Winter visitors

Week 46, 11 November 2013 - Jahra Pools Reserve

Today I was out with Markus Craig, a new birder who has just arrived in Kuwait and will be here for the next 4-years. The weather started off overcast, cool and breezy when stopped at Jahra East Outfall after sunrise. It was very difficult to find or hear any warblers in the reeds due to the wind noise, but a Peregrine Falcon flyby was a treat.

We then did an orientation drive to Jahra Farms, Jal Al Zor and finally to Jahra Pools and as expected Jahra gave a few good birds amongst the usual suspects.

The Western Great Egret was a little more approachable today

Western Great Egret (Ardea alba)

The gang of Eurasian Spoonbills were still here and seemed to alternate between feeding vigorously and resting, here with a Little Egret

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) with Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

Water Pipit's seemed to be everywhere

Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta)

We saw all 3 Kingfisher species, the White-throated posing very nicely in the winter sun

White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)

As did the more uncommon Pied Kingfisher

Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)

A single Red-necked Phalarope was an unexpected surprise

Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus)

But, we did enjoy two Greater Spotted Eagles that dropped in to roost on the road - not often you get so close to these magnificent raptors.

1st year Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga)