Birding Bahrain

It might surprise some people when they realize that our migrant waders are here more than where ever it is they breed - many don't depart until late April early May yet some species are back by as early as June while July sees the flood gates open. August will see even more arrive.

Striated Heron well this species was a complete surprise for the middle of July - we have so few records its barely out of vagrant status yet here we have in Tubli a bird? and it could well be more turning up. Is this indicative of breeding, an extension of range further north or both - only time and further clear observation will settle that point.

The summer is far too long here for us humans the weather, well starting the end of May high temperatures kick in, then as July moves through August it just gets hotter and hotter and the humidity rises and often stays around 100% for days on end. Early September if we are lucky it will break and the place gets habitable again but its a long wait until then.

However for many species the summer is the time for breeding, a time when it requires a miracle for it to rain, thus for many Southern Terns species all ground breeders they choose to enter the Gulf during this period so as to escape the Indian Monsoon and breed alongside our hardy resident species.

May is coming to an end as Ramadan starts and although temperatures have soared the birds this month photographically speaking have not disappointed. A pile of unusual records which went along with some great opportunities to get close up and personal. Mind you "close up" is a relative term - for the four Crab Plovers off Busaiteen less than a 100 mtrs was close whereas for the Wrynecks its was a question of backing away. The Red backed Shrike always difficult to get to grip with were overwhelming in numbers so we were often spoilt for choice. The only disappointment were the lack of warbler pics, they were glimpsed but seldom gave up a chance to be photographed.

I start with a picture unrelated to birds but it is of one of my favourite Bahrain residents the Spiny Tailed Lizard (Dabb Lizard) - they are vegetarian and harmless - this chaps expression sums up for me the change in the weather - it ain't half Hot Mum

Now the Birds -
Lesser Grey Shrike never many but they are stunners

Red-backed Shrike numbers increase

Isabelline Shrike still quite a few about

Purple Swamphen two put in an appearance at Alba/Askar Marsh

Spotted Crake

Little Stint

Little Bittern

Little Grebe a good breeding year thus far

Kentish Plover Chick - they are everywhere

Black-Winged Stilt Chick

Moorhen Chick

Clamorous Warbler have successfully colonised our restricted wetlands

Bee-eater a really disappointing year for obs

Little Tern

Black-crowned Night Heron

Palm Doves

Ringed Plover

Rock Thrush

Spotted Flycatcher

Socotra Cormorant

Slender-billed Gull

Black-headed Gull

Warbler NOT POSITIVELY identified too big too colourful for Willow but only other possibility is a Wood Warbler