Caspian Tern is a common sighting in Jubail
where they can be seen in almost any wetland area from the coast inland to
flooded sabkhat areas like Sabkhat Al Fasl and Khafra Marsh. Although common
numbers seen rarely exceed ten although late in the summer, around September,
numbers can exceed 150 birds mainly out on flooded sabkha. The last trip to
Jubail was good for Caspian Terns with up to twenty sitting out with a small
flok of Large White-headed Gulls and more birds flying up and down a flooded
area by the side of the road. These birds put on quite a nice display flying
past the car on a number of occasions and doubling back past the car again.
This allowed a few attempts at in flight photography with a few decent results
achieved. They are a huge tern when compared to the Little Terns, Marsh Terns
and Gull-billed Terns nearby and are a very impressive species in my opinion.
