Whilst birding the Waste Water Lake in the very early morning I saw seven Ferruginous Ducks on the water and another three birds flying over before landing with the others. Luckily, they birds in flight flew around a couple of times allowing for a few photos to be taken. Hopefully they will stay for a while as this is a safe place for them as no hunting is allowed. The Ferruginous Duck is an uncommon passage migrant, winter visitor and a rare breeder with most birds occurring from September to April. The species is currently listed as Near Threatened and prefers shallower and more vegetated areas than other Aythya species and seldom sits out on open water. Sightings have been increasing in recent years, with breeding occurring in Jubail, but they remain uncommon.
Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia
03 October 2024
01 October 2024
Late September at Dhahran Cricket Field
Whilst birding the Dhahran Hills Cricket field at the end of September I saw a few interesting birds. Western Cattle Egrets are back in good numbers and Eurasian Hoopoe numbers have increased significantly with migrant birds joining the local breeding birds. Another species that has been seen in higher-than-normal numbers is Black-winged Stilt with tens of birds on almost all grassy areas in the compound. Resident species seen included Common Myna, Eurasian Collared Dove and Crested Lark. Migrants noted have included Woodchat Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Spotted Flycatcher and Northern Wheatear.Black-winged Stilt Black-winged Stilt Black-winged Stilt Common Myna Crested Lark Eurasian Collared Dove Eurasian Collared Dove Eurasian Hoopoe Eurasian Hoopoe Spotted Flycatcher Western Cattle Egret Western Cattle Egret Western Cattle Egret Woodchat Shrike