Wednesday 9 February 2011

Scrub Warblers in Masafi Wadi 05.02.11

The weather was perfect last weekend for walking in the Wadis near Masafi (on the way to Fujeirah from Dubai).

This location has had a good variety of records over the years and has the reputation of turning up surprises.   Black-eared Wheatear being one of those a couple of years back.  However on this occasion I was targeting the Scrub Warbler (Scotocerca inquieta) which I had noted there exactly one year before and is known to be resident breeding.  Habitats for this bird are barren , stony hillsides, semi-deserts and sandy plains with low scrub, up to 2600m.  Masafi Wadi being typical habitat.  I had taken call recordings with me but the call proved to be of interest to only one of the four birds I was to encounter.  These little birds move very quickly and are highly active,  so be prepared for a lot of scrambling up rocky hillsides !

Other birds encountered of note were Red-Tailed Wheatear, Hume's Wheatear, Variable Wheatear, White-Spectacled Bulbul,  Desert Lesser Whitethroat and Plain leaf Warbler.

 Scrub Warbler (Scotocerca inquieta)

 Scrub Warbler (Scotocerca inquieta)

 Scrub Warbler (Scotocerca inquieta)
 Scrub Warbler (Scotocerca inquieta)

 Red-Tailed Wheatear (Oenanthe xanthoprymna)

 Desert Whitethroat (Sylvia minula)

 Plain Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus neglectus)

Red-Tailed Wheatear (Oenanthe xanthoprymna)




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