The weekend
trip to Sabkhat Al Fasl turned up a few good birds, even though it is the middle
of summer and birding is generally quiet. The best birds were three Egyptian
Nightjars, closely followed by two juvenile Eurasian Spoonbills an uncommon species.
This is a species becoming more common in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia
and these birds may even have bred here. Habitat is suitable and adults were
seen regularly in May with juveniles now in July. Other birds that are possibly
breeding here are Black-headed Yellow Wagtails and Squacco Herons, both species
not regarded as breeding species for the site. The long staying Red-wattled
Lapwing and over-summering Greater Spotted Eagle were not seen on this trip so
may have moved on? A few waders are already on the move with Common Sandpipers
and Green Sandpipers seen in small numbers along with breeding Black-winged
Stilts, Kentish Plovers and Little Ringed Plovers. A very early female Garganey
was also seen which was a bit of a surprise. Other good birds included hundreds
of Little Terns, White-cheeked Terns and Indian Reef Herons and well over 1000
Greater Flamingos still present. A few Barn Swallows and two Sand Martins were
over the reed beds, but little other signs of migration noted.
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| Yellow Wagtail |
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| Common Sandpiper |
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| Green Sandpiper |
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| Garganey - female |