The Yellow Wagtail is a common passage migrant through the whole of
Arabia with many thousands passing through the Eastern Province alone. A number
of different subspecies occur, often together with Jubail being a particularly
good area for seeing large groups. The first subspecies to occur are
Black-headed Wagtails feldegg and
these are then followed normally by beema.
This year has been no different with the first Black-headed Wagtails occurring
in January and the first beema in
early March. Numbers should now increase as March progresses with more and more
birds and subspecies occurring. Yellow Wagtails are quite confiding but trying
to get really good photos is challenging as they are fast moving and you have to get the light in the
correct position as well as try to get some catch-light in their eyes otherwise
their dark eyes look ‘dead’. If you can manage this then they make great
subjects as they are very beautifully plumaged birds.
