Flycatchers, Redstarts, Shrikes & Crested Honey Buzzard – Deffi Park
Whilst birding Deffi Park at end of April, quite a number of migrants were recorded including a number of new species for the park for me. The most common migrant was Spotted Flycatcher, with plenty of both male and female Common Redstart also located. Shrikes were seen in good numbers with both Turkestan and Red-backed located along with a female White-throated Robin, all of which I had not seen previously in this park. Willow Warbler numbers were well done on previous weeks with only a single bird seen feeding on the ground by the small watercourse as were European Bee-eaters. A Crested Honey Buzzard was seen taking off from the ground but quickly flew off. This is a late date for this species in Saudi Arabia with most wintering birds departing by early April.
Migrants increasing in numbers – Jubail
Whilst birding Jubail recently there was good signs of increased migration. Migration this year has been a bit slow in the early period but now many migrants are passing such as Spotted Crake, Spotted Flycatcher, Common Redstart, Whinchat, Great Reed Warbler, Yellow Wagtails, Red-throated Pipits, Tree Pipits, European Bee-eaters and both Turkestan and Daurian Shrikes. Good numbers of both White-winged and Whiskered Terns in almost full summer plumage were seen as well and the number of Little Terns are slowly increasing as summer breeding season arrives. The last Greater Spotted Eagle and Western Marsh Harrier remain, and a stunning White-throated Kingfisher was a nice surprise and may now be breeding in the area, although not 100% confirmed.
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