Winter on it's way

Week 46, 11 November 2017 - JPR and Green Island

And so the catch-up of the backlog continues...

I was at JPR shortly after the gates opened and enjoyed the tranquility this wetland reserve provides away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Coming into winter provides great light in the early part of the day, this is a probable South Caspian Stonechat catching some rays at the top of a sabkha bush

Female South Caspian Stonechat (Saxicola m. variegatus)

A Daurian Shrike was seen a little further along the road, also basking in the golden glow

Daurian Shrike (Lanius isabellinus)

A few Greater Spotted Eagles has roosted overnight in the desert area

Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga)

In the first pool I stopped at, the Great Crested Grebe that arrived a few days prior was still present

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)

In the big pool, there were numbers of Common Pochard

Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)

And a female Northern Pintail lurking in the reeds

Female Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)

As expected, there were a few Western Marsh Harriers (all females again) patrolling over the reeds

Female Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)

One of them flushed a female Eurasian Sparrowhawk that didn't stick around for too long

Female Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)

At this time of year, Caucasian Water Pipit's are pretty abundant and especially at JPR where there is suitable habitat

Caucasian Water Pipit (Anthus s. coutelli)

There wasn't too much more about, so on the way home I stopped off at Green Island. The first bird seen was a Ménétriés’s Warbler foraging out in the open.

Female Ménétriés’s Warbler (Sylvia mystacea)

Of course, this time of year, Green Island is one of the sites to find Hypocolius - finding them is sometimes difficult, but photographing them is often more of a challenge

Male Hypocolius (Hypocolius ampelinus)

Another South Caspian Stonechat was seen flitting around between the shrubs on the island

Male South Caspian Stonechat (Saxicola m. variegatus)

On the invertebrate side, a Salmon Arab was great to see, as I consider them uncommon and that ended off an enjoyable morning

Salmon Arab (Madais fausta fausta)