A few migrants at JPR

Week 11, 11 March 2016 - Jahra Pools Reserve

For some reason, I have just not found the time to get out much - so a relatively poor start for the year, birding wise. However, I did get to spend a few hours at Jahra Pools in the late afternoon - which is not as good as the morning sessions. Also the light always seems to be against you for afternoon photography. Nevertheless, the few hours were still enjoyable..

There were a number of Common Snipe present around the reserve and a few of us are still checking them all for potential Pin-tailed...

Snipe # 1

Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)

Here it is flexing it's upper mandible which is called rhynchokinesis

Snipe # 2

Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)

Snipe # 3

Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)

Little Grebe already have young that they are actively feeding. This adult seemed quite unperturbed that she didn't look her best after coming under some floating grass  

Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) drying off while the chick takes cover

Don't ask for a mirror mom!

A couple of returning waders had arrived; Marsh Sandpiper

Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)

and Wood Sandpiper

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)

Along with Pied Avocet

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)

And Squacco Heron

Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) 

I would have had a hat trick of Lapwings, but couldn't locate the Red-wattled. The Spur-winged Lapwing was more than a a suitable consolation prize

Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus), 16th record for Kuwait

And a little later, I picked up 5 White-tailed Lapwings

White-tailed Lapwing (Vanellus leucurus)

A number of Western Marsh Harriers were harassing the birds on the pools.

Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)

Each time they flew over, the mixed flock of Northern Pintail's and Garganey flushed

Female Garganey (Anas querquedula)

Not many passerines, other than a few lingering White Wagtails

White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)

and a few North Caspian Stonechat's

Male North Caspian Stonechat (Saxicola m. hemprichii)

As the sun dropped on the horizon, I picked up this White-throated Kingfisher on the way out to end of an enjoyable afternoon.

White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)