Siana

Another early start after a horrible night spent on a mattress that resembled a plank of wood, cold temperatures and rain hitting the tent canvas. So glad to be off and away! It took until 2pm to reach the pleasant lodge at Siana, but along the way we stopped to stretch our legs and get some feeling back into our numb legs. No heating in the coach, can you believe it? Anyway, a fine male Pallid Harrier flew past us at close range, whilst a few people saw Punjab Raven and there were 100’s of Greater Short-toed Larks. Another stop in lovely warm sunshine gave us Red Collared-Dove, Rufous-fronted Prinia and a couple of Asian Desert Warblers.

It was something of a relief to finally reach Siana and after a nice cup of tea we headed out in two jeeps to an area of Acacias to look for White-bellied Minivet. We only had about an hour to wander around, seeing White-browed Fantail, Yellow-throated Sparrow and a flock of Small Minivets before having to leave and dash all the way back to the lodge and beyond it for a few kilometres. A drive across some fields took us to a secluded pool surrounded by more Acacias where just before the light fell 12 Painted Sandgrouse flew in and came to drink. Phew, we had only just made it in time and everyone was delighted to see this species, especially Keith! Then we set out on a night drive and had Savanna Nightjar, Indian Eagle Owl and, best of all, 2 Striped Hyenas to end the day on a high.

Striped Hyena