Whilst birding the Haradh area recently I
came across a good number of migrants. It is the peak migration season so this
was not too surprising but as I have only been to the area once before and did
not know what the best areas to look for birds was, I was very happy. There
were many Shrikes and Wheatears as posted already but also quite a few other
species including Wagtails including Grey Wagtail, a couple of late White
Wagtail and Yellow Wagtail. The Yellow Wagtails were mainly the subspecies beema but there was also a couple of feldegg. Another interesting migrant,
that may possibly stay to breed were
Rufous-tailed Scrub Robins. There were in a area of low scrub and trees
a favoured breeding habitat and appeared to be paired so it will be interesting
to see what happens. A good number of Barn Swallows were seen over a few pivot
fields that were being sprayed, two Lesser Short-toed Larks were next to one
field and a female Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush on some rocks near another. Good
numbers of Common Chiffchaffs were seen on fence wires and shrubs, showing a
good passage of this species was underway. Birds that may have been passing
through the area, but also may be late wintering birds included Common Kestrels
and Tawny Pipits. Good numbers of Spanish Sparrows were seen in the same area
where they were seen last visit and many nests were present some made almost
entire of hay bale twine. Other birds that breed in the area and that were seen
in good numbers were Namaqua Doves.
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| Yellow Wagtail beema |
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| Grey Wagtail |
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| Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin |
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| Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin |
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| Common Kestrel |
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| Namaqua Dove |
