Gone Pishing: 2012

Thanks to Brian James for this. His reports from the KSA west coast covering August 2009 - September 2012. Some great birds in there.

September 30, 2012 return to Rabigh with Dan Taylor,

Again the area was fairly quiet until the raptors got up around 8:30 and from then on at least 500 passed up the valley looking for or using wind currents. The raptors were mainly Buzzards, Common/Steppe, Long-legged and particularly Honey Buzzards being numerous with many immatures amongst the more easily

identifiable adults.

However, the first raptor was a Golden Eagle with typical light head, white patches on the underwing and a white tail band.

At least 5 Steppe Eagles were seen, 3 Short-toed Eagles and 20+ Spotted Eagles which I think were all Lesser Spotted as most had some white on the rump and in the wing. Several sitting, also Lesser Spotted with less white showing wing. Note this seems to conflict with Porter and Aspinall who list Greater Spotted as passage here but not with Clark who states they pass along the Red Sea.

2 Imperial Eagles with very broad dark wings and the typical lighter head and white patches on the back. Also a number 5+, Booted Eagles in adult light plumage.

Several Egyptian Vultures were also present but only one adult. A few Black Kite and several Marsh Harriers were also seen. The only hawks identified were a Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel although several others passed at distance.

On the road back to Kaust a pair of Pallid Harriers were seen near Kaust.

An unidentified Crake was glimpsed in the central reed bed where there were many Reed warblers, several Graceful Prinia and 1 Marsh Warbler. The northern end reeds held Marsh, Reed and several Basra Reed but none of the larger reed warbler species which had been present earlier in the week.

At least 4 Moorhen were on the main water area and later 3 Little Egrets and a Squacco Heron arrived.

Other species seen included 100 of European Bee-eater, a single Little Swift, Pale Crag Martin, House Martin, Swallow, Sand Martin, several groups of African Silverbill, Striolated Bunting, a pair of Black-eared Bunting, Isabelline Bunting, Red-backed, Southern Grey, and Daurian Shrike, Little Green Bee Eater, Crested Lark, Short-toed Lark, Namaqua, several Turtle Dove and Laughing Doves, Willow Warbler 1, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Black Bush Robin, Blackstart, Brown-necked Raven.

Kaust Beach 27^th September

The usual + a Caspian Plover in light summer plumage, up to 20 Slender-billed Gulls, + several presumed to be Caspian Gulls but at distance.

September 23, 2012 return to Rabigh- alone

Additions to 20^th

Osprey – a single working the valley. Only a few raptors this time mainly Long-legged and a few Honey Buzzards.

Spent a long time at the 2 main reed beds many Reed Warbler, but also some Marsh Warbler with smaller beak and white marks on edges of tertials, also several Great Reed Warbler and an intermediary in size which is presumed to be Basra Reed Warbler with very dark legs.

Also Graceful Prinia common

Pair of Golden Oriole in the acacia, large group of Blue Cheeked Bee Eater- noisy.

Several Blackstart, single Ruff

Black-winged Pratincole still present.

Many Pale Crag Martin, House Martin few, Sand Martin, several Eastern Olivaceous Warbler

September 20, 2012 Rabigh inland with Dan Taylor

Little Crake in the main pond area skulking amongst the reeds grass on the eastern side. Single, clear lime green tinge, singlr clear stripe down black, no barring on main belly area,

Black-winged Pratincole- a single at the top end, plain grey back, no red around bill, wing protruding past tail, no red in flight

20 (Common?) Crane overhead calling loudly. We were on the crake at the time and they passed directly overhead. We carelessly did not check them as thoroughly as we should have.

1 Egyptian Vulture – juvenile, dark

up to 12 Black Kite

several Montagu’s, Marsh and Pallid Harriers.

Several Common Buzzard, also a dark bodied dark winged Buzzard with white unbarred tail presumably a Long-legged Buzzard

Beautiful Sparrowhawk male close by

Common Kestrel

Another hawk species but female and unclear identification

Squacco Heron, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Ruff, Moorhen, group of White-winged Black Tern, large flock of Short-toed Lark, Crested Lark, Hoopoe, group of European Bee Eater, Little Green Bee Eater, Black-eared Wheatear, Isabelline, White Crowned Black Wheatear; Red-backed, Southern Grey, Daurian and Woodchat Shrike; both Indian and African Silverbill together! At last one having clear white rump; Ortolan Bunting, Sand Martin, Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Ruppell’s Weaver, Spotted Flycatcher, Swift, Common Bulbul, Black Bush Robin, many Reed Warbler, Upcher’s and Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail,

September 5, 2012

Eleonora’s Falcon- falco eleonorae

Just before dusk outside the house a large falcon flew along the garden towards the Beacon. The front of the underwing was clearly darker than the rear and the body streaked and lighter. Both wings and tail appeared long. The flight was rather slow wing beats with about 10 flaps and then a short glide not unlike a harrier. However, the dark cap and marks above the eye with the tear drop pattern into the face were falcon and the wings pointed and a falcon.

Also a Woodchat Shrike

August 30 Economic City, Thuwal. With Dan Taylor

Got througha gap in the fence at the side of Qadimah village.

Water edge

Purple Heron, Western Reef Egret, groups of passage Crab Plover up to 15, Black-winged Stilt, Whimbrel common but always singles, Kentish Plover, 1 group Ringed Plover 10-15, Redshank, Grey Plover, Terek Sandpiper, Greenshank 2, Greater Sand Plover, White-cheeked Tern, CAspain Tern, Sooty Gull.

In sandy bushy areas, mainly acacia scrub

Graceful Prinia, Scrub Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Eastern Olvaceous Warbler, Upcher’s Warbler, Willow Warbler, Black-crowned Sparrow Lark, Lesser Short-toad, Hoopoe and Desert Lark, Southern Grey Shrike, Red-backed Shrike, Daurian Shrike, Black Bush Robin, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse at least 50 in groups in open areas, Isabelline Wheatear,

A muystery warbler not seen well but with a bright orange/yellow bill and white in tail, overall grey/brown, Willow in size??

August 18-21 Taif and south to Al Baha. With Rob Tovey

Arabian Partridge- up to 6 in rocky hill side near deep cliffed gorge, after scenic rd meets main track, noisy but soon flew over cliff edge whilst calling, Yemen Thrush- near Baha in juniper seen well, half glimpses several other times, orange on flanks and orange bill, skulking and hard to see well

Arabian Woodpecker, several times- first in juniper nearest Taif, near Abha in mixed woodland twice,

Semi-collared Flycatcher- numerous throughut in any woodland area

Marsh Warbler- probably several but 1 seen very well and photographed by Rob, pale tipped primaries, green hint on brown back, cream below with light brown on flanks, near Baha in mixed woodland scrub.

Thrush Nightingale, several times, brown above with rufous tail flanks, light grey front

Nightingale,- seen in Juniper terraces near Abha, warm reufous color, kept to ground, warm reddish brown rump and tail

Olive Tree Warbler- seen well, 2 birds, larger than Upcher’s which was common throughout, Ab Shafa in farmlands, grey above, supercilium only in front of eye, square shaped tail fanned and dipped, dark legs, tail from below dark, strong orange bill.

Bruce’s Green Pigeon twice Ab Shafa,

Dusky Turtle Dove 0ne in open juniper area near Baha,

White-throated Robin- very common throughout trip, everywhere and conspicuous,

Tawny pipit- several in open bare field nr Baha,

Long-billed Pipit- seen near Taif, back browner than nominate race but exactly as Ethiopia guide,

European Crag Martin- 1 seen well with dark panel on under wing near Taif,

Cuckoo near Taif at dusk in small acacia bush,

African Collared Dove- white below, several groups towards Abha area.

At water hole about 40km from Taif on rd south, visited there and back, Glossy Ibis 1, Little Egret 1, 6 Squacco heron, Black-winged Stilt 2, up to 30 Collared Pratincole, several Common Sandpiper, few Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 2 Little Ringed Plover, few Little Stint, few Wood Sandpiper, 1 immature Turnstone, 1 Whiskered Tern, 1 Garganey.

All others seen often unless mentioned- Kestrel, Steppe Buzzard 1 three times, long-legged Buzzard, 1 three times,

Namaqua, Rock, Laughing Dove; Swift, Pallid Swift, Little Swift, Alpine Swift, Hoopoe, European Bee-eater, Green Bee-eater (Al Shafa and near Taif), Blue-cheeked Bee Eater- several times near Taif, Arabian Babbler, Masked Shrike, Red-backed Shrike, Daurian Shrike, Woodchat Shrike (1 near Taif in acacia), Southern Grey Shrike, Steppe Grey Shrike (nr Taif) Brown-necked Raven, Fan-tailed Raven, White-spectacled Bulbul, Desert Lark, Crested Lark, 2 Short-toed Lark towards north in farmland/scrub, House Martin, Pale Crag martin, Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Upcher’s Warbler, Willow Warbler, Desert Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Arabian Warbler, Yemen Warbler, Reed Warbler, Scrub Warbler (several one nr Baha),Abyssinian White-eye, Violet-backed (Amethyst) Starling, Tristam’s Starling, Redstart, Blackstart, Whinchat, Arabian Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear White crowned Black Wheatear, Little Rock Thrush, Rufous Bush Robin, Black Bush Robin (only nr Taif), Spotted Flycatcher, Gambaga Flycatcher (Numerous), Palestine Sunbird, Shining Sunbird, Ruppell’s Weaver, African Silverbill, Grey Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Pale Rock Sparrow, House Sparrow, Ruppell’s Weaver, Arabian Waxbill, Arabian Serin, Yemen Serin, Yemen Linnet, Striolated Bunting, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, African Silverbill.

Stopped at Al Rayran on way up where Sand Partridge, Upcher’s Warbler, Willow Warbler,

June 7/8^th, 2012 around Kaust and snorkeling trip to Sand Island

Sand Island- lots of White-cheeked Terns, Lesser Crested Tern, Bridled, Crested Tern, Caspian Tern, few Saunder’s Tern

Kaust, Gull-billed Tern, few White-winged Black Tern, Sooty Gull, few White-eyed Gulls viewed from Dive Centre on Kaust beach.

Cattle Egret, Western Reef Heron, Squacco Heron several on Golf Course along with single Purple Heron and single Grey Heron.

Many Sand Martin, Swallow, Crested Lark, on Golf Course

Beach few Crab Plover, Kentish Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Black-winged Stilt odd Whimbrel and Curlew. Many Spur-winged Plover – still aggressive protecting territory (or nest scrapes on sandy areas). Collared Pratincole seen frequently on the fairways on Golf Course.

Golf Course- Black Bush Robin, Common Bulbul, Masked Shrike, Yellow Wagtail, African Silverbill, a single Roller, Tree Pipit, Blue-cheeked Bee Eater, Namaqua Dove, Collared Dove, Laughing Dove, Myna, Sparrow,

May 25^th Kaust now hot, 35+ during day and little activity

Breeding behavior -

Kentish Plover, Spur-winged Plover, Black Bush Robin, nest of Ruppell’s Weaver near 9^th green at the Golf Course,

Given a young African Silverbill by Mary Fowler- it had been killed by her cat!

Sparrow, Common Bulbul, Myna,

Golf Course- 3 Squacco Heron at golf course pool on 25^th, a Purple Heron still in the gardens, loads of African Silverbill, Little Stint on 4^th pool, many European Bee Eater 24^th, Sand Martin, Swallow very common. On fairways Yellow Wagtail, Crested Lark and Tree Pipit all common,

Spurwing Plover defending territory particularly near the pools.

A few warblers – Blackcap, several Sedge Warbler near 9^th green,

Usual high number of Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse around 8:30 a.m.

On 24^th usual waders at the beach in small numbers- 3 Dunlin, Turnstone, Curlew, Whimbrel, Grey Plover, Terek Sandpiper, Greater Sand Plover, Kentish, Ringed Plover, Greenshank, Crab Plover,

Caspian Tern, White Cheeked Tern common, Saunder’s Terns fairly common, Sooty Gulls,

May 10/11, 2012

Around Kaust

White-eyed Gull- a single at the dive centre

Great Reed Warbler- single at Golf Course

Saunders Tern at beach several

White-cheeked Tern- many on the island off from beach

Roller- a single at the Golf Course

Eastern Black-eared Wheatear a pair at the new Rec Centre

White-eared Bulbul in the gardens

Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Eastern Olivaceous, Upchers Warbler

First Red Backed Shrike for ages Golf Course

Woodchat Shrike and Masked Shrike Golf Course

Spoonbill 1 at traffic light pools

Purple Heron at golf course

May 3/4, 2012 Dan And Alice Taylor,

Taif and south on tourist route towards Al Bahah

Then to Al Shafa

Yemen Warbler - AlShafa area

Gambaga Flycatcher- numerous in both areas although had not been seen in early April

Arabian Waxbill- glimpsed in AlShafa, several,

Arabian Golden-winged Grosbeak- fairly common in an area of Junier over 100 km south of Taif

Bruce’s Green Pigeon- seen twice, both times pairs, first far south and again on Al Shafa

Grey-headed Kingfisher- 1 in Wadi over 100 km south of Taif

Violet-backed (Amethyst) Starling- several in Wadi over 100 km south of Taif with at least 3 males

River Warbler- seems out of usual distribution but well seen, with cocked tail and white marks below tail seen well

Griffon Vulture 1 then 2 then 4, Kestrel, Philby’s Partridge; Namaqua, Rock, Laughing Dove; Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Swift, Pallid Swift, Little Swift, Alpine Swift, Hoopoe, European Bee-eater, Green Bee-eater (Al Sahfa), Golden Oriole, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Arabian Babbler, Masked Shrike, Red-backed Shrike, Daurian Shrike, Brown-necked Raven, Fan-tailed Raven, White-spectacled Bulbul, Crested Lark, Pale Crag martin, Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Upcher’s Warbler, Willow Warbler, Desert Whitethroat, Blackcap, Arabian Warbler, Yemen Warbler, Abyssinian White-eye, Violet-backed (Amethyst) Starling,, Tristam’s Starling, Redstart, Whinchat, African Stonechat, Arabian Wheatear, Red-breasted Wheatear (Al Shafa), Little Rock Thrush, Rock Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher, Gambaga Flycatcher (Numerous), Palestine Sunbird, Shining Sunbird, Ruppell’s Weaver, African Silverbill, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Arabian Waxbill, Arabian Serin, Yemen Serin, Yemen Linnet, Arabian Golden-winged Grosbeak, Striolated Bunting,

Thuwal April 27^th

Golf Course

Cormorant, Grey Heron, Western Reef Egret, Cattle Egret, Osprey, Common Sandpiper, Ruff, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Pratincole, Spur-winged Plover, Little Stint, Gull-billed, White-winged Black Caspian Tern, Sooty Gull, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Laughing, Collared, Namaqua Dove, Hoopoe, Green Bee-eater, European Bee-eater, Sand Martin, Swallow, House Martin, Red-throated Pipit, Long-billed Pipit, Tree Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, Crested Lark, Whinchat, Siberian Stonechat, Masked Shrike, Daurian Shrike, Spotted Flycatcher, Northern, Isabelline, Desert Wheatear: Rufous Bush Robin, Black Bush Robin, Common Bulbul, Redstart, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Upcher’s Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Ruppell’s Weaver, Silverbill, House Sparrow, Myna, Golden Oriole, Rosy Starling.

+ beach Trunstone, Crab Plover, Terek Sandpiper, Curlew, Whimbral, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Grey Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Sooty Gull, Hooded Crow, Caspian Gull, Saunder’s Tern

Rabigh Dam April 26^th 2012 Dan Taylor, hot up to 43

Red-tailed Wheatear (clear tail seen in acacia as leaving), Black-crowned, Isabelline and Northern Wheatear; Southern Grey, Woodchat and Red-backed Shrike; European and Little Green Bee-eater, Purple, Squacco Heron; Wood, Common Sandpiper, House Martin, Sand Martin, Swallow, Plain Martin; Desert, Crested & Black-crowned Sparrow Lark; Ruppell’s Weaver; House Sparrow, Common Bulbul, Black Bush Robin, Blackstart, Striolated Bunting

Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Desert Whitethroat, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Upcher’s Warbler, Namaqua, Laughing Dove; African Silverbill.

April 10-12 Taif and south, with Dan and Alice Taylor

Philby’s Partridge- numbers calling from rocky, barren hillside but only one clearly seen, new

Black-crowned Tchagra, 1 nr Ash Shafra Brown Woodland Warbler several times in scrub nr villages high up s of Taif

Abyssinian White-eye- south of Taif and near Ashaf, each time groups,

African Stonechat, sev south of Taif on bare terraced fields amongst junipers,

Red-breasted Wheatear, 1 nr Ash Shafra in waste area nr parking stop,

Arabian Wheatear, s of Taif and Ash Shafra area common in most habitats,

Little Rock Thrush, 3 times, 2 south of Taif, in scrub with cactus and boulders, other scrub farmland. Also to Ash Shafra in scrub on wall nr farm,

Arabian Serin- groups with Yemen Linnets in farmland s of Taif,

Yemen Serin- seen several times both s of Taif and to Ash Shafra

Yemen Linnet- common both s of Taif in most scrub, light woodland areas and around Ash Shafra,

Cinnamon-breasted Bunting- 3 times 1 s of Taif in freshly ploughed terrace, others to Ash Shafra in scrub farmland nr buildings,

Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Long-legged Buzzard, Collared, Laughing and Rock Doves, Pallid Swift, Little Swift, Hoopoe, Wryneck, Green Bee-Eater, Masked Shrike, Arabian Babbler, Fan-tailed Raven, Bulbul, Crested Lark, Desert Lark, Pale Crag Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Swallow, Scrub Warbler, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Arabian Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Tristram’ Starling, Redstart, Blue Rock Thrush, Palestine Sunbird, Shining Sunbird, Ruppell’s Weaver, African Silverbill, Grey Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Red-throated Pipit, Long-billed Pipit,

Trumpeter Finch, Ortolan Bunting,

March 23^rd

At Kaust

Mangrove Reed Warblers in the mangroves next to the new Recreation Centre. Several calling. Like a Reed, cap darker.

On the Golf Course 2 Citrine Wagtail on the 3^rd green amongst other Yellow Wagtails.

Many Pied Wheatear, Cretzchmar’s Bunting, Red Rumped Swallow, Black-headed Gull 1, Pallid Harrier, Quail,

March 22^nd inland Rabigh,]

Steppe Grey Shrike on entrance to valley.

Still many kites plus few Steppe and an Imperial,

March 7^th inland Rabigh then coast from nr Yanbu south

Near Rabigh

Black Kite 100s, Steppe Eagle, Common Buzzard, Quail, Namaqua Dove, Laughing Dove, Collared Dove, Hoopoe, Little Green Bee Eater, Desert Lark, Crested Lark, Tawny Pipit, Black Bush Robin, Common Bulbul, Blue Rock Thrush, Bluethroat, Siberian Stonechat, Hypocolius, Grey Wagtail, African Silverbill, Striolated Bunting, Ortolan Bunting, Nile Valley Sunbird, Pale Rock Sparrow, Ruppell’s Weaver,

Arabian Warbler, Menetries Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Graceful Prinia, Daurian Shrike, Turkestan Shrike 1 clear rufous cap, Pallid Swift, Swift, House Martin, Sand Martin, Pale Crag Marin, Blackstart, Isabelline Wheatear, Kurdistan Wheatear,

Yanbu south

Osprey, Montagu’s Harrier 2 female, Kestrel,

2 big groups Cormorant, Greater Flamingo small group, Black Crowned Night Heron 1, sev groups 12 ish Squacco Heron, Grey Heron, Western Reef Egret, Little Egret, Curlew, Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit 1, Bar-tailed Godwit com, Ringed, Kentish, Greater Sand Plover, Crab Plover, Redshank, Greenshank, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Lesser Crested Tern, Caspian Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Slender-billed Gull

Southern Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Desert Wheatear, Cyprus Pied Wheatear 4 or 5, Black-eared Wheatear 1, Northern Wheatear, Hoopoe Lark, Short-eared Owl 2 near beach, Humes Tawny Owl 1 near Yanbu,

February 2nd inland Rabigh, Dan Taylor & Mohamadali

100+ Eagles near farm mixed Steppe most common, Imperial, Greater Spotted. Also even more Black Kites minimum 500. Also a few Common Buzzard.

Steppe Eagles in the valley. Also 1 Pallid Harrier

Purple Heron, Laughing, Collared, Namaqua Dove,

Red-tailed Wheatear, Desert, Isabelline Wheatear, Stonechat, Southern Grey Shrike, Striolated Bunting, African Silverbill, Nile Valley Sunbird, Bulbul, Ruppell’s Weaver, Little Green Bee Eater, Hoopoe, Crested Lark, Willow Warbler, Graceful Prinia, Greenshank, Little Egret, White Wagtail, Rock Martin, Stonechat,

February 1^st 2012 Golf Course

2 Rosy Starling.

Note Hypocolius no longer there.

Kaust 27^th January

1 Pacific Golden Plover- mangroves near Xi’s house

Around Kaust 20^th January,

Sociable Plover- 1 nr Shi house, sev Gray Plover, Golden Plover, Greater Sand Plover etc

January 19^th Rabigh, an Taylor

100+ Eagles near farm mixed Steppe most common, Imperial, Greater Spotted. Also even more Black Kites. Later 6 or 7 Steppe with 1 Imperial in the valley.

Purple Heron, Kestrel, Laughing, Collared, Namaqua Dove,

Red-tailed and Kurdistan Wheatear, Desert, Isabelline Wheatear, Stonechat, Southern Grey Shrike, Striolated Bunting, African Silverbill, Nile Valley Sunbird, Bulbul, Ruppell’s Weaver,

About 100 km north inland Pied Wheatear, White-crowned Black Wheatear,

January 13^th 2012- windy and cold! Near Kaust – straight across main entrance and area to the left

Dunn’s Lark – seen well, several, light lark, very pale, black in tail, clear streaking on head, some rufous back, malar stripe.

Black-crowned Finnch Lark, Hoopoe Lark, Little Green Bee-eater, sabelline, Eastern Black-eared and Desert Wheatear, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Trumpeter Finch.

January 12/13 Kaust – windy & cold

Cormorant 4, Mallard, Spoonbill, Little Egret, Western Reef Egret, Grey Heron, Striated Heron, Cattle Egret, Osprey, Kestrel, Coot, Little Grebe,

Crab Plover, Grey Plover, Curlew, Whimbrel, Greater Sandplover, Kentish Plover, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, Terek Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper (traffic lights), Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Spur-winged, Black-winged Stilt, Snipe (mangrove)

Sooty Gull, Caspian Gull, Baltic Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Caspian Tern, Little Green Bee-eater, Stonechat, Desert Wheatear, Hypocolius (stadium), Daurien Shrike, Tawny Pipit, Black-bush Robin (garden)

December 16^th 2011, Economic City with Dan Taylor, mainly scrub and gravel area of desert / semi desert

Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse com

Hoopoe Lark few, Black-crowned Finch Lark com , number of Desert Warbler mainly in low bushes near fence, Isabelline Wheatear, Desert Wheatear, both common, Sardinian Warbler 1, Graceful Prinia, Little Green Bee-eater, Lesser Grey Shrike,

December 9^th 2011 desert areas in from Eco City

On gravel areas Bar-tailed Lark many, very light with reddish brown in wing,

Black-crowned Finch Larks, Desert & Isabelline Wheatear, Short-toed Eagle, Great Grey & Woodchat Shrike, Little Green Bee-eater, Black Bush Robin,

December 2^nd 2011

Sand Partridge, Tawny Pipit, Upcher’s warbler,

inland from Thuwal bridge,

Economic City

Chestnutbellied Sandgrouse 100s on edge of vegetation nr Thuwal,

Grey Heron, Western Reef Egret, Osprey, Crab Plover, Grey Plover, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit. Greater Sandplover, Kentish Plover, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, Desert & Isabelline Wheatear, Grey, Lesser Grey & Isabelline Wheatear, Blackstart, Graceful Prinia, Namaqua Dove, Tawnt Pipit, Upcher’s warbler,

Kaust

Cormorant, Garganey, Little Egret, Western Reef Egret, Grey Heron, Garganey, Osprey, Kestrel,

Crab Plover, Grey Plover, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit. Greater Sandplover, Kentish Plover, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, Terek Sandpiper, Little Stint (GC), Common Sandpiper, Sooty Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Caspian Tern, Black-winged Stilt, Little Green Bee-eater, Stonechat,

December 1^st 2011 Wadi Uranah near Mecca

With Dan Taylor, Sylvie and Mark

We got up early and left KAUST about 5:40 AM and took the Mecca Road. We arrived in the general area a little after 7 maybe. A quick stop for a wheatear or eagle sp. I think the name of this place was Urinah. This was a lush belt of Acacia trees fed by runoff from Mecca (at one point on the drive we could see the top of the main mosque in the distance). Apparently there are some wetlands somewhere, but only managed to find a diked stream or canal maybe 5 m across. Reasonably clean water flowed swiftly though it where we were.

Birds of note (in the lush Acacia if not otherwise noted)

Rock Dove lots in town

Collared dove lots

Laughing dove lots

Namqua dove a few at least

Black Kite 4 or 5, here in general area

Short-toed Eagle one

Eagle sp (lesser spotted prob)

Small falcon sp. One

Spur-winged plover 8 in one of the few wet pastures or field we found

Cattle egret a couple

Swift- sev with Little Swift

Little swift one or two

Little green bee-eater several

Affrican Craig Martin a couple

Black Bush robin-several

Desert wheatear a couple in general area

Isabelline Wheatear a couple in general area

Blackstart at least one in general area

Tawny Pipit one

Isabelline Shrike one

Sardinian Warbler one male

Menetries warbler one female

Lesser whitethroat one

Olivaceous warbler one

Upcher’s warbler

Warbler sp. There were several unidentified warblers by me thorugh the afternoon, catching only glimps as they disappeared-Brain I think I’d’ a couple other species

Ruppel’s weaver-abundant, several large flocks found

White-cheeked bulbul small groups or individuals seen at least 4 places

Arabian Babbler seen at least two places in groups

House Sparrow

This place has a lot of potential for migrants, as the belt of lush ungrazed Acacia was maybe a km thick and many km long. There were various tracks that weaved in and out of the trees. It’s the sort of place that would take several visits to find the best areas.

November 25^th 2011 inland from Rabigh Dan, Slyvia, Nolan

Sparrowhawk, Black-winged Stilt, Garganey, Little Green Bee-eater, Bluethroat, Red-rumped Wheatear, Kurdish Wheatear, Mourning Wheatear, Isabelline, Desert, & White-crowned Black Wheatear, Great Grey Shrike, Menetrie’s Warbler, Arabian Warbler, Blackcap, Graceful Prinia, Booted Warbler, Ruppell’s Weaver, Nile Valley Sunbird, Black Bus Robin, African Rock Martin, African Silverbill, Blackstart, Redstart,, Striolated Bunting, Trumpeter Finch,

November 18^th 2011

Hypocolius- up to 100 at 5:15 in palm trees at the stadium. Roosting.

October 28, 2011

Economic City

Marsh Harrier, Pallid Harrier, Hoopoe Lark, Crested Lark, Black-crowned Finch Lark, Tawny Pipit, Black-Bush Robin,

Nubian Nightjar, Arabian Babbler, Ruppell’s Wabler, Graceful Prinia, Nile Valley Sunbird, Indian Silverbill,

Beach

Osprey, Western Reef Egret, Grey Heron, Pintail, Curlew, Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwit, Greater Sand Plover, Kentish Plover, Crab Plover, Ringed Plover, Curlew Sandpiper, Grey Plover, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Greenshank, Redshank, Terek Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Sooty Gull, Caspian Tern, Great Crested Tern, Lesser Crested Tern, Gull-billed Tern,

Golf Course

Little Grebe, Squacco Heron, Striated Heron, Cattle Egret, Ruff, Common Sandpiper, Little Stint, Kentish Plover, Curlew Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt, Spur-winged Plover, Moorhen, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Namaqua Dove, Laughing Dove, Collared Dove, Meadow Pipit, Red-throated Pipit, White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Lesser Grey Shrike, Masked Shrike, Red-backed Shrike, Common Bulbul, Isabelline Wheatear, Spotted Flycatcher, European Bee Eater, BlueCheeked Bee Eater, Little Green Bee Eater, Hoopoe, Redstart, Myna, Swallow

October 14^th Inland from Economic City

Short-toed Eagle, Kestrel, Sand Partridge, Namaqua, Collared, Laughing Dove, Blue-cheeked, Little Green and European Bee Eater, Hoopoe, Desert Lark, Crested Lark, Ortolan Bunting, Striolated Bunting, Blackstart, Blackcap, Lesser and Common Whitethroat, Black Bush Robin, Shining Sunbird, White-crowned Black Wheatear, Graceful Prinia, Redstart, Swallow,

Golf course

Little Grebe, mallard, Little Egret, Kentish, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Spur-winged Plover, Dunlin, Snipe, White-tailed Lapwing, Little Stint, Ruff, Whinchat, Isabelline Wheatear, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Caspian Tern, Spotted Flycatcher,

Beach

Little Egret, Western Reef Heron, Striated Heron, Grey Heron, Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Turnstone, Greater Sand Plover, Kentish, Ringed Plover, Redshank, Greenshank, Terek Sandpiper, Crab Plover, Dunlin, Little Stint, Sooty Gull, Gull-billed Tern,

October 5^th inland from Rabigh

Steppe Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, few Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Common and Long-tailed Buzzards, Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, Kestrel, Montagu’s HArrier

Not so many birds of prey as last week in numbers but odds passing most of the morning

Squacco Heron, Black-winged Stilt, Namaqua, Laughing and Dollaed Dove, Little Green , Hoopoe, , Crested, Larks, Black-eared Sparrow Lark, Black Bush Robin, Masked, Leeser Grey, Masked and Red-backed Shrike, Swallow, Sand Martin, Grey and Yellow Wagtail, Ruppell’s Weaver, Shining Sunbird, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Arabian and Upcher’s Warblers, Isabelline and Desert Wheatear, African Silverbill, Striolated Bunting Trumpeter Finch, Blackstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Bulbul,

Coast north of Rabigh

Western Reef Egret, Little Egret, Spoonbill, Grey Heron, Sooty Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Gull Billed Tern, Lesser Crested Tern,

Whimbrel, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Redhsnak, Terek Sandpiper, Greater Sand Plover, Kentish Plover, Dunlin, Ringed Plover,

2 Sooty Falcon, Osprey, Montagu’s Harrier,

Hoopoe Lark, Kingfisher, Desert Wheatear,

September 30^th inland from Rabigh

Many 100s of birds of prey- Many Lesser Spotted Eagle, few Booted Eagle, many Honey Buzzard, Common and Long-tailed Buzzards, 1 Marsh Harrier, many Black Kite.

Little Egret, Ringed Plover, Greenshank, White-tailed Plover, Namaqua, Laughing and Dollaed Dove, Little Green and European Bee-eater, Lesser Short-toed, Greater Short-toed Lark, Crested, Bimaculated `larks, Black-eared Sparrow Lark, Black Bush Robin, Rufous Scrub Robin, Masked, Leeser Grey, Grey Grey and Red-backe dShrike, Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, House Martin, Grey and Yellow Wagtail, Tawny Pipit, Ruppell’s Weaver, Shining Sunbird, Whinchat, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Redstart, White Crowned Black Wheatear, Northern, Isabelline and Desert Wheatear, African Silverbill,

September 29^th Golf Course

Little Grebe, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Black-winged Stilt, Spur-winged Plover, Ringed, Kentish Plover, Little Stint, Common Snipe, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, common Sandpiper, Spotted Crake, Slender-billed gull, Gull-billed Tern, Isabelline, Black-eared, Desert and Northern Wheatear, Euopean Bee Eater, Yellow Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, African Silverbill,, Ruppell’s Weaver,

Inland from Economic City 16^th September 2011

Hoopoe Lark, Desert Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear, White-crowned Blck Wheatear, Hoopoe, Little Green Bee-Eater,

Lesser and Common Whitethroat, Booted Warbler, Olive Tree Warbler, Ruppell’s Weaver, Black Bush Robin, Common Bulbul, Spotted Flycatcher, Masked, Woodchat, Lesser Grey, Greater Grey and Red-backed Red Shrike, Swallow,

Kaust Beach- Western Reef Egret, Grey Heron, Crab Plover, Striated Heron, Whimbrel, Curlew, Terek Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, Greenshank, Sanderling, Turnstone, Kentish Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Lesser Crested Tern, Great Crested Tern, Caspian Tern, Sooty Gull,

Golf Club- on perimeter path probable Cettis Warbler- with cocked Tail

Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Squacco Heron, Spur-winged Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Redshank, Slender-billed Gull, White-winged Black Tern, Gull-billed Tern,

Namaqua Dove, Laughing Dove, Hoopoe, Isabelline Wheatear, Northern Wheatear, Crested Lark, Yellow Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Red-backed, Masked Shrike, Booted Warbler, Chiffchaff, African Silverbill, Swallow, Ruppell’s Weaver,

Inland from Rabigh 9^th September2011

Black Kite, Squacco Heron, Quail, Moorhen, Namaqua, Laughing Dove, Little Green Bee-eater, Crested, Black-eared Sparrowlark, Isabelline, Wheatear, Black Bush Robin, , Rufous Bush Robin, Thrush Nightingale, Hoopoe,, Palestine Sunbird,

Booted, Olive Tree, & Olivaceous Warbler, Reed, Barred, Warbler, Graceful Prinia, Striolated Bunting, Pale Rock Sparrow, Masked, Woodchat, Lesser Grey, Great Grey, Red-backed Shrike, Swallow, African Rock Martin, Sand Martin, Blackstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Bulbul, Trumpeter Finch, African Silverbill, Whinchat, Ortolan Bunting

Inland from Rabigh 31 Aug 2011

Glossy Ibis, Squacco Heron, Namaqua, Laughing & Collared Dove, Little Green Bee-eater, Crested, Black-eared Sparrowlark, Isabelline, White-crowned Black Wheatear, Black Bush Robin,

White-throated, Rufous Bush Robin, Thrush Nightingale, Hoopoe, Tree Pipit,

Booted, Olive Tree, & Olivaceous Warbler, Reed, Great Reed, Warbler, Graceful Prinia, Striolated Bunting, Pale Rock Sparrow, Woodchat, Lesser Grey, Great Grey, Red-backed Shrike, Swallow, African Rock Martin, Blackstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Bulbul, Trumpeter Finch, African Silverbill, Whinchat,

Boat Trip from Kaust 30^th August 2011

Brown Bobby, Royal Tern, Lesser Crested Tern, Bridled Tern, White-cheeked Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Common Noddy,

Beach Kaust 29^th August 2011

Western Reef Egret, Striated Heron,

Crab Plover, Greenshank, Greater Sand Plover, Sanderling, Terek Sandpiper, Kentish Plover, Ringed Plover, Gull-billed Tern, Lesser Crested tern, White-cheeked tern,

Golf Course

Cattle Egret, Grey Heron,

Spur-winged Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Ruff, Kentish Plover, Little Stint, Whiskered Tern, Caspian Tern,

Common Bulbul, Red-backed Shrike, Yellow Wagtail,

African Silverbill, Whinchat

Inland from Rabigh 27 Aug 2011

Glossy Ibis, Squacco Heron, Moorhen, Grey Wagtail, Little Green Bee-eater, Crested, Black-eared Sparrowlark, Booted, and Upcher’s Warbler, Reed, Great Reed, Sedge Warbler, Lesser and Common Whitethroat, House Bunting, Pale ROCK SPARROW, Masked, Lesser Grey, Great Grey, Red-backed Shrike, Ruppell’s Weaver, Swallow, Blackstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Bulbul, Trumpeter Finch, African Silverbill, Whinchat,

Inland from Rabigh 19 Aug 2011

Buzzard, Grey Wagtail, Little Green Bee-eater, Crested, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Black-eared Sparrowlark, Booted, Olive-tree and Upcher’s Warbler, House Bunting, Pale ROCK SPARROW, Brown-necked Raven, Masked, Lesser Grey, Great Grey, Red-backed Shrike, Ruppell’s Weaver, African Rock Martin, Swallow, Sand Partridge, Blackstart, Common Bulbul, Trumpeter Finch, African Silverbill,

Campus 12 August 2011

Pin-tailed Sandgrouse- 4 at an occasional pool outside the stadium at 8:00 am.

At beach- Grey Heron, Little Egret, Western Reef Heron, Striated Heron,

Curlew, Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Terek Sandpiper, Greater Sand Plover, Kentish Plover, Turnstone, Curlew Sandpiper, Dunlin, Little Stint,

Little Tern, White-cheeked Tern, Caspian Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Sooty Tern,

Golf course- Common Sandpiper, Ruff, Olivaceous Warbler, Olive Tree Warbler,

Al Lith and Farasan Banks May 26-27, 2011-05-28

Al Lith

Several small terns at dock. Either lIttle or Saunder’s

Cattle Egret, sev Grey Heron, Western Reef Egret

1 Spoonbill flying over

On the island or island beside

Sooty Falcon- up to 8 pairs on main island, active particularly around dusk, at least one immature seen

Osprey- 1 pair

Brown Booby- 100s on the main island, many fleglings on nest sites, able to walk but not fly, many parents protecting.

Common aso in sea and at Al Lith

Common Noddy, up to 20 seen on sandbanks near island, plus on rock, & in flight.

Sooty Gull- common

White-eyed Gull- almost as common with many nesting places on main island

Great Crested Tern, Lesser Crested Tern, both fairly common with goups resting on island

Caspian Tern- odds seen throughout & very aggressive on main island

Bridled Tern- often seen over water

White-cheeked Tern- in flight and group of 10-15 on island resting with crested

Striated Heron – sev seen on rocky shores

Namaqua Dove- sev on camp island

Red-backed Shrike- sev on main island]

Lesser Grey Shrike- 1 on main island

Yellow Wagtail- many common

Redstart- 1 landed on boat

River Warbler- 1 landed on boat for seconds, probably this.

May 12, north of Rabigh in foothills and wadi followed by coastal route back including mangrove areas.

Western Reef Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Black Kite,

Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Crab Plover, Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Kentish Plover, Greenshank, Redshank, Terek Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint,

White-winged Black Tern, Bridled Tern, Caspian Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Greater Crested Tern, Lesser Crested Tern, Little Tern, Sooty Gull,

Laughing Dove, Namaqua Dove, Yellow Wagtail,

Kingfisher, Hoopoe, woodchat Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Masked Shrike, Red-backed Shrike, White-crowned Black Wheatear, Northern Wheatear, Whinchat, Desert Lark, Hoopoe Lark, Barred Warbler, Willow Warbler, Upcher’s Warbler, Rufous Bush Robin, Swift, Swallow, Spotted Flycatcher, Blackstart, Common Bulbul,

Rd inland from Economic City, then Kaust with Bahir and Sylvie, April 22

Cattle Egret, Short-toed Eagle, Namaqua Dove, Laughing Dove, Collared Dove, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Shrike, Ruppell’s Weaver,

Blackstart, Little Green Bee Eater, European Bee Eater,

Desert Lark, Bulbul, Black Bush Robin, Arabian Babbler, Nile Valley Sunbird, Shining Sunbird, Blackcap, Arabian Warbler, Wood Warbler, Olive Tree Warbler,

House Bunting, Brown-necked Raven, African Silverbill,

Kaust

Turnstone, Black-winged Stilt, Spur-winged Plover, Greenshank, Redshank, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Little Stint, Dunlin, Terek Sandpiper, Kentish Plover, Ringed Plover, Whimbrel, Grey Plover,

Osprey, Sooty Gull, Caspian Tern,

Red-throated Pipit, Tree Pipit, Willow WarblerPied Wheatear,

Roller, White-cheeked Bulbul, Ortolan Bunting, Red-backed Shrike,

Kaust Campus- April 14^th

Beach

Striated Heron. Greater Flamingo,

Turnstone, Black-tailed Godwit, Ringed Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Kentish Plover, Greenshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Terek Sandpiper, Grey Plover, Crab Plover,

Sooty Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Little Tern, Caspian Tern, Lesser Crested Tern, Greater Crested Tern, Gull-billed Tern,, Spur-winged Plover,

Traffic light pool

Kentish Plover, Greenshank, Redshank, Dunlin, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ringed Plover.

Gold course

Clamorous Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler, Redstart, Isabelline Wheatear, Northern Wheatear, Masked Shrike, Yellow Wagtail, Whinchat, Olive-backed Pipit, Red-throated Pipit, House Martin, Ortolan Bunting,

Rabigh Dam 25 March with Bahir

100s of birds of prey mainly Black Kite but also Long-legged Buzzard, and 1 Marsh Harrier, later Kestrel,

Sand Partridge

Namaqua, Laughing, Collared Dove, Hoopoe,

Masked & Great Grey Shrike, Northern, Isabelline and Black-eared Wheatear.

Desert Lark, Black-crowned Finch Lark, Short-toed Lark, Long-billed Pipit,

Nile Va;;ey & Palestine Sunbird, Arabian, Lesser Whitethroat, Willow

Ortolan, Ctetchmar’s Bunting, Brown-necked Raven,

Black Bush Robin, Bulbul, Ruppell’s Weaver, Sparrow, Little Green Bee Eater, Swallow,

African Silverbill,

Rabigh Dam- 10/3/11

100s of birds of prey mainly Black Kite but also Long-legged Buzzard, Steppe Eagle and Marsh Harrier,

Namaqua, Laughing, Collared Dove, Hoopoe,

Masked & Great Grey Shrike, Desert, Northern, Isabelline and Cyprus Pied Wheatear.

Desert Lark, Black-crowned Finch Lark

Ortolan, Ctetchmar’s and House Bunting, Fan-tailed and Brown-necked Raven,

Black Bush Robin, Bulbul, Ruppell’s Weaver, Pale Rock Sparrow, Little Green Bee Eater, Swallow,

Whitethroat, Scrub Warbler, African Silverbill,

Feb 18 2011

Nr Rabigh flood pools

10 Black Kite, 20 Black-headed Gull, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper,

nearby Hoopoe Lrk, Black-crowned Sparrowlark, Black-eared Wheatear,

March 18-19 2010

Thuwal Golf Course

Cattle Egret, Squacco Heron, Grey Heron, Caspian Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Sooty Gull, Marsh Harrier, Pallid Harrier inc hunting dusk.

Common Sandpiper, Kentish Plover,

Nubian Nightjar,

Hume’s Tawny Owl, at dusk on 2^nd 3^rd fairways, pair, pale

Crested Lark, Yellow White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Swallow,

Lesser Grey Shrike, Great Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Red-backed Shrike,

Black-eared, Northern, Cyprus, Desert & Isabelline Wheatear

Beach

Grey Heron, Western Reef Egret, Spoonbill, Redshank, Turnstone, Grey Plover, Kentish Plover, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Greater Sand Plover, Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit,

Pools

Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Turnstone, Short-toed Lark

Nr Thuwal rd straight east from south exit

March Harrier, Grey Heron

Marsh Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt, Redshank,

Namaqua Dove, Collared Dove, Little Green Bee Eater, Arabian Warbler, Blackstart, Laughing Dove, Lesser Grey Shrike, Great Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Shrike, Black-eared, Northern, Cyprus, Desert & Isabelline Wheatear

Tawny Pipit, Lesser Short-toed Lark,

March 12th 2010-03-11

Kaust Beach

Grey Heron, Western Reef Egret, Osprey, Crab Plover, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Terek Sandpiper, Sooty Gull, Caspian Tern, Lesser Crested Tern, Slender-billed Gull, Black-headed Gull,

Little Stint pools

GOLF COURSE

Cattle Egret, Crane 60 overhead, Kestrel, Steppe Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Pallid Harrier, Greenshank, Kentish Plover, Common Sandpiper, Quail, Sooty Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Laughing Dove,

Cyprus Pied Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear, Black-eared wheatear, Northern Wheatear, Desert Wheatear, Stonechat, Great Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Masked Shrike, Red-backed Shrike, Red-throated Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Red-rumped Swallow, Hoopoe, Myna, Hoiuse Sparrow, Willow Warbler, Olve-tree Warbler, Arabian Warbler, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Rufous- Bush Robin, Song Thrush, Yellow vented Bulbul, Cretzschmar's Bunting,

Blue Rock Thrush, (grass area near northern gate)

March 4, 2010

North to Rabigh- track to water along power lines

Hoopoe Lark- seen sev times in groups- presumably on passage,

Binaculated Lark- group about 10,

Stone Curlew- 1 on rough ground near water

White-tailed Plover – groups of 8, 19 and 6 all near edge of littoral zone,

Also on beach Crab Plover, Curlew, Grey Plover, Turnstone, Little Egret, Greenshank, Black-winged Stilt, Kentish Plover, Dunlin, Yellow-legged and Sooty Gulls, 1 Black-headed Gull, sev Isabelline wheatear, 2 Stonechat, Hoopoe,

Arabian Warbler in brush near motorway, Crested lark, Yellow-vented Bulbul

Earlier at beach in Kaust,

Whimbrel, Black-tailed Godwit, Turnstone, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Terek Sandpiper, many Greater Sand Plover, Western Reef Egret, Sooty Gull, Grey Heron, Crab Plover,

February 25/6 2010

Median Saule

Griffon Vulture, Sand Partridge, Laughing SDove, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Little Green Bee-eater, Blue Rock Thrush, Palm Swift, Pallid Swift, Swallow, African Rock Martin, Palestine Sunbird, Bluethroat, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Sinai Rosefinch, Blackstart, Mourning Wheatear, White-crowned Wheatear, Desert Lrk, Arabian Babbler, Fan-tailed Raven, Brown-necked Raven, Arabian Warbler, Scrub Warbler, Chiffchaff, Spanish Sparrow, Pale Rock Sparrow, Trumpeter Finch,

February 22 2010

Cyprus Pied Wheatear – golf course Thuwal

February 18/19^th

^{north
Meerquat}

^{rocky
areas, Blue Rock Thrush, Desert Wheatear, Blackstart}

^{desert/bush
area Ruppell’s}Weaver, Nile Valley Sunbird, Black Bush Robin, Yellow Vented Bulbul, Orphean Warbler, Great Grey Shrike, Black-crowned Finch Lark, Long-billed Pipit, Isabelline Wheatear,

Thuwal

Crab Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Heron. Western Reef Heron, Turnstone, Greater Sand Plover, Kentish Plover, Dunlin, Sanderling, Slender-billed Gull, Sooty Gull, Caspian Tern,

Pools, Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Kentish Plover

Golf Course- Kentish Plover, Myna, Laughing Dove, Namaqua Dove, Quail, Willow Warbler, Stonechat, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit,

Inland to Medina then south on Jeddah road,

Woodchat Shrike, Nile Valley Sunbird, Arabian Babbler, Black-crowned Finch Lark, Crested Lark, Kestrel,

Near Thuwal February 12^th 2010

Egyptian Nightjar- at least 15 at the end of the dirt road straight out from Thuwal over the flyover for the motorway. Very pale, and no white marking. Darker on outside of under wing and some with lighter rumps. Many- kept disturbing them on an area at the start of the wadi but at the foot of boulders

Also Great Grey Shrike, Isabelline Wheatear, Blackstart, Little Green Bee-eater, Pallid Harrier, Marsh Harrier, House Sparrow, Arabian Babbler, Black-crowned Finch Lark,

Over golf course Long-legged Buzzard.

October 22, 2009

North of Kaust to King Ab City

Sand Partridge,

Laughing, Namaqua Dove, Crested Lark, Desert Lark, Black-crowned Finch Lark, Hoopoe, Great Grey Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike,

Mourning Wheatear

Desert Wheatear

Arabian Babbler, Black Bush Robin,

Spotted Flycatcher, Graceful Prinia, Lesser Whitethroat,

Yellow vented Bulbul,

Nile Valley Sunbird, Ruppell’s Weaver,

October 12 2009 north of Thuwal to village

In village amongst plantations

Ruppell’s Weaver

African Silverbill

Palestine Sunbird

Nile Valley Sunbird

Kestrel

Sandy areas with scattered trees

Isabelline Wheatear

Arabian Babbler

Lesser Whitethroat

Olivaceaous Warbler

Redstart

Black Bush Robin

Yellow-vented Bulbul

Little green Bee-eater

Ring-necked Parakeet

Namaqua Dove, Laughing Dove, Swallow

October 9, 2009

Beach- Spoonbill 2, many Reef Heron, Little Egret, single Striated heron, 2 Grey Heron,

Many Turnstone, Kentish Plover and tereks. Also Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Whimbrel, Crab Plover, few Black-winged Stilt, Sanderling

Kingrisher, Marsh Harrier passing

Golf Course

Red-backed Shrike, Lesser grey Shrike, few Blue-cheeked Bee Eater, Kentish in evening, Tree Pipit, Swallow, 2 Namaqua Doves, 1 Rosy Starling, many Myna,

Group Little Grebe, 1 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, few Black-winged ``Stilt, 1 common sandpiper

25^th September Thuwal and nearby

Spotted Crake still there

rubbish dump near Kaust

Black-crowned Finch lark

Laughing Dove

Turtle Dove

Black-eared Wheatear 1

Isabelline Wheatear

Crested Lark

Swallow

Yellow-vented Bubul

Little green Bee-eater

Passage of 20 + European Bee Eater

Whitethroat

Lesser Whitethroat

Single Roller at beach

Still many Yellow Wagtail & Ruff on grass areas

Area of beach & mud flat- where tent was

Many Crab Plover

Terek Sandpiper at least 5

Many Turnstone,

2 Spotted Redshank

2 Curlew Sandpiper

Greater Sand Plover

Caspian Plover several in winter plumage

Western Reef Egret, Grey Heron, Little egret, Grey Plover, Kentish Plover, Ringed Plover, Whimbrel, Little Stint. Sooty Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Mynah, Isabelline, Great Grey Shrike,

23^rd Sept 2009 Thuwal Golf Course

House Martin- at least 2 on pool at roundabout

at dusk Honey Buzzards 2 overhead, v dark, long tailed

Nightjar very light with no wing marks presumed `Egyptian

A falcon at dusk very dippy jumpy flight hunting over course – then to rest in palms – unknown, light very poor

21^st & 22^nd Sept 2009 Thuwal nr Golf Course Spotted Crake single bird on grass running to cover when disturbed

Crab Plovers on beach

Single Caspain Plover

18/9/09 Thuwal

Grey Phalarope- single on pool by roundabout, grey back, shorter stubbier bill than Red-necked.

17/9/09

beach

Caspian Tern – single

Wood Sandpiper – on grass area

Pratincole single on beach

Red-necked Phalarope 1 pools on GC

Single Squacco GC pool,

Many European Bee-eater

15/9/09

Crab Plover x 2 beach

Eastern Olivaceous Warbler few football pitch

12/9/09

Grey Heron on pool GC near pumps

Wheatear at driving range

11/9/09 Thuwal

additions

single Marsh Harrier – flying from GC to main buildings

single Rosy Starling on fairway of GC

7/9/09

additions Thuwal

European Bee Eater

Few Sanderling on pool nr guards

Numbers of Dunlin

3/9/09 Thuwal additions

Whitethroat numbers around trees and scrub on golf course,

Upcher’s Warbler also common

Gull-billed Tern few nr driving range,

Desert Warbler sing 0n fence nr club house,

Tree Pipit few in sandy open areas and rising to bushes when disturbed, heavily marked,

Great Grey Shrike

Purple Heron 2 flying,

Little Grebe 4 on roundabout pool

Quail single disturbed 3 x on sandy areas of gold course

Great Spotted Cuckoo- in palms nr main university block opposite house

2/9/09 Thuwal additions,

Whimbrel and Curlew in numbers on gold course, Marsh Sandpiper on golf course,

Tawny Pipit on golf course

Great Grey Shrike

1/9/09 Thuwal

Cattle Egret many, Night Heron 1 on roundabout pool, Garganey, Black-winged Stilt, Black-tailed Godwit few, Bar-tailed Godwit- lots on golf course, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Ruff (many)Squacco Heron – few on pool by roundabout, Western Reef heron, Glossy Ibis, Sooty Gull, White-winged black Tern, Whiskered Tern, Namaqua Dove, Sand Martin, Hoopoe, Crested lark, Yellow Wagtail, Isabelline Wheatear, Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Mynah, Spotted Flycatcher,

30/8/09 Thuwal evening

Western Reef Heron, Glossy Ibis, Garganey, Mallard, Black-winged Stilt, Collared Pratincole, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Sanderling, Little Stint, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Terek Sandpiper, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Sooty Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Laughing Gull, Roller, Swallow, Grey Wagtail, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Rufous Bush Robin,

Black Bush Robin single golf course ne houses,

Isabelline Wheatear, Stonechat, Upcher’s Warbler, Whitethroat, Red-backed Shrike, Lesser Grey Shrike, Masked Shrike, Common Mynah,

Little Bunting- single resting on sandy rock area nr 1^st pool,

13/8/09 Desert trip – with hash people somewhere on outskirts of Jeddah.

Black-winged Stilt, Spur-winged Plover, Laughing Dove, Little Blue Bee-eater, Desert Lark, Arabian Warbler, Arabian Babbler, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Common Mynah, Tristam’s Grackle, Blackstart, White-crowned Black Wheatear,

8/8/09

walk along Corniche from end of Falustan

Western Reef Egret, Greater Flamingo,

Turnstone, Greenshank, Black-winged Stilt, Greater Sand Plover,

White-eyed Gull, Saunders Tern, Lesser Crested Tern, Swift Tern,

Laughing Dove, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Graceful Prinia, Brown-necked Raven, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, African Rock Martin,

3/8/09 first trip to Thule

Myna, presumed Sooty Gulls, rock dove

Drove back down the Corniche in Jeddah where many gulls seen, Black-winged Stilt, small heron Striated Heron, Western Reef Heron

Fennec Fox,

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca)
Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)
Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
Western Reef-Heron (Egretta gularis)
Indian Pond-Heron (Ardeola grayii)
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Eurasian Marsh-Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus)
Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus)
Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)
Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)
Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)
Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
Common Redshank (Tringa totanus)
Little Stint (Calidris minuta)
Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus)
Saunders's Tern (Sternula saundersi)
Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida)
Feral Pigeon (Columba livia (Domestic type))
Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis)
Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis)
Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
Isabelline Shrike (Lanius isabellinus)
Southern Grey Shrike (Lanius meridionalis)
Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark (Eremopterix nigriceps)
Crested Lark (Galerida cristata)
Skylark (Alauda arvensis)
White-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucotis)
Graceful Prinia (Prinia gracilis)
Asian Desert Warbler (Sylvia nana)
Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica)
European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola)
Red-tailed Wheatear (Oenanthe xanthoprymna)
Desert Wheatear (Oenanthe deserti)
Isabelline Wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina)
Western Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava)
White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)
Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris)
Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta)
Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra)
Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis)

Pages

Saturday, 29 December 2012

My first birding in Qatar

Tuesday, 13 November 2012

Qatar

Monday, 1 October 2012

Saudi reports from the west coast