Although the light was fading the birding was good. Working on "information supplied" I sneaked up on a large patch of open, dusty, soil and as promised there were three Grey Francolins (Francolinus pondicerianus). These birds are in the same family as partridge and pheasants. Grey Francolins are about 30 cm long and while the guide book calls them "rather drab" I think thats a bit harsh!
This bird was rather easily disturbed, and rushed off as soon as it saw me - I was glad that I had my camera on "fast drive" - these were the only three images I managed to get.
So, now its your turn to join in with Wild Bird Wednesday. Click on the link below and follow the instructions - its as simple as that.
Visits to WBW were down a bit last week, so if you know anybody who would be interested feel free to pass on the link! The more birds (and visitors!) the better! SM
Beautiful bird.
ReplyDeleteGosh - he really blends in well! Super catch!
ReplyDeleteInteresting bird. He's pretty funny looking. Nice catch. Links might have been down a bit last Tuesday since it was a big holiday week for the USA and many people were out of town or traveling. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteHi Stewart!
ReplyDeleteNever heard of this bird before, but I thought it looked like a pheasant before I read your words about it.
Nice shots of it!
Greetings Pia
My, you were early this morning, but, this time I was ready for you:) The Fancolin ... another bird to add to my list of firsts. I think it's subtleness is it's beauty. The colors blend perfectly with it's common background and the feathers, after all, are supposed to provide camouflage. Great catch, Stewart. Now please explain to me where Oman is ... sorry for my ignorance. Have a wonderful week ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
It is quite similar to our female pheasants. From Findlay
ReplyDeleteIts color matches that of its surroundings. Nice find!
ReplyDeleteOh, he's got great camouflage!
ReplyDeleteIt looks a lot like partridges here in the US. They're rather shy, as well. Beautiful brown tones!
ReplyDeleteParece uma perdiz
ReplyDeleteThat bird blends in well. Visits were probably down due to American Thanksgiving last week.
ReplyDeleteI like their subtle colors. We all don't have to be 'flashy'. :)
ReplyDeleteTheir color really does help them to blend in with their habitat.
Seems you had many good birding encounters while in Oman.
i like the golden color around his head/face. very pretty.
ReplyDeleteStewart, you captured some amazing shots the Grey Francolin.
ReplyDeleteI recommend that everyone click on your photos for a better view.
Thank you for hosting WBW.
Never heard of these birds. Good that you were armed and ready with your gear! He sure does blend into his surroundings well, doesn't he? Still, you managed some super shots!
ReplyDeleteNice find!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! I have not seen this bird!
ReplyDeleteI am re-posting an old post from Australia tonight!
Happy WBW to all!
You got some great shots Stewart and thanks... it's another bird I wasn't aware of.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a treat to meet another birder who was able to point you in the right direction!
ReplyDeleteYou are very lucky to find another great bird in a place as interesting as that.
ReplyDeleteGreat bird and sighting, Stewart! I've never seen a partridge here, only a male pheasant. Glad you were able to take some shots, it is a life bird right? Thanks for hosting WBW! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI think they are a smart bird.... lovely find.
ReplyDeleteHi Stewart!Very strange bird!Great shotsWishing you a lovely day!
ReplyDeleteDimi..!
Nice capture. He blends right into his surroundings.
ReplyDeleteSuch perfect camouflage plumage. He merges right into the landscape. So good that you had the tip-off and managed to get these shots.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had some good luck there Stewart. That bird has great camouflage but I certainly wouldn't call it drab.
ReplyDelete°•.¸♪♫
ReplyDeleteOlá!
Passei para admirar suas fotografias.
Essa ave está tão bem adaptada que se confunde com o ambiente.
Boa continuação da semana!
Beijinhos do Brasil.
♪♫¸.•° ♡ °•.¸♪♫
'Rather DRAB'??? Now there's a description that shows NO imagination whatsoever!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful looking bird blends in well.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures you took of one as you describe "cloud" bird.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment on my blog.
Wish you a good day :)
Hanne Bente
If its "drab" that's because the bird evolved to merge in with the surroundings, as you so show with your shots Stewart. Don't know why your hits should be down for such a valuable resource - keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great bird to come across!! I'm enjoying these foreign birds that I will never get to see.
ReplyDeleteHappy WBW!
I don't think he's drab at all!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures, that bird is really well camouflaged!
ReplyDeleteANY image of a new bird is a great image! Great captures and what a wonderful opportunity to bird in a foreign land!
ReplyDeleteI love this kind of birds. They are so nicely shaped. Elegant!
ReplyDeleteIt may have been a quick encounter, but all 3 turned out nicely Stewart~
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't consider that drab, either. Glad you were able to get these photos.
ReplyDeleteThat is one handsome bird, not drab at all!
ReplyDeleteOn a separate note, staking out on a "one world" kind of theme, I find it interesting that you encountered mangroves on the arid Arabian Peninsula while I encounter them in the rainy southeast of the United States.