The Sea and the Pools

Week 52, 18 and 19 Dec 2012 - Sulaibikhat and JPR (Click to enlarge image)

We have been experiencing overcast weather with some rain which are the days we wish for in mid-summer, but this is not really ideal for photography.

A Brown-necked Raven had been reported at the top end of Gulf Road a week ago and it was still present on an empty patch of land next to Gulf Road. I noted it had some string entangled around it's feet and its behavior was more indicative of an escaped bird than a wild bird. Nevertheless, it offered some close up images; but we do need to try and catch it to untangle the string which wont be easy, as Crows are generally quite clever and intelligent.

Brown-necked Raven (Corvus ruficollis)

On the beach side, an adult Heuglins Gull was scavenging scraps amongst the Doves, along with a juvenile bird.

Heuglins Gull (Larus f. heuglini)

A pair of Collared Doves making use of the bench on the beach

Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

In Sulaibikhat, the tide was way out and only a winter plumage Greater Sand Plover came within photograph range.

Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii)

The reflection of a pale form Indian Reef Heron, was better than the bird itself which had an ugly background behind it. A bit of creativity...

Pale form Indian Reef Heron (Egretta g. schistacea) in reflective pose

The next day, I spent an hour at Jahra Pools, but wind kept the birds hidden.

However, a male Caspian Stonechat was welcome

Male Caspian Stonechat (Saxicola m. variegatus)

A female European Stonechat was also present in the same area

Female European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola) 

Water Pipits are still present in large numbers and will remain till then end of winter

Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta)

A female Northern Shoveler emerged from the reeds after a Marsh Harrier fly over.

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)

Looking back when I left, the sky had darkened with more welcome rain on it's way

Incoming storm at Jahra Pools