Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia
26 February 2018
Thousands of Pallid Swifts – Al Asfar Lake
Whilst birdwatching Al Asfar lake in early
February we came across huge numbers of Pallid Swifts Apus pallidus totalling
at least two thousand birds. It was an absolutely amazing sight with birds
dotted across the entire sky and some flying quite low allowing photographic
opportunities. The species is a common passage migrant and breeder with a
peculiar pattern of occurrence. The species is common from late January to May,
scarce after this and only recorded again in good numbers from November.
Breeding takes place in the winter months from November to April. Pallid Swift
are always good to watch but rarely come down low and allow photography.