Friday 27 October 2017

Besor updates - large numbers of Bluethroats and Namaqua Doves

Interesting happenings at Besor. The reservoir reconstruction continues and now about half the dry bed has been dug down by about 1.5 - 2.0 m. In some places the water table is showing through with fresh water in the equipment tracks. This morning Bluethroats were the order of the day - I saw 25-30 in the small area I checked with many others calling in the undergrowth so maybe triple figures in the reservoir basin? They were the commonest bird (bar spadgers, hoodies and bulbuls). Took a lot of photos as they came to the puddle to bathe.

Bluethroats have a knack of looking immaculate even after bathing in less than clean water.




Also, in the dry parts, quail jumping up from under my feet. Six or seven times. More interesting was the number of Namaqua Doves - at least a dozen, including juveniles. With no rain yet I guess they've come in for the water.


Many Stonechats too including what I think is a Caspian. Pale, Wheatear tail pattern, white rump etc., but Stonechats can be tricky.



Kingfishers, ever photogenic.


Finally a Purple Heron here. About time!

And, as a treat for going home for breakfast, a Wryneck in the trees near my house. Wrynecks have always been one of my favourite birds. I love the cryptic plumage.

A glimpse of that amazingly long tongue.


And a Black Redstart - cracking bird.

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