Birds of Saudi Arabia: Greater Sand Plover

Showing posts with label Greater Sand Plover. Show all posts

23 October 2024

Greater Sand Plover – Al Uqair

Whilst birding at Al Uqair in October I photographed a few Greater Sand Plover on the edge of the Arabian Gulf. Greater Sand Plover breeds from Turkey to Mongolia and winters 1,000–10,000 km south and southwest along the coasts of northern and eastern Africa, Arabia and Pakistan to Australia. In Saudi Arabia it is an extremely rare breeding migrant, common passage migrant, common winter visitor occurring widely throughout Saudi Arabia on migration (Feb–Apr, Aug–Sep), especially on the coasts. It can be found in coastal areas over winter (Oct–Feb), while some birds remain over summer and rarely stay and breed.

31 May 2024

A few migrants – Al Uqair

Whilst birding Al Uqair last visit the number of migrants had decreased significantly although there were still a few birds about. Red-backed Shrikes were the commonest bird seen with tens of individuals scattered around. Several Spotted Flycatchers were also seen along with a single Whinchat. Other interesting birds included several Common Redstart, Daurian Shrike, Masked Shrike and Spanish Sparrow. The nearby coast had very few birds bit a single Greater Sand Plover and several Kentish Plover were seen on the tideline.

Common Redstart

Daurian Shrike

Greater Sand Plover

Kentish Plover

Masked Shrike

Red-backed Shrike

Spanish Sparrow

Spotted Flycatcher

Whinchat

21 March 2024

Wader flock – Al Uqair

Whilst birding the Al Uqair area in March we came across a gathering of waders on the beach. This is an excellent place to see Sanderling and this flock held nine birds, and increase from the two seen the prevous visit. A single Greater Sand Plover and a single Kentish Plover were also in the group feeding on the coast. The commonest wader was Ruddy Turnstone with over ten birds. 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. Kentish Plover and Ruddy Turnstone are common passage migrants and winter visitors with Kentish Plover staying to breed in good numbers. Sanderling is a migratory bird that is a common passage migrant and uncommon winter visitor in Saudi Arabia. It occurs on both coasts during migration (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct) and occasionally inland, especially in spring but is more common on the west coast than the east coast. It prefers sandy beaches but is also less commonly seen on muddy shores and saline lagoons.

Greater Sand Plover

Kentish Plover

Ruddy Turnstone

Sanderling

20 February 2024

Greater and Lesser Sand Plovers – Al Uqair

Whilst birding the Al Uqair area in mid-February I came across two Greater Sand Plovers and a single Lesser Sand Plover feeding on the coast. There was a track along the water’s edge allowing me 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.

20 March 2023

Plovers – Al Uqayr

As I had seen a few close Greater Sand Plover & Lesser Sand Plover on the coast at Al Uqayr I was planning on visiting this area earlier in the morning when the light is better for photography. As it turned out I went at almost the same time as the week before because the birding in the farm was good and I stayed longer trying to get some good photos of the Common Chiffchaffs. There were a few more Greater Sand Plover & Lesser Sand Plovers than the previous week with approximately ten of each and a couple of Kentish Plover were also seen close. I got some quite good photos of al the species mentioned which are shown below but will probably try again to see if I can get there earlier and hope some other species of waders have arrived.