Whilst I was birding Aqua Park I found an immature Eurasian Spoonbill. Unfortunately, it was directly into the sun and although quite close the photos were poor. As a result, I decided to drive around to the other side of the large inlet to get the sun in a better position. Luckily the bird was still present and the photos much better. After a short while some cyclists came by and disturbed the bird, but it only flew a short distance downstream before alighting again. The status of Eurasian Spoonbill has changed over the years in the Eastern Province, with it being regarded as a rare and irregular visitor usually involving immature birds until the end of the 1980’s. Today it is an uncommon visitor in all months to the province. Jubail is the best location to see the species in the Eastern Province, but it is far from guaranteed here being only see on a few days per year. This is the second winter I have seen birds at Aqua Park, so it may turn out to be a good location for them.
