A few migrants on the ‘patch’ – Dhahran Hills

The last few days on the ‘patch’ have turned up a few migrants but not very many. Bee-eaters have been passing over in small numbers with most being European Bee-eaters but one or two Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters also noted. One bird gave very good views and allowed close photos to be taken which is quite unusual for the species. Other migrants seen included two Spotted Flycatchers and a Common Whitethroat seen from my office window and the first Daurian Shrike of the autumn on the fence around the percolation pond. The pond itself has more water now and the muddy edges are not so attractive to waders but one Black-tailed Godwit still remains along with a few Little Stints and the number of Garganey has increased from two to 14 with the three Ferruginous Ducks also associating with them in a loose way. Two Grey Herons were flying over the pond one evening the first time I have seen the species on the patch for some months and two Western Cattle Egrets were the first returning birds of the autumn in Dhahran, although I did see one at Sabkhat Al Fasl the previous weekend. Three Greater Short-toed Larks were by the edge of the pond along with three Common Sandpipers and a Green Sandpiper has been spending some time on the wet ditch.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater

Garganey

Garganey

Green Sandpiper