Arabian Adventure 26 - Day 5

Still some logistical issues BUT the good news was I managed to get out this morning thanks to Marianne; Robert's partner. The bad news was when we reached the Ras Al Khor Reserve...it was closed for improvements!

Plan B was activated as she kindly drove me down to the Bike Cafe where I'm writing this. Interesting to compare today with Wednesday's "purple patch"? So far I've seen Greater Spotted Eagle again and a Black Kite low over the Cafe..

One of my BOC "in the field" classics!

I'm writing early as we're out tonight for my "surprise"? We'll be setting off for Oman tomorrow lunchtime, aiming to arrive in Muscat before dark.

My laptop didn't like Robs wi-fi but hopefully our accommodation will. I aim to try and balance Birding and spending quality time with my Son, the latter being paramount. He has an interest which should help.

There's some spectacular Scenery and some great Birds in the Country so it should be an exciting Road Trip.

Stay tuned...

Arabian Adventure 26 - Day 4

The Arabian Adventure ground to a halt today due to certain documentation issues. When in Rome... I'll spare you the details!

No matter, I brushed up on some future planning and ID. Hopefully this will pay off in the coming days. I also had a trim!

I'm still buzzing from my Eagle afternoon yesterday. I have a confession. After downloading my photos I'm withdrawing my STEPPE EAGLE claim. It was a distant Great-spotted.

The IMPERIAL was majestic though...and what a great name! Watching the BOOTED causing mayhem among the Pigeons was also special.

All this on top of the wonderful WTE in the Lower Derwent Valley before departure and it's been quite a magical spell.

I hope to be back in action tomorrow?

Arabian Adventure 26 - Day 3

A curtailed day today due to an unforeseen issue!

Once sorted I did manage to get down to Al Qadra early afternoon. I toured around Expo Lakes but only added Common Sandpiper and Rose-ringed Parakeet.

However as I was returning towards the Bike Cafe I saw a couple of large Birds in the Sky. It was apparent (even to me) that they were Eagles of different size! Over the next hour I enjoyed fantastic views of both Birds which eventually dropped low overhead. I have pics but again no time to download, so here's a BOC of the majestic IMPERIAL EAGLE...a Lifer for me...

A Bird I'd always dreamed of seeing...and so close.

I was confident the other Eagle was a STEPPE, another Lifer! The experience was both thrilling and educational.

As I was leaving I couldn't help but notice an explosion of thousands of feral Pigeons on a huge nearby building. In amongst them was another large Raptor. The distinctive two-tone pattern pointed strongly towards one Species. I had an adult BOOTED EAGLE.

To see THREE Species of Eagle at one time, so close, was amazing!!!

Arabian Adventure 26 - Day 2

Shaken off the Jet Lag now...thankfully! I was up and out by 8 after a decent night's sleep. Always helpful.

The initial teething problems out of the way I was down at Al Qudra by 10 after a failed mission to get close to a Subway.

The day was spent covering Desert and Oasis habitat, the latter being far more profitable. I couldn't find one Desert Site (Southwest) despite a "good go". Robert's Jeep allows total access!

I tried 3 different Lake areas and all produced some decent sightings. It's 7 years since I last visited and the areas have matured well...

They are fastidiously maintained. Birds present are a mixture of Ornamental and Wild with some hard to tell which!?

Thankfully the Bike Cafe was still functioning...

I won't be able to spend as much time Blogging as my main aim is to spend time with my Son but I'll add a few pics when possible. 

Highlights today...

Whiskered Tern

Squacco Heron

Purple Heron

Grey-headed Swamphen

Spoonbill 

Indian Silverbill

Spent a fair amount of time with "Eyes to the Skies" but no Imperial Eagles seen. Three have been reported.

Out for Dinner tonight. I'll be back down first thing tomorrow...

Arabian Adventure 26 - Day 1

Well...I've made it... eventually! The usual joys of long distance travel kicked in again, which included extensive security checks (all in a good cause of course ) and delayed flight. I did receive excellent help throughout. Jetlag hit hard overnight meaning I eventually surfaces at Noon today! 

Familiarisation was the word today as Rob had to go to work in preparation for his Trial tomorrow. He kindly lent me his Jeep...

...which will come on VERY handy on the Desert terrain. 

I spent a couple of Hours down at Al Quadra Lakes which is South of the City...

I've been on previous visits so I know where to go and eBird/Google maps helped even more.

There are lots of ornamental Birds here BUT genuine wild ones do turn up no doubt attracted by the water. A Wire-tailed Swallow had been reported but I never saw any Swallows of any description. Another potential Lifer reported here recently is Imperial Eagle. Maybe tomorrow?

The roads are...er...challenging to say the least. The junctions are different than on England but the Google Maps Sat Nav is invaluable. My main challenge today was finding his Flat again on my return!!!

Robert is late back tonight as a late issue has occurred regarding taking his car into Oman. Hopefully this can be sorted out soon?!

I'm hopefully returning to the Al Quadra area tomorrow for a full day...

WTE - Aughton Views

Q: Can you have too much of an Eagle

A: No!

My Loyalty to NDC is unwavering BUT the chance to get a closer view of our Star Visitor from Aughton Church on a still sunny Winter's Day was just too tempting. I arrived by the get to the Church at 7.55 and my former PE Teacher colleague Nigel arrived shortly afterwards. One benefit of Winter (there aren't many) is late Dawns.We made our way along the path, around the Church and down to the wall. It was worth the effort...

The Poplars in the Distance

On Monday if you recall I saw the Eagle flying South over Aughton Ings at 8.15 and I was hoping it would do the same this morning. Unfortunately we were to late it was already on the Bank to the South eating a large Fish! As I started taking pics it became apparent I'd forgotten to put my flashcard back in my Camera! Fortunately Nigel lent me his which allowed me to take some. Many thanks pal.

We enjoyed a wonderful morning (5 hours) watching the Eagle flying and landing at various spots along the Riverbank. Many Birders came and went among them was Jonathan Wasse, a long time friend and a fellow Cyprus Stalwart. Great to see you again pal...

I was sneakily snapped by Nigel...

He later emailed a few images...

Kestrel in the Bush for comparison

just an idyllic morning. Nice to have a different perspective on the Valley. Besides...far too nice to be in the Hut! Time for Lunch at the Drovers Arms in Skipwith. Modernised but brought back some great memories.

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Thoughts turning strongly towards the Middle East now but maybe time for one last visit tomorrow...?