The
Black-necked Grebe is an uncommon but regular visitor to the Eastern Province from
late August through March but becomes scarce in April and May and rare in the
summer. It is usually local in coastal waters but counts of over 40 are not
unusual in Half Moon Bay. Small numbers occur inland with birds recorded rarely
on the ‘patch’ where prior to this year I had only seen one bird on the
settling pond. This winter two birds were seen in October and numbers have
increased to five birds in December. They spend much of their time hidden in
the reeds but the last few days they have been venturing out into the open
water. A few days ago I was lucky enough to see one close to the edge of the
percolation pond as I was walking down the edge of the pond and took a few
photos before the bird realised I was there and drifted further out to join its
friends. Elsewhere in Saudi Arabia birds have occurred in Riyadh, Tabuk and the
Red Sea, as well as in the Jizan region.
