Whilst on the old golf course in Dhahran on 4 April, Paul Wells came
across and photographed an Ortolan Bunting. This species in an uncommon passage
migrant throughout Saudi Arabia but is seen in good numbers in some years
particularly on the Red Sea coast. Most birds pass from March until mid-May and
again from late August to early October and can often be seen in small groups
rather than singly. Birds are equally as likely to be seen feeding on the
ground, as they are perched in trees, where they normally occur if frightened
fromtheir feeding area. I thank Paul for allowing me to use his photos on my website which are reproduced with permission below.
