It wasn't so hot this morning but it was quite humid. I managed to record 19 species today. Nothing new to add to the all time list, but a few migrants were on offer. Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops). I recorded this species last week but did not manage to get an image. Today I was lucky enough to capture a bird with a fully raised crest. For comparative purposes I include an image of an African Hoopoe (Upupa africana) that I took on the lawn of our home in Johannesburg, South Africa in September 2011. The African bird has a richer colour, less grey on the back and no white in the crest I watched as it used its beak to excavate into the soil to expose and despatch beetles. Note how well it blends with the leaf litter in the background Barn Swallow. Last recorded here during week 14 (May) Likely to be a juvenile given the lighter reddish buff forehead and throat as well as the relatively short tail-streamers Common Greenshank. A single bird was present today. Last recorded here in week 11 (April) Whimbrel. There were several birds present today. There was also a single Eurasian Curlew. With the two species in a similar pose comparisons can be made. The Whimbrel is smaller, darker, has a shorter bill and a dark brown crown as compared to the Curlew A Green Sandpiper in the soft early morning light Other species: Arabian Grey Shrike, Grey Francolin, Little Stint, Little Tern, Western Reef Heron, Graceful Prinia, Laughing Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, Common Myna, White-eared Bulbul and House Sparrow
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