17 December 2014

Gadwalls, Mallards, Northern Shovellers, Garganey, Ferruginous Ducks and Grebes – Dhahran Hills

The percolation pond was full of ducks a week ago but then they almost all disappeared. On 12 December a few ducks had returned but they were very different in composition to the ones that had been there previously. I counted 40 Gadwalls which is the highest count by far I have had on the ‘patch’ of this species. Also with them were three Garganey, three Ferruginous Ducks and two Northern Shovellers. Also with the duck were a large number of Little Grebes and five Black-necked Grebes, the largest count of this species I have seen on the patch as well. It looks like winter may prove to be good this year after a slightly disappointing autumn. I also saw four Little Egrets and a Squacco Heron on the pond but these have been around for several weeks along with two Western Marsh Harriers and a Gull-billed Tern. As it was the weekend I got to the pond when the light was reasonable and therefore managed to get a few photos of them.
Gadwall
Gadwall
Gadwall, Northern Shoveller & Garganey
Gadwall, Northern Shoveller & Garganey
Gadwall & Garganey
Gadwall & Garganey
Gadwall
Gadwall
Gadwall
Gadwall
Gadwall
Gadwall
Mallard
Mallard
Little Grebe
Little Grebe
Black-necked Grebe
Black-necked Grebe