View Full Version : Mid September layover
On my return to New Zealand from the UK I've gotten one day (literally arrive at midnight, leave just after midnight one day later) in Dubai. It's a Saturday (the 18th). It was an impulsive decision made without any thought of what I was going to do, but I've been pleased to see that there actually seems to be too much to do, rather than to little, birdwise. So I hope you don't mind if I pick everyone's brains about a days birding. I'm a fairly relaxed birder (or should that be lazy), my plan is to bird some of the city parks for migrants and try and see some natives and native bush in Mushrif National Park. This will be my first visit to the Middle East to do any birding.
Ra's al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary - is my biggest concern. According to the website you have to submit an application to visit three days before hand. Is this actually true? No guide I've glanced at seems to mention this. Also, are the flamingos even likely to be there?
Mushrif National Park - is it hard to get here using buses or taxis? Is it worth getting a car for one day instead? If I get a car, is Qarn Nazwa more worthwhile for native scrub birds?
I'd appreciate thoughts on what I must see at this time of year. I'm not really committed to any one site, I'd sooner hear what the locals have to say.
Cheers
Quick extra question - is visiting the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve remotely realistic? I love antelopes as much as I love birds, and I'd love to see some desert ones.
Hi Sunbird,
If you've never done the Middle East before, then one day just isn't enough! There is more than enough to keep you occupied around Dubai for a day at that time of year, it all depends on what you want to see.
I'd try and fit in Safa Park (migrants and common "garden" birds), Ras Al Khor (flamingos, herons and waders), the Pivot Fields (waders, migrants, anything!), Warsan Lakes (waders and wetland birds), and Mushrif Park at night for Striated Scops Owl. Most of this is easily do-able in a day using taxis, especially if you plan your route carefully (RAK is apain in the a**e to get to as it's on the return route to Dubai, rather than on the way to anywhere!). I wouldn't recommend hiring a car for a day unless you have nerves of steel and refrigerant in your veins. The drivers over here are psychos and navigation for the uninitiated is really hard - I 've lived out here on and off for a year now and I still get lost!
If you want more gen, then browse the main site www.uaebirding.com (http://www.uaebirding.com), Tommy has done some brilliant work putting it together and is an essential source of reference for anyone coming out here. You've probably already found it if you've ended up on here, though.
As regards the DDCR, there's no regular access, although there is a reliable spot for Arabian Oryx immediately south of Qarn Nazwa if you can make it out that far. I can give you more details if interested.
Have a good trip.
Hi Sunbird,
If you've never done the Middle East before, then one day just isn't enough! .
No question. But the I wish that I had done some more research before I bought my tickets. It really was a last minute "why not?" kind of thing.
I wouldn't recommend hiring a car for a day unless you have nerves of steel and refrigerant in your veins. The drivers over here are psychos and navigation for the uninitiated is really hard - I 've lived out here on and off for a year now and I still get lost!
Well, I was raised in Argentina, which has famously been described as "A people of Spanish decent, who think they are British, who drive like Italians." But I take your point. Driving in Uganda was scary enough.
If you want more gen, then browse the main site www.uaebirding.com (http://www.uaebirding.com), Tommy has done some brilliant work putting it together and is an essential source of reference for anyone coming out here. You've probably already found it if you've ended up on here, though.
It is indeed a great site, better than most destinations have.
As regards the DDCR, there's no regular access, although there is a reliable spot for Arabian Oryx immediately south of Qarn Nazwa if you can make it out that far. I can give you more details if interested.
Please. Very much so. I loved the related Gemsbok when I worked in Namibia and visited Kenya, and would love to see their relatives. I remember them from my WWF Sticker book I had when I was ten!
Mike Barth
07-08-2010, 15:44
Sunbird
I am happy to take you around for the day if you like. Always nice to meet new people and I am a casual birder (everyone will tell you), but an obsessive Photographer - which they will also tell you ! :-))
Can't promise anything on the Gazelle or Oryx front but should be able to do something on the 'scrub' birds.
Cheers
Mike
Please. Very much so. I loved the related Gemsbok when I worked in Namibia and visited Kenya, and would love to see their relatives. I remember them from my WWF Sticker book I had when I was ten!
The spot where I regularly see them is just off the junction at Qarn Nazwa. Coming from Dubai via Lahbab towards Hatta you reach Qarn Nazwa - a huge ridge of rock amongst the red sand dunes. Turn right immediately before the outcrop and drive to the southern end of the ridge (ca 800m at most). On your left is a fenced in piece of desert - this is the NW (?) corner of the DDCR and an area where the oryx are fed/watered. Check this area carefully - they are often just lying behind the dunes.
Sunbird
I am happy to take you around for the day if you like. Always nice to meet new people and I am a casual birder (everyone will tell you), but an obsessive Photographer - which they will also tell you ! :-))
Can't promise anything on the Gazelle or Oryx front but should be able to do something on the 'scrub' birds.
Cheers
Mike
A very knd offer, thank you very much! I enjoy a spot of photography myself.
The spot where I regularly see them is just off the junction at Qarn Nazwa. Coming from Dubai via Lahbab towards Hatta you reach Qarn Nazwa - a huge ridge of rock amongst the red sand dunes. Turn right immediately before the outcrop and drive to the southern end of the ridge (ca 800m at most). On your left is a fenced in piece of desert - this is the NW (?) corner of the DDCR and an area where the oryx are fed/watered. Check this area carefully - they are often just lying behind the dunes.
Cheers for that!
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.1.7 Copyright © 2012 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.