An afternoon in Jahra

Week 48, 28 November 2015 - Jahra Pools Reserve

I spent an afternoon showing Matthew Lodge the jewel of Jahra; Jahra Pools Reserve. The reserve was in excellent condition and we enjoyed the tranquility, greenery and of course the birds that are special to the reserve.

One of the first birds we saw was Long-legged Buzzard, but it never allowed close approach

Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus)

We focused primarily on the pools and reed habitat and enjoyed two winter plumaged Black-necked Grebes, with their 'glowing' red eyes...

Winter plumage Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)

Ferruginous Ducks are now considered 'resident' as they continue to breed successfully each year.

Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca)

Of interest were a pair of Tufted Ducks that had arrived with the onset of winter

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)

In and around the reeds we had Indian Reed Warbler

Indian Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus s. brunnescens)

An obliging Common Kingfisher

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)

As well as some interaction with a few Moustached Warblers which we really enjoyed

Moustached Warbler (Acrocephalus melanopogon)

Skulking around the base of the reeds, was a stunning male Little Crake that with patience, showed well in the open

Male Little Crake (Porzana parva)

We searched for the Reed Bunting that had been seen earlier in the week in the some scrubby habitat without success, but were rewarded with a Red-spotted Bluethroat

Red-spotted Bluethroat (Luscinia s. svecica)

And a male North Caspian Stonechat (this is the one with a Wheatear like tail; lots of white)

Male North Caspian Stonechat (Saxicola m. hemprichii)

There was also Daurian Shrike

Daurian Shrike (Lanius isabellinus)

And this Shrike, which I suspect is Daurian - although I'm not 100% positive, as it has very plain upperparts and very few markings on the head

Probable Daurian Shrike (Lanius isabellinus) - but I would be interested in other opinions!

All too soon, the sun start dipping in the west and we got onto a Western Marsh Harrier on the way back to the gate..

Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)

An enjoyable afternoon, to say the least and Matthew was most impressed with what JPR had to offer.