At least fifteen 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 May, June & July adults were seen with very small young who would climb on their parents backs to avoid danger. At least two broods were had by some birds.
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| Little Grebes |
Little Bittern
A pair (male and female) of adults birds were seen in May, June & July, in the reeds of the Dhahran Camp percolation pond. In early July a juvenile was seen in the same reeds and was still present at the end of July. This is the second year the species has bred in the reeds of the pond
Common Quail
Singing / Calling males were present in suitable habitat of the spray fields at Dhahran Camp in March and April. 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, June & July. No nests were seen so these were presumably well hidden in the reed beds as at least fifty five young seen together on the pond in June & July. At least fifteen pairs bred this year, using the reeds to hide their nests.
Eurasian Coot
Adults with very small young were seen in early May, June & July on the percolation pond at Dhahran Camp 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 on one of the floating platforms in the percolation pond. The first attempt failed but the second attempt in the same place was successful. Three other pairs bred in various places around the edge of the pond, so four 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 in June & July 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 pair where seen with very young chicks in the same place in July. A number of other birds (four to five pairs) were seen with young at the percolation pond and others 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.
Laughing Dove
Many pairs breeding within the camp and many others in suitable habitat. At least eight juveniles around the spray fields and percolation pond in June & July.
European Collared Dove
Many pairs breeding within the camp and many others in suitable habitat. At least two juveniles, that were able to fly but where very young, with adults in attendance were present around the percolation pond in June & July.
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 around the percolation pond in June & July.
Namaqua Dove
Four pairs of adults and a young juvenile were present is suitable breeding habitat in June & July in Dhahran Camp mainly around the edge of the spray fields.
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| Namaqua Dove - juvenile |
Eurasian Hoopoe
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.
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| Crested Lark - juvenile |
White-eared Bulbul
An adult with well grown juveniles was in the tress surrounding the percolation pond in July with the young birds was seen begging food from and adult on a number of occasions.
Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin
At least two 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 indicating breeding had taken place.
Graceful Prinia
At least three pairs were holding territory during most of April, May, June and July in the trees and reeds around the percolation pond. Adults seen carrying food in July.
Clamorous Reed Warbler
At least six pairs were holding territory during most of April, May, 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.
Caspian Reed Warbler
At least six birds were seen throughout the summer months in the reed beds of the percolation pond at Dhahran Camp. No direct sign of breeding was noted
Eastern Olivaceous Warbler
At least three 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.
Common Myna
Up to twenty juvenile birds were seen in small flocks from June onwards mainly around the spray fields.
House Sparrow
Large numbers of juvenile birds were seen in small flocks from June onwards.