Part two of my guided adventure with Riad Dades Birds took me across to Merzouga and a days birding in the desert with Hassan. This in part was serious 4x4 birding amongst the sand dunes with the key target species the Egyptian Nightjar and Desert Warbler.
There is a Nomad who watches the Nightjar at night and stays near the spot where it roosts at dawn. A call from Hassan to the guy and we were off to the site to view an adult and juvenile bird (the grey rock in front of the adult). This effort costs a few sheckles but it helps support a living for the Nomad! I was delighted care was taken not to disturb the birds who may be staying put until the juvenile can fly at least.
The Desert Warbler is in a known spot and was reletively easy to find if you knew where to look! Another key species viewed as a result of a fantastic guide from Riad Dades Birds!
Earier on in the day I was taken to the Sandgrouse drinking area. Brahim and Hassan have known the farmer for many years and have built up a special relationship with him. A pipeline to a Camel drinking trough had an additional water stop built into the route and the Sandgrouse water hole was created.
The Sandgrouse fly in from the Algerian border to drink every morning at early o clock and then leave the area for the day. Spotted and Crowned are regular with Pin Tailed sometimes present. On this visit there seemed to be an issue with the supplt but a quick diversion to the farmers house soon rectified the problem!
Desert Sparrow was next on the list having visited a Nomad camp in another romote area. This species used to reside around the hotels that border the desert but have likely been pushed out by the more common House Sparrow!
The larks were soon added to the growing day list with Maghreb, Crested and Bar Tailed and Greater Hoopoe Lark all relitively easy to find!
The bird that had become the guides nightmare was the Fulvous Babbler. I could sence some tension in the air having been to several spots to look for this bird and failed! I have been in a similar position when I host tours in Dorset and "Babbler Time!" was created which provided an endless source of amusement to us both! A single bird was seen in the gardens late afternoon and Hussan's relief was clear!
I thoroughly recomend Riad Dades Birds but don't forget to mention "Babbler Time" to Hussan if he is your guide!
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