23 February 2022

Great Crested Grebes – Al Khobar

Whilst birdwatching Al Khobar on 22 February I came across at least ten Great Crested Grebes. The species is not an easy bird to see in Saudi Arabia with the Eastern Province the best area to see them. Several lakes are good for the species including the one at the end of Abu Ali Island and Khafra Marsh. The percolation pond in Dhahran was also a regular place to see them. These birds were on a protected bay area of the Arabian Gulf and were scattered over a large area. Six birds were seen together, and six Black-necked Grebes were also located in the same bay. This is the largest gathering of Great Crested Grebes I have seen in the Kingdom.