Thousands of Pallid Swifts – Al Asfar Lake

Whilst birdwatching Al Asfar lake in early February we came across huge numbers of Pallid Swifts Apus pallidus totalling at least two thousand birds. It was an absolutely amazing sight with birds dotted across the entire sky and some flying quite low allowing photographic opportunities. The species is a common passage migrant and breeder with a peculiar pattern of occurrence. The species is common from late January to May, scarce after this and only recorded again in good numbers from November. Breeding takes place in the winter months from November to April. Pallid Swift are always good to watch but rarely come down low and allow photography.