I arrived at the farm very early to make use of the morning light and to get a few hours in before the temperature climbed too high. It worked out much better than I thought. I got some pleasing images of the Lilith Owls and then managed to find of two new species for my Qatar list. This brings my total to 164. All in all a satisfying mornings birding. Lilith Owl in soft light Lilith Owl I had been trying to get within range of some Ruff that were feeding in the stubble. They were too skittish, but also present were a few European Turlte Doves which were more accommodating. A new species for my Qatar list. Later in the morning whilst I was driving in the Wadi, I came across another pair of European Turtle Doves, this time in a tree When I first saw this raptor perched on the centre pivot irrigation line I thought it was an Osprey. On closer inspection it turned out to be a Short-toed Snake Eagle. They are scarce passage migrants and Winter visitors, so a great new tick for my Qatar list It then obliged by soaring over my position with its wings held level. A lovely sight, as I have not encountered that many different raptor species here thus far. Side view of the Short-toed Snake Eagle Other species included: Black-winged Stilt, Wood Sandpiper, Ruff, Crested Lark, Greater Short-toed Lark, Turkestan Shrike, Arabian Grey Shrike, Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin, Pallid Harrier, Squacco Heron, Corn Bunting, Red-vented Bulbul, White-eared Bulbul, European Bee-eater, Barn Swallow, Isabelline Wheatear, Red-wattled Lapwing and the rest.
1 Comment
Nadia
2/10/2014 06:47:03 am
Hello Simon
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