30 March 2024

Common Chiffchaff & Willow Warbler – Dhahran Waste Water Lake

Whilst birding Dhahran Waste Water Lake in late March I came across a large number of Common Chiffchaff and a single Willow Warbler which the first one of the spring for me. The birds were mainly in the large trees surrounding the lake but some would occasionally drop down and feed on the numerous insects. Both species are common to abundant spring visitors with Common Chiffchaff wintering in good numbers but many more occurring on passage. March is the peak month for migrating Common Chiffchaffs in Saudi Arabia whereas Willow Warbler migrates slightly later with peak numbers in April with Common Chiffchaff being the commoner of the two species.

Common Chiffchaff

Common Chiffchaff

Willow Warbler

Willow Warbler


Willow Warbler

Willow Warbler