Pale Martin still present

Week 50; 15 December 2017 - JPR

Another fine winters morning for our survey which produced both expected and unexpected species.

Of course Raptors were represented by the ever present Greater Spotted's

Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga)

And a European Sparrowhawk that we caught briefly out in the open - but not for long

Female European Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)

On the road to the desert area, a cool Little Bittern blending in with the reeds

Male Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus)

Daurian Shrike numbers appear to have increased

Daurian Shrike (Lanius isabellinus)

A Siberian Stonechat was seen in the same area as the Shrikes

Female Siberian Stonechat (Saxicola m. variegatus)

And another further along on the drive

Some movement at the base of the reeds alerted us an obliging European Robin which are normally quite skittish

European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

There some Hirundines overhead which we checked carefully and were thrilled to confirm that the Pale Martin was still present

Pale Martin (Riparia diluta)

At one of the quieter and shallower pools a Jack Snipe was trying it's best to remain invisible

Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus)

One from my other body

Whilst overhead a Pied Kingfisher was all on display - quite a contrast between the two birds

Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)

Great birds again at JPR - the prime reserve and hotspot in the GCC