17-18/08/2024
A visit to the coastal area, at KISR side, on a scorching summer day, just before noon, revealed clear signs of migration as both migrating and wintering birds began to arrive. European Bee-eaters were feeding on the wing in the sweltering 47°C heat, finding some shelter in the shade of trees and near irrigation water. As expected, Armenian Gulls were among the early arrivals, joined by Steppe Gulls. Gull-billed Terns were abundant, along with Whiskered Terns, Slender-billed Gulls, Greater Flamingos, and Western Reef Herons.
Along the coast near Sulaibikhat Sports Club, there were 175 Crab-plovers, two Broad-billed Sandpipers, 30 Terek Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstones, Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits, Common Ringed Plovers, Greater Sand Plovers, 450 Greater Flamingos, Whimbrels, and Eurasian Curlews. Additionally, Common Redshanks, as well as Caspian, Little, Gull-billed, White-cheeked, Whiskered, and Lesser Crested Terns, were seen throughout the area.
Other recent arrivals reported yesterday include the White-throated Robin and Rosy Starling.