ID Problems

We don't see many Geese here and when we do they are usually Greylag however this individual didn't look at all familiar. As a juvenile bird not what I had expected a young Greylag to look like so I think this is most likely a White-fronted - If anybody is into Geese and can confirm the ID please let me know. Once we obtain confirmation this will be the second record for Bahrain the last was back in 1997.

The ID HAS NOW BEEN CONFIRMED

- this observation is now officially the 2nd record for White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons in Bahrain.
Adrian has now also added his pictures to his page (out and about) O&B-with-AJ http://www.hawar-islands.com/blog/aj_stub.php
I would like to thank everybody who looked and emailed me confirmation - not a single dissenting voice - except that is on bird forum where Adrian originally posted his images see for that thread http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?p=1061314#post1061314
For comparative purposes I have added below a flight picture of 2 of the 3 geese seen at Badaan the week before as photographed by Juhani Kyyrö have also a careful look at that picture.

Greylag Geese seen departing Badaan the week before

Photograph by Juhani Kyyrö

I have been sent an annoted image of this bird with a list of features indicating that it is most probably no more than a Crested Lark, they are a very common species here, that evidence seems to prove this beyond a doubt. This just goes to show how bad light and distance can screw up ones ID skills even on birds that one is familiar with. Other suggestions where Woodlark, Skylark and Lesser Short-toed Lark, I thought myself at one time even Small Skylark - Alauda gulgula but that was wrong. Thanks everyone who has had a look.

For comparision - below are three pictures taken within the last week of our Crested Larks each at a different location and in different light.