Birding in May?

[aviceda]

I will probably have to return from Australia to the UK in May to visit one of my ailing parents, but would like to break the journey with a stopover (one or two days) in Dubai. I was last there in 1993 but would imagine that it's a far different place now.

Would be grateful for any advice regarding accommodation, sites (...does Zabeel Fish-Farm still exist?)
I will be on a fairly tight budget so a reasonably-priced hotel near a good birding-spot would be very welcome. If anyone fancies showing me around for a day or two I would be only to grateful to return the favour if you are ever in Brisbane, Queensland (see www.aviceda.org (http://www.aviceda.org))
Tom

[Neil Tovey]

Hi Tom,

Basis your request I would suggest the following:

May will be hot but you will have the tail end of migration. Dubai is a TOTALLY different place nowadays and getting around the traffic system will be your major challenge. I would suggest basingv yourself in Dubai in one of the cheaper hotels such as the Arabian Park. Please note there are no CHEAP hotels in Dubai, just CHEAPER in relative terms. However hotel occupancy is falling at the moment so you may be in a position to negotiate. I mentioned the Arabian Park. This is central but out of the congested traffic areas and close to access routes that can take you to most Dubai birding sites.

Zabeel still exists but there is no access nowadays.

I would suggest the following sites:

Dubai Pivot Fields; an excellent site worthy of at least several hours birding.
Ras Al Khor Bird Hides; open from 9am-4pm, bit not on Fridays.
Creek Park; open from 8am, can be good in migration.
Safa Park; as above.
Mamzar Park; as above.
Mushrif Park; the site for Striated Scops Owl after dark. Only go in weekdays (not Fri or Sat, our weekend here).

You will find directions to all these sites on www.uaebirding.com (http://www.uaebirding.com) and taxi drivers will know how to get to these sites.





I will probably have to return from Australia to the UK in May to visit one of my ailing parents, but would like to break the journey with a stopover (one or two days) in Dubai. I was last there in 1993 but would imagine that it's a far different place now.

Would be grateful for any advice regarding accommodation, sites (...does Zabeel Fish-Farm still exist?)
I will be on a fairly tight budget so a reasonably-priced hotel near a good birding-spot would be very welcome. If anyone fancies showing me around for a day or two I would be only to grateful to return the favour if you are ever in Brisbane, Queensland (see www.aviceda.org (http://www.aviceda.org))
Tom

[aviceda]

Hi Neil,
Unfortunately my mothers condition has worsened so it looks like I will have to leave immediately and so I won't be able to stop in UAE as planned. Thanks for the tips though,
Tom