24 March 2016

Last of the winter visitors in Jubail – Bird records by Phil Roberts

Phil Roberts spent the morning of 18 March 2016 in Jubail but mentioned it was relatively quiet.  There was no sign of the Pied Kingfishers that have been around all winter or the Dead Sea Sparrows that have been around for a couple of weeks. He also mentioned only seeing one Greater Spotted Eagle a large decrease over the ten plus seen during the winter. These species are winter visitors (except the Dead Sea Sparrow that is a vagrant with only teo records) have probably moved back to their breeding grounds. Other winter visitors seen by Phil included Western Marsh Harriers but again they were in lower number than previously in the winter, Common Kingfisher and Great Cormorants. Phil mentioned there was not much in the way of migrants.  He saw one Yellow Wagtail but all the Black-headed Wagtails appeared to have moved on.  There were 47 Caspian Terns and a few waders but not many.  There was also a Common Black-headed Gull resplendent in its breeding plumage. Phil sent me a few of his photos and has kindly allowed me to use them on my website.
Western Marsh Harrier
Western Marsh Harrier
Great Cormorant
Great Cormorant
Common Kingfisher
Common Kingfisher
Black-headed Gulls
Black-headed Gulls