for cover behind low vegetation and small rocks in the desert area. Close 
approach was possible by vehicle, and the birds were seen feeding on 
plants, predominantly salt-loving species such as Sesuvium verrucosum, 
Heliotropium kotschi and Sabola baryosma. On 4 January, 13 birds were 
seen in flight over the northern farm. On 8 February, five were standing 
in the desert area; the next day 23 were there in a loose flock in the desert. 
They eventually flew into the north farm and were not seen feeding. 
On 10 February, the desert area was empty and as visiting watchers were 
twitching, the north farm was penetrated (much to the amusement and 
amazement of the gardeners) by camera and binocular-laden expatri- 
ates. This foray nearly drew a blank until, as a final resort, we checked 
the beds of alfalfa. Here, in one small bed we found 23 Dotterels which 
permitted our approach on foot up to 2 m. Thereafter, occasional visits 
were made to these birds. The Dotterels fed on the leaves and crowns of 
the alfalfa and were always found in the beds of half-grown plants, the 
alfalfa being just below their head height, convenient for feeding and 
maintaining a lookout. This made finding them fairly easy, for we were 
able to eliminate all beds of mature crop from our searches. Here, very 
close approach was usually tolerated, in contrast to our stealthy efforts 
in the desert area. On occasions, the flock would, if disturbed, fly a short 
distance to open ground, before quickly returning (usually by foot) to 
their feeding area in the alfalfa. They were also seen feeding to a lesser 
extent on insects, by probing the sand of the alfalfa beds. 
On 14 February three were seen in the adjacent small desert area, while 
24, the highest count we achieved, were in the alfalfa bed. On 25 March, 
the last day that they were recorded at Qurrayah, 22 Dotterels were seen. 
Over their three-month stay, the majority of their daytime was spent 
amongst the alfalfa, their movements for the most part apparentiy 
confined to an area of no more than one hectare. 
Sewage dump 
There were two Dotterels from 27 January until 20 February . They were 
usually next to low vegetation, predominantly the weed Chenopodium 
murale and the common shrub Zygophyllum qatarense. In four visits, 
feeding was not observed. 
Al Meerouge Dairy Farm 
Two Dotterels were present from 20 February until 23 March with one 
of the birds remaining until 2 April; their feeding habits were similar to 
those of the Qurrayah birds. 
Saar burial mounds 
Six Dotterels were seen one evening during tiie tiiird week of February, 
roosting on the ground. It is possible that these birds were from the flock 
at Qurrayah, 2 km distant. 
13 
