Whilst
birdwatching the Jubail area I came across a Spotted Crake at the edge of a
flooded reed bed area. This is the first Spotted Crake I have seen this spring.
Spotted Crake is an uncommon passage migrant with a few birds overwintering in
some years. It is probably an overlooked species, due to its skulking nature
with birds in spring from late February to mid-May and in autumn occurring from
September to December but mainly in October and November. The Birds of the
Riyadh Region (Stagg 1994) says they are a spring and autumn passage migrant.
Passes late February to mid May with main movement occurring in April. Return
passage extends from late August to early November, peaking in October.
Sightings have considerably increased with wetland expansion in the region. Up
to 30 in a day have been seen in April along the Riyadh watercourse. These
numbers are no longer seen in the Riyadh area although birds are still seen
quite commonly at the correct time of year.
