28 June 2016

Extensive woodland area - Wadi Baqra

Whilst driving to Tanoumah via Muhayil we came across a few extensive fenced woodland areas at the base of the escarpment in an area called Wadi Baqra. These look very good for birds but we were very limited on time and were there in the middle of the day, exactly the wrong time for birding. This is an excellent looking area and one I will try to go back to when I am next in the area. Whilst we were there we saw a few White-throated Bee-eaters and Black Scrub Robins as well as a lots of Laughing Doves. I was keeping my eye out for Red-eyed Dove but failed to see anything resembling one. Later in the day when we were at Tanoumah we heard from a couple of bird photographers that they had seen seven Black-crowned Tchagras in the area but the exact location I am unsure of. This is a species I am yet to see in the country. It was possible to enter the wooded areas as the fence is down in a number of places and there are a few tracks to bird along. The trouble is the woodland area is very dense and you cannot see much unless on the tracks. This location has serious potential for good birds and is well worth checking out if in the area.
White-throated Bee-eater
White-throated Bee-eater
Black Scrub Robin
Black Scrub Robin