Some summer plumage waders – Dhahran Expro Wader Roost

A late afternoon trip to the Dhahran Expro Wader Roost produced a good number of waders but nothing out of the ordinary. The light was not good for photographing birds but I did manage to see almost all the usual species. The most common species were Bar-tailed Godwits, Lesser Sand Plovers and Dunlins, some of which were in full breeding plumage. Four Eurasian Oystercatchers were nice to see, as they are not that common. 20+ Eurasian Curlew and a lesser number of Whimbrel were also roosting in a tight flock but some way from the shore. Larger numbers of Terek Sandplover, Greater Sand Plovers and Ruddy Turnstones are now passing through with plenty of Ruff, Common Redshank and much smaller numbers of Common Greenshank also seen. Less than 20 Little Stints and Common Ringed Plovers were feeding close to the shore with hundreds of Kentish Plovers, some on migration and others that will be staying to breed. Up to 30 Greater Flamingos was a high count and other non wading birds seen included 50+ Gull-billed Terns, 20+ Caspian Terns, 17 Lesser Crested Terns, seven Grey Herons and 15 Indian Reef Herons.

Bar-tailed Godwits

Bar-tailed Godwits

Lesser Sand Plover

Lesser Sand Plover

Dunlin

Little Ringed Plover

Ruddy Turnstone

Little Stint

Kentish Plover