06/06/2008 at Kabd Reserve

My first visit to Kebd for a long while yielded an interesting sighting of a Dunn’s Lark at our small pool. Although Black-crowned Sparrow-larks are regularly present there in the summer months, I’ve only seen Dunn’s Lark there once over the past 1.5 years. After taking a quick drink, it flew off – I relocated it in the shade of our water tanks next to the pool, where it allowed me to approach it within 5 m.

About 30 Black-crowned Sparrow-larks were also present at the pool by 8.30 am, of which ca. 8 were definite juveniles. Breeding numbers appear to be distinctly down on last year, possibly due to the exceptionally dry spring.

A Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin was feeding behind the greenhouse, and could be breeding nearby.

Dunn’s Lark at the pool

Dunn’s Lark in the shade of the water tanks