Birding Before the Storm


Today we returned to Lake View Park in the hope that we may witness migration involving passerines in the arboretum and waders moving through the marshy extremities of Rawal Lake. We were not disappointed. The first species noted was TREE PIPIT and there had been an arrival of about a dozen birds. They were typical of birds on passage, flighty but also spending time on the ground and in the tops of leafless trees. INDIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE was still in evidence but the numbers had reduced to about half the number we witnessed during our last visit, as had those of EURASIAN HOOPOE.

Eurasian Hoopoe Zill Niazi

There were plenty of warblers but the only species present appeared to be GREENISH WARBLER. A pair of BLACK-RUMPED FLAMEBACK was nice to see and both birds were particularly vocal. A female ASIAN KOEL posed unusually and obligingly in a treetop, much more impressive than the male.

The most numerous passerine species by far was COMMON ROSEFINCH and a very large number of birds were passing through. It was difficult to estimate but at least 300 during our three hours in the field. There were still half a dozen BLUE-TAILED BEE-EATER hawking dragonflies and whilst watching them we became aware of the distinctive calls of COMMON GREENSHANK and a party of 40 birds alighted in the marshy area. They joined about 20 WOOD SANDPIPER that were already there. Amongst the wallowing Water Buffalo were about 20 EASTERN CATTLE EGRET some still in their gaudy breeding plumage.

Other migrants were the 25 or so CITRINE WAGTAIL near the water’s edge and a lone WHITE-BROWED WAGTAIL that was in full song. Again we searched long and hard but there was no Red-necked Phalarope; we are determined to find one. Amongst the partially submerged vegetation the EURASIAN TEAL number had risen to 27 birds and about 80 LITTLE CORMORANT were taking advantage of the fish trapped in the shallows.

All of the Shrikes from last time had moved on and only a resident BAY-BACKED SHRIKE was seen. In the distance there was the constant rumbling of thunder and the Margalla Hills began to disappear amongst cloud. The imminent storm was the reason for the extreme humidity that only reduced once we had experienced a monsoon-like downpour. Fortunately, our return home coincided with the first drops of rain. So, the Pakistan total remains at 309 species but the autumn and winter are exciting times and are sure to yield more new species for our country list.


Popular posts from this blog

Rare Birds Found in Pakistan

Image
Islbirder was birding on the muddy perimeter of a West Midlands Industrial Estate in the centre of the England looking for a Hume’s Warbler, the first record for the Region and a British Tick. It was freezing cold with squally and heavy showers. He was thinking what on earth am I doing here? It was only a few short weeks ago that Hume’s Warbler was a regular visitor to his Islamabad garden. At the same time RMK had taken a week away from his office to undertake an expedition to photograph some of the resident species and exciting winter visitors to Pakistan. RMK takes up the story of his memorable birding holiday. It’s been a strange winter and I am very sorry to inform you that this year the numbers of birds visiting Islamabad and Punjab appear to be reduced. On Saturday 25 January 2014 I visited Trail 5 within the Margalla Hills National Park. This was the famous Trail 5 that we had visited on many occasions and seen such wonderful species. However, birds were few. The C
Read more

The Breeding Season in the Margalla Hills & a Trip to Shogran

Image
The changing season in Islamabad has pushed the overwintering visitors to higher altitudes and the breeding season is in full swing within the Margalla Hills National Park. Verditer Flycatcher   During weekend of 27 & 28 March 2021, I excitedly anticipated two full days of birding. On 27 March me,  SWABI BIRDER  along with  Mrs.  SWABI BIRDER   visited an area of woodland within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, to check on how the birds are preparing for their breeding season. The dry branches have their leaves and birds were extremely active. Speckled Piculet (Male) We sat quietly near to a water source and after few moments birds started coming to drink. Firstly, a Verditer Flycatcher that was quickly followed by a superb Speckled Piculet. Also in branches was a Grey-hooded Warbler in full breeding plumage. Grey-hooded Warbler   A female Common Rosefinch alighted nearby on a branch. On the edge of the stream area was a beautiful Grey Wagtail, in full breeding colours picking insect
Read more

Kalar Kahar 62 Species

Image
On Saturday 13 July 2013 we made our way to the Kalar Kahar area, Punjab to look for new species for our Pakistan List. We had decided to arrive early to give ourselves the chance of locating one, or more, of the famous population of Indian Peafowl. Whilst some would consider that these particular Indian Peafowl something of a plastic tick; they are countable and appear as number 353 on my list of species recorded in Pakistan. The first INDIAN PEAFOWL we saw was a stunning male perched on a fence. Not the best evidence of “wild” status. The local community looks after the birds so they show little fear. However, we saw about a dozen or so and some acted more like wild birds, those that stalked the woodland area. Whether these birds comprise a feral population, like the Monk Parakeets in Miami, Florida, or not these beautiful photographs portray this amazing species so dramatically. Once again the photographers have done a fantastic job.   Male Indian Peafowl Sarel van Zyl
Read more