Monday, January 17, 2011

White-eared Bulbul

Pycnonotus leucotis
A very common, sparrow-sized bird with a pleasant voice.
With white ears (or cheeks) and a yellow under-tail streak, the mid-section of the bird is distinctively unremarkable in appearance.

Monday, January 10, 2011

White-throated Kingfisher

Halcyon smyrnensis
Birds such as this White-throated Kingfisher routinely displayed their ability to perch on top of razor wire. I observed hundreds of birds during my 23 months in Iraq, but only saw one avian casualty which was a result of razor wire entanglement. Granted, it's not a habitat enhancement, but there will be less of the sharpened-barb mess after each passing year.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Iraq Pied Crow

Corvus (corone) capellanus
This type of bird was a familiar site in my area.
A year-round inhabitant, the IP crow was a reassuring presence. 

Monday, December 20, 2010

Common Babbler

Turdoides caudata
It's a rewarding experience to be able to get close to a bird that is easily spooked.
The vast majority of my attempts were photographically unproductive.
However, the calming, therapeutic benefits kept me hooked.
Gentle sounds, even to this day, take me back to those good places in my mind.
A common babbler, but with an unexpected and uncommon lifelong impact.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater

Merops persicus
These colorful little birds were one of the more common sightings in my area.
The barb wire perching is a nice ability and a preference for the bird.
It was a calming reminder that peace in nature will triumph all.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Rufous Bush Robin

Cercotrichas galactotes
Even as a beginning amateur, I was amazed at the diversity of birds that could be found in the small area that was accessible to me. As quality avian habitat areas continue to be restored, Iraq as a nation becomes more solid. With growing numbers, and re-introductions of native bird species, Iraq is pioneering the movement towards sustainable naturalism. 

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Black Francolin

Francolinus francolinus
 
This was the type of bird that got me started.
Previously, I only had passing interest in the wildlife of Iraq.
I thought I was seeing some pheasants that had managed to escape 
from a hunting area, at first.
However, at any given time, there are many experienced birders within the coalition, so I was soon corrected as to the bird's proper identification. I was even fortunate enough to have corresponded with an experienced Iraqi birder/naturalist.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Hoopoe

Upupa epops
The masterful Hoopoe will be the introductory for this blog.
It is primed to reclaim habitat that is being restored at an amazing rate. 
A visually stunning bird, the hoopoe has a 'retractable head-dress' and good camouflage for arid environments.