A quiet morning in the south

Week 50, 09 December 2013

I had a day in the south at Sabah Al Ahmad Sea City and I guess after the past few weeks of fantastic birds, it was going to be hard to maintain that kind of momentum. So, this visit was a gentle let down back to reality...

Very little was seen on the lagoon beaches other than an intermediate Western Reef Heron that kept us entertained with it's ballerina moves trying to get an early breakfast.

Intermediate Western Reef Heron (Egretta g. schistacea)

Just record images today, as birds were generally uncooperative and distant.

A small localised flock of around 7 Song Thrush was unexpected, but as with most Thrushes, they kept their distance and not once turned around to face me. 

Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)

There were an array of Meadow Pipits, some showing the greenish upperparts (freshly moulted?) similar to the birds at Al Abraq a week or so ago, others not quite as distinctive

Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis)

There were a few 1st-year Daurian Shrikes on one of the islands that were being harassed repeatedly by an adult Turkestan Shrike

1st-year Daurian Shrike (Lanius isabellinus)

Adult Turkestan Shrike (Lanius phoenicuroides)

Painted Lady butterflies are still present in winter, so are pretty much resident in Kuwait.

Resident Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) 

A Black Rat scuttled across the footpath in front of me and disappeared into the undergrowth

Black Rat (Rattus rattus)

Once back in the car, I came across a few Tawny Pipits along Road 278

Wintering Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris)