Birds of Saudi Arabia: Birding the pivot irrigation fields

Phil Roberts and I set off early to reach Haradh pivot irrigation fields by first light. This meant leaving Dhahran by 03:00 hrs but getting there at first light is normally a good idea as most of the birds of prey are active just as it becomes light and the light for photography is also good. We normally see a good number of birds here and many that are not common in the areas we normally birdwatch with desert species such as Desert Wheatear, Greater Hoopoe-Lark and Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark seen around the edges of the fields. Crested Larks and Tawny Pipits are seen in the fields themselves with both Yellow and White Wagtails present. Pallid, Montagu’s and Marsh Harriers are regular over the fields hunting insects and small mammals and Daurian, Steppe Grey, Red-backed Shrikes are seen along the scrub surrounding the fields. A few Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters were seen on the pivot irrigation equipment along with House and Spanish Sparrows. Four Spur-winged Lapwing were present showing they have almost certainly colonised the area now but there was no sign of any Sociable Lapwings although it is still a little early for this species.