23 August 2015

Waders returning – Sabkhat Al Fasl

A birdwatching trip to Sabkhat Al Fasl with Phil on 14 August produced a limited number of bird species but some evidence of autumn migration including good numbers of a few species of returning waders. Most waders seen were Black-winged Stilts with plenty of juveniles indicating a good breeding season. The next most common wader seen was Little Stint with several hundred scattered over various wet areas of the site followed by Little Ringed Plover with adults and juveniles seen but juveniles predominating. Smaller numbers of Curlew Sandpiper, Greater Sand Plover, Common Ringed Plover, Ruff, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Common Greenshank and Ruddy Turnstone were all present. Water levels have dropped considerably over the summer leaving good muddy areas for the waders to feed and, hopefully, over the next few weeks wader numbers will build as the location looks good for attracting them.
Black-winged Stilt
Black-winged Stilt
Common Ringed Plover
Common Ringed Plover
Greater Sand Plover
Greater Sand Plover
Little Stint
Little Stint
Ruddy Turnstone
Ruddy Turnstone