05/09/09
An exploratory trip to the South -
Categories: Week 18 - 02 May 2009, Kirhan Pearl City Development
I was fortunate to be invited to visit the impressive Kirhan Pearl City development close to the southern border of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. I spent the morning with Arnand the on-site environmentalist conducting a bird census. Images by Mike Pope
Most of the morning was spent on a boat exploring the khors which have been extended inland (rather than reclaiming land from the sea). The weather wasnt favourable, but we did manage to pick up 4 Tern species with the first one seen being a Bridled Tern
One of the small flock of Little Terns were seen roosting on the pristine beach
I missed the Lesser crested Tern which passed overhead as well as a Socotra Cormorant feeding out at sea on the return journey but did catch two White cheeked Terns were feeding along one of the Knors
It was unusual to find two Purple Herons roosting on the breakwater which took flight on our approach
Kentish Plovers were seen on the beach
Along with Eurasian Curlew
And a Whimbrel
A flock of 16 Squacco Herons were feeding on the banks of the Knor
We made a stop on one of the four islands where natural habitat is being reintroduced and saw one of the many Red back Shrikes that are currently passing through
Spotted Flycatchers were found feeding on the island together with Upchers Warbler and Yellow Wagtails
