Sila'a Peninsula - 24.245616N , 51.748704E

Western desert:
 

Under construction!

Sila'a Peninsula is one of the magic places in the UAE, 268 km west of Abu Dhabi it is situated in the extreme west, bordering Saudi Arabia. It is the authors favourite birding spot in the UAE.

Directions and access:

The drive is easy from Abu Dhabi, it takes appx. 3 hours.

Camping is possible on the peninsula itself, and there is a tiny and very basic guesthouse along the main highway at 24.015533 , 51.764821.

Birding strategy:

- the 'Sila'a harbour lake and marsh plantation', see map below, often hold a flock of Hypocolius in winter, around position 24.070175 , 51.774022.
A Black Scrub Robin was found at the large tree near the entrance in April 2009.

- the 'Sila'a park' is good for migrating warblers.

- the 'Sila'a fodder field' often holds good numbers of Namaqua doves.

- the two small 'Sila'a plantations' can hold anything.

- the 'Sila'a large ghaf plantation' is closed for public access, and can often hold roosting birds of prey.

- driving out the main road towards the tip (4-WD cars only), take frequent exits off to the left (west) from the main road, looking for Bar-tailed Larks and the local coastal subspecies of Desert Lark.

- the tip itself gives excellent views of the sea, and during summer (June to September) Sooty Falcons and Red-billed Tropicbirds are worth looking out for. Old records of large flocks of Spotted Sandgrouse exist from the tip.

Birds:

199 species (including escapes) have been recorded pr December 2009.

Crested Honey Buzzard and Hypocolius seems to be regular winter visitors to the plantations.

Rarities have included Black-winged Kite, Golden Eagle, Black Scrub Robin.