Yanbu Dump
Observer: Gary Bletsch
| Date | Observation Time | Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus |
Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis |
Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga |
European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus |
Steppe Buzzard | Long-legged Buzzard | European Marsh Harrier | Others |
| 27 Sep. | 09:45-12:30 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 10+ | 8+ | 0 | 5 | Unidentified Harrier 3 Black Kite 4 Common Kestrel 1 |
| 18 Oct. | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 1 or 2 | 2 | Eurasian Sparrowhawk 1 Unid. Aquila sp. 1 Short-toed Eagle 1 |
|
| 1 Nov. | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 0 | Black Kite 2 |
Report by Mr. Gary Bletsch
This excellent birding site will soon be changed. Several miles of sturdy chain-link fence are being installed around the area, and the days of easy, carefree access appear to be numbered. However, since the trucks that bring in the water must have a gate to get in, it seems likely that access may still be possible, even with the fence in place.
The hazard to the birds continues here as well. Vast ponds of oil attract thirsty birds, and the results are reminiscent of the La Brea Tar Pits. Today, for example, I saw an all-black Ardea heron, probably a Grey Heron, but unrecognizable and quite forlorn-looking, as it was completely covered in oil. At another pond, a Teal or Garganey swam about only an inch or so above the surface, its buoyancy compromised by a dense coating of oil. Among the raptors, one Eurasian Kestrel was about one-third sullied with the oil; a Steppe Buzzard had oil on its tail.
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