The day began with some light rain and almost complete cloud cover, not particularly favourable conditions for photography. In any case, Paul and I spent the morning in the Shizzafon area hoping that some sandgrouse would come into a favoured drinking pool. At around 08:10 hrs about 110 Spotted Sandgrouse arrived but landed 400 metres from the pool in the open desert and showed little interest in actually drinking.

After an hour and twenty minutes, most of the flock appeared to leave the area without even bothering to drink. While waiting for the sandgrouse I enjoyed excellent views of Mourning and Desert Wheatears, and Trumpeter Finch. Also, a Lesser Short-toed Lark called as it flew overhead which was pretty much the last good bird of the morning.

Good birding,

James Smith