Two Eurasian Penduline Tits Ash Shargiyah Development Company Farm – Bird records by Phil Roberts

Phil Roberts went to Ash Shargiyah Development Company Farm, Fadhili, where we now have permission from the management to access the site for birding. Phil said the birding was not spectacular but he did find two Eurasian Penduline Tits, although he failed to get any photos of this tricky to photograph species. Eurasian Penduline Tit is a scarce species in Saudi Arabia and a good find, although Phil and I did see four at nearby Sabkhat Al Fasl 5 December 2014. Other good birds were a Black-necked Grebe on the wet area before the main entrance gate, Seven Mauryan (Steppe) Grey Shrikes, Pied Wheater, Isabelline Wheatear, Turkestan Shrike, Daurian Shrike, Indian (Clamorous) Reed Warbler and he also heard a couple of Savi's Warblers and a Caspian Reed Warbler.  As this was the same date we were ringing at Sabkhat Al Fasl, where we caught five Savi’s Warbler, it looks like a good number of birds of this species arrived overnight into the area. Phil also saw a nice Pallid Harrier but mentioned the vegetation in the pivot fields was quite long so it was difficult to see anything in there although he did hear a few Common Quail. Phil has kindly sent me some of his photos taken on the day and allowed me to use them on my website for which I am very greatful.

Pied Wheatear

Mauryan (Steppe) Grey Shrike

Indian (Clamorous) Reed Warbler

Daurian Shrike