08 December 2016

Black-necked Grebes back for winter - Jubail

Whilst birding at Jubail on 2 December Phil Roberts and I found two Black-necked Grebes. Both were in winter plumage as would be expected at this time of year. The Black-necked Grebe is an uncommon but regular visitor to the Eastern Province from late August through March but becomes scarce in April and May and rare in the summer. It is usually local in coastal waters but counts of over 40 are not unusual in Half Moon Bay. Small numbers occur inland and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia, away from the Eastern Province, birds have occurred in Riyadh, Tabuk and the Red Sea, as well as in the Jizan region. The Jubail area appears to be a regular wintering site for the species with birds seen almost every year.
Black-necked Grebe