Wednesday 25 May 2016

Kazakhstan Highlights.

 My recent trip to the deserts and mountains of Kazakhstan produced some great birds and also some stunning landscapes. Turkestan Shrike above.
 Crimson -winged Finch and Masked Wagtail-race personata.

 Azure Tit above and below.
 Below a smart Lesser Kestrel at the cemetery.
 It was a treat to watch male Pine Buntings on the mountain slopes surrounded by flowers and butterflies.



 Isabelline Wheatears were every where, possibly the most common bird!

Typical behaviour of a Desert Warbler and below a Whistling Thrush in the rain.

 Red-mantled Rosefinch in the Tien Shan mountains.
 Black-headed Wagtail above.
Below male Citrine Wagtail.




 Paddyfield Warbler below.

 Above a Saxaul Sparrow and below White winged Lark.

 Asian Grey Shrike.
 Demoiselle Cranes.


 Red Headed Bunting.


 Hume's Yellow Browed Warblers were everywhere,

 as were Spotted flycatchers.


 Eastern race of Chiffchaff.





 Red-backed Shrike, possibly a hybrid.
 Blyth's Reed Warblers were singing from every bush.

 Terek Sandpipers were the most common Wader encountered.
A Pallid Scops Owl was a great find.

Monday 2 May 2016

Migrants from distant places.

 A single Arctic Tern was present on the 26th, having probably spent the winter in the Southern Ocean.
 This Lesser Whitethroat was one of three.
 One of my favourite birds and a visitor all the way from east Africa.
Other warblers present include Garden and Sedge.