26/04/2008 at Abraq Al Habari

Once we arrived it was immediately clear that Al Abraq was flooded with migrants. Unfortunately shooting was heavy as usual during Turtle Dove hunting season. People outside of the farm just shoot everything that flies past.

Our best records were:

Icterine Warbler 2, Syke’s Warbler 1, Upcher’s Warbler 1, Olivaceous Warbler 4, Shikra 1 male, Wryneck 2, Cinereous Bunting 1, Lesser Gray Shrike 1, Masked Shrike 3, Woodchat Shrike 1, Desert Finch (Injured male) and Hume’s Lesser Whitethroat  1. We had also several Nightingales, White-throated Robins, Willow Warblers and Pipits.

Hume’s Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia althaea) which is treated as a subspieces of Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia c. althaea) in some sources . This bird was photographed in same place on 21/04/2008 by P. Fagel.

Hume’s Whitethroat Curruca althaea on a branch
Hume’s Whitethroat Curruca althaea زَوْرَاءٌ إهْيُومِيَّةٌ