31 March 2019

Last wintering species still around – Khafra Marsh

Whilst birding the Khafra Marsh area in mid-March I saw a few wintering species still present. A few Western Siberian Stonechats were seen in the reeds and bushes along the side of a track with some resident Graceful Prinia for company. The waters edge held both Purple Heron and Squacco Heron as well as a nice Citrine Wagtail. Quite a few wintering Red-spotted Bluethroats were around but very difficult to photograph as were the Water Pipits seen in good numbers. Migrants were also around with up to ten singing Savis Warblers a notable record and plenty of Common Chiffchaffs. A nice Turkestan Shrike was present but kept its distance. Many of these winter species will be disappearing in the next month to be replaced by migrants and summer breeders.
Western Siberian Stonechat
Western Siberian Stonechat
Western Siberian Stonechat
Western Siberian Stonechat
Western Siberian Stonechat
Western Siberian Stonechat
Western Siberian Stonechat
Western Siberian Stonechat
Citrine Wagtail
Citrine Wagtail
Graceful Prinia
Graceful Prinia
Graceful Prinia
Graceful Prinia
Purple Heron
Purple Heron 
Red-spotted Bluethroat
Red-spotted Bluethroat
Squacco Heron
Squacco Heron