05 February 2024

Waders starting to move – Dhahran Waste Water Lake

Whilst birding Dhahran Waste Water Lake recently I saw a few waders that are probably early migrants. A good number of Black-winged Stilt were present as was a single Common Sandpiper, birds that have been around for a few weeks but I also saw new birds in the form of a single Common Greenshank and Ruff. The lake itself was little changed from the last few visits with ten Grey Heron, three Western Cattle Egret, three Squacco Heron, two Little Egret and two Great Egret. Another migrant seen was a single Red-rumped Swallow and a Black-necked Grebe was new in as well, but probably a short distant movement as they winter locally. Other water birds seen included a few Black-headed Gulls, a single Steppe Gull, a female Tufted Duck and several Great Cormorants.

Common Sandpiper

Great Cormorant

Great Cormorant

Grey Heron

Grey Heron

Western Cattle Egret