16 March 2015

Black-crowned Night Herons – Sabkhat Al Fasl

Black-crowned Night Heron is an unusual species to see at Sabkhat Al Fasl and although they are recorded annually they are not easy to see due to the large areas of cover. On 5 March Phil Roberts and I saw a small group of seven birds flying over and circling around before landing deep in the reed beds. Most of the birds were juveniles but at least two adults were also present in the group. This is only the second time I have seen the species at the location so was a very pleasing sight. Black-crowned Night Heron is an uncommon passage migrant that is scarce in winter and rare in summer. The are noted more often in autumn than spring with juveniles occurring from September to November and sometimes into February and can be seen anywhere where water and trees occur even in parks such as Deffi Park in Jubail. Spring occurrences are irregular from March to May and rarely summer records in June or July occur. Elsewhere in Saudi Arabia they are only seen regularly in the southwest of the country.
Black-crowned Night Heron

Black-crowned Night Heron

Black-crowned Night Heron

Black-crowned Night Heron

Black-crowned Night Heron

Black-crowned Night Heron

Black-crowned Night Heron

Black-crowned Night Heron

Black-crowned Night Heron

Black-crowned Night Heron