Migration over Qatar (1 Viewer)

Hi There!

I am new to the forum, and this is my first post.

I live in Doha, Qatar, and over the past two or three weeks (during November) have seen many, seperate and very large groups of birds, in exeptionally long "V" formations (very fluid, strings, ... stretching back as much as 1KM on either side, but with a definite "leader"), all flying in a southerly direction.

They are flying quite high, but seem dark or black in colour and they appear to look like cormorants.

Could anyone help identify them by the above description?

Thanks

Steve

I would say Cormorants are a good bet..either Common or perhaps Socotra (though not sure how common the latter are in Quatar).

Some other large birds do migrate in V formation, notably geese, swans and cranes, but only Demoiselle Cranes are likely in large numbers in the Middle East, and they pass through in September, at least in Saudi Arabia.

Sean

Welcome to Birdforum!

I'd suggest that if they weren't cormorants, then they'd probably be Cranes.

Hello Steve,
And on behalf of the staff, an official welcome to the Birdforum.