10 March 2023

Greater and Lesser Sand Plovers – Al Uqayr

Whilst birding the Al Uqayr area in late February we came across five Greater Sand Plovers and a single Lesser Sand Plover feeding on the coast. The birds were actively feeding on what looked like a small worm type creature. There was a track along the water’s edge allowing us to get close in the car without disturbing them. Greater Sand Plover is a common species on passage, with small numbers staying throughout the winter, but it is difficult to get close to them as they are normally out on the tide line or in the flooded sabkha. The Lesser Sand Plover is a common passage migrant, uncommon winter visitor and rare summer visitor that are found along the coast from August to May. 

Greater Sand Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Greater Sand Plover

Lesser Sand Plover

Lesser Sand Plover

Lesser Sand Plover