This is one of my old haunts. Earlier this week there were up to seven Wood pigeons in the trees beside the stable area. Four birds minimum; three with white neck patches and one without. Are these wild or escapees does anyone know?
Before being unceremoniously turfed out by security I had two night herons and one European turtle dove at the old 'crocodile' pond; just down the road towards Bab Al Shams I photographed a Brown shrike.
Sadly, Qudra is full of released species, Alan. There was a large release of Woodpigeons a couple of years ago.
Can you share some images of your shrike, please? Brown Shrike is a major rarity.
Thanks, Mark.
Back in about 2009 we also had a release somewhere in Zabeel. Derek Wilby and me found an aviary containing some up there, all with white neck patches. I had one bird at the Pivots [I think in 2010 but it'sin the database] with a dark purple mark on the neck like the birds we see in Oman but none otherwise. One of the birds I saw.this week had no white on the neck and didn't look like an imm so I thought I'd ask.
Will post some shrike pics shortly.
Seeing Tommy and Maja tonight so will pass on your regards.
Alan