Christmas In Abu Dhabi

[PeterB]

Having a short break away from the frost. Arrived Christmas Day so first lets get the gloat out of the way. Boxing Day 5:30pm, outside the hotel. 23C.



I have just brought my little D60 with me and only spent a short while looking at birds but it is like starting all over again. I actually used Ian's album to ID these.

Common Mynah, load of them and they make a distinctive din.

[PeterB]

White Cheeked Bulbul.



And for a couple I can't ID, this partridge like bird, (sorry it was getting dark)



and these are some sort of Sparrow? Many of them in the trees making a terrific noise.



anyway, having a lovely time and I will go out and look harder tomorrow before it get dark again, something which happens very quickly here. I saw a Hoopee this morning by the pool so I need to get a pic of him.

[ijwilki]

Welcome to Abu Dhabi Peter, looks like you're staying at the Emirates Palace - have a great stay - hope you enjoy it as much as my wife and I did.

The partridge-like bird is a Grey Francolin. There is a good selection of birds in the hotel grounds if you look carefully. As you mention the Mynah's are very noisy.

How long are you staying? Don't let your wife loose in Marina Mall or Abu Dhabi Mall - she'll make a big dent in your bank balance!

I guess you'll have a trip to Yas Island to see the Yas Marina Circuit.

I was off Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but then back to work. I'll be off again New Years Eve and New Years Day - got tickets to a tennis tournament over the New Year - Federer, Nadal and others - looking forward to it.

Flying back to the UK on 07 January.

Enjoy your stay.

[Little Sparrow]

Woohoo!!! You dark horse you Peter!! I asked if you would be staying at 'the gold Christmas tree' Hotel!!! Ha ha!!!

Hope you have a wonderful time, it looks great!! Do try for the Hoopoe, they are a skitty bird so be cautious when approaching, a super bird though to see.
I am all packed and ready for the off to the Algarve in the morning! Will catch up with your posts when I return.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!

[ijwilki]

Hi Peter,

Another birders report for the Emirates Palace grounds yesterday:

Emirates Palace 26 Dec
Pleasant morning walk round. Nice scattering of birds:

1 Caspian Tern
25 Black-headed Gull
6 large white headed gulls
3 Hoopoe
5 Isabelline Shrike
1 Song Thrush
1 Bluethroat
4 Chiffchaff
4 Skylark
72 White Wagtail
7 Water Pipit

Sadly Santa didn't bring the dusky thrush I'd asked for!

Hope you manage to photograph the hoopoe.

[PeterB]

Yes, getting some opulence at the Emirates Palace! It's too late Ian, we've already done both those Malls. Tomorrow is my turn and Yas Island - the roller coaster awaits.

Spent a couple of hours in the hotel grounds, it's full of birds and no wonder, lots of lush vegetation.

I got a close shot of the Grey Francolin, they are lovely birds.



and these Hoopee's are quick, best shot I got of one, I will try again tomorrow.



I can also add Hooded Crow to that list, didn't think they were here, this one must be German, got the towel out early.

[PeterB]

and I have these four which I can't ID with no book!! Can anyone help? I'm here until the 30th Ian, so not much time, lots to see and do and eat and drink!!.

[ijwilki]

Glad your enjoying your stay Peter.

I'm not sure about the parakeet - female ring-necked I think.
The others are:
Terek Sandpiper
Female Purple Sunbird - it's the male that's blue/purple
Red-vented Bulbul

Enjoy yourself at Yas Island.

[PeterB]

Thanks for that Ian, Birding here is like starting from scratch, it's quite exciting. (having you on this forum though is a major help).

I got rained on this afternoon while out, soaked through, I didn't think that was allowed here!!

[astafjevs]

Is that not a common sandpiper? That was my first impression on seeing the pic and having googled the terek version, their bills seem longer and more curved (they look a bit silly if you ask me!)

I'd love to see a hoopoe, I am very jealous!