Whilst ringing at Sabkhat Al Fasl on 23
Febrayry 2018 I trapped and ringed an adult male Little Crake. This was a new
ringing species for me and the first one we have trapped and ringed in Saudi
Arbaia. The species is seldom recorded in the Eastern Province although is
probably an uncommon migrant through the region. Previously it was regarded as
a scarce but regularly recorded passage migrant in the Eastern Province of
Saudi Arabia, mainly in marshy areas or pools overhung by vegetation. Birds
generally occur during spring migration from February to end of April with peak
numbers in March where up to five birds were present in Dhahran Saudi Aramco
Camp in the wet areas by the percolation pond in February and March 2012. Birds
occur during autumn migration from September to October with a peak in October
so this bird fits in well with the records. The grassy irrigated areas of
Haradh have previously been the best place to locate the species where
surprisingly high numbers have been located. Few birders visit this area now in
the spring and autumn mainly visiting in the winter months.
