Bahrain Obs

A pleasant return to Badaan today after a birdless trip around the Far East - Where have all the town birds gone in China one has to ask.

Both European and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater were around in good numbers but only the Blue-cheeked sat around on the ground begging to be photographed.

This Squacco Heron has been around for a fews weeks

Stonechats seem to be every where

Male

Female

Over a dozen Isabelline Shrikes are scattered around the farm each with their preferred perch and territory add a few Lesser and the odd Great Grey - the farm looks more like Shrike city.

Geat Grey Shrike

Always one or two Snipe around the ditches - but missed a Jack Snipe which took me by surprise.

Our resident Little Egret

Indian Mongoose I love them but Brendan barely tolerates them - they stalk his nets looking for an easy dinner.

Short-eared Owl - this one proved easy to capture and ring later in the morning

Desert Wheatear a change from the more numerous Isabelline that are around

Part of the flock of thirty plus Starling around the farm this weekend

Corn Bunting - one of many seen but never in a good position for a nice photo

Common Sandpiper this one was ringed several weeks back while I was away

Several Bluethroat were seen but always at a distance - as the winter goes on they will become more confiding I am sure