Some migrant diversity

Week 33, 15 August 2012 - Al Abraq (Click on image to enlarge)

I had a day off, so headed out to the oasis farm at Al Abraq to see if the wind over the past few days had brought in any new migrants. I had the farm to myself and being mid-week, not a shooter in sight (excuse the pun), so the morning was quiet and enjoyable.

Numbers had increased for species like Hoopoe, European Roller and Isabelline Wheatear and there were some new species present to. Although walking is enjoyable, most success with photographs is using the car as a hide.

As mentioned Hoopoes were seen all over the farm

Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops)

A medium flock of European Rollers (adults and 1st year birds) were found after they flew in over the boundary fence

Adult European Roller (Coracias garrulus)

The small flock of Black-headed Buntings took some time before I was able to get close enough for a photograph

Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala)

However, one of the Isabelline Wheatear's proved to be confiding

Isabelline Wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina)

I saw both Red-backed and this Mauryan Grey Shrike which made a few attempts to catch a weary Spotted Flycatcher and the Buntings

Mauryan Grey Shrike (Lanius lahotra)

Here is the Spotted Flycatcher that evaded being a snack for the Shrike. I am assuming this is a 1cy bird, as there is very little streaking on the chest, but if  it isn't, please let me know.

1cy Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)

Numerous 1st year Yellow Wagtails were seen in the fields - we will leave these as the nominate race for now

1st year Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla f. flava)

Rufous-tailed Scrub Robins have now returned at most locations, but still in small numbers

Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin (Cercotrichas galactotes)

Two Steppe Buzzards were seen in different area's, but both very weary of me

Steppe Buzzard (Buteo b. vulpinus)

Damaging one of it's primary feathers on take-off

After a drink and a bathe

A bonus was a 1st year Red-throated Bluethroat that popped up unexpectedly against the light - however, I think the rim lighting is quite complimentary

1st year Red-spotted Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica)

I saw faint movement in one of the acacia trees and after waiting 5-minutes a 1st year Rose-coloured Starling came into view

Rose-coloured Starling (Pastor roseus)

Not many butterflies around yet, but this Blue Pansy is not a common species in Kuwait

Blue Pansy (Precis orithya)

On the way home, I stopped near Mesilla Beach, other than 3 Turnstones only a 1st year White-cheeked Tern was seen on the beach.

1st year White-cheeked Tern (Sterna repressa), probably from Kubbar Island

We have a few days off for Eid, so hoping that the weather is kind to us and we have more autumn arrivals to enjoy