White-cheeked Tern Sterna repressa
is a common breeding summer visitor to the Gulf and Red Sea coast north to
Jeddah. Birds start occurring in April and by June there are very large numbers
as this is the start of their breeding season. White-cheeked Tern juveniles
occur from late July and August and some remaining until October. Winter
records are rare in the Eastern Province, although they have been seen
occasionally. Birds breed offshore Jubail on small islands and use wetland
areas of Jubail as feeding areas. It is not easy to get photos with light
showing in the eyes as their plumage is grey, black and white, but birds do
come close along the open water areas so close up shots are possible. In June
many birds also form groups sitting on sandbanks and close up photography
becomes easier. The strong ‘Shamal’ wind, a north-westerly wind, that blew for
many days in late June meant the birds had to find struggle into the wind in
favoured fishing areas and this allowed large groups to gather and gave the opportunity
to try to photograph some. My best results are shown below.
