A trip to Tabuk in late January was very productive for Red-throated Pipits Anthus cervinus with up to three thousand birds seen in several large flocks in a couple of places. They were always associated with large pivot irrigation fields and appeared to prefer the freshly cut fields with hay-stacks. Red-throated Pipit is a common passage migrant to all areas of the Kingdom. Mainly recorded from mid-March to May in spring, with a noticeable peak in middle of April, so these birds were very early migrants or wintering birds. Lower numbers are seen in autumn between early-October and late-November when it is generally uncommon with a few wintering in Central and eastern areas as well as Tabuk. A large flock of 250 were seen at TADCO farm, 20 February 2009 in the north of the country that may have been wintering birds or early migrants so it would be worth checking if the species is present in the northern areas of the Kingdom in November and December to confirm their presence in winter.
