Sandgrouse sightings

A colleague has recently been assisting sunflower farmers in the vicinity with shooting of crop-raiding birds. The target species is Speckled pigeons, of which there are tens of thousands in the fields.

Of note is his reports of large numbers of Yellow-throated Sandgrouse utilizing the fields. He has regularly been seeing big flocks taking off in front of him.

Fortunately, with some assistance and guidance from me, he has learnt the key distinguishing factors between the Pigeons and Sandgrouse, and knows to avoid them.

With winter approaching, sightings of the Sandgrouse should improve nicely, so keep your eyes peeled when in the area.