Whilst birding Sabkhat Al Fasl 6 March a lot more
migrants were seen than in previous trips. Things started off well with three
Pied Wheatears seen on arrival at the site just after first light and got
better with a singing Savi’s Warbler shortly afterwards. Plenty of shrikes were
seen including Daurian, Turkestan and Woodchat (see previous post) and good
numbers of Common Swift, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow and Sand Martin were
also seen. Good numbers of Black-headed Wagtails along with White Wagtails were
also present and a few wintering Water Pipits and Red-spotted Bluethroats were
also around the reed edges. Clamorous and Caspian Reed Warblers were singing
from almost every stretch of reed-beds showing the breeding season is here or
nearly so. A few more Pied Wheatears and several Isabelline Wheatears were
hopping around on the bare earth and several waders species including Kentish
Plover, Ruff, Common Redshank, Common Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper and Wood
Sandpiper were seen. Only one Greater Spotted Eagle and less than ten Western
Marsh Harriers were seen showing birds are moving off back to their breeding
grounds. Common Kingfishers were still present in small numbers as were Eastern
Stonechats and resident species such as Purple Swamphen and Caspian Terns were
seen.
 |
| Black-headed Wagtail |
 |
| Isabelline Wheatear |
 |
| Wood Sandpiper |
 |
| Marsh Sandpiper |
 |
| Common Kingfisher |
 |
| Purple Swamphen |
 |
| Caspian Tern |
