12 December 2022

Western Marsh Harriers - Jubail

Whilst birding in the Jubail area recently it is clear the number of Western Marsh Harriers are increasing. Almost all the Western Marsh Harriers we see are female type birds but this year a couple of males have also been present but not photographable for me at least. This species is not very easy to photograph on the ground as they are very timid and normally fly well before you can get close enough to attempt photography. Recently I saw a bird on the ground feeding on a dead fish so slowly moved the car into a position where it was possible to get some photos. Amazingly later on a then saw another bird perched that again allowed a single photo to be taken before it flew. It was some distance away but I was quite pleased with the photo.