22 October 2023

Pipits & others – Dhahran Cricket Field

Due to the number of good birds on the Dhahran Cricket fields recently I have spent more time than normal down there. This has allowed me to get good views of several unusual species for the fields. I have seen at least three Tawny Pipits of which a couple gave extremely close views. A single Tree Pipit was also noted on two occasions, although this bird was not so confiding, and the photographs were not great. An Isabelline Wheatear has been present for the last few weeks and this also kept its distance but luckily a Northern Wheatear was close enough for photography. The Whimbrel numbers are decreasing and now only two birds are present, but again these birds do not allow close approach and fly as soon as they see anyone. European Hoopoe numbers however are still high, and these birds are relatively tame. Trying to photograph the birds is relatively easy on the ground but in flight is a different situation and it’s not easy to get good photos.

Gull-billed Tern

Northern Wheatear

Northern Wheatear

Northern Wheatear

Tawny Pipit

Tawny Pipit

Tawny Pipit

Tawny Pipit

Tree Pipit

Whimbrel

Whimbrel

Whimbrel

Whimbrel

Whimbrel

Whimbrel

Whimbrel

Whimbrel