Whilst birdwatching Al Khobar recently I came across quite good numbers of Slender-billed Gulls. This species is partially migratory, with birds wintering around the Arabian Peninsula but others staying year around. Its status in Saudi Arabia is a common year-round visitor but is almost entirely found on the coasts where it prefers shallow coastal waters and intertidal areas. Birds are gregarious and almost always found in groups. In late February and March some adults attain summer plumage with black/deep red bills and a strong pinkish flush to the underparts. The photos below wee taken at close range as the birds were feeding on dumped rubbish and would return to the same spot even if disturbed by passing vehicles.
