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11 April 2016

Plenty of migrants passing through – Haradh

Whilst birding the Haradh area recently I came across a good number of migrants. It is the peak migration season so this was not too surprising but as I have only been to the area once before and did not know what the best areas to look for birds was, I was very happy. There were many Shrikes and Wheatears as posted already but also quite a few other species including Wagtails including Grey Wagtail, a couple of late White Wagtail and Yellow Wagtail. The Yellow Wagtails were mainly the subspecies beema but there was also a couple of feldegg. Another interesting migrant, that may possibly stay to breed were  Rufous-tailed Scrub Robins. There were in a area of low scrub and trees a favoured breeding habitat and appeared to be paired so it will be interesting to see what happens. A good number of Barn Swallows were seen over a few pivot fields that were being sprayed, two Lesser Short-toed Larks were next to one field and a female Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush on some rocks near another. Good numbers of Common Chiffchaffs were seen on fence wires and shrubs, showing a good passage of this species was underway. Birds that may have been passing through the area, but also may be late wintering birds included Common Kestrels and Tawny Pipits. Good numbers of Spanish Sparrows were seen in the same area where they were seen last visit and many nests were present some made almost entire of hay bale twine. Other birds that breed in the area and that were seen in good numbers were Namaqua Doves.
Yellow Wagtail beema
Yellow Wagtail beema
Grey Wagtail
Grey Wagtail
Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin
Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin
Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin
Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin
Common Kestrel
Common Kestrel
Namaqua Dove
Namaqua Dove