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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Howard King" data-source="post: 1138778" data-attributes="member: 28628">Send the link by all means - we have no objections at all, we welcome all comments and suggestions - Its all part of the leaning curve - It has to be said that there is so little information on birds passing through the middle east that not only for this species but for many others we often struggle with simply ID's as the measurements taken are inconsistent with those expected. Many species are not at all well documented in terms of variance for these part of the world hence my questions on the shrike and previously the Clamorous Reed Warbler.Last year Oman was hit by a cyclone so who knows what wintering species it drew into the region from Asia, cyclones in the Sea of Oman although scarce are a regular feature. Birds caught up in such weather would after then move north through the gulf, assuming that is the urge to move north remains instinctive for that species. I should think covering the gulf there are less than 30 birders from Oman to Kuwait, maybe even less. So we probably miss more than we see, it is a much under watched part of the world. Add to this that some of the old records, visual observations that is, including some of mine I have to say I now know are dubious. We also have to contend with those from visiting birders who misidentify our species here for those they are familiar with as plumage seen here on migration for many species is unlike anything previously encountered or illustrated in field guides.</blockquote>

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