20/11/2010 at Abraq Al Habari

Brian, Rainer Ertel and myself went this morning to Al Abraq where we met Mike Pope. Mike had already found Yellow-browed Warbler which we managed to see together. Other Mike’s birds that we were not able to see were Mistle Thrush and Arabian Golden Sparrow. I emphasize that this is my personal view of Arabian Golden Sparrow’s status not official KORC statement. The bird looks perfect regarding its plumage. Its behaviour is like wild bird in this case very shy. However, having practically no accepted records outside of its breeding grounds we need to consder this species to be of unknow origin. There is no doubt about ID. Therefore we would like to file this for possible future new review.

My photographs of Yellow-browed Warbler are poor but show, to my mind, the most important ID features. Mike, as I believe, got much better pics which he will post onto his blog later on. We heard bird’s call very well and actually in the field it confirmed our ID. Penduline Tit was still present.

After Al Abraq Mike headed to SAANR and we went to Kabd. Mike saw in Tulha Eversmann’s Redstart with two Sparrowhawks. We tried Dunn’s Lark in Kabd but in vain. We were not even able to see Black-crowned Fich Lark only Crested Larks, Skylarks and Short-toed Larks.

Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus)