Whilst birding at Jubail on 2 December
Phil Roberts and I found two Black-necked Grebes. Both were in winter plumage
as would be expected at this time of year. 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 and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia, away from the Eastern
Province, birds have occurred in Riyadh, Tabuk and the Red Sea, as well as in
the Jizan region. The Jubail area appears to be a regular wintering site for
the species with birds seen almost every year.
