Driving south on the Fahaheel Expressway (the 30) there was literally a carpet of yellow flowers along the verges and in many parts of the desert. I thought this was Arfaj (the national flower), but thanks to Haitham Al Ghareeb who pointed out that these yellow flowers are actually called 'Nowair' by the locals and the Latin name is Senecio desfontainei
After above average winter rains, they are everywhere to be found and create a wonderful pastel pattern of colour across the desert.
A sea of yellow; Senecio desfontainei |
Steppe Gull (Larus f. barabensis) and Slender-billed Gulls (Chroicocephalus genei) with pinkish hue |
Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) |
Vagrant or Lesser Emperor female? |
Vagrant or Lesser Emperor male? |
More Arfaj |
Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) enjoying the flowers of Senecio desfontainei |
I discovered a new butterfly for me in the form of a Peablue Butterfly.
Peablue Butterfly (Lampides boeticus) |
Male House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) |
On route home I stopped at the Al Kout Harbour and was on the money for a single Great Black-headed Gull which I suspected would be present.
Great Black-headed Gull (Larus ichthyaetus) |
Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis) |
Nice catch!
ReplyDeleteBut you know, I thought our national flower is Al-Nowair (don't know the English nor the scientific name). Not bad for a fellow like me knowing the national emblem of Ireland but not his own national flower, eh?
Your photos are gorgeous!
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