Bird survey at Al Ain Zoo

[LisaBanfield]

Hi All,

I'm new to this site, in case you missed my introductory post I'm working at Al Ain Zoo as Conservation Officer (a bit more info in my intro post!).

At the zoo we have just started a new project at the zoo documenting the wild biodiversity on site. We want to make improvements to encourage more wild species and to include native wildlife in our interpretation to zoo guests.

We began yesterday with a bird survey - thanks so much to Dr Reza Khan, Mizanur Rahman, Scott Young, Gregory Askew and his daughter Isza for coming to help us. We look forward to seeing you again and maybe meeting more of you in the winter when we can do some more surveying.

Here is what we found yesterday:

White-cheeked/white-eared Bulbul
Red-vented Bulbul
Spectacled Bulbul
Graceful Warbler
House Sparrow
Common Mynah
Laughing Dove
Collared Dove
Rock Pigeon
Purple Sunbird
Brown-necked Raven
Grey Francolin
Arabian Babbler
Parakeet
Red-wattled Lapwing
Blue-cheeked Bee Eater
Little Green Bee Eater
Indian Roller
Hoopoe
Pale Crag Martin
Guineafowl
Egyptian Goose
Black-necked Stilt

Plus there was a Plover but I neglected to write the first part of the name.

I'll be trying to put the information we collect onto Ebird at some point!

Best,

Lisa

[drrezakhan]

Hi Lisa
Thanks for the post. We also acknowledge your hospitality and giving us a chance to see the 'wild side' of the zoo.
Kindly note Helmeted Guineafowl and Egyptian Goose are escapees from your zoo when Common Myna, Grey Francolin, Ringed or Rose-ringed Parakeet, White-eared and Red-vented Bulbuls are not indigenous but introduced and established in the UAE as breeding residents. Black-necked Stilt should be Black-winged Stilt.
Best wishes,
reza khan

[Sandman]

Nicely done, Liza.
If you could add an approximate count behind each species, I will add it to the UAE Bird Database. Once done, I will post a list of all historical records from the Al Ain Zoo up until today.

[LisaBanfield]

Hi Reza.
It was great to have you. Thanks for the additional info and correction Any suggestions for the full name of the plover?

Thanks Tommy.
I didnt note approximate figures on the day but I should be able to estimate something (perhaps Dr Reza could correct me if it seems wildly inaccurate ). It would be very useful to have all the historical records of the zoo - this site has already provided a lot of useful information.

Best,
Lisa

[drrezakhan]

At this time you are likely to have Kentish or Little Ringed plover. Good luck, reza khan

[LisaBanfield]

Dear Tommy,

Please find below approximate counts of each species as requested below. We plan to continue after Ramadan so should be able to give more accurate numbers in the future.

White-cheeked/white-eared Bulbul - 10
Red-vented Bulbul - 1
Spectacled Bulbul - 1
Graceful Warbler - 1
House Sparrow - 5
Common Mynah - 5
Laughing Dove - 1
Collared Dove - 3
Rock Pigeon - 2
Purple Sunbird - 4
Brown-necked Raven - 2, flying overhead
Grey Francolin - 1
Arabian Babbler - 3
Parakeet - 2
Red-wattled Lapwing - 1
Blue-cheeked Bee Eater - 3
Little Green Bee Eater - 1
Indian Roller - 1
Hoopoe - 1
Pale Crag Martin - 4
Helmeted Guineafowl - 1
Egyptian Goose - 2, flying overhead
Black-necked Stilt - 2

Best,

Lisa

[LisaBanfield]

Dear Tommy,

After a quick drive around yesterday I've updated some of the figures below. No additional species but it was quite late in the day.
House Sparrow - 100+
Common Mynah - 30
Laughing Dove - 10
Rock Pigeon - 50+
Red-wattled Lapwing - 20

Best,

Lisa[/QUOTE]

[Sandman]

Great stuff Lisa. As others can attest: I enjoy inputting common to very common birds into the database as well. House Sparrow is WAY under-reported in the UAE. Ditto for Common Myna. Keep up the good work and I'll see you once it cools down in October

[LisaBanfield]

Dear All,

A few days ago I attempted the second bird survey of the zoo. As I expected I didn't record as many species as when we had the help of our EBRC friends! I did however record 3 new species we didnt see last time - Indian silverbill (x2), White wagtail (x1) and a swift, though I'm unsure what kind.

I have to say I was expecting a little more diversity than in June. Should we be expecting more migratory birds by now?

I intend to get out a bit more now so will keep you posted.

Best,

Lisa

[Jacky J]

Hi Lisa,
I am living close from the zoo, and have some spare time these days. Let me know if you need any assistance for your bird surveys.
cheers,