01 February 2014

Much of the same

Week 05, 31 January 2014 - Al Abraq

I managed to get out to the oasis farm for a few hours in the hope that there might be one or two late winter or early spring species since the last visit.

Unfortunately, this was not to be the case and most birds seen were the same that I had found previously. The Goldcrests are apparently still present and appear to have stayed the winter, although I wasn't successful in finding them today.

After the dismal photography earlier this week, I was a little more happy with today's results as I had more control walking and getting into the right position than I had when I was in the boat.

A few Meadow Pipits were still about in the small fields, but proved to be quite elusive.

Wintering Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis)
Spanish Sparrows were in the area with Acacia Trees and if you take the time to look, the males are pretty smart birds

Male Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis)


A lone male Common Kestrel posed in the early morning winter light before departing
Male Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)


When a Eurasian Sparrowhawk came in overhead

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
In line with OSME changes, the Eastern Black Redstart is now known as the Central Asian Black Redstart and what a handsome fellow he was.

Male Central Asian Black Redstart (Phoenicurus o. phoenicuroides)


2 comments:

  1. Hello, I am student doing a little research about the Al Jahra Pool Reserve, and I was wondering if you'd be so kind as to answer a few questions, since information on the internet is very limited.

    1. What vital habitats, including food, does this area provide for both indigenous species and migratory species?
    2.In what ways does the community support the protected area?
    3. What funding and resources does this protected area receive and are the funding and resources adequate? Why or why not?
    4. What are relevant ecological research and monitoring is being conducted within the protected area?
    5. What role(s) does the protected area play in education?
    6. What legislation ( laws) are in effect that protected area?
    7. What are the current policing and guarding policies for that area?
    8. What is the economic value of the site?
    9. What recommendations do you have regarding the improvement of the area for the purpose of conserving biodiversity?

    Please reply ASAP.
    Thank you!
    Here is my contact information: n-b1971@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete