Winter visitors - Jubail

Whilst birding Jubail recently I came across a number of winter visitors who spend most of the winter in the Jubail area. Species seen included Daurian Shrike, Eurasian Stonechat and Pied Kingfisher. Other species seen that are resident were Common Moorhen, Grey-headed Swamphen and Squacco Heron. Wader numbers were well down on normal with only a few Green Sandpiper in evidence but the Greater Flamingo numbers have increased to 5000+. Four Greater Spotted Eagles and 20+ Western Marsh Harriers were also seen.

Daurian Shrike

Eurasian Stonechat

Pied Kingfisher

Common Moorhen 

Grey-headed Swamphen

Squacco Heron

Some birds from Deffi Park area in Jubail – Arnoly Uy

Arnold sent me some photos of birds taken in the Eastern Province last week. He visited Deffi Park in Jubail and managed to photograph a Common Chiffchaff. This species is an abundant migrant and common winter visitor to the Eastern Province but they are fast moving and difficult to get good photos of so Arnold did well with these photos. Arnold also saw a pair of Eurasian Stonechats at Abu Hadriyah and took a couple of photos of these as well. I thank Arnold for sending me the details and photos and for allowing me to use them on my website. Thanks to Yoav Perlman for pointing out the Stonechat was a Eurasian Stonechat due to streaked rump, short primary projection and all orange belly.