Steppe Grey Shrike - Dhahran Hills

A visit to the 'patch' this evening resulted in me getting good photographic opportunities of Steppe Grey Shrike. It was in the bushes at the edge of the spray fields and allowed close approach via the car. The only other good bird seen in the spray field area was an Isabelline Wheatear. The first year Citrine Wagtail was still present along the edge of the percolation pond along with eight Yellow Wagtails of which least two were Black-headed Wagtails. There were three Eurasian Teal and two Garganey along with a single Little Egret, one grey morph Indian Reef Heron, one juvenile purple Heron and one Grey Heron. Waders comprised of seven Curlew Sandpiper which were the first ones I have seen on the patch this autumn, three Terek Sandpiper, one Green Sandpiper, eight Wood Sandpiper, two Ruff, three Common Ringed Plover, two Little Ringed Plover, 18 Little Stint and 26 Kentish Plover. Other good birds seen included one Eurasian Turtle Dove, 35 Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, one Barn Swallow and 20+ Sand Martin.

 Steepe Grey Shrike

 Steepe Grey Shrike

 Steepe Grey Shrike

Steepe Grey Shrike

Citrine Wagtail - Dhahran Hills

Today at the 'patch' there were not so many birds but a good one was on the percolation pond - a first year Citrine Wagtail. It was feeding on insects along the muddy edge along with six Yellow Wagtail and is the first time I have seen the species in Saudi Arabia. Seven white morph Indian Reef Heron was the highest number I have seen together on the pond at any one time and a single Little Egret was also with them. Two Garganey, a Teal and another unidentified small duck were present along with 30+ Sand Martin and a single Barn Swallow. Waders included a Terek Sandpiper, one Common Snipe, five Green Sandpiper, three Wood Sandpiper, two Ruff, six Common Ringed Plover, eight Black-winged Stilt, 11 Little Stint and 30+ Kentish Plover. A couple of Eurasian Hoopoe where seen and Phil Roberts also saw an adult European Roller. The spray fields were very quite with the only good bird being a single Isabelline Wheatear.

Isabelline Wheatear (Crested Lark in background)

Daurian Shrike - Dhahran Hills

Many of the birds that had been present on the 'patch' cleared out overnight but were replaced by a number of new birds. The spray fields had a Daurian Shrike which spent most of its time hunting from the spray heads and sub-structure. There was also an Isabelline Wheatear and Eurasian Hoopoe showing well, but always keeping in the shade on the grass verge. The percolation pond had less waders today but still had 13 Black-winged Stilt, three Common Ringed Plover, seven Wood Sandpiper, seven Green Sandpiper, two Little Ringed Plover, one Marsh Sandpiper, two Ruff, 27 Little Stint and 33 Kentish Plover. There was also seven Yellow Wagtail, 30+ Sand Martin, six Barn Swallow, one Little Egret, two Eurasian Teal and five Garganey. The first returning Red-backed Shrike of the autumn was also in the bushes at the edge of the pond.

 Daurian Shrike

 Daurian Shrike

 Garganey

 Eurasian Hoopoe

Isabelline Wheatear

Garganey & Eurasian Hobby - Dhahran Hills

The 'patch' was quite lively again today with Phil Roberts seeing Woodchat Shrike and Daurain Shrike in the spray fields as well as a flock of 50 Blue-cheeked Bee-eater. I also saw the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater but only 15 of them. The percolation pond area had three Red-rumped Swallow which were new for the autumn as well as 11 Barn Swallow and seven Sand Martin. A calling Eastern Olivacious Warbler was present in the thorny scrub by th edge of the pond and eight Yellow Wagtail were at the muddy edge including a single Black-headed Wagtail. Waders included four Common Snipe, Seven Green Sandpiper, six Wood Sandpiper, 31 Black-winged Stilt, 45 Little Stint, 37 Kentish Plover, one Ruff, three Common Ringed Plover and a single Little Ringed Plover. Other birds on the pond included two Grey Heron, two Little Egret and one Indian Reef Heron. All the birds were flushed by a falcon which flew quickly across the pond and disappeared from view allowing poor views only. It looked quite large and had a pale looking underwing but otherwise resembled Eurasian Hobby in appearance and was the first bird of prey I have seen this autumn. This is only the second Eurasian Hobby I have seen in Dhahran Hills with the first being last winter.

 Garganey

 Garganey

 Eurasian Hobby

Northern Bald Ibis - Update

The Northern Bald Ibis is the rarest bird in the Middle East and the RSPB are satellite tracking two adults with small receivers as they leave they Syrian breeding grounds to head to their wintering grounds in Ethiopia. This route takes them through Saudi Arabia where they will be tracked by a Saudi Wildlife Commission (SWC) team. This team again managed to see Odeinat the Northern Bald Ibis last week, perched on top of an electricity pylon. It is expected he will move further south and cross the Red Sea to Ethiopia soon as his mate Salama is already back there in the Ethiopian highlands where she has roosted in the same place as previous years.

Four birds are being tracked by satellite transmitters - two adults from their breeding grounds in Syria and two juveniles released from the semi-wild population in Turkey. One of the juvenile transmitters ahs failed but one is still transmitting data and the birds are currently in Syria. A website has been set up by the RSPB and you can follow their daily journey here

Two new species - Dhahran Hills

Yesterday I was back on the 'patch' after a few days away collecting the family from thier summer holiday, who have been escaping the summer heat of Saudi Arabia. There were quite a few different species around today compared to last week including two species I have not seen on the 'patch' before. These were two Garganey and a Black-tailed Godwit, of which I managed to get a very poor flight shot of the Godwit, both of which were on the percolation pond. Another new species for the autumn was a Woodchat Shrike in the spray fields along with a Steppe Grey Shrike and a Southern Grey Shrike was seen in the scrubby desert area along with three Isabelline Wheatear. The percolation pond also held 12 Little Stint, six Little Ringed Plover, Two Common Ringed Plover, 32 Kentish Plover, 17 Black-winged Stilt, one Ruff, six Common Snipe, eight Wood Sandpiper and a Common Redshank. There were also four Little Egret a white morph Indian Reef Heron and a Steppe Gull on the pond.

 Isabelline Wheatear

 Isabelline Wheatear

 Woodchat Shrike

 Woodchat Shrike

Black-tailed Godwit (bottom left) & Black-winged Stilt

Breeding & Possible Breeding Bird Records 2011 - Dhahran Camp

These are breeding bird records from Dhahran Camp, my local patch, for the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia. If anyone else has any records that they can add then please send them to Mike Jennings at Arabianbirds AT dsl DOT pipex DOT com

Little Grebe

At least four pairs were seen breeding on the Dhahran Camp percolation pond. The birds were seen building nests out of pond weed and later seen sitting on eggs. In early June adults were seen with very small young which would climb on their parents backs to avoid danger. At least two broods were had by some birds as very young birds are again in evidence on the percolation pond at the end of July.

Little Bittern

A pair (male and female)of adults birds were seen in late May, in the reeds of the Dhahran Camp percolation pond. On the 4^th July a juvenile was seen in the same reeds and was still present on 22^nd July. This appears to be extremely early for a juvenile Little Bittern to leave its breeding area, even if that breeding area was close by. I have not seen any signs of adults since late May and no sign of adults feeding the juvenile either.

Common Quail

Singing / Calling males were present in suitable habitat of the spray fields at Dhahran Camp in March and April. These birds remained calling for approximately two weeks from end of March and occasional birds would be seen in flight. There was no other evidence of breeding and I assume these were just passage birds.

Common Moorhen

Adults with well grown young were seen on the percolation pond at Dhahran Camp in May. No nests were seen so these were presumably well hidden in the reed beds as at least thirty five young seen together on the pond in June & July.

Eurasian Coot

Adults with very small young were seen in early May on the percolation pond at Dhahran Camp and again adults with young where again present in mid July indicating at least two broods. At least four pairs bred in Dhahran Camp this year.

Black-winged Stilt

A nest with four eggs was found in a mud scrape at the edge of the percolation pond on 28^th May 2011 and a pair of adults, with very small young, were present on the pond from 24^th April. An additional pair of birds were also seen at the percolation pond on 2^nd June, so three pairs bred successfully on the percolation pond Dhahran Camp this year.

Little Ringed Plover

A pair where seen in suitable breeding habitat at Dhahran Hills, Dhahran Camp on 8^th June and were trying to attract my attention and draw me away from the area. One bird of the same pair was feigning injury on 15^th June but no young or other proof of breeding was noted.

Kentish Plover

A pair where seen with very small young were seen in early March on the settling pond at Dhahran Camp. Another (or the same?) pair where seen with very young chicks in the same place on 8^th July. A number of other birds (four to five pairs) were seen in suitable breeding areas throughout the summer but no evidence of breeding was seen.

Rock Dove

Up to ten pairs of what look like pure Rock Dove where present in suitable breeding habitat in Dhahran Camp throughout the summer. There were also a number of feral pigeons associating with these birds. No direct evidence of breeding was noted.

European Turtle Dove

Up to four pairs (aranicola) were present throughout the summer in suitable habitat. At least two juveniles, that were able to fly but where very young, with adults in attendance were present in different areas of Dhahran Camp on 25^th June.

Namaqua Dove

A pair of adults and a young juvenile were present is suitable breeding habitat on 24^th July in Dhahran Camp. Up to six other pairs of birds were present throughout the summer in suitable breeding habitat but no further evidence of breeding was noted.

Eurasian Hoopoe

A pair where seen displaying to each other and collecting possible nesting material and stones on 6^th June in Dhahran Camp. A number of pairs where present throughout the breeding season in suitable habitat but no direct evidence of breeding has been found.

Crested Lark

An adult with a quite large juvenile was seen in early July. More than ten pairs where in suitable habitat during the breeding season but no further evidence of breeding has been found.

White-eared Bulbul

An adult with a very young juvenile, still unable to fly was seen on 4^th June in Dhahran Camp. The young bird was seen begging food from and adult on a number of occasions.

Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin

At least three pairs were holding territory during most of June and July in different areas of scrub by the side of the percolation pond in Dhahran Camp. In July, adults were seen carrying food but no other positive indications of breeding were seen.

Clamorous Reed Warbler

At least six pairs were holding territory during most of June and July in the reed beds of the percolation pond at Dhahran Camp. Singing was heard continuously and adults were been seen carrying food in July but no other positive indications of breeding were seen.

Eastern Olivaceous Warbler

At least five pairs were holding territory during most of May and June in different areas of scrub by the side of the percolation pond in Dhahran Camp.

House Sparrow

An adult was seen collecting nesting material on 12^th June and a very young juvenile was seen with two adults on 18^th June in Dhahran Camp.

Steppe Gull - Dammam - Al Khobar Wader Roost South

Whilst checking the Dammam - Al Khobar Wader Roost South on Friday 12th August I saw my first large gull of the autumn. It was quite distant but I was able to see it had quite a dark mantle and yellow legs. These yellow-legged gulls out here are quite complex but this one enabled me to get a reasonable shot of its spread wing allowing tentative identification as a Caspian Gull (Larus cachinans). The bird is an adult and is in primary moult with two renewed inner primaries. The leg clour and length as well as mantle colour appear to fit Steppe Gull (Larus barabensis) better. Even though the bird was distant it appeared to have a dark eye and this can just be made out in the photograph. Hopefully I will be able to see more of these gulls during the winter and be able to become better at identifying them - time will tell.

JanJ on Surfbirds mentioned that this bird looked more like a Larus barabensis (Steppe Gull) to him due to shorter bill and shorter looking legs. The bird in flight was in his opinion more difficult, since the primary pattern looked similar to Larus cachinnans Caspian Gull, since Steppe Gull usually has more black with shorter grey tongues. The bird is in moult with two renewed inner primaries with p10 (outermost) - p4 old. P4 lacks a dark mark altogether, which is not unusual in Steppe Gull although primary pattern in these might be more variable than is currently know. Taxonomy is an on-going process and currently barabensis (Steppe Gull) and Larus heuglini (Heuglin’s Gull) are subspecies of LBBG.

AbdulRahman Al-Sirhan from Kuwait kindly left a message below and mentioned it also looked more like a barabensis Steppe Gull as it has a darker mantle and the primary moult pattern fitted better for Steppe Gull rather than cachinnans Caspian Gull which at this time of year would have replaced 5 to 7 primaries. P10 at this time of year would show a negligible dark tip, this P10 is in line with Steppe Gull showing obvious dark tip. I would like to thank JanJ and AbdulRahman Al-Sirhan for their help with the identification of this bird.

 Steppe Gull (adult)

Steppe Gull (adult)

Steppe Gull (adult)

New Breeding Site for Purple Swamphen - 25 kms South of Jubail

The last three weeks whilst driving to and from Sabkhat Al Fasl (Jubail) we have noticed a number of Purple Swamphen at a new site 25 kilometres south of Jubail on the main road (N26 49 26 E49 34 38). We stopped last week to see if we could record any juvenile birds there but without success. On Thursday 25th August we again stopped and saw two adults and a juvenile together along with four other adult birds. This is a new breeding site for the species which was only first recorded in the country on 8th August 2003 at Sabkhat Al Fasl with the first breeding record for Saudi Arabia occuring as recently as 2007 at the same site where there are now numerous pairs.

I have included a map below as well as a photograph, although this was taken at Sabkhat Al Fasl but shows the habitat type and species.

Sabkhat Al Fasl

We arrived early in the morning on Thursday 25th August at Sabkhat Al Fasl, but the hunters were there before us. They had done  good job of scaring off most of the birds and were aimlessly shooting anything of medium to large size they could. We saw a number of dead birds including Black-winged Stilt and Purple Swamphen. About the only things they were not shooting at were small waders so I got a few photographs of some of these. We saw a few good birds flying over disturbed by the hunters including two Purple Heron, ten Caspian Tern, three Barn Swallow, five Yellow Wagtail and two Egyptian Nightjar. One of these was in the same general area as last week and one other in a new area. The normal bank where they have been seen over the last six years and also in July this year did not have any birds were could see.

 Ruddy Turnstone

 Common Ringed Plover

 Common Sandpiper

 Purple Swamphen

Caspian Tern

Egyptian Nightjar