Egyptian Nightjar and Desert Warbler - near Merzouga

On the afternoon of 6th January, Sofia and I met with out local guide that Mohammed Hilmi had connected us to, at a gas station.  We jumped into his 4x4 and headed out into the desert.  We made a few stops, seeing various interesting desert species on the way, including African Desert Warbler, five Greater Hoopoe-Lark, a Scrub Warbler, and 2 Spectacled Warbler.


Then we reached the main event.  Our guide took us to a Bedouin's house from where we jumped in the truck and headed further out into the desert.  When we stopped the shepherd directed us to a dry wadi and pointed, but at first ll we could see were stones and desert plants.  It too quite a few minutes of looking to finally see what was right before us.  A resting Egyptian Nightjar.


If you take your eye off the bird, it's unexpectedly difficult to relocate it again, even when you know where it is.  After trying a few angles from which to capture a good image, and marvelling at the camouflage, it was time to go back to the petrol station and our vehicles, but not before a couple more stops.  

A Desert Sparrow was building a nest under a tagine beside a dwelling.  



At the last stop we encountered a wintering Hoopoe in a desert compound. 

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