Slim pickings

Week 04; 25 January 2020 - Al Abraq and Jahra Pools Reserve

Paul Scott and I decided to head west and scout the farm at Al Abraq. It was one of those days that staying in might have been a better option. The weather was really cold and miserable with overcast dull conditions.

A Caspian Gull was seen at the big pool at the entrance gate and looked equally as miserable, while a Black/Black-eared Kite passed by overhead

Black Kite (Milvus migrans)

In the desert area of the farm, I had a single Mauryan Grey Shrike that was feasting on Darkling Beetles

Mauryan Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor lahtora)

in the same area was a Desert Wheatear

Desert Wheatear (Oenanthe deserti)

Every now and then, the sun made a brief appearance and during the course of the morning, Tawny Pipit numbers seemed to increase. This bird was more yellowish than the others...

Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris)

I found this Common Kestrel seemingly hanging on to this really thin branch in the wind, using its tail to keep it's balance. It look pretty cool backlit..

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

A single Cattle Egret was seen in one of the small fields - hey Dad....

Western Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

I then called it quits and we headed back east to Jahra Pools

First bird up was the long-staying Spur-winged Lapwing

Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus)

Followed by a male Mallard coming in to land over the reeds

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)

A Daurian Shrike was sheltering in the reeds from the wind

Daurian Shrike (Lanius isabellinus)

On the big pool there were up to three Black-necked Grebes

Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)

Overhead there were many Pallid Swifts with a few Barn Swallows - I checked the flock and found a single House Martin. At this time of year, these also have to be checked to see if they might be of eastern origin

Common House Martin (Delichon urbicum)

I checked the outfall, but only a White Wagtail was of interest

White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)

I then setup vigil at Brown Shrike site (it has favoured this area since it was seen). I didn't have to wait too long this time before it showed briefly and then disappeared again. It is going to test my patience to try and get an unobstructed image of it.....

Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus)