HI all,
I returned week before last from four weeks in Tanzania with a stopover in
Dubai (15-18/7). Brief trip report (highlights and lifers only) follows for
Dubai - Tanzanian trip report will take a while - around 440 species seen in
four weeks so a lot to write up.
Intended to have three nights in Dubai but this wasn't meant to be due to two
different airlines overselling different flights on the same day resulting in
rescheduled flights, but that's life. I was to go out birding with Tommy
Pedersen (who has an escellent website for birding in the UAE) but his work was
re-scheduled so I ended up taking myself to a few places.
Saw a total of 44 species, with 20 lifers (species underlined). Weather was
HOT, 33-43 degrees daily and surprisingly humid.
A few birds hanging around the airport carpark, including two lifers, Indian
Silverbill and White-eared Bulbul (introduced).
Went to Safa Park in the afternoon of 16th July, saw quite a few birds despite
the heat, managed to add Purple Sunbird, Western Reef Egret (a single bird
flying over) Red-wattled Lapwing, Indian Roller. Quite a few Eurasian Hoopoes
were probing the lawns with their long bills. As far as introduced birds went,
lifers included Alexandrine Parakeet (small flock of these was present as was
the more common Rose-ringed Parakeet), Grey Francolin, Pied Mynah(Starling). A
single Shikra (also introduced) hung around in the trees in the central wooded
area.
Visited the Pivot Fields the next morning, early (arrived before 6am), and saw
a nice variety of birds including more of species seen the previous day such as
Purple Sunbird, Indian Roller, Red-wattled Lapwing in addition to others new
for the trip such as Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse and Streaked Weaver
(introduced). Lifers here included Little Green Bee-eater, Blue-cheeked
Bee-eater, Crested Lark, Bank Mynah(introduced), White-tailed Lapwing,
Clamorous Reed Warbler, Green Sandpiper, Graceful Prinia and Pale Crag Martin.
I then went on to the mangrove hide of R'as al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and
stayed for an hour. It was already very hot by this time, and the tide was out
(I suspect it would be better on a higher tide rather than a lower one). A
large flock of Greater Flamingoes (distant) was impressive, with smaller
numbers closer to the hide, but the highlights would have to be Slender-billed
Gull and Kentish Plover, both lifers.
I'd certainly visit both sites again if I went back to Dubai, although I'd
perhaps aim for a better tide for R'as al Khor. I'd also recommend checking
out http://www.tommypedersen.com/UAE.htm as a very comprehensive resource for
sites, birds, guiding possibilities etc. Thanks to Tommy and to Neil Tovey for
tips on how to get around (taxis are relatively cheap).
If anyone wants further details I'm writing a more comprehensive report with a
list of all species seen - please let me know and I can send you a copy.
Cheers,
Frank
(Mr.) Frank Hemmings
Curator
John T. Waterhouse Herbarium
School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences
University of New South Wales
UNSW SYDNEY 2052
AUSTRALIA
Tel +61 2 9385 3274
Fax +61 2 9385 1558
CRICOS Provider Code:00098G
==============================www.birding-aus.org
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