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.


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