Bahrain Birds (& other wildlife) April 12th-21st 2010

Transcription

1 Bahrain Birds (& other wildlife) April 12th-21st 2010 Su & Luke Delve

2 Our visit to Bahrain was principally a family visit to Luke s father who currently lives and works there. Ken s villa is superbly located for birding, being in Janabiyah on the north-west of the island, within sight of the motorway to the Saudi causeway, but fronted by one of the large areas of burial mounds (called here Janabiyah Burial Mounds) and backing onto a mature garden. The trip was not just birding; sight-seeing, shopping and culture (all the usual suspects) were also included, taking us away from many of the main birding sites, however, many species of interest were noted in these places, especially whilst visiting the historic sites. The weather during the visit was variable, with rain at first, and humid and overcast on a few days. When the sky cleared, the temperature rose and we found birding was only really possible in the mornings or late afternoons, or from an air-conditioned car with only brief outings. Daytime temperatures varied from about high 20s to high 30s towards the end of the week. Humidity was generally low, except after nightime rain, and the wind varied from still to brisk, with evidence of a severe storm/squall one night causing most of the billboards to be utterly destroyed. Dusk fell c. 1830, although it is light by just after 0430 in the mornings. Su (words and ID) and Luke (pictures) Delve, Norfolk. April TRIP REPORT Monday, 12 April Depart London Heathrow on the overnight Gulf Air flight to Manama Tuesday, 13 April. We landed at Manama International Airport in the early hours, in the rain! Dawn was already breaking as we were driven to the villa in Janabiyah, about 30 The villa, Janabiyah minutes (at that time of the morning) from the airport. Birds were already moving, with Cormorants flying overhead and House Crows in the roadside trees giving us our first taste of Bahrain birds. White-cheeked Bulbuls were singing in the trees around the villa, and the place was surrounded by the ever-present House Sparrows, Crested Larks and Laughing Doves. After a freshen-up and breakfast we headed out to the Janabiyah Burial Mounds for our first wander around this fantastic site, with the weather clearing, but remaining overcast for the rest of the day. Sparrows and Larks were everywhere, but we soon spotted the occupied burrow of a Spiny-tailed Lizard dug into one of the mounds along with its occupant. A female Pied Wheatear added Spiny-tailed Lizard, Janabiyah to the tally. For lunch we set off to the café at the Bahrain Fort, which proved to be a fantastic spot for birding, and we were to return here several times during our stay. The muddy inlet below the café was swarming with waders, including Terek Sandpipers, both species of Sandplover, and many of the more familiar species. Two juvenile Greater Flamingos were on the tideline with a single Gull-billed Tern flying over head. Swifts (both Pallid and Common) were hawking around with the Swallows and a group of 30+ Bee-eaters appeared Bee-eaters, Bahrain Fort in the trees opposite the fort, single House Martins and a Crag Martin joined the throng. A brief walk around the outside of the fort itself produced more House Crows, Mynas, Graceful Warblers and a Northern Wheatear. Finally, we headed into the desert to get a feel for the island, and set our sights on the Tree of Life. An archaeological dig had just begun at the tree, but the area around proved fruitful, with Isabelline Wheatear, Tawny Pipit, male Pied Wheatear and Northern Wheatear in the vicinity and an Isabelline Shrike and a single Wood Warbler actually in the tree.

3 Wednesday, 14 April Today started as a much more touristy day with a visit to Al Areen Wildlife Park planned. This site, however, can prove rich in wild birds, attracted to the paddocks and re-created natural desert areas. On the approach road Tawny Pipit, Tree of Life some Black-winged Stilts and Kentish Plovers were seen. The whole area is being developed but is very wet, and looks to have been so for a while. The park is frustrating to bird, most is not accessible on foot, and it is very difficult to separate the wild birds from feral free-flying ones. The paddocks were full of Crested Larks, Collared Doves and Laughing Doves. There were several Grey Francolins running around and the Bulbuls were busy collecting food for chicks. During the bus tour into the main park many Francolins were spotted, along with several Isabelline Shrikes and one unexpected Masked Shrike. Back in the paddocks a pair of Pheasants and Graceful Warblers put in an appearance, but the star was a male Redstart hopping around the Desert Large Salmon Arab Butterfly Garden. A large skink was basking on the path, and many butterflies, including Large Salmon Arab, were flitting around the bushes in the grounds. From here, a brief visit down to Al Jazayer Beach produced several Northern Wheatears, an Isabelline Wheatear and a Whinchat. A late afternoon visit was made to the amazing Saar Burial Ground and Settlement. Although a history visit, birds were well represented. Three Ortolan Buntings were foraging around the burial chambers, which also supported a huge population of Sand Geckos. A Hoopoe was flushed from the same place, flying into nearby trees. As darkness fell a small flock of Ringnecked Parakeets flew over. Thursday, 15 April A long morning spent driving in the desert between Al Areen, Al Jazayer and behind the Bahrain International Circuit looking for desert specialities, proved fruitless. As the day was very hot and sunny we retreated indoors for the afternoon, until a late visit to the Janabiyah Burial Mounds produced a Whinchat, Short-toed Lark and two Cape Hares. On the way out in the evening a Wood Sandpiper was feeding in the water at the Palm Junction the intersection between the highway to the Saudi causeway and the Janabiyah Highway. Friday, 16 April A morning birding around Manama was very productive, but not the most relaxing of birding! The first stops were along the causeway to Sitra, involving clambering over roadside barriers and crossing several lanes of busy traffic, but the rewards justified it. Large numbers of terns, Whitecheeked, Lesser Crested and Saunders were joined by Cormorants, Cormorant, Tubli Bay Whimbrel, Night Heron, Grey Heron and Western Reef Herons. Fish Traps, Tubli Bay The small area of Tubli Bay that still has mud rather than concrete was covered with waders most in breeding plumage. The usual suspects were seen, along with just one Common Sandpiper, one Ringed Plover and many Little Stints, Terek Sandpipers and Slender-billed Gulls, and about 50 Greater Flamingoes. A Red-rumped Little Stint, Tubli Bay

4 Swallow flew past just as we were leaving. Blue Pansy Butterfly, Barbar Temple slightly tatty) Blue Pansy butterfly. Before lunch a quick visit to the Barbar Temple site turned up Isabelline Wheatear and a ground-feeding Willow Warbler, alongside a stunning (if Later, an hour was spent driving around the Dumistan area, but not producing much, except at the lake where two Moorhens and a flock of Willow Warblers feeding on the ground and fly-catching were entertaining. A late afternoon return to the desert around the oil wells, and down towards the Tree of Life proved very good. A small grove of trees south of Sakhir held a White-throated Robin, desert near Tree of Life pair of Olivaceous Warblers, a male Menetries Warbler, an Isabelline Shrike and a stunning male Whitethroated Robin. A great day was rounded off by a group of Ringnecked Parakeets, with two Alexandrine Parakeets, coming into roost in the trees behind the villa and a group of seven Bee-eaters hawking around the roof in the half-light. Saturday, 17 April A relatively quiet day birding started once again in the desert but, with a brief glimpse of a Rufous Bush Chat near Al Wasmiyah, nothing new was found until we reached the Camel Roundabout near the Bahrain Sailing Club at Al Jazayer. Some very close Kentish Plovers proved obliging models on the blocked-off road heading north here, and an Ortolan and two Redthroated Pipits were on the grass-covered centre of the roundabout itself. The grounds around the Al Jasra Handicraft Centre looked very promising but, in fact, only Sparrows, Bulbuls and Laughing Doves were found. A lunchtime visit to the Bahrain Fort produced many more waders, including Greenshank, Turnstones and a very tame Grey Plover. Some time Grey Plover, Bahrain Fort was spent looking at an unusual egret and it was decided that this was most likely to be a Little Egret. A pair of Graceful Warblers were displaying in the trees around the pool at the villa, and an early evening visit to the Janabiyah Burial Mounds added Steppe Grey Shrike and a pair of Kentish Plovers using distraction display, suggesting the presence of chicks, most likely down by the corner nearest the motorway which is wet and well-vegetated. Sunday, 18 April Early morning we set off along the causeway to Saudi. Overnight storms had cleared the air, but there were few birds to be seen. Finally, on the way back (you can only go half way across) a group of Socotra Cormorants were found on one of the buoys in the water. A second trip to Al Areen proved surprisingly fruitful, with a Sparrowhawk and a Pallid Harrier, Al Areen Pallid Harrier passing over. More butterflies were in evidence at the park, with good numbers of Plain Tiger noted. A lazy afternoon was followed by an evening riding horses at the Dilmun Club only of interest in a bird report because of the small group of Crested Larks feeding on horse droppings in the schooling arena, refusing to move even among the flying hooves. On the way back to the villa, a Nightjar was flushed from the road.

5 Monday, 19 April A final visit to the Bahrain Fort once again was richly rewarded. As well as the usual large numbers of waders this time seen on the retreating tide a Spotted Redshank joined the throng. The terns were more in evidence, with two Gull-billed, one Lesser Crested and a number of Saunder s Terns one pair observed mating. Other birds were in evidence with vast numbers of Swallows hawking around the area, joined later by House Martins and some Sand Martins. Bee-eaters were still present in the trees behind the fort, and the ruins themselves hosted a female Pied Wheatear and a male Rock Thrush. An evening walk around the Janabiyah Burial Mounds added nothing new to the list, but Nightjar was heard churring from here during the evening. Rock Thrush, Bahrain Fort Tuesday, 20 April The last full day, and the morning was spent birding around Muharraq Island, behind the airport. Only small numbers of waders were seen, but we had stunning views of Western Reef Heron. In the lagoon behind the airport, near Galali, large numbers of roosting waders were found mostly Curlew Sandpipers, Bar-tailed Godwits and Sandplovers. More Saunder s Terns were seen, dwarfed by the Lesser Crested Terns standing next to them. Next a visit to the National Museum was made, and the surroundings of this building look like they will repay a closer look, with much shoreline easily ac- Western Reef Heron, Muharraq Island cessible. A final walk around the Janabiyah Burial Mounds as dusk fell rewarded us with very close up views of Ortolan, and further distraction displays by the Kentish Plovers. Wednesday, 21 April An early morning, to set off for the airport by about 7am, but final new birds of the trip were 4 Buzzards (most likely Steppe Buzzards) circling low over the airport. Plane took off on time back to UK, and was half empty defying the chaos we had heard about with the volcanic dust cloud. Ortolan, Janabiyah Burial Mounds (Great) Cormorant Socotra Cormorant Night Heron Cattle Egret Western Reef Heron Little Egret Grey Heron SPECIES LIST Common around Manama area, seen at Tubli Bay and on fish traps and rocks on Muharraq Island. Mostly young birds. Seen only on the buoys alongside the Saudi causeway. 15 individuals, only one of which was an adult. A few individuals, invariably seen on fish traps on the north coast. 3 birds seen within paddocks at Al Areen Wildlife Park. Very common anywhere there is water. Both colour morphs present. 1 individual seen at the Bahrain Fort considered to be this species, based on facial characteristics and black legs. A handful of individuals seen, all on fish traps on the northern shore. Sacred Ibis Considered free flying feral birds, but 6 seen in flight at Al Areen Wildlife Park. Greater Flamingo 2 juveniles seen feeding on tideline near Bahrain Fort, a group of c. 30 adults and Sacred Ibises, Al Areen

6 Mallard Pallid Harrier Sparrowhawk Common (Steppe) Buzzard Kestrel Hobby Grey Francolin Grey Francolin, Al Areen juveniles feeding in Tubli Bay. Hard to say if wild but free flying birds breeding at Al Areen Wildlife Park. 1 female/juvenile seen well flying low over Al Areen Wildlife Park. 1 individual soaring high over Al Areen Wildlife Park. 4 Buzzards seen circling over the airport from the terminal buildings, considered likely to be this species/subspecies. 1 bird seen at Bahrain Fort. 1 bird seen flying over at Bahrain Fort. Widely scattered, most at Al Areen Wildlife Park, but others seen at Janabiyah Burial Mounds and Saar Burial Complex. Black-winged Stilt, Al Areen Ringed Plover, Tubli Bay Quail Helmeted Guineafowl Moorhen Black-winged Stilt Ringed Plover Kentish Plover Lesser Sandplover Greater Sandplover Curlew Sandpiper, Tubli Bay One heard near Tree of Life, another at Al Areen Wildlife Park. A few of these feral birds encountered, usually near human habitations. A pair seen in the reeds at edge of Dumistan Lake. Seen on approach to Al Areen Wildlife Park, with evidence of breeding. Just a handful of individuals seen at Tubli Bay, none seen at Bahrain Fort. Very common anywhere near water/coast. Also seen in drier areas. Distraction display of a persistent pair at Janabiyah Burial Mounds suggest breeding. Reasonably common on coastal areas. Most not separated from next species. Although many individuals were not specifically identified this and the previous species very common, sometimes dominant, on mudflats, eg Bahrain Fort and Tubli Bay. Lesser Sandplover, Bahrain Fort Turnstones, Bahrain Fort Grey Plover Sanderling Little Stint Curlew Sandpiper Dunlin Widespread and common in modest numbers on all coastal sites visited, tending to feed individually. A single group of 6 individuals seen at Tubli Bay. Seen only at Tubli Bay, but c. 100 individuals, many in breeding plumage. Very common, often the commonest wader. Most in breeding plumage. Large roost at airport lagoon near Galali. Common anywhere on the coast, many in breeding plumage.

7 Ruff Just 3 individuals seen, 2 at Tubli Bay and 1 by Bahrain Fort. Bar-tailed Godwit Birds around in small numbers anywhere other waders were found. Many in stunning plumage. Whimbrel Seen at Sitra causeway, and in small numbers near Bahrain Fort. Curlew Just 1 bird seen at Bahrain Fort. Spotted Redshank 2 individuals at Bahrain Fort, neither in summer plumage. Redshank Frequent, but in 1s or 2s around other waders. Greenshank More common than Redshank. Small numbers observed fishing anywhere other waders were encountered. Wood Sandpiper Surprisingly just 1 bird seen in the irrigation overspill at the Palm Junction. Terek Sandpiper Surprisingly common and confiding. Seen at Tubli Bay and Bahrain Fort. Common Sandpiper Just 1 individual found, close to road at Tubli Bay. Turnstone Very common in gangs at Tubli Bay and especially near Bahrain Fort. Slender-billed Gull c. 10 individuals seen at Tubli Bay. Black-headed Gull 1 bird, in partial summer plumage seen outside National Museum. Lesser Black-backed Gull Several individual young birds seen considered to be this species, and 1 adult, all around Tubli Bay. Yellow-legged Gull complex Several young birds seen around the north of the island of this complex. ID was not attempted beyond this point! Crested Lark Redstart, Al Areen Lesser Crested Tern, Tubli Bay Gull-billed Tern Lesser Crested Tern White-cheeked Tern Saunder s Tern Rock Dove Collared Dove Laughing Dove Alexandrine Parakeet Ring-necked Parakeet Nightjar Common Swift Red-rumped Swallow, Tubli Bay Single and 2 birds seen at Bahrain Fort. Common around Tubli Bay and Sitra Causeway, many perching on fish traps, but most roosting on shore. Another large concentration roosting at the airport lagoon near Galali. A few individuals at Bahrain Fort also. Seen on rocks and fish traps in Tubli Bay, and a few individuals seen around Muharraq. Seen at Tubli Bay, but observed closely at Muharraq, Galali lagoon and Bahrain Fort where a pair seen courting and mating. Very common anywhere near humans. Very common near humans and at Al Areen Wildlife Park. Everywhere, including in the desert areas. 2 birds joined a small flock of the following species coming into roost near the villa, Janabiyah. Several others suspected as flyovers. Seen (and heard) mostly in the evening when flying to roost in several places on northern part of island. 1 bird flushed from road in Janabiyah at night, and at least 1 individual heard churring from Janabiyah Burial Mounds the following night. Not as common as the next species, but seen particularly at Bahrain Fort and over the villa. Pied Wheatear, near Tree of Life Whinchat, Janabiyah Isabelline Wheatear, Barbar Temple Willow Warbler, Dumsitan Lake

8 Pallid Swift European Bee-eater Hoopoe Short-toed Lark Crested Lark Skylark Crag Martin Swallow Red-rumped Swallow House Martin Sand Martin Tawny Pipit Red-throated Pipit White-cheeked Bulbul Rufous Bush Chat White-throated Robin Seen all over the island. Heard, presumably roosting, high up on skyscrapers, at night near Manama Souk. Groups encountered all over the island, 30+ near Bahrain Fort, and one small group of 8 roosting in the trees behind the villa. 2 birds seen, one flushed at the Saar Burial Complex, and another seen around the grove of trees south of Sakhir. 1 bird seen at Janabiyah Burial Mounds. Everywhere! One of the commonest birds on the island after House Sparrow. 1 bird heard and seen at Janabiyah Burial Mounds. 1 bird with group of Swallows Bahrain Fort. Extremely common all over the island, but a very large concentration in front of Bahrain Fort. 1 individual flew past at Tubli Bay. A small group joined Swallows near Bahrain Fort. 2 birds seen briefly with very large flock of Swallows at Bahrain Fort. 2 birds feeding near Tree of Life. 2 birds seen feeding on grass in centre of Camel Roundabout near Al Jazayer Beach. Common bird anywhere near humans, seen nest building at the villa and carrying chick food at Al Areen Wildlife Park. 1 seen briefly flying into roadside trees near Al Wasmirah on west coast. 1 stunning male seen well in grove of trees south of Sakhir. House Crow, Bahrain Fort Myna, Bahrain Fort Isabelline Shrike, Tree of Life Redstart Whinchat Isabelline Wheatear Northern Wheatear Pied Wheatear Black-eared Wheatear Rock Thrush Graceful Warbler Olivaceous Warbler Menetries Warbler Wood Warbler Willow Warbler Spotted Flycatcher Isabelline Shrike 1 male in Desert Garden at Al Areen Wildlife Park. 2 individuals, one on grass outside Bahrain Sailing Club, Al Jazayer Beach, the other at Janabiyah Burial Mounds. Small numbers all over the southern part of the island, with 1 at Janabiyah Burial Mounds, 1 showing very well near the Barbar Temple and near Tree of Life. The most common wheatear during the trip, found on irrigated grass areas, and drier desert areas. Several individuals, mostly females seen, especially at Bahrain Fort and Janabiyah Burial Mounds, but a stunning male found near Tree of Life. 1 moulting male Wheatear seen near Al Jazayer Beach considered to be this species. 1 male at Bahrain Fort. Reasonably common anywhere there was reeds. In full song during the visit. A pair at the grove of trees south of Sakhir. A single male foraging on the ground in the grove of trees south of Sakhir. 1 individual seen well in the Tree of Life. A flock of 7 seen around Dumistan Lake, feeding on the ground and hawking for insects from dumped televisions. Large variation in brightness of plumage. A single bird also feeding on the ground at the Barbar Temple. 1 bird seen at Dumistan Lake. By far the commonest shrike. Found all over the island. Individuals found

9 Red-backed Shrike Great (Steppe) Grey Shrike Masked Shrike House Crow Common Myna House Sparrow Ortolan showing characteristics of both the races, most of isabellinus, and a few much more boldly marked, appearing more like phoenicuroides Turkestan Shrike. 1 female seen well at Janabiyah Burial Mounds. 1 individual at Janabiyah Burial Mounds, showed extensive white on wings, no mask in front of eye and pale bill indicative of pallidirostris. Another at Al Areen Wildlife Park was of indeterminate race. An unexpected sighting in the natural desert area at Al Areen Wildlife Park. Not hugely common, but seen around Bahrain Fort, and along cornice between National Museum and Al Fateh Mosque. Common around humans, often seen near rubbish bins! Amazingly common, everywhere on the island even in the desert areas. A small group of mostly males seen at Saar Burial Complex, 1 seen on the Camel Roundabout and another individual male seen at Janabiyah Burial Mounds. OTHER WILDLIFE Mammals: Cape Hare Lepus capensis. The only wild mammals seen. Common at Janabiyah Burial Mounds, and also seen well around Al Areen Wildlife Park in the desert areas Yellow-bellied House Gecko, villa, Janabiyah Cape Hare, Janabiyah Reptiles: Yellow-bellied House Gecko Hemidactylus flaviviridis Very common in houses and also public toilets! Sand Gecko Stenodactylus sp. A large colony of these little geckos at the Saar Burial complex Skink sp A large well-marked Skink was seen sunning at Al Areen Wildlife Park and also near the entrance to the villa in Janabiyah. Spiny-tailed Lizard Uromastyx microlepis. Large and ugly! Generally found in burrows dug into burial mounds. One large individual ( Hyacinth ) lived just out side the villa entrance. Butterflies: Pea Blue Large Salmon Arab Blue Pansy Painted Lady Plain Tiger Lampides boeticus. Found commonly anywhere there was shrubby growth Madais fausta. Seen especially at Al Areen Wildlife Park, but also in other areas where irrigation was used Junonia orithya. One tatty individual was seen well at the Barbar Temple. According to the Butterflies of Saudi Arabia and Its Neighbours by Torben B. Larsen this species presence in Bahrain has not been confirmed. Vanessa cardui. Familiar and common anywhere Danaus chrysippus. Seen only on the last couple of days, but frequent, especially around Al Areen Wildlife Park. Several other species of small (Lycaenidae) butterflies were also left unidentified.