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 February and the
first beema in March. Numbers should now increase through
April 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.
