14 July 2017

Waders and Terns - Jubail

Whilst birding the Jubail area in strong winds and the middle of summer few birds are generally seen. Waders can always be seen on the sabkha but they are restricted to breeding Black-winged stilts and Kentish Plovers as well as further inland Little Ringed Plovers that breed locally. A single Greater Sand Plover was a bit of a surprise as they normally occur later than this record. Terns are common in the summer months with mainly Little Terns, White-cheeked Terns and Caspian Terns seen. A surprise was the sighting in mid summer of an adult Ferruginous Duck possibly indicating a breeding attempt may be underway. I have never seen Ferruginous Duck in Summer in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
Black-winged Stilt - Juvenile
Black-winged Stilt - Juvenile
Black-winged Stilt - Juvenile
Black-winged Stilt - Juvenile
Little Ringed Plover
Little Ringed Plover
Greater Sand Plover
Greater Sand Plover
Caspian Tern
Caspian Tern
Caspian Tern
Caspian Tern
Caspian Tern
Caspian Tern
Caspian Tern
Caspian Tern