Sanderlings - Dammam/Al Khobar Wader Roost south

The tide was very high at the Dammam / Al Khobar Wader Roost south, so the waders were pushed up quite quickly. No Crab Plovers were seen but a couple of new waders for the autumn were seen with four Sanderlings, including birds in both winter and summer plumage and a Grey Plover in breeding plumage. Sanderling is an uncommon bird in the Eastern Province, with the few birds that are seen are normally seen in August. Lesser Sand Plover and Terek Sandpiper numbers were up on last week and four Ruddy Turnstones were new in but the main birds seen were Greater Sand Plovers, Eurasian Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel. After the tide was in I went to the new flooded sabkha area nearby where there were hundreds on waders but the sun was in the wrong position making viewing difficult. Four Eurasian Oystercatchers were seen with hundreds of Bar-tailed Godwits and Greater Sand Plovers. Plenty of Common Redshanks and Common Greenshanks were also seen.

Sanderlings

Sanderlings (left) & Terek Sandpiper (right) - in flight

Greater Sand Plover

Lesser Sand Plover