Phil Roberts and I set off early to reach
Haradh pivot irrigation fields by first light. This meant leaving Dhahran by
03:00 hrs but getting there at first light is normally a good idea as most of
the birds of prey are active just as it becomes light and the light for photography
is also good. We normally see a good number of birds here and many that are not
common in the areas we normally birdwatch with desert species such as Desert
Wheatear, Greater Hoopoe-Lark and Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark seen around the
edges of the fields. Crested Larks and Tawny Pipits are seen in the fields
themselves with both Yellow and White Wagtails present. Pallid, Montagu’s and
Marsh Harriers are regular over the fields hunting insects and small mammals
and Daurian, Steppe Grey, Red-backed Shrikes are seen along the scrub
surrounding the fields. A few Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters were seen on the pivot
irrigation equipment along with House and Spanish Sparrows. Four Spur-winged
Lapwing were present showing they have almost certainly colonised the area now
but there was no sign of any Sociable Lapwings although it is still a little
early for this species.
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| Greater Hoopoe-Lark |
 |
| Daurian Shrike |
 |
| Desert Wheatear - male |
 |
| Desert Wheatear - male |
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| Blue-cheeked Bee-eater |
 |
| Pallid Harrier - male |
 |
| Pallid Harrier - male |
 |
| Pallid Harrier - male |
