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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.