Pottering around the Pivots

Week 50; 14 December 2018 - Pivot Fields

I had a few hours to spare in the afternoon, so headed to Pivot Fields to see if there was a marked difference in birds between the usual morning sessions. 
The road around the entrance gate was still very soggy and muddy following the rains a few weeks back.

Although the afternoon session felt quieter some good birds were still to be seen - I was alerted to this cracking Masked Shrike by it's alarm call and spent a good few minutes watching it hunt from the pivot. It's amazing how frequently it wagged and cocked it's tail

Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus)

A slow drive around the farm, produced some Daurian Shrike

Daurian Shrike (Lanius isabellinus)

A single Mauryan Grey Shrike

Mauryan Grey Shrike (Lanius lahtora pallidirostris)

and a couple of vocal Graceful Prinia's in their usual spot

Graceful Prinia (Prinia gracilis)

I surprised an Arabian Red Fox who sprinted across the fields - of course when they feel they are a safe distance away, they always stop and look at you. They look so much 'healthier' with their thick winter coats

Arabian Red Fox (Vulpes v. arabica)

There were a few Raptors, although I expected a few more coming in to roost for the night - nevertheless, Greater Spotted Eagle

Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga)

a few Long-legged Buzzard

Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus)

and a Steppe Buzzard was not a bad haul

Steppe Buzzard (Buteo b. vulpinus)

The flocks of Northern Lapwing had increased in size. I didn't manage to find the Sociable Lapwings, but there are at least 4 somewhere in the dispersed flocks of Northern Lapwing

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

In one of the fields a single Siberian Stonechat

Siberian Stonechat (Saxicola m. variegatus)

I managed to connect with the Indian Roller, but it was difficult to get close - but he did fly past with the sun behind me for a change

Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)

There is still a large standing pool of water in one of the fields, but surprisingly very few birds. I had this Little Egret coming in to land

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

Then shortly thereafter, leaving

I enjoyed the antics of the 'Camel' Egrets feeding on the numerous flies on the Camels back

Western Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

I tried to photograph some of the Larks/Pipits flying out of the fields and this was the only one I was successful with - I suspect it is a Skylark

Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis)

Before I knew it, the light was going and it was time to head home. These days it is now dark just after 5pm!