First time birding Safa Park

[SimonDuke]

Hi All

Not sure this is the right sub-forum, but here goes...

I've recently relocated from the UK to Dubai - I've always enjoyed birdwatching back home, but haven't done much over the past few years.

I'd like to pick things up again while I'm in the UAE and as a gentle introduction, I plan a little excursion into Safa Park - probably next weekend.

So any tips - where in the park is best to go? Anywhere that should be avoided with a pair of binoculars and a camera? Any other info it would be good for me to know?

As yet, I don't have a car, but should hopefully get that all sorted in the near future - when I do I will hopefully pick some people's brains on locations further out of town - particularly how to avoid causing you guys problems by driving / parking / walking somewhere I shouldn't.


Anyway, any info anyone can provide would be gratefully received.

Thanks

Si

[MarkS]

Hi Simon and welcome to Dubai.

The best place in Safa is undoubtedly the central wood, which offers shade and sanctuary for both birds and birders alike. A good place to look for migrant warblers and flycatchers, and such like. The boating lake on the west side of the wood should be checked for waders as should the fenced-off "bird sanctuary" lake on the east, where ducks and the odd gull are likely (not to mention the odd plastic specimen).

The open areas often have tree pipits (and Red-throated sometimes in passage), and keep your eyes open for Shikra circling - the best place in the UAE for this species.

As regards no-go areas, most parks have ladies-only areas, which are self-explanatory and you should avoid looking too closely here and be generally discreet when pointing bins/camera towards people (especially ladies and families) and government buildings. Despite these precautions, don't be surprised if you get asked to move on or told you are not suppposed to be there (unlikely at Safa) or photography is not allowed - this is a regular occupational hazard of UAE birding. Just be polite and move on is generally the best approach.

Enjoy it - it certainly beats UK birding. See you around.

[SimonDuke]

Thanks Mark

Appreciate the advice.

Si