04/05/2009 Update to recent sightings of WP-species

Season is not over yet but last visitors have left  Kuwait. Last group including Chris Bell, Douglas Barr and Richard Stevenson were mainly after Socotra Cormorant, Basra Reed Warbler and Syke’s Warbler. They managed to see all target species though in the beginning Basra Reed Warbler seemed to be difficult. On third day(2. May) we managed to see one at JEO. Right after this we had two at Tulha,SAANR. Next morning, which was the last day, we had at least 6 birds in Al Abraq. Obviously after a good migration night Al Abraq was flooded with birds. Amazing numbers of Acrocephalus Warblers and Shrikes were around. Above all three Syke’s Warblers were observed with satisfaction. One bonus species for Richard was Indian Roller on 2. May at Jahra Farms. However, Grey Hypocolius and Swift Tern were missing during the trip. Crab Plovers were seen only on Bubiyan Island from Subiya (relatively far away). Common Babbler was heard but not seen at Sulaibikhat N.R.

Basra Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus griseldis) at Tulha, SAANR on 2. May

Young Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) on Green Island on 3. May. We saw two young birds and one adult one.

Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) at Pivot Fields on 3. May (Not very typical habitat)