Hello Dear Readers, RMK reporting from Islamabad. The long awaited time
has finally arrived with a few interesting winter birds visiting Rawal Lake and
some birds from the Himalayas have arrived in the Margalla Hills.
 |
| Eurasian Bittern RMK |
The leaves of some trees have started turning into their autumnal hues
and the weather is dry following the monsoon season. My colleague ZR and I have
been searching the Margalla Hills trails and some of the wetlands surrounding
Islamabad. However, it was mostly the more common species we encountered.
 |
| Bar-headed Goose ZR |
Although and exceptionally, we encountered five pairs of Crested
Kingfishers in the valleys, which is assurance
that some wintering birds are around the capital city and the coldest season
might be early this year. However, currently the temperature is still warm but that hasn’t halted migration.
 |
| Juvenile Black-winged Stilt ZR |
 |
| Little Grebe ZR |
 |
| Spotted Redshank ZR |
ZR has visited more areas than me and observed and photographed the
birds in his amazing images. New boys with their cameras and lenses are
producing some wonderful images and the number of people interested in birds
and wildlife is steadily increasing. However, we need more support from the government
and media houses and awareness programmes in schools and colleges so that
Pakistan’s threatened wildlife has a chance. A few areas around the Margalla
Hills have been discreetly cordoned off and are patrolled by local guards; not
to hide wildlife from people but to ensure the fragile environment is preserved
and to ensure rubbish and detritus discarded by the irresponsible few does no
further damage.
 |
| Bluethroat ZR |
I visited a few localities over the weekend and was lucky to find a Eurasian
Bittern (Botaurus stellaris) a Lifer
for me! What an elegant bird it is. A
few days ago one of our colleagues reported the presence of Black Bittern (Dupetor flavicollis) and hopefully I might
get to re-find it.
 |
| Eurasian Sparrowhawk ZR |
A large flock of Black-throated Thrushes was hiding in the dense trees and
we are hoping that we have a fantastic birding season this winter. I will be
leaving for Sialkot during the coming week as one of my friends has reported
about 150 Eurasian Spoonbills in the area.
 |
| Little Egret ZR |
 |
| Winter-plumaged River Tern ZR |
 |
| Variegated Laughingthrush RMK |
 |
| Black-headed (aka Black-throated) Jay RMK |
 |
| Wire-tailed Swallow RMK |
 |
| Tree Pipit ZR |
 |
| Male Red Avadavat RMK |
 |
| White-throated Kiungfisher RMK |
 |
| White-breasted Waterhen ZR |
 |
| Plain Prinia ZR |
 |
| Cinereous Tit RMK |
From Islbirder: Thank you for
kind words and how ironic that you should see your first Eurasian Bittern at
Rawal Lake when I couldn’t find one for you at Cley Marshes, Norfolk last year.
There has been a huge movement of Siberian Accentors into Europe this autumn
with many European countries recording their first ever records of that
species; the UK included. So check out the Black-throated Accentors in the
valleys this winter. You never know! Keep up the good work that you carry out
for the wildlife enthusiasts and the wildlife of Pakistan. Good luck in Sialkot
and best wishes to Kamran.
