Bahrain Obs

The number of birds and species passing at Badaan Farm has slowed to a crawl - a few surprises in what's been turning up but nothing really exceptional. Collared Pratincoles, Yellow Wagtails, Winchats, Ortolan Buntings, Willow and Reed Warblers and the odd Red-throated Pipit and Nightingale all put in a show. The only Shrike seen today was an Isabelline who kept company with a few swallows and Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters. Gone are the Kestrels but hanging on are a Great White Egret, Little Egret and a Purple Heron keeping company with the Night and Western Reef Herons. Also seen today a Little Bittern will be interesting to see how long he stays. Western Reef, Little Bittern and Night Herons all breed locally. Kentish Plover chicks can been seen everywhere along with Grey Francolins, while Olivaceous Warblers and Rufous Bush Robins (chats) are busy nesting. White Cheeked Bulbuls and Graceful Prinia are well advanced while Crested Larks have already produced a first brood. A larger than usual number of Cattle Egrets have stayed on and could well breed again this year.

Pictures of some of the species ringed today can be found under Projects see tab at the top or right of the page.

Little Bittern

Cattle Egret