It is always worth checking Al Abraq in the west in early winter, although the long drive can also be hit and miss. Nevertheless, with autumn migration now over, it means no shooters and when you have the farm to yourself, it is most enjoyable - even if it is quiet.
Now that the weather is cooler, I park my car and walk and the first bird I had was a Black-throated Thrush perched high in a tree to get the first rays of sun
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| Black-throated Thrush (Turdus atrogularis) |
I still get a kick out of seeing European Robin in the desert as Christmas gets closer; although it was in cover, this one was quite confiding and it is the first image I have of one in full song
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| European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) |
White Wagtails and Caucasian Water Pipits have arrived on mass
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| Caucasian Water Pipit (Anthus s. coutelli) |
A surprise was another juvenile Common Cuckoo, one always has to wander about the origin of these late birds - since most have already passed through in September. We suspect these late birds could be of eastern origin
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| Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) |
A Namaqua Dove was sitting on an exposed branch enjoying the morning sun
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| Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis) |
The birding was relatively quiet, but I was quite surprised at the number of butterflies around for this time of year - still Painted Lady are the most common, but I also had Desert White/Desert Bath White
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| Desert White (Pontia glauconome) |
the gorgeous Salmon Arab
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| Salmon Arab (Madais fausta) |
and the less often seen, Blue-spotted Arab
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| Blue-spotted Arab (Colotis phisadia) |
Along with a smart Brown Playboy
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| Brown Playboy (Deudorix antalus) |
This was also the first time I have seen a Damselfly this far away from permanent water - I suspect this is Evan's Bluetail
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| Evans' Bluetail (Ischnura evans) |
Not sure of this Dragonfly species?
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| Dragonfly sp. |
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