Week 04/05 – 08/05/2008 at KISR, Shuwaikh

The lawns at KISR have become a little quieter over the past 2 weeks, but still have an interesting variety of birds. During the past two weeks, there has been a large influx of Red-backed Shrikes, but wheatears have now all departed, apart from the odd straggler. The following species were recorded during the week (maximum numbers observed on any one day given): European Bee-eater 8+, Barn Swallow 15+, Pallid Swift 2+, Isabelline Shrike 2+, Red-backed Shrike 20+, Woodchat Shrike 2, Lesser Grey Shrike 8+, Masked Shrike 1, Golden Oriole 1, Yellow Wagtail 25+, Tree Pipit 15+, Red-throated Pipit 10+, Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin 2, Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush 2, Blue Rock Thrush 1, Common Redstart 2, Whinchat 4, Spotted Flycatcher 3, Northern Wheatear 1, Great Reed Warbler 2, Common Chiffchaff 1, Willow Warbler 2, Whitethroat 2, Upcher’s Warbler 1, House Crow 5.

Masked Shrike – at least one individual has been present over the past 2-3 weeks

Red-backed Shrike

 Woodchat Shrike: this same individual has now been around for over 2 weeks

Great Reed Warbler (zarudnyi ssp. greyish above and whiter below than nominate race, with pinkish legs) – up to 2 birds behaving remarkably similar to Song Thrushes were hopping across the lawns for two days.

Hose Crow