 2011

1^st records – Pied Bushchat, Striated Heron, Pectoral Sandpiper and Masked Wagtail (considered a sub-species of White Wagtail)

2^nd records – Mongolian Finch and Red Knot

3^rd records – Long-tailed Skua and Grey-necked Bunting

4^th records – Humes Leaf Warbler

5^th records – Arctic Tern

7^th records – Common Crane

8^th records – Pale Crag Martin and Ferruginous Duck

9^th records – Eversmanns Redstart, Rufous Turtle Dove, Eurasian Golden Plover, Ferruginous Duck and Common Crane

10^th records – Spur-winged Plover, Rufous Turtle Dove and Eurasian Golden Plover

11^th records – Dead Sea Sparrow

12^th records – Dead Sea Sparrow and Black Stork

13^th records – Black Stork

14^th records – Black Stork

15^th records – Crested Honey Buzzard and Black Stork

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Just as I was typing this I get news of a flock of 9 Red-crested Pochard found by a local Kuwaiti birder that if accepted by KORC will be another FIRST for Kuwait' so now a total of 388 species for Kuwait (pending KORC Acceptance of the record)

Now we look forward to the coming Spring migration with migrants returning in preparation for the coming breeding season as well as the winter residents slowly change from non-breeding to breeding plumage in preparation for their departure toward the end of Feb and early March.

Here are a few images of vagrants for the year 2011

Pectoral Sandpiper was a 1st and found at the Pivot Fields during October where it remained for almost a week.

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos)

The Red Knot was a 1-day bird found at Jahra East Outfall and the 2nd record for Kuwait

Red Knot (Calidris canutus)

The 9th record of Rufous Turtle Dove was found by Brian Foster and I in March at Jahra Farms

Rufous Turtle Dove (Streptopelia o. meena)

Boxing Day Birding

2011-12-27T15:48:00.002+03:00

Week 52 - 26 December 2011, Green Island and Jahra Pools Reserve

I had taken 2-days off for the Christmas weekend to enjoy time with the family and the weather played it's part too - almost Spring weather during the day.

We had a late morning walk around Green Island seeing a few Common Redshanks and a single pale morph Indian Reef Heron. However, over lunch I received a text for a species I hadnt yet seen in Kuwait.

pale morph Indian Reef Heron (Egrette g. schistacea)

Fortunately my family and father-in-law were happy to take a detour to Jahra Pools Reserve to see if the birds were still there. I checked one part of the pools first and found a single Tufted Duck and managed to catch it taking off.

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)

At the next spot, there was no sign of the flock, but after some time, a flock of 11 Greylag Geese (with a lone Widgeon) appeared from behind some reeds. Although quite distant I was able to get some record images and this I would imagine is my last Kuwait lifer for this year, so a great birding note to end 2011.

Eastern Greylag Goose (Anser a. rubrirostri)

The wind was pumping a bit, but the Pallid Swifts overhead seemed to enjoy the challenge, as I did trying to follow them with the camera

Pallid Swift (Apus pallidus)

A brief morning at the Pivot Fields

2011-12-22T07:41:00.003+03:00

Week 50 - 17 December 2011, Pivot Fields

Finally, this post completes my backlog and brings me up to date.

I was able to get out for just 2-hours with The Beast on a tranquil winter morning that was very gloomy to start, but the sun burned off the low cloud and fog by the time I had to leave - nevertheless, it was still enjoyable.

A Daurian Shrike was reluctant to leave it's perch in the damp cold

Daurian Shrike (Lanius isabellinus)

as was this Common Starling that was feasting on a discarded corn cob

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

I found a male Desert Wheatear and with patience it eventually did come close enough to have its picture taken

Desert Wheatear (Oenanthe deserti)

Driving on a cut road through one of the fields I flushed a Red-spotted Bluethroat that then proved to be quite obliging as it sat in front of me preening the water droplets off its feathers

Red-spotted Bluethroat (Luscinis luscinia)

A juvenile Black Kite was also reluctant to fly in the morning coolness

Black Kite (Milvus migrans)

Not so with an adult Eastern Imperial Eagle and this Greater Spotted Eagle, who was a lot more skittish and didnt allow me to get very close

Adult Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga)

A few Namaqua Doves were seen, here a male and juvenile

Male Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis)

Juvenile Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis)

I checked the spot where I had seen Buff-bellied Pipit last year and sure enough there was a single bird present this year, but unfortunatley not at all cooperative for an image, even a record image.

White Wagtails are still seen at most locations in large numbers, as I had to call it a morning just as the light was really improving

White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)

Wildlife on the driving range

2011-12-22T07:22:00.004+03:00

Week 49 - 10 December 2011, Sahara Golf Club

My son had his last golf lesson of the year and whilst he was perfecting his swing with all the clubs in his bag, I was a little distracted by some of the biodiversity on the driving range.

Overhead, in the early morning a few Pallid Swifts were slowly warming up in the cold, before departing to richer feeding areas

Pallid Swift (Apus pallidus)

More amazingy were a pair of Arabian Red Foxes that strolled across the far end of the driving range, out of the reach of the few golfers who were getting warmed up for their games a little later.

Arabian Red Fox

West and then East

2011-12-20T16:49:00.000+03:00

Week 48 - 03 December 2011, Al-Abraq, SAANR and Jahra Pools Reserve

It had been months since I headed to the oasis farm at Al-Abraq, so this morning I was dressed warmly as the temperature was around 1 degree when I arrived just before 7am in the morning.

A Mistle Thrush had been reported here a few days back and that was my target species. This oasis can be hit and miss for the long drive, but today I wasnt disapointed - especially as the first bird I found was a Goldfinch and a new bird for me, which was chased off by a territorial Water Pipit before I could get my camera on it.

I was alerted by the call of a European Robin and eventually got onto it - I still find it surreal to see this bird in a desert, when we are so used to seeing it depicted on Christmas cards sitting on a tree covered in snow

European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

I also found this quite 'cold' coloured Chiffchaff, but photographed against the sun - not sure what sub-specie it may be?

Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)

However, I did eventually get onto the Mistle Thrush, although it was very wary of me in the car, but not of the workers in the field.

Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus)

The Mistle Thrush was certainly much bigger and paler (almost like a Rosy Starling from behind) than the many Song Thrushes that were about

Song Thrush spooked by a White Wagtail (Turdus philomelos)

Another Flycatcher had us debating the ID for quite sometime after I had shared the images with fellow birders as it showed features of both Red-breasted Fly and Taiga Flycatcher. However, after careful scrutiny we had consensus that it was Red-breasted Flycatcher and possibly a 2nd year bird.

Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva)

By now it was time to head to the next site, stopping only for this Masked Shrike still huddled on a branch trying to keep warm

Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus)

Winter is the time for desert camps in Kuwait and in some areas there are literally hundreds packed together, but not so for this camper

Winter desert camp

I reached SAANR in mid-morning and by now the wind had really picked up, so that diminished some of the birding opportunities. Macqueens Bustard has been my bogey bird since arriving in Kuwait and only the week before did I get a distant view of one flying away from me out in the desert. So, what a surprise to find another a week later - but not easy swinging a 600mm in the strong wind with the bird flying at speed against a busy background - AI Server and Auto focus on my 50D was challenged. Nevertheless, this is the image I have until I get the opportunity to get a more obliging bird.

Macqueens Bustard (Chlamydotis macqueenii)

From here I headed to Jahra Pools, as I wasnt going to find much else in the wind. I parked off in a sheltered spot and waited for the birds to come to me, photographing Marsh Sandpiper

Non-breeding Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa Stagnatilis)

Gadwall

Male Gadwall with Coot (Anas strepera)

Female Gadwall (Anas strepera)

A Black-tailed Godwit

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)

A few Coot

Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)

A single White-tailed Lapwing

White-tailed Lapwing (Vanellus leucurus)

And an early or late Little Crake

1st year Little Crake (Porzana parva)

The Pallid Swifts were hawking low over the water in the wind and using my older 20D and 400mm I tried to track them in flight. It was only then I realised how Autofocus technology had changed for the better between the 20D and 50D

Pallid Swift (Apus pallidus)

A morning with The Beast

2011-12-20T16:21:00.006+03:00

Week 47 - 25 November 2011, Sulaibikhat Bay and Jahra Pool Reserve

I had recently acquired a large Canon used prime lens that has affectionately been called 'The Beast' and was itching to try it out. It is certainly nowhere near as portable as my 400mm, but the reach and optical quality really gives a new dimension to bird photography - although I still have to learn it's nuances and get to the gym, as IS can only help so much.

As the tide was favourable, I headed for Sulaibikhat Bay and was able to photograph a few birds in soft light. Sulaibikhat Bay is THE place to view Greater Flamingo's and there was quite a large flock present today

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)

In amongst the Flamingo, I spotted a small flock of Common Shelduck

Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)

In the shallows a Common Redshank was seen foraging

Common Redshank (Tringa totanus)

But a hunting Little Egret provided most of the entertainment - eventually catching and devouring a small fish after what seemed like an enormous amount of energy expended for such a small meal

Hunting Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

Just as I was about to leave a White Wagtail dropped in

White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)

I moved a little further up the coast and was rewarded with a few Crab-plovers - a bird I havent seen for quite some time

Crab-plover (Dromas ardeola)

and many Grey Herons feeding in the silt, although this one seemed to be enjoying the warm sun or was unwilling to give up it's perch

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)

A few Greater Sand Plover seem to overwinter

Non-breeding Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii)

Some people arriving to picnic at the waters edge flushed all the birds and they werent coming back, so it was off to Jahra Pool Reserve where the usual European Stonechats were seen, no sign of the Penduline Tits today

Female European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola)

Male European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola)

The 5,5m minimum focussing distance of The Beast was challenged with this bold Red-spotted Bluethroat, so it is a little 'soft'

Red-spotted Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica)

Scanning the pools I found a Black-necked Grebe very far out, so this was just a record shot before I had to call it a day.

Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)

Golf Club birds

2011-12-19T17:08:00.002+03:00

Week 46 - 18 November 2011, Sahara Country Club

My son was enjoying his weekly golf lesson at this green golf course just off the 6th Ring Road and I inspected the water hole on the 18th..

A Great Reed Warbler was sitting quietly on a rock in the water, quickly catching and eating midges on the water surface

Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)

I was surprised in seeing 3 species of Wagtail - the more common White Wagtail at this time of year

White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)

The dwindling numbers of Yellow Wagtailm, not sure of this s-sp - beema perhaps?

Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava)

and a surprise pair of Grey Wagtails

Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)

To Jahra and beyond

2011-12-19T16:58:00.001+03:00

Week 46 - 19 November 2011, Jahra Farm, SAANR, Jahra Pools Reserve and Pivot Fields

Today I did a circuit around Jahra and SAANR, starting off at Jahra Farm where I found a roosting Rufous Turtle Dove (10th record for Kuwait) in the early morning.

Rufous Turtle Dove (Streptopelia o. meena)

and a Common Chiffchaff

Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)

There was very little else to be seen, so I headed up the 80 and exited on the 801 to SAANR and up on the ridge could just make out Kuwait City in the south

Kuwait City Skyline

I detoured from the normal route and was rewarded with a pair of Asian Desert Warblers that were quite active - really smart little lbj's

Asian Desert Warbler (Sylvia nana)

I covered a lot of ground through the reserve with little reward, but the early morning light gave great vista's over the wadis

SAANR Wadi

and I was rewarded with 4 sightings of Arabian Red Fox who were all very skittish, this one keeping it's eye on me from a distance and surveying it's territory.

Arabian Red Fox

I stopped at the small pan on top of the ridge finding a single Song Thrush

Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)

and a medium sized flock of Trumpeter Finches

Trumpeter Finch (Bucanetes githagineus)

I pushed on to Jahra Pools reserve and found the Eurasian Penduline Tit that were seen in bigger numbers earlier in the week

Eurasian Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus)

and a European Stonechat on the way out

European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola)

Last stop before heading home was Pivot Fields, later than I would normally get there. Today there were many Common Kestrel hunting over the fields

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

A male Caspian Stonechat near the maize field

Male Caspian Stonechat (Saxicola m. variegatus)

A single Greater Spotted Eagle was found on the deck in one of the fields

Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga)

and the Black-winged Kite which has remained in the same area for just over a week. This species is now considered an annual visitor and a good bird to leave on.

Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus)

Those large white-headed Gulls

2011-12-19T15:50:00.000+03:00

Week 45 - 09 November 2011, Sharq Harbour

It is this time of year when the moulting large white-headed gulls arrive to over winter in Kuwait. Gulls are the favourites of many, but they havent quite rubbed off on me yet and they can really be challenging when a lot of their flight feathers are missing.

But, this is a location worth visiting to ensure there arent any specials in amongst those wheeling above the fishing dhow's.

In my defense, I have a backlog to process - so will make a more concerted effort to ID them when I have the time. However, if you are 100% certain of the ID, all comments will be read.

I have grouped this batch together as I suspect they may be Caspian Gulls

and this lot possibly Heuglins

But here are two together for comparison to show the difference is the upperpart colours

This one was a cinch, a patriotic pale form Indian Reef Heron.

Eid Birding continued

2011-12-12T16:17:00.002+03:00

Week 45 - 08 November 2011, Sabah Al-Ahmad Sea City Kirhan

I hadnt been down to this growing development in the south of Kuwait for too long. The weather forecast was favourable, so with my family we planned a morning with Anand the resident marine biologist on the project and for my son to try and catch a fish or two.

Each time we go down, more and more progress is made on this impressive development. We headed out through Phase A2 into the open sea and stopped at the last marker buoy to cast a line. Imagine my surprise when I looked up and saw two Socotra Cormorants looking back down at me, this late in the season.

Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis)

Eid Birding

2011-12-07T16:41:00.001+03:00

Week 45 - 07 November 2011, Jahra Pool, SAANR and Pivot Fields

We enjoyed 2-days off for Eid and I was able to get out on one of them for an enjoyable morning's birding. I chose the right day, as the day before the weather was really not great.

I headed north up the coast and stopped off at Jahra Pools Reserve (JPR), but it was very quiet indeed - only a couple of European Stonechats were of interest.

European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola)

I didnt want to waste time working an unproductive area, so headed out to SAANR where I hadnt been for a while as we were waiting for our permits. It was a good call, as I was rewarded with a Short-eared Owl (a lifer for me) on the ridge that was flushed by a hunting Marsh Harrier. I was able to relocate it and spent a good 30-minutes with the bird as it tried to find shelter for the day, but was very alert as to what was flying around and above it.

Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)

Not quite shelter enough

Looking for more substantial shelter

Once it was settled, I left it in peace and continued quite contented finding Desert Wheatear

Desert Wheatear (Oenanthe deserti)

and a Steppe Eagle that had roosted on the deck for the night

Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis)

and another Eurpoean Stonechat at Tuhla

European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola)

From here to the Pivot Fields for the late morning to try and locate the dark-phase Long-legged Buzzard that had been here for a week or so. It is really a distinctive bird and wasnt hard to find with a little patience.

Dark Phase Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus)

Dark Phase Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) in flight

For comparitive purposes there was also a regular Long-legged Buzzard present

Regular Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus)

Pivot Fields are always good for a variety of raptors - food, safety and high pivots for perching. I picked up another Steppe Eagle

Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis)

Common Kestrel

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

A Montagu's Harrier cruising low over the fields

Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus)

Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus) quartering

A couple of Black Kites unsuccessfully hunting

Black Kite (Milvus migrans)

As well as the Black-winged Kite which has also been present a few days - this species is now considered an annual visitor

Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus)

As is expected this time of year, Water Pipits are still in abundance

Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta)

I called it a day after some good birds were seen with this Green Sandpiper on the way out.

Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)

A morning with Flash

2011-12-04T15:04:00.001+03:00

Week 44 - 05 November 2011, Pivot Fields

Please bear with me as I try and post my backlog of images from the past month. On this morning I was back at Pivot Fields, but weather was terrible with low dark clouds and scattered precipitation during the course of the morning.

All images taken today were supplemented with flash which is not ideal, but overall the results were acceptable - learning on the fly, so to speak!

The inclement weather didnt seem to bother the birds much and good variety was seen. A Duarian Shrike was first up, huddled on its perch in the morning gloom.

Daurian Shrike (Lanius isabellinus)

Driving slowly around the fields, I picked up Crested Lark

Crested Lark (Galerida cristata)

Tawny Pipit

Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris)

and many Water Pipit's

Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta)

A few Yellow Wagtails (this one is Sykes) were seen, but most have pretty much departed. This one devouring a caterpillar (from a Clouded Yellow butterfly, I believe)

Sykes's Wagtail (Motacilla flava beema)

However, there are still loads of White Wagtails about.

White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)

Spanish Sparrow's were seen feeding in amongst the Wagtails

Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis)

At one of the fields with maize, I found a lone Caspian Stonechat (the one with a Wheatear like tail)

Caspian Stonechat (Saxicola maurus variegatus)

As well as the more regular European Stonechat

European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola)

Driving to a small depression filled with water, I came across a single Collared Pratincole

Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola)

At the depression, a single Great Egret really stood out

Western Great Egret (Ardea alba)

above the smaller Western Cattle Egrets

Western Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

Raptors were fairly well represented this morning, with a dark phase Steppe Buzzard

Steppe Buzzard (Buteo buteo vulpinus)

A Long-legged Buzzard

Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus)

A single Spotted Eagle

Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga)

and a Common Kestrel

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

So, despite the welcome but miserable conditions it turned out to be a good morning out.

Back to the Pivot Fields

2011-11-29T13:09:00.001+03:00

Week 40 - 09 October 2011, Pivot Fields

I have re-located my Birding Kuwait Blog from http://www.hawar-islands.com/blog/14_stub.php (but please do still visit this site, as it has 5-years archives, many hundreds of images to give a sense of what can be seen through the year in Kuwait as well as annual bird reports)

I spent a brief 2-hours at Pivot Fields from the morning seeing much of the same as I did the previous day.

A soaring Greater Spotted Eagle passed by overhead

Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga)

Again, many Steppe Buzzards were present - this one was particulary obliging after it tried to catch something in the long grass

Steppe Buzzard (Buteo b. vulpinus)

Before heading home, I found this Daurian/Turkestan Shrike preening in the shade