Some birds of prey from Tabuk area – Bird records by Viv Wilson

Viv sent me a number of excellent photos of a few birds, taken in the Tabuk area, that are not easy to see in the Eastern Province. Short-toed Snake Eagle is seen occasionally but is scarce whereas Sooty Falcon and Barbary Falcon  are rare. I have seen all these species in Saudi Arabia but have only seen one Barbary Falcon in Tanoumah, Asir Province in the southwest. Sooty Falcon I have seen on the Farasan Islands as well as at Ragasat near Al Ula in Madina Province. Short-toed Sanke Eagle Ihave seen more often in various parts of Saudi Arabia including twice on the ‘patch’. I thank Viv for allowing me to use his photos on my website.

Short-toed Snake Eagle

Short-toed Snake Eagle

Barbary Falcon

Barbary Falcon

Barbary Falcon

Barbary Falcon

Sooty Falcon

Sooty Falcon

Birds from the Tabuk desert – Bird records by Viv Wilson

Viv spent a night out in the desert a couple of weekends ago in the same place where he had seen and heard an owl the last time. As a result he was on the lookout for the bird and heard it calling (with another) as it was getting dark. Viv managed a silhouette shot of the owl that looks like a Pharaoh Eagle Owl. Also on and over the rocks was a pair of Sooty Falcons. Other birds seen by Viv included a Red-throated Pipit, Common Chiffchaff and Scrub Warbler. All photos below taken by and used with permission of Viv Wilson.

Pharaoh Eagle Owl

Sooty Falcon

Red-throated Pipit

Scrub Warbler