After a break in the UK I am now back in country.  On the way back we detoured for a short stay in Muscat, Oman, here I picked up two species, firstly a group of two White Storks, sitting on top of a building site crane and a fly through House Crow.

I also had a night in Kandahar, this proved to be rather interesting.  In the morning I spotted a wheatear type bird and after getting a better look managed to ID it as a Pied Bushchat.  Throughout the day I heard the bee-eaters in the air and as dusk approached I was amazed to see a movement of approx a 100 plus. I am still unsure as to the species, I had no optics and these could have been either European or Blue-cheeked. My only note is that the call didn’t sound quite right for European, I will have to research more, although I will say the amount of literature and information on the birds of this area is negligible.  From the same direction a small party of three waders, flew over my head, about the size of small sandpipers, I am unable to confirm the actual species.

This led me to wondering where the birds had originated and a short walk later, I came across a large pool of water. By this time the light was really low and the only birds I could ID were a Black-winged Stilt and a Green Sandpiper. Other species of waders were present but the light and lack of optics were against me. Hopefully I will be visiting this area again and should get a whole day at this site.

Walking back to my accommodation I was delighted to see the unmistakable sight of a Nightjar. Once again the few books I have indicate one of three possible species, I would welcome any comments on this. Always a wonderful sight I watched the bird for a few minutes as it hunted amongst the buildings before moving beyond the rooftops.

I am now back in Kabul and back to the usual fare.