Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Jahra Nature preserve

Birding trip part 3, January 10th 2012


From Kuwait 2012

The second stop on my birding day with Pekka Fagl was at the Jahra Nature preserve.

From Kuwait 2012
Another place you can only get in when you have a certain permit.

From Kuwait 2012
A good thing, because this keeps the hunters out - most times.

From Kuwait 2012

I am not sure I placed it on the correct location on Google maps. These places are hard to find on the map :(

From Kuwait 2012

We were greeted by an Isabelline Shrike

Isabelline Shrike, Isabellwürger, Lanius isabellinus
From Birds Kuwait 2012

and some Coot and Moorhenns, heard some Water Rail, but I didn't get to see one

Coot (Eurasian / Black / Common),  Bläßhuhn ( / Bläßralle / Bleßhuhn), Fulica atra
From Birds Kuwait 2012

Chiffchaff were there

Chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita, Zilpzalp
From Birds Kuwait 2012

and we played 'Hide and Seek' with a Graceful Prinia

Graceful Prinia, Streifenprinie, Prinia gracilis
From Birds Kuwait 2012
Graceful Prinia, Streifenprinie, Prinia gracilis
From Birds Kuwait 2012
Graceful Prinia, Streifenprinie, Prinia gracilis
From Birds Kuwait 2012

A Bluethroat made a brief appearance

Bluethroat, Blaukehlchen, Luscinia svecica
From Birds Kuwait 2012

and a Water Pipit posed next to the car door for me

Water Pipit , Bergpieper, Anthus spinoletta
From Birds Kuwait 2012

Some Norther Shoveler had a Stop-over

Northern Shoveler, Anas clypeata, Löffelente
From Birds Kuwait 2012

and some Black Kite and Lesser Spotted Eagles were looking for an easy Lunch, mixed with some Pallid Swift and Barn Swallows

Lesser spotted Eagle, Aquila pomarina, Schreiadler
From Birds Kuwait 2012

Saw some plants / bushes in bloom, thanks to the recent rain, I guess.
Pekka told me the name, but I forgot :(

From Kuwait 2012
From Kuwait 2012
From Kuwait 2012

He pointed out a Desert Warbler to me, but I was too slow for a decent shot.
A Stonechat was more obliging

Stonechat (Common), Schwarzkehlchen, Saxicola torquata
From Birds Kuwait 2012

and next we were surprised by some Flamingos. Mostly youngsters, except for one adult

Greater Flamingo, Rosa Flamingo, Phenicopterus ruber
From Birds Kuwait 2012
Greater Flamingo, Rosa Flamingo, Phenicopterus ruber
From Birds Kuwait 2012

and some Black-headed Gulls heading for the coastline

Black-headed Gull, Lachmöwe, Larus ridibundus
From Birds Kuwait 2012

And a huge flock of Penduline Tits teased us by flying always in front of the bright noon sun.
I managed to get a few record shots of yet another Lifer for the day ;)

Penduline Tit, Beutelmeise, Remiz pendulinus
From Birds Kuwait 2012
Penduline Tit, Beutelmeise, Remiz pendulinus
From Birds Kuwait 2012
Penduline Tit, Beutelmeise, Remiz pendulinus
From Birds Kuwait 2012
Penduline Tit, Beutelmeise, Remiz pendulinus
From Birds Kuwait 2012
Penduline Tit, Beutelmeise, Remiz pendulinus
From Birds Kuwait 2012

Penduline Tit, Beutelmeise, Remiz pendulinus
From Birds Kuwait 2012


Birdcount

8 Coot
3+ Moorhenn
3+ Water Rail (sound) (would be a Lifer, but I didn't get a photo)
3+ Graceful Prinia
2 Northern Shoveler (male)
2+ Isabelline Shrike
65 Black-headed Gulls
10+ Greater Flamingos (1 adult, rest Juveniles)
1 Bluethroat (male, N. European var. svecica)
3 Stonechat (2 male / 1 female)
2 Black Kite
1 Eagle
10+ Water Pipit
10+ White Wagtail
Chiffchaff (sound)
20+ Pallid Swift
8+ Barn Swallows
60+ Penduline Tit (Lifer)
1 Desert Warbler
1 Lesser spotted Eagle

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32 comments:

  1. You certainly got to see some great birds. An impressive list. And congratulations on the lifers. Only a matter of time before you get that picture of the Water Rail.

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    Replies
    1. Can't wait to get one. Maybe if I were more patient.... ;-)

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  2. What a great list of birds! The Stonechat shot is my favourite, closely followed by the Shrike!
    J
    Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

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  3. Hi there - what a great mix of birds. Some I know, some are new. I think you can tick a bird if you here it!

    Stewart M - Australia

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    Replies
    1. I usually go by photo, that's just my own little rule :D
      Probably a stupid one ;-)

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  4. Beautiful, beautiful scenery! I love your shots of the Pipit and Stonechat, Nicole!

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  5. A great trip you're having, plenty birds.

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  6. Hi Nicole, what a great outing. I would like to see more places off limits for the hunters entirely. Great bird sighting and I love the photos. The flamingos are very nice. Congrats on your new lifers. Great post and photos, have a wonderful day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I wish there were more sites of limits too :(
      But it's a start, especially for this place!

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  7. Nice variety of birds, Nicole, but I guess it'd take a while to appreciate the Dubai landscape.

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    Replies
    1. I'm in Kuwait, Hilke, Dubai is a whole different ballgame :-D
      Wouldn't mind it though :)
      And yes, it takes some getting used to :)

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  8. Excellent Nicole as always. You really came up with a great wetland there. How nice that Jahra Nature preserve is so well protected. Mind boggling that thin line between ocean and desert. Kuwait is full of surprises! By the way your post is like number four for a Jahra Nature Preserve search. Good job, your famous!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! It's not really hard getting 'famous' with these things - rarely anyone goes there - or blogs about them, sigh.
      Most Kuwaitis don't even know they have these things (or birds) in their country.
      Maybe that's for the better though?

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  9. It's a fascinating place and your photos are superb!

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  10. What a wonderful place for birding! I love the Water Pipit in the reeds!

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  11. Wonderful birds! And I love the flowers too (not the trash, but appreciate you showing it like it is!)

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    Replies
    1. Thank goodness there wasn't much to none) trash there!
      Glad you like the flowers, I did too :)

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  12. An excellent collection of birds Nicole! That Isabelline Shrike is amazing! Congrats on the lifer!

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  13. I always enjoy your photos and found this group of birds quite interesting because some were familiar to me (from the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state) and others brand new. Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Wendy! It's always interesting to me too, how many familiar birds there are around the Globe and then how many are so different :)

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  14. You got to see and photograph a lot of different birds here - that is awesome. Love those Flamingos and that Water Pipit is so cute!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Kala - can't wait for spring migration to start :)

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