10 June 2024

Some good breeding birds – Khafra Marsh

My last visit to Khafra Marsh produced a few signs of breeding species some of which are not so easy to locate in the area in the summer. Spur-winged Lapwing is an uncommon species in the Eastern Province but spreading and increasing un numbers. They have bred here for the last two to three years. Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark is an unusual species and one I see rarely in this area, but birds are hanging about the same area for a few weeks and appear to be breeding nearby. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is another rare breeder in the area but one that bred last year and again this year in the same place. The other species that is breeding that is not so common, but commoner than the preceding species is Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin with a few birds seen and at least a one definite pair located. Grey-headed Swamphen is another species that has recently colonized the marsh from nearby Sabkhat Al Fasl and birds are now seen on every visit and in many different locations suggesting the species is doing well.

Spur-winged Lapwing

Spur-winged Lapwing

Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark