Whilst birding Khafra Marsh last weekend we found a pair of Red-wattled Lapwing in the same place where they have bred for the last three years at least. One bird was flying around calling with the second calling from the ground in a small farm with allotments. At one point both birds were seen flying at the same time. The species is scarce in Saudi Arabia with records from Riyadh, the Empty Quarter and the Eastern Province. They are resident breeders at wetlands in United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait, and are gradually colonizing westwards. It was first recording breeding in Saudi Arabia by Phil Roberts at Sabkhat Al Fasl, a few years ago, a location quite close to Khafra Marsh. Birds have bred at Khafra Marsh, Jubail for the last three years. In the Eastern province it is regarded as a scarce passage migrant, rare breeder and scarce winter visitor although records are becoming more common.
