QATAR AND RIYADH AREA OF SAUDI ARABIA

MARCH-APRIL 2003

ABBA SURVEY 32

ITINERARY

24-Mar-03 NCWCD offices Riyadh
ABBA Square MB26

25-Mar-03 1550 – 1745 NCWCD offices Riyadh, Al Hair Dam and Watercourse
ABBA Squares MB25, MB26

26-Mar-03 NCWCD offices Riyadh
ABBA Square MB26

27-Mar-03 To Todhia Farm (via al Kharg)
ABBA Squares MB26 to OA25

28-Mar-03 0605 – 1745 Todhia Farm
ABBA Squares NB25, OA25

29-Mar-03 0605 – 1730 Todhia Farm, including eastern extension and ‘palace’
ABBA Squares NB25, OA25

30-Mar-03 0700 – 1230 Todhia Farm to Durma and Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel
ABBA Squares NB25 to MA26

31-Mar-03 0600 – 1100 Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel and Tuwaiq escarpment
ABBA Square MA26

1-Apr-03 0600 – 0900 Tuwaiq, Muzhamiyah, red sands, Wadi Nisah
ABBA Squares MA26, MA25, MB25

2-Apr-03 0600 – 1015 Wadi Nisah, Al Kharg, Wadi Hanifah
ABBA Squares MB25, NA25, MB26

3-Apr-03 0900 – 1100 Riyadh eastern by pass stream and Khurais
ABBA Squares MB26, NA26 to NB27

4-Apr-03 0615 – 1130 Al Hair dam, Wadi Hanifah and eastern bypass stream (with RNHS)
ABBA Squares MB26, MB25

5-Apr-03 1300 – 1600 NCWCD offices Riyadh, wetlands (with Kurt Johansson)
ABBA Square MB26

6-Apr 03 Riyadh to Doha

7-Apr-03 1030 – 1730 Doha to Nasraniyah via Sheehaniyah
ABBA Square RA27

8-Apr-03 0530 – 1700 Dukhan waste water site and West coast
ABBA Squares RA27, QB27, QB28, RA28, RA29

9-Apr-03 0530 – 1745 North Coast and Dhakhirah mangroves
ABBA Squares RA29, RB28

10-Apr-03 0530 – 1700 Dhakhirah, Al Khor mangroves, Jemailiya
ABBA Squares RB28, RA28

11-Apr-03 0930 – 1730 Dhukhan waste water site, Coast south of Um Bab, Traina
ABBA Squares QB27, QB26, RA27, RA26

12-Apr-03 0820 – 1055 Prison Pools, East Doha, Day shortened by breakdown
ABBA Squares RA27, RB27

13-Apr-03 Doha, Day lost due to vehicle breakdown

14-Apr-03 0730 – 1245 Perimeter of fodder farm, Doha south sewage pools
ABBA Squares RA26, RA27, RB27

15-Apr-03 1200 – 1300 Doha south sewage pools
ABBA Square RA27

16-Apr-03 No observations – Doha town.

17-Apr-03 0530 – 1200 Al Rakkiyah farm, Prison pools (with Jamie Buchan)
ABBA Squares RA27, RA26

SYSTEMATIC LIST

7 Tachybaptus ruficollis LITTLE GREBE
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Ten Prison pools, 12 April; two Doha south sewage pools 14 April; one Doha south sewage pools, 15 April; five Prison pools, 17 April.

9 Podiceps cristatus GREAT CRESTED GREBE
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One Prison pools, 17 April.

12 Podiceps nigricollis BLACK-NECKED GREBE
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Eight Prison pools,12 April and two there 17 April.

72 Phalacrocorax carbo GREAT CORMORANT
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One by Tilapia pond at Al Marai farm adjacent to Todhia Farm, 29 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One Prison pools, 12 April.

81 Phalacrocorax nigrogularis SOCOTRA CORMORANT
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Fifteen north coast, 9 April and two coast south of Umm Bab, 11 April.

98 Ixobrychus minutus LITTLE BITTERN
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One Al Khor sewage stream, 10 April.

104 Nycticorax nycticorax NIGHT HERON
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One Wadi Hanifah, 4 April.

108 Ardeola ralloides SQUACCO HERON
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Singles, palace gardens near Todhia Farm, 29 March; Riyadh eastern by pass stream, 3 April; Wadi Hanifah, 4 April.

111 Bubulcus ibis CATTLE EGRET
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Five Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

118 Egretta gularis WESTERN REEF HERON
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Small numberswest and north coasts and south of Umm Bab but about 100 or more at Dhakhirah mangroves, 9 April.

119 Egretta garzetta LITTLE EGRET
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Five Prison pools, 12 April and one there 17 April.

122 Ardea cinerea GREY HERON
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One Wadi Hanifah, 2 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One north coast 9 April; ten Dhakhirah mangroves 9 and 10 April; ten Prison pools, 12 April and three there 17 April.

124 Ardea purpurea PURPLE HERON
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Up to 6 Wadi Hanifah and Al Hair Dam, 2 and 4 April.

147 Phoenicopterus ruber GREATER FLAMINGO
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Two birds in captivity, palace adjacent Todhia Farm, 29 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Two Dhakhirah and Al Khor mangroves 10 April; 300 Doha south sewage pools, 14 and 15 April; 100 Prison pools, 17 April.

152 Cygnus olor MUTE SWAN
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One in captivity, palace gardens adjacent to Todhia Farm, 29 March.

186 Anas platyrhynchos MALLARD
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One or two Al Hair Dam and watercourse, 25 March and 4 April.

189 Anas acuta PINTAIL
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Two Doha south sewage pools, 14 April.

194 Anas clypeata SHOVELLOR
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Sixty Doha south sewage pools, 14 and 15 April.

191 Anas querquedula GARGANEY
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Two Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 31 March.

202 Aythya nyroca FERRUGINOUS DUCK
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One Wadi Hanifah, 2 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Five Prison pools 12 April; three Doha south sewage pools 14 April and one there 15 April.

203 Aythya fuligula TUFTED DUCK
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One Al Khor sewage stream, 10 April.

247 Neophron percnopterus EGYPTIAN VULTURE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. None recorded but Paul Brown the farm manager at Nakheel reports seeing them at his farm recently.

254 Torgos tracheliotos LAPPET-FACED VULTURE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Remains of dead bird near red sands, 1 April.

260 Circus aeruginosus MARSH HARRIER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Singles Todhia Farm, 29 March and Wadi Hanifah, 4 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Singles Prison pools, 12 April; Doha south sewage pools, 14 April; Al Rakkiyah farm and Prison pools, 17 April.

262 Circus macrourus PALLID HARRIER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Up to 12 each day, Todhia Farm, one or two each day elsewhere.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One perimeter of Al Rakkiyah farm, 14 April; four Al Rakkiyah farm and one Prison pools, 17 April.

269 Accipiter nisus SPARROWHAWK
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One at stream al Kharg road, 5 April.

288 Buteo rufinus LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One Tuwaiq escarpment, 1 April.
293 Aquila clanga SPOTTED EAGLE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One Wadi Hanifah, 2 and 4 April.

294.5 Aquila nipalensis STEPPE EAGLE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Two near Muzhamiyah, 1 April.

295 Aquila heliaca IMPERIAL EAGLE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One near Muzhamiyah, 1 April.

301 Pandion haliaetus OSPREY
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One eastern by-pass stream, 5 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Singles Al Khor sewage stream, 10 April, Prison pools, 12 April.

303 Falco naumanni LESSER KESTREL
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Seven Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

304 Falco tinnunculus KESTREL
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Up to three Todhia Farm, 27 and 28 March and 2 Wadi Nisah, 1 and 2 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Singles Dhukhan waste water site, 11 April, Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

321 Falco pelegrinoides BARBARY FALCON
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. None observed central Arabia despite visits to several suitable areas.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One seen well on north west coast, 8 April. No suitable breeding habitat nearby. Not wearing jessies and feathers were in good condition.

363 Ammoperdix heyi SAND PARTRIDGE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One or two Tuwaiq Escarpment, Wadi Nisah, Wadi Hanifah, 1- 4 April.

365 Francolinus pondicerianus GREY FRANCOLIN
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Recorded throughout Qatar wherever there were gardens and farms, including Sheehaniyah , Nasraniyah, Doha , Jemailiya sewage Lagoon, Traina.

370 Coturnix coturnix COMMON QUAIL
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Heard at several pivots Todhia Farm, 27-30 March and at least 3 males calling Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 31 March.

411 Porzana pusila BAILLON’S CRAKE
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One ‘probable’ observed three times but not well, Prison pools, 12 April.

424 Gallinula chloropus MOORHEN
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Very common Al Hair dam and Wadi Hanifah and 500-1000 at the Riyadh eastern by pass stream, 3 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Common at all fresh and brackish water areas, including sewage lagoons, Dukhan waste water site, Al Khor sewage stream, Prison pools, Doha south sewage pools (200, 14 April), pools near Al Rakkiyah farm.

429 Fulica atra COOT
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One Al Hair Dam, 4 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One Prison pools, 12 April, two there 17 April.

450 Haematopus ostralegus OYSTERCATCHER
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One Wakra, 14 April.

455 Himantopus himantopus BLACK-WINGED STILT
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Twenty eight Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 31 March and up to 150 Riyadh eastern by pass stream, 3 and 5 April, including a bird on eggs.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Three Dhukhan waste water site, 11 April; 40 Prison pools, 12 April; 150 Doha south sewage pools, 14 and 15 April; one pools near Al Rakkiyah farm and three Prison pools, 17 April.

464 Cursorius cursor CREAM-COLOURED COURSER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Pair Todhia Farm, 28 March.

465 Glareola pratincola COLLARED PRATINCOLE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One Todhia Farm, 29 March, two al Hair, 30 March and up to 6 Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 30 and 31 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Three Doha south sewage pools, 14 April.

469 Charadrius dubius LITTLE RINGED PLOVER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Up to 18 migrants Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 30 and 31 March and pair Riyadh eastern bypass stream 4 – 5 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One near Doha, 7 April; 20 Prison pools, 12 April; one Doha south sewage pools, 14 April; one pools near Al Rakkiyah farm, one Prison pools, 17 April.

470 Charadrius hiaticula RINGED PLOVER
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Twenty Prison pools, 12 April.

477 Charadrius alexandrinus KENTISH PLOVER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Eleven on alf alfa seedlings pivot Todhia Farm, 27 March; female with small chick Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 30 and 31 March; one eastern by-pass stream, 5 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Present in small numbers all coastal areas and at inland wetlands. With chicks Dukhan waste water site, north coast and Doha south sewage pools.

486 Pluvialis squatarola GREY PLOVER
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Up to five west and north coasts, Dhakhirah mangroves, Wakra

487 Hoplopterus spinosus SPUR-WINGED PLOVER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Nine at slurry area adjacent Todhia Farm, 27 March and one Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 30 March.

497 Calidris alba SANDERLING
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Thirty west coast, 8 April; ten north coast, 9 April.

501 Calidris minuta LITTLE STINT
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Three Todhia Farm, 29 March, 12 Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 30 March, 200 Riyadh eastern by pass stream and five Khurais road, 3 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Present many coastal and wetland sites, up to 200 together, Dukhan waste water site, Dhakhirah and Al Khor mangroves, coast south of Umm Bab, Prison pools, Doha south sewage pools.

502 Calidris temminckii TEMMINCK’S STINT
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Two Dhukhan waste water site, 11 April.

512 Calidris alpina DUNLIN
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Up to ten west coast, Dhakhirah and Al Khor mangroves.

517 Philomachus pugnax RUFF
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Up to 11 most days, Todhia Farm, Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, Riyadh eastern by pass stream, 29 March to 5 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Small number Dukhan waste water site, one Al Khor sewage stream, 40 Prison pools, Doha south sewage pools, six at pools near Al Rakkiyah farm;

519 Gallinago gallinago COMMON SNIPE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One or two Al Hair Dam and wadi Hanifah, Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, Riyadh eastern bypass stream.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Two Al Khor sewage stream, 10 April; 30 Prison pools, 12 April; 12 Doha south sewage pools , 14 April; one pools near Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

534 Limosa lapponica BAR-TAILED GODWIT
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Five Dhakhirah mangroves, 9 April; 40 Dhakhirah, 10 April; one Wakra, 14 April.

538 Numenius phaeopus WHIMBREL
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One or two west coast Dhakhirah and Al Khor mangroves.

541 Numenius arquata CURLEW
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Up to five north coast and Dhakhirah and Al Khor mangroves.

545 Tringa erythropus SPOTTED REDSHANK
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One Prison pools, 12 April.
546 Tringa totanus REDSHANK
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One Riyadh eastern bypass stream, 4 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Up to ten Wakra, north coast, Dhakhirah mangroves and nearby, Prison pools, Doha south sewage pools.

548 Tringa nebularia GREENSHANK
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 31 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Up to five outside Doha, Dukhan waste water site, west coast, north coast, Dhakhirah, Prison pools, Wakra, pools near Al Rakkiyah farm.

553 Tringa ochropus GREEN SANDPIPER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One or two Al Hair, 30 March, Riyadh eastern by pass stream 3and 4 April.

554 Tringa glareola WOOD SANDPIPER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Up to 25 each day Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 30-31 March, Riyadh eastern by pass stream, Khurais road, 3-5 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Maximum count 40, recorded Doha, Dukhan waste water site, Al Khor sewage stream, Prison pools, Doha south sewage pools, pools near Al Rakkiyah farm, Al Rakkiyah farm.

555 Xenus Cinereus TEREK SANDPIPER
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Three Dhakhirah mangroves and nearby, 9 April; one Doha south sewage pools, 14 April.

556 Actitis hypoleucos COMMON SANDPIPER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Up to three Al Hair, Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 30 and 31 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Singles coast south of Umm Bab, 11 April, Doha south sewage pools, 14 April.

561 Arenaria interpres TURNSTONE
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Up to three west coast, coast south of Umm Bab, Doha south sewage pools, Wakra.

573 Larus ichthyaetus GREAT BLACK-HEADED GULL
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Four Al Khor sewage Stream, 10 April.

582 Larus ridibundus BLACK-HEADED GULL
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Three Prison pools, 12 April; four Doha south sewage pools, 14 April.

588 Larus genei SLENDER-BILLED GULL
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Up to eight together north coast, Al Khor sewage Stream, Prison pools, Doha south sewage pools,

593 Larus cachinnans YELLOW LEGGED GULL
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One white headed bird with light back, coast south of Umm Bab, 11 April.

606 Sterna caspia CASPIAN TERN
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Two Dhakhirah mangroves and nearby, 9 April; 12 Dhakhirah and Al Khor mangroves, 10 April.

609 Sterna bengalensis LESSER CRESTED TERN
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Groups of up to 20 north coast, Dhakhirah and Al Khor mangroves, coast south of Umm Bab.

615 Sterna hirundo COMMON TERN
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One Wadi Hanifah, 4 April.

624 Sterna albifrons LITTLE TERN
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Twelve Riyadh eastern by-pass stream, 5 April.

625 Sterna saundersi SAUNDERS’ TERN
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Two Dhakhirah and Al Khor mangroves, 10 April , one Wakra, 14 April.

628 Chlidonias leucopterus WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Five Prison pools 12 and 17 April.

665 Columba livia ROCK DOVE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Common Al Hair dam, few Todhia farm (but large dovecote in nearby palace gardens), few Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 30 – 31 March, recorded Tuwaiq Escarpment, Wadi Nisah, Muzhamiyah, Wadi Hanifah and Riyadh eastern by pass stream.

32b:Qatar; 4/03. Most birds in Qatar appear to belong to dovecotes especially on farms – no truly wild birds were seen and no nesting sites found.

684 Streptopelia decaocto EURASIAN COLLARED DOVE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Widespread and common Al Hair Dam, Todhia Farm, (nesting in wrecked van), al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, Tuwaiq Escarpment, Muzhamiyah, Wadi Nisah, Al Kharg, Wadi Hanifah, Riyadh eastern by pass stream, Khurais road.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Generally common throughout Qatar wherever there are gardens and farms and in areas of acacia and zizyphus scrub. Rather scarce only on west and north coasts.

687 Streptopelia turtur TURTLE DOVE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One cooing and another observed, palace gardens, near Todhia Farm, 29 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Four Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

690 Streptopelia senegalensis PALM DOVE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Common and widespread, Central Riyadh, Al Hair, Todhia Farm, Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, Al Kharg, Riyadh eastern by pass stream.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Common in built up areas and gardens but not so many in acacia scrub and other natural habitats.

692 Oena capensis NAMAQUA DOVE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Common Todhia Farm, 27 – 29 March, few Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 30-31 March, few Wadi Hanifah and Riyadh eastern by-pass stream.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Singles Dukhan waste water site, perimeter of Al Rakkiyah farm, Wakra, Al Rakkiyah farm.

712 Psittacula krameri ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Heard Riyadh at dusk, 25 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Few Sheehaniya and Doha.

735 Tyto alba BARN OWL
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One seen regularly in recent weeks (February- March) at Todhia farm by Alan King the farm manager.

744 Bubo bubo EAGLE OWL
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Old pellets found at Todhia farm which appeared to be from this species.

757 Athene noctua LITTLE OWL
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Heard on night of 31 March Tuwaiq escarpment.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One south of Jemailiya, 11 April.

762 Strix butleri HUME’S OWL
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Heard on night of 31 March (at same site as little owl) Tuwaiq, also one heard on night of 1 April, in Wadi Nisah.

796 Apus pallidus PALLID SWIFT
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Recorded every day, up to 50 in a day Al Kharg, Todhia Farm, Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel Tuwaiq escarpment, Wadi Nisah, Wadi Hanifah. Some 400 over grass pivot Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 31 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Up to three Dukhan waste water site, perimeter of Al Rakkiyah farm, pools near Al Rakkiyah farm, Prison pools.

838 Merops orientalis LITTLE GREEN BEE-EATER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Up to three pairs present, Al Hair Dam, Todhia Farm, Al Hair, Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, Muzhamiyah and Red Sands area, Al Kharg, Wadi Hanifah

839 Merops superciliosus BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Singles Todhia Farm, 29 March and Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 30 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One Doha south sewage pools, 14 April; one pools near Al Rakkiyah farm and six Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

840 Merops apiaster EUROPEAN BEE-EATER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Up to 30 recorded daily and at most sites. There were 25 feeding on bees for over an hour at the palace garden beehives near Todhia Farm, 29 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Few recorded north coast, Doha suburbs, pools near Al Rakkiyah farm, Al Rakkiyah farm (200, 17 April), Prison pools.

841 Coracias garrulus EUROPEAN ROLLER
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Singles Dhukhan waste water site, 11 April, coast south of Umm Bab, 11 April, Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

846 Upupa epops HOOPOE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Up to three most days, 27 March to 5 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Singles Sheehaniyah, 7 April, Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

953 Eremopterix nigriceps BLACK-CROWNED FINCH LARK
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Five Todhia Farm, 29 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Generally small numbers (up to ten), Dukhan waste water site, west coast, coast south of Umm Bab but common north coast, Dhakhirah mangroves and nearby, Al Rakkiyah farm.

957 Ammomanes deserti DESERT LARK
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Few Al Hair Dam, Todhia Farm, Tuwaiq Escarpment, Muzhamiyah and Red Sands area, Wadi Nisah, Khurais road.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Rather scarce, two west coast, 8 April; few north coast, 9 April; Jemailiya, 11 April; perimeter of Al Rakkiyah farm, 14 April.

958 Alaemon alaudipes HOOPOE LARK
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Only one, Khurais road, 3 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Few (up to five per day) west coast, north coast, Dhakhirah mangroves and nearby, coast south of Umm Bab, Jemailiya, Traina, Al Rakkiyah farm.

968 Calandrella brachydactyla SHORT-TOED LARK
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Generally up to 10 each day, Todhia but two flocks of 30, 29 March, few also Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel and Al Kharg, 31 March and 2 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Scattered sightings, often in display song flight, Dukhan waste water site, Prison pools, pools near Al Rakkiyah farm, Al Rakkiyah farm.

972 Galerida cristata CRESTED LARK
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Common and widespread, especially on farms.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Common throughout Qatar except west coast where rather scarce.

981 Riparia riparia SAND MARTIN
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Up to six most days, Todhia Farm, Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, Wadi Hanifah.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Twenty five Doha south sewage pools, 15 April; two pools near Al Rakkiyah farm and ten Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

990 Ptyonoprogne fuligula AFRICAN ROCK MARTIN
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Small numbers all suitable rocky sites, Al Hair Dam, hawking over Riyadh city centre, Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, Tuwaiq Escarpment, Muzhamiyah, Wadi Nisah, Al Kharg, Wadi Hanifah.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Singles Dukhan waste water site, 8 April and at 10 m artificial rock pile near Dhakhirah mangroves, 9 April.

992 Hirundo rustica SWALLOW
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Light passage each day during period at all sites, 200 over grass pivot, Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 31 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Generally in small number, up to 20 each day, but common Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

995 Hirundo daurica RED-RUMPED SWALLOW
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Six Wadi Hanifah, 2 April and singles Riyadh eastern by pass stream 3 April, Al Hair Dam and Riyadh eastern bypass stream, 4 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Singles Dukhan waste water site, 8 April, Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

1005 Anthus campestris TAWNY PIPIT
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Few each day at most sites; 20 Riyadh eastern bypass stream, 4 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Up to 15 Dukhan waste water site, north coast, Dhakhirah mangroves and nearby, Prison pools, Doha south sewage pools, Al Rakkiyah farm.

1009 Anthus trivialis TREE PIPIT
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Fourteen Todhia Farm, 29 March.

1012 Anthus cervinus RED-THROATED PIPIT
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Up to seven Todhia Farm, Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, Riyadh eastern by pass stream, al Kharg, most days 27 March to 5 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Up to 15 in a day, on various dates, Prison pools, Doha south sewage pools, pools near Al Rakkiyah farm; Al Rakkiyah. farm.

1014 Anthus spinoletta WATER PIPIT
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Up to four Dukhan waste water site, Prison pools, pools near Al Rakkiyah farm.

1017 Motacilla flava YELLOW WAGTAIL
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Few most days, (beema, feldegg and flava) maximum 32, Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 31 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Three Dukhan waste water site, 8 April and 4 there 11 April; 20 pools near Al Rakkiyah farm, two Rakkiyah farm and eight Prison pools, 17 April.

1019 Motacilla cinerea GREY WAGTAIL
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One Al Hair, 30 March.

1020 Motacilla alba WHITE WAGTAIL
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Up to 6 most days.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Up to four on five days Dhakhirah mangroves and nearby, Al Khor sewage stream, Dhukhan waste water site, Prison pools, Doha south sewage pools.

1035 Pycnonotus leucogenys WHITE-CHEEKED BULBUL
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Common Al Hair Dam, Al Kharg road, Wadi Hanifah, Riyadh eastern bypass stream. Bulbuls heard but not seen near farm buildings Todhia Farm, were probably this species.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Common throughout Qatar wherever there are gardens and farms, also in mangroves.

2006 Pycnonotus cafer RED-VENTED BULBUL
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Probably widespread in gardens and farms, Sheehaniyah, Jemailiya, East Doha.

1036 Pycnonotus xanthopygos YELLOW-VENTED BULBUL
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Widespread Tuwaiq, Muzhamiyah and Red Sands area, Wadi Nisah, and one NCWCD gardens central Riyadh, 5 April.

1095 Cercotrichas galactotes RUFOUS BUSH CHAT
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Singles Todhia Farm , 27 March; Al Hair, 30 March; Wadi Hanifah, 2 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Singles near al Khor, Traina, perimeter of Al Rakkiyah farm, and five Al Rakkiyah farm.

1096 Cercotrichas podobe BLACK BUSH CHAT
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One or two (pair) Todhia Farm, 27 March; palace gardens near Todhia Farm, 29 March; Al Hair, 30 March; Wadi Hanifah, 2 and 3 April.

1104 Luscinia megarhynchos NIGHTINGALE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One Todhia Farm, 29 March.

1121 Phoenicurus ochruros BLACK REDSTART
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One Todhia Farm, 28 March, and one Muzhamiyah, 1 April.

1122 Phoenicurus phoenicurus COMMON REDSTART
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Singles Todhia Farm, 28 March and Al Kharg road watercourse, 2 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Two perimeter of Al Rakkiyah farm, 14 April; three Doha south sewage pools, 14 April; 20 Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

1135 Cercomela melanura BLACKSTART
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Few Tuwaiq Escarpment and Wadi Nisah.

1137 Saxicola rubetra WHINCHAT
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 31 March.

1144 Oenanthe isabellinus ISABELLINE WHEATEAR
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Few every day with maximum of 20 Todhia Farm, 27 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Up to ten each day, Sheehaniyah, Dukhan waste water site, west coast, north coast, Dhakhirah mangroves and nearby, coast south of Umm Bab, Jemailiya, Traina, Prison pools, Doha south sewage pools, Al Rakkiyah farm.

1146 Oenanthe oenanthe COMMON WHEATEAR
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Up to 15 each day, Todhia Farm, 27-29 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One or two on five days, Dukhan waste water site, Doha south sewage pools, pools near Al Rakkiyah farm, Al Rakkiyah farm.

1148 Oenanthe hispanica BLACK-EARED WHEATEAR
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Surprisingily common on migration and up to eight each day, with 20 Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 30 March and 25 there 31March.

1147 Oenathe pleschanka PIED WHEATEAR
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Numerous migrant with up to ten each day with 50, Todhia Farm, 27 March and 15 Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 30 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One or two on six days, Nasraniyah, Dukhan waste water site, north coast, Jemailiya sewage lagoon, Doha south sewage, pools near Al Rakkiyah farm and Al Rakkiyah farm.

1149 Oenanthe deserti DESERT WHEATEAR
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Up to 8 each day Todhia Farm and one Khurais road, 3 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Up to six on four days, west coast, Prison pools, perimeter of Al Rakkiyah farm, pools near Al Rakkiyah farm, Al Rakkiyah farm.

1157 Oenanthe leucopyga WHITE-CROWNED BLACK WHEATEAR
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One or two near Tuwaiq Escarpment, Muzhamiyah and Wadi Nisah.

1162 Monticola saxatilis ROCK THRUSH
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One Todhia Farm, 28 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Two, pools near Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

1227 Prinia gracilis GRACEFUL WARBLER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. At least two males singing Wadi Hanifah, 2 April and one there 4 April. (At the time these records were thought to be the first records in the Riyadh area but I have since been advised that the species has been present for at least 2 years)
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Not recorded despite search.

1231 Scotocerca inquieta SCRUB WARBLER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Few Tuwaiq, Muzhamiyah and Red Sands area, Wadi Nisah.

1251 Acrocephalus scirpaceus REED WARBLER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One singing al Hair, 30 March, two singing al Kharg road watercouse, 2 April; common and singing Wadi Hanifah, 2 April; ten Riyadh eastern by pass stream, 3 April.

1252 Acrocephalus stentoreus CLAMOROUS WARBLER
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Commonly singing Dukhan waste water site, Prison pools, Doha south sewage pools, pools near Al Rakkiyah farm.

1255 Hippolais pallida OLIVACEOUS WARBLER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Surprisingly scarce, one heard Wadi Hanifah, 4 April.

1257 Hippolais languida UPCHER’S WARBLER
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Singles Nasraniyah, 7 April, north coast, 9 April, near Mukeinis , 14 April.

1270 Sylvia nana DESERT WARBLER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One or two Todhia Farm, 27 and 28 March and one Khurais road 3 April.

1274 Sylvia curruca LESSER WHITETHROAT
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One Wadi Hanifah, 4 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Two Nasraniyah 8 April; one Dukhan waste water site, 8 April; one Prison pools, 12 April.

2041 Sylvia minula DESERT LESSER WHITETHROAT
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One heard Todhia Farm, 28 March; four Tuwaiq, 1 April; three Wadi Nisah, 2 April.

1275 Sylvia communis COMMON WHITETHROAT
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

1277 Sylvia atricapilla BLACKCAP
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One male Riyadh eastern by-pass stream, 5 April.

1311 Phylloscopus collybita CHIFFCHAFF
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Few most days but 40 Todhia Farm, 29 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One or two Dukhan waste water site, Doha south sewage pools 12-15 April.

1312 Phylloscopus trochilus WILLOW WARBLER
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Four Doha south sewage pools, 14 April; two Mesaeed, 15 April; 50 pools near Al Rakkiyah farm and 300 Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

1335 Muscicapa striata SPOTTED FLYCATCHER
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

1379 Turdoides squamiceps ARABIAN BABBLER
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Heard Tuwaiq Escarpment and Wadi Nisah, 1 April.

1514 Lanius isabellinus RED-TAILED SHRIKE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Generally up to 10 each day (mostly isabellinus and a few phoenicuroides) with a maximum of 20, Todhia Farm, 29 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Up to seven on six days Dukhan, Prison pools, perimeter of Al Rakkiyah farm, Doha south sewage pools, pools near Al Rakkiyah farm, Al Rakkiyah farm and Prison pools. About equal numbers isabellinus and Phoenicuroides.

1515 Lanius collurio RED-BACKED SHRIKE
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One pools near Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

1520 Lanius excubitor GREAT GREY SHRIKE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Widespread, present most sites, each day. Adult and 3+ juveniles, Riyadh eastern by pass stream, 3 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Widespread in small numbers, one or two each day, Nasraniyah, Dukhan waste water site, west coast, north coast, Dhakhirah mangroves and nearby, Jemailiya, Traina, Al Rakkiyah farm.

1523 Lanius senator WOODCHAT SHRKE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Singles Todhia Farm, 30 March; Khurais road, 3 April; Riyadh eastern by pass stream, 3 April.

1524 Lanius nubicus MASKED SHRKE
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Singles Todhia Farm, 27 March; Wadi Hanifah, 2 and 4 April.

1571 Corvus ruficollis BROWN-NECKED RAVEN
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Widespread, recorded each day usually in pairs, at most sites. Pair at possible nest Ain Hit, 5 April.

1574 Corvus rhipidurus FAN-TAILED RAVEN
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Few Tuwaiq Escarpment area and Wadi Nisah.

1587 Acridotheres tristis COMMON MYNAH
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Common, central Riyadh, pair Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, one Wadi Hanifah, two Al Hair Dam.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Widespread, sometimes common, Nasraniyah, Doha, Wakra..

1591 Passer domesticus HOUSE SPARROW
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Common and widespread central Riyadh, and most other sites. Nesting with Spanish Sparrows in high Eucalyptus trees, Todhia Farm.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Widespread and generally common inhabited areas but scarce west coast and only a few north coast, Dhakhirah mangroves and nearby and coast south of Umm Bab

1592 Passer hispaniolensis SPANISH SPARROW
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Mixed colony with House Sparrow in high Eucalyptus tree at Todhia farm, about 200 present; ten Wadi Nisah, 2 April; common and nesting Wadi Hanifah, 2 April; and one in an isolated bush Khurais 3 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One pools near Al Rakkiyah farm and ten Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April. .

1601 Petronia brachydactyla PALE ROCK SPARROW
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Up to 30 each day Todhia Farm, 27-30 March.

1618 Euodice malabarica INDIAN SILVERBILL
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Seven Todhia Farm, 29 March; two Riyadh eastern by pass stream, and two Wadi Hanifah, 4 April.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. Only at Seehaniyah where eight, 7 April.

1674 Rhodospiza obsoleta DESERT FINCH
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Three Todhia Farm, 29 March; about 15 Al Marai dairy farm Nakheel, 30-31 March, including nest with eggs, flock of 30 Wadi Hanifah, 2 April.

1676 Bucanetes githagineus TRUMPETER FINCH
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. None recorded in central Arabia despite search, especially at Tuwaiq escarpment waterhole site where previously common.

1863 Emberiza striolata HOUSE BUNTING
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Three Tuwaiq, 31 March.

1866 Emberiza hortulana ORTOLAN BUNTING
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. One Todhia Farm, 28 March and two there, 29 March.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. One Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

1882 Miliaria calandra CORN BUNTING
32a:Riyadh & Central Arabia; 3-4/03. Males singing each day Todhia Farm, 27-29 March, probably some 20 pairs on the farm.
32b:Qatar; 4/03. At least four singing males Al Rakkiyah farm, 17 April.

Acknowledgements

No ABBA Surveys is a success without a whole range of people providing help and assistance and probably this two centre survey had more people than usual providing help in many ways, including accommodation, hospitality, free use of vehicles and local knowledge on where to see birds. At Todhia farm I was very fortunate to be welcomed and given facilities by Alan and Natalie King and Alan’s father Jack, who was farm manager during my visit in 1999. Al Marai very generously provided me with much help and my thanks go to Andrew Mackie in head office for making my visit possible and for giving me the introduction to Paul Brown the Manager of the Nakheel dairy near Durma where I was kindly provided with accommodation and much other help. Thanks also to Glenn Boyd, the manager at the Al Marai ET project, for a short visit I was able to pay to his farm east of Al Kharg. As ever my trips to Saudi Arabia are sponsored by the NCWCD and again I must thank the Secretary General Dr Abdulaziz Abuzinada for his continuing support for the project and for authorising a vehicle for my use during my travels in Saudi Arabia. In Qatar there was also no shortage of very generous help especially from David and Clare Gillespie of Doha who went out of their way to make my trip a success and make my stay in Doha comfortable by providing me with accommodation. They also gave me the use of a 4WD vehicle, without which I would not have been able to see complete my programme, and helped me in so many other ways, including providing me with further contacts at the Qatar Natural History Society. My thanks also go to Jamie Buchan for his help on some local sites and especially for showing me several that I would not have found or been able to visit without him.

A narrative of this survey and comment on some of the records, habitats and conservation issues has been published as Riyadh environs and Qatar, Spring 2003 (ABBA Survey 32), Phoenix 20: 18-21.

Michael C Jennings, Coordinator Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia and Editor The Phoenix (ISSN 0268-487X), Warners Farm House, Warners Drove, Somersham, Cambridgeshire, PE28 3WD England. Tel/Fax 01487 841733, international 00 44 1487 841733.

Email: Email Mike