Dawn Chorus at Green Island

Week 44, 28 October 2012 - Green Island (Click to enlarge image)

I had an hour to kill, so decided to check out Green Island early in the morning and was really pleased to hear birds singing and calling, as it is something we are not that familiar with in Kuwait, especially not in the urban area I live.

Unfortunately it was an overcast and gloomy day, so light was less than perfect for photography. The main reason I was here was to check for Hypocolius and I wasn't disappointed - they were all over the place, but most feasting on the fruiting date palms. I was able to catch one in flight which is not easy, as the go up fast at around 45 degrees, the rest were all seen fattening up on dates.

Hypocolius (Hypocolius ampelinus)

All the other usual species that can be seen on this man-made island were seen and these included; White-eared Bulbuls which are quite abundant

White-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus l. leucotis)

It took a little more effort to finally find the Red-vented Bulbul which are resident here, but only a pair or two.

Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer)

On the beach inside the island a pale form Indian Reef Heron was feeding along the shoreline

Indian Reef Heron (Egretta g. schistacea)

The Ruppell's Weavers are still around and have now been present for 2-years

Ruppells Weaver (Ploceus galbula)

A single Daurian Shrike was seen

Daurian Shrike (Lanius isabellinus)

As was a Common Whitethroat

Common Whitethroat (Sylvia communis)

On the way out a couple of Common Myna's were foraging over the litter left where it was dropped after the previous nights festivities.

Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)