Whilst on the old golf course in
Dhahran Paul Wells came across and photographed a small group of Ortolan
Buntings. 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 from their feeding area. I thank
Paul for allowing me to use his photos on my website which are reproduced with
permission below.
