Week Three and finally out and about

[Lesser Spot Finder]

This week was dominated by Larks (Crested and Oriental Skylark) and Red-breasted Flycatchers which appear to be having a late migration surge. A possible Syke's Wagtail, if it had been positively IDd, would have been a lifer but the bird sadly flew before I could get to grips with it. One Bluethroat was found around the country late on Tuesday and was the last for the week.

Masked Wagtails continue to fly south, although they are a resident species. My first foray out this week to FOB Silab was extremely successful, birding wise, with Great-white Egret, White-throated Kingfisher, both on the canal and several Blue-cheeked Bee-Eater overhead. The return journey included Kestel hunting low over the desert, Hoopoe Lark, and two large flocks of Crowned Sandgrouse just south of Bastion. This species is see almost daily flying from the Helmand River.

Finally, Tree Sparrows, Mourning Dove, and Crested Lark remain omni present around camp.