Early Migrants and a Rarity

Week 28, 09 July 2013 - Jahra Pools Reserve (Click to enlarge image)

There had been reports from Khaled Al Ghanem of 2 Black-winged Kites at JPR which are considered rare dispersers in Kuwait. As I hadn't seen one for quite sometime I decided to pay JPR a visit.

The wind was gentle to start, but increased in speed rapidly during the morning, eventually making conditions unpleasant - but I persevered.

Even the Sand Martins

Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)

and Barn Swallows were temporarily grounded by the wind

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

There are a number of pairs of Little Ringed Plover around and for sure they are breeding, but we haven't yet discovered any of their nests.

Female Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)

A few early Autumn migrants have already started to appear in small numbers, like Common Sandpipers

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)

and Wood Sandpipers

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)

As well as around 5 Black-headed Wagtails, still sporting their breeding plumage

Black-headed Wagtail (Motacilla f. feldegg)

An unexpected Great Cormorant (which is a winter visitor) made an appearance and was immediately harassed by a few White-winged Terns 

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), normally a winter visitor

I noticed a small bat flying around looking for a place to 'hang-out' in the reeds - it was pretty difficult to find it once it had, as it is a really small bat called a Kuhl's Pipistrelle

Kuhl's Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus kuhlii) 

I did a last circuit of the reserve and finally caught up with a 1st year Black-winged Kite, that of course was against the light. I am unsure where these youngsters may have originated from, but always good to see a bird that you haven't connected with for some time.

1st year Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus)