23 December 2012

Eurasian Sparrowhawk – Dhahran Hills


Whilst out birding I found two Eurasian Sparrowhawks chasing each other around the percolation pond, occasionally alighting in the surrounding trees. This is the first time I have seen two birds together in Saudi Arabia and although the species is not uncommon in the winter months they are always good birds to see. Eurasian Sparrowhawk is an uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor from October to April, in small numbers to the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Most birds have departed in March and individuals seen in late April and May away from areas where they normally overwinter, are probably passage migrants.