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UAE CLUB 300/400

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The UAE Club 300/400 - an informal look at the more-or-less active UAE top listers.


Rarity report assessments, taxonomic changes and status reviews will sometimes cause the numbers listed here to go up or down … rather like the stock-exchange, in fact! The Lesser Black-backed Gull complex, the Grey Shrike complex and the Stonechats are prime examples.

Species not formally submitted are not displayed here.

 

Above 400 species - thus members of the über exclusive Club 400:

 

1. Steve James - 413 species (all in the UAE database)
Cared mostly about his Year List where he usually lead supreme. Potential new addition to his List will be twitched. Relentlessly.
In UAE from 1992 until August 2014, a very sporadic visitor since then.

Last additions:

  • 411 - Roseate Tern - 13.09.2013 (Fujairah Port Beach)

  • 412 - White-crowned Wheatear - 10.11.2019 (Al Jaroof village)

  • 413 - Pin-tailed Sandgrouse - 15.11.2019 (Al Qudra Lake).

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2. Simon Lloyd - 412 species (all int he UAE database)

Finder of an 'Arabian First' and had Safa Park as his local patch. Mostly finding his own rarities when not teaching or being a family man.

In UAE from 2008 until today.

Last additions:​​

  • 402 - Common Chaffinch - 06.05.2022 (Abu Dhabi Formal Park)

  • 403 - White-eyed Gull - 05.11.2022 (Kalba Corniche)

  • 404 - Eurasian Woodcock - 22.01.2023 (Mushrif Palace Gardens)

  • 405 - Eastern Yellow Wagtail - 15.02.2023 (Ajman WTP)

  • 406 - Levant Sparrowhawk - 04.11.2023 (Al Maha Forest--Pivot Fields)

  • 407 - Red-footed Booby - 11.12.2023 (Ra's Dibba)

  • 408 - Great Black-backed Gull - 28.12.2023 (Ra's Dibba)

  • 409 - Little Curlew - 21.03.2024 (Ra's al-Khor WS--Mangrove Hide)

  • 410 - Arctic Tern - 12.08.2024 (Saadiyat Beach Golf Club)

  • 411 - Great Crested Grebe - 07.12.2024 (Dhayah)

  • 412 - Short-tailed Shearwater - 03.05.2025 (off Ra's Dibba)

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3. Oscar Campbell - 408 species (all in the UAE database)
Will try to convince you that he most definitely does not care about his List. Out birding a lot; mostly finding his own MEGA's on Abu Dhabi island or areas further west, and helping others to twitch them.
In UAE from August 2006 until today.

Last additions:​​

  • 400 - Dusky Thrush - 18.03.2022 (Emirates Palace)

  • 401 - Large-billed Leaf Warbler - 10.09.2022 (Abu Dhabi Formal Park)

  • 402 - Levant Sparrowhawk - 04.11.2023 (Al Maha Forest--Pivot Fields)

  • 403 - Red-footed Booby - 17.12.2023 (Ra's Dibba)

  • 404 - Great Black-backed Gull - 17.12.2023 (Ra's Dibba)

  • 405 - Little Curlew - 22.03.2024 (Ra's al-Khor WS--Mangrove Hide)

  • 406 - Great Crested Grebe - 07.12.2024 (Dhayah)

  • 407 - Eastern Red-rumped Swallow - 08.12.2024 (Ajban Farms)

  • 408 - Short-tailed Shearwater - 03.05.2025 (off Ra's Dibba)

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4. Simon Aspinall - 407 species (all in the UAE database)
What list? Was in danger of becoming a Mammal Lister as a result of having seen all the birds of the UAE.
UAE's top birder and naturalist. Always has been. Always will be.
In UAE from 1993 until 2009, a scarce but much appreciated winter visitor up to 2011. With us in spirit from 31 Oct 2011 onwards.

Last additions:

  • 405 - Red-flanked Bluetail - 08.12.2008 (Safa Park)

  • 406 - Pied Cuckoo - 05.01.2009 (Ajban Farms)

  • 407 - Wilson's Phalarope - 04.01.2010 (Al Wathba Lake)

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5. Tommy Pedersen - 404 species (all in the UAE database)
Cares more about other people's lists. Was too busy fathering, flying and website-updating to worry about birding for his own list, but was an avid twitcher when he lived in Dubai.
In UAE from 23 February 2002 until 6 August 2021, when he moved back to Norway.
Still needs 'easy' species like Little & Alpine Swifts, as well as his frenemy, the Spotted Sandgrouse.

Last additions:​​

  • 402 - Eurasian Woodcock - 09.10.2020 (Al Marmoom DCR--Workers Lake)

  • 403 - Wattled Starling - 23.11.2020 (Sila'a--Harbour Marsh)

  • 404 - Amur's Stonechat - 23.11.2020 (Sila'a Peninsula)

 

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Above 300 species:

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6. Mark Smiles - 397 species (all in the UAE database)
In UAE from July 2009 until March 2019, when he moved back to the UK. Holds the UAE record of number of species seen over a 5-year period!
In the field most days of the year, and prone to twitching.

Last additions:​

  • 394 - Leach's Storm Petrel - 25.05.2018 (Khor Kalba Pelagic)

  • 395 - Little Gull - 04.10.2018 (Kalba)

  • 396 - Great Crested Grebe - 29.12.2018 (Ra's al-Khor Wildlife Reserve--Lagoon Hide)

  • 397 - Eastern Yellow Wagtail - 22.03.2023 (Al Hamriyah E-11 overpass)

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7. Khalifa Al Dhaheri - 397 species (all in the UAE database)
Covering the Far West and most deepwater pelagics. Started recording his bird sightings in November 2009.
In the UAE since birth, and a voting member of the EBRC.

Last addition:​​

  • 385 - Black-legged Kittiwake - 14.03.2022 (Al Zora shoreline)

  • 386 - Common Chaffinch - 06.05.2022 (Abu Dhabi--Formal Park)

  • 387 - Garden Warbler - 07.05.2022 (Jebel Dhanna--housing area)

  • 388 - Green Warbler - 03.10.2022 (Abu Dhabi Formal Park)

  • 389 - White-eyed Gull - 06.11.2022 (Kalba Corniche)

  • 390 - Asian Brown Flycatcher - 01.01.2023 (Jebel Dhanna--housing area)

  • 391 - Eastern Yellow Wagtail - 12.01.2023 (Al Hamriyah E-11 overpass)

  • 392 - Olive-backed Pipit - 22.11.2023 (Sila'a WTP)

  • 393 - Red-footed Booby - 24.12.2023 (Ra's Dibba)

  • 394 - Paddyfield Pipit - 02.01.2024 (Wamm Farms)

  • 395 - Great Black-backed Gull - 06.01.2024 (Ra's Dibba)

  • 396 - Little Curlew - 21.03.2024 (Ra's al-Khor WS--Mangrove Hide)

  • 397 - Great Crested Grebe - 16.12.2024 (Dhayah)

  • 398 - Short-tailed Shearwater - 26.04.2025 (off Ra's Dibba)

  • 399 - Grey-necked Bunting - 27.04.2025 (Wadi Ghalilah)

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8. Colin Richardson - 379 species (363 species in the UAE database)
Former UAE Bird Recorder and the backbone of UAE birding, then became the Cyprus Bird Recorder. Founding father of this whole List-thingie. Sorely missed.
In UAE from 1981 to 2004. As rare as a Radde's Accentor after that.

Last additions:

  • 377 - Long-eared Owl - 17.02.2003 (Mushrif NP)

  • 378 - Spur-winged Lapwing - 13.02.2004 (Al Wathba Lake)

  • 379 - Oriental Pratincole - 21.09.2004 (Al Wathba Camel Racetrack)

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9. Huw Roberts - 377 species (all in the UAE database)
Our main Al Ain birding resident, EBRC member, photographer of all wildlife and published author.
UAE bird sightings recorded from December 2003 onwards.

Last additions:​

  • 363 - Radde's Accentor - 17.12.2021 (Wadi Shees Park)

  • 364 - White-eyed Gull - 06.11.2022 (Kalba Corniche)

  • 365 - Eastern Yellow Wagtail - 18.02.2023 (Ajman WTP)

  • 366 - White-crowned Wheatear - 20.06.2023 (Jebel Hafit)

  • 367 - Pin-tailed Sandgrouse - 11.11.2023 (Al Marmoom)

  • 368 - Golden Eagle - 17.11.2023 (Ain al-Waal)

  • 369 - White-breasted Waterhen - 23.12.2023 (Private estate near Green Mubazzarah)

  • 370 - Red-footed Booby - 24.12.2023 (Ra's Dibba)

  • 371 - Great Black-backed Gull - 06.01.2024 (Ra's Dibba)

  • 372 - Medium Egret - 26.03.2024 (Ra's al-Khor WS--Mangrove Hide)

  • 373 - White-throated Kingfisher - 07.12.2024 (Dhayah)

  • 374 - Great Crested Grebe - 07.12.2024 (Dhayah)

  • 375 - Black-legged Kittiwake - 06.04.2025 (Dibba fish farms)

  • 376 - Grey-necked Bunting - 01.05.2025 (Wadi Galilah)

  • 377 - Short-tailed Shearwater - 03.05.2025 (off Ra's Dibba)

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10. Andrew Twyman - 374 species (all in the UAE database)
One of the great UAE birding veterans. Probably the luckiest twitcher ever to live in this country.
In UAE from 1993 until July 2012.

Last additions:

  • 372 - Great Spotted Cuckoo - 20.04.2012 (Wamm Farms)

  • 373 - Long-tailed Skua - 11.05.2012 (Khor Kalba pelagic)

  • 374 - White-rumped Sandpiper - 26.05.2012 (Al Ain WTP)

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11. Andrew Ward - 371 species (all in the UAE database)
Former Mr Lulu, then Mr Emirates Palace until his departure. Loves a Twitch when not too busy running things in Abu Dhabi.
In UAE from 1996-2002 and again from 2007 until 2017.

Last additions:​

  • 369 - Brambling - 11.11.2016 (Emirates Palace)

  • 370 - Little Bunting - 12.11.2016 (Emirates Palace)

  • 371 - Redwing - 03.02.2017 (Mushrif Palace Gardens)

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12. Neil Tovey - 370 species (all in the UAE database)
Lists eagerly (often seen listing to the left when out on the town with Steve, pre- or post twitching). Now married. Listing less.
In UAE from 2005 until 2014, when he started his Kuwait MEGA-list!

Last additions:

  • 365 - Great White Pelican - 22.02.2016 (Mangrove Hide)

  • 366 - Swinhoe's Storm Petrel - 24.06.2016 (Khor Kalba Pelagic)

  • 367 - Arctic Tern - 24.06.2016 (Khor Kalba Pelagic)

  • 368 - Pin-tailed Sandgrouse - 24.11.2023 (Al Marmoom DCR)

  • 369 - Red-footed Booby - 03.11.2024 (Ra's Dibba)

  • 370 - Arabian Eagle Owl - 05.11.2024 (East Coast)​

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13. Nick Moran - 360 species (all in the UAE database)
Cared a lot about his List during the years he was here, holds a respectable 357 species seen in 5 years.
In UAE from 2004 until July 2009, made UK Birdbrain 2010. Now with BTO, visiting rarely.

Last additions:​

  • 358 - Great White Pelican - 27.01.2018 (Ra's al-Khor)

  • 359 - Merlin - Saih al Salam - 22.01.2019

  • 360 - Little Gull - 24.01.2019 (Fujairah Port Beach)

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14. Derrick Wilby - 360 species (all in the UAE database)
Enjoyed birding, twitching and wildlife photography. Would NEVER give up on a twitch until the bird was duly documented with his Canon.
In the UAE from 2006 until 2017, and birding up with The Big Guy from January 2021 onwards. R.I.P. Derrick. Never a dull moment.

Last additions:

  • 358 - Jouanin's Petrel - 27.10.2017 (Khor Kalba Pelagic)

  • 359 - Pin-tailed Sandgrouse - 11.11.2017 (Bab al-Shams desert)

  • 360 - Superb Starling - 11.11.2017 (Sharjah University)

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15. Graham Talbot - 350 species (all in the UAE database)
Avid twitcher, the fastest climber on the Club 300 list. Ever. The founding father of the UAE pelagics.
In the UAE off and on from 2007 until 2012, then made Hong Kong his major twitching-grounds.

Last additions:

  • 348 - Kurdistan Wheatear - 31.03.2012 (Jebel Dhanna)

  • 349 - Great White Pelican - 07.02.2016 (Mangrove Hide)

  • 350 - Black Drongo - 09.02.2016 (Mushrif NP)

 

 

16. Mike Barth - 350 species (all in the UAE database)
Aviation photographer turned Bird photographer in March 2008 - 5 star photos all around.
In the UAE since 2004 until February 2017 when he moved back to the UK. We are all missing his superb photos and good company.

Last addition:

  • 348 - Superb Starling - 02.10.2016 (Sharjah University City)

  • 349 - Little Bustard - 03.12.2016 (Wamm Farms)

  • 350 - Little Swift - 28.01.2017 (Ajman WTP)

 

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17. Peter Hellyer - 350 species (340 species in the UAE database)
UAE veteran birder and archeologist supreme. Renowned author, columnist and cultural historian.
Casual Lister who was grateful for every new addition that happened to pass close to his office in Abu Dhabi.
A resident in the UAE from 1975, with us in spirit from 2 July 2023 onwards.

Last additions:​

  • 348 - Radde's Accentor - 15.02.2022 (Wadi Shees Park)

  • 349 - Grasshopper Warbler - 17.04.2022 (Balghelam jetty)

  • 350 - Merlin - 28.01.2023 (Abu Dhabi Airport)

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18. Jacky Judas - 347.5 species (all in the UAE database)
Co-discovered the Omani Owl in the UAE, but still needs to see it for it to count more than half a point ;-)
In UAE from 2004 until 2021, when he moved to KSA.

Last additions:

  • 345.5 - Basra Reed Warbler - 30.05.2020 (Bab al-Shams desert lake)

  • 346.5 - Long-tailed Shrike - 04.01.2021 (Al-Zora Nursery)

  • 347.5 - Grey-bellied Cuckoo - 05.03.2021 (Dibba--Karsha farms and coast)

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19. Ahmed Al Ali - 343 species (all in the UAE database)
Finder of UAE's first Pied Cuckoo and Long-billed Dowitcher.
Deeply involved with UAE nature and conservation. Will twitch! Unless he is out diving, photographing wildlife below the surface.
In UAE since birth. Plans to stay.

Last addition:

  • 336 - Cinereous Bunting - 16.04.2023 (Khor Khalid--Al Majaz Park)

  • 337 - Arabian Eagle Owl - 27.10.2023 (Wadi Wurrayah)

  • 338 - Red-footed Booby - 13.01.2024 (Ra's Dibba)

  • 339 - Little Curlew - 22.03.2024 (Ra's al-Khor WS--Mangrove Hide)

  • 340 - Mediterranean Gull - 27.07.2024 (Ra's al-Khor WS--Mangrove Hide)

  • 341 - White-throated Kingfisher - 29.11.2024 (Dhayah)​

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20. Ted Burkett - 339 species

In the UAE since 2010, but only birding seriously here since 2019 when his daughter flew the coop. Almost never without his camera and rumours have it that his baking surpasses Paul Hollywood by quite a bit.

Birding 2018 to present.

  • 334 - Great Crested Grebe - 07.12.2024 (Dhayah)

  • ​335 - White-crowned Wheatear - 18.01.2025 (Jebel Jais--general area)
  • 336 - Black-legged Kittiwake - 14.02.2025 (Ra's Dibba)
  • 337 - Bay-backed Shrike - 23.02.2025 (Ajman BBQ Park)
  • 338 - Golden-backed Weaver - 23.02.2025 (Al Noor Island)
  • 339 - Short-tailed Shearwater - 03.05.2025 (off Ra's Dibba)

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21. Clive Temple - 329 species (all in the UAE database)
Listed mainly at the Dubai Pivot Fields. Twitched on occation.
In UAE from 2000 until 2012, and again from 2015 until 2017.

Last additions:

  • 327 - Redwing - 04.02.2017 (Mushrif Palace Gardens)

  • 328 - Mistle Thrush - 06.02.2017 (Safa Park)

  • 329 - Superb Starling - 10.02.2017 (Sharjah University)

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22. Dave Clark - 325 species (all in the UAE database)

Was one of the main Al Ain Listers and the first Al Ain resident to join the Club 300. Likes to photograph dragonflies in flight.

In UAE in 2000 and again from 2005 until September 2012, when he left for Sri Lanka.

Last additions:

  • 323 - Black Drongo - 19.01.2012 (Al Barsha Pond Park)

  • 324 - Black-naped Oriole - 24.02.2012 (Safa Park)

  • 325 - White-rumped Sandpiper - 18.05.2012 (Al Ain)

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23. Mohamed Almazrouei - 321 species

Present in the west.

  • 317 - Eastern Yellow Wagtail - 01.01.2025 (Abu Dhabi Formal Park)

  • 318 - Forest Wagtail - 09.01.2025 (Heritage Park)

  • 319 - Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse - 22.02.2025 (Masafi Wadi)

  • 320 - Black-legged Kittiwake - 22.02.2025 (Al Aqah)
  • 321 - Grey-necked Bunting - 30.04.2025 (Wadi Ghalilah)

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24. Gregory Askrew - 312 species (all in the UAE database)

One of our trustworthy Al Ain rep's. Finder of many a local rarity. Deep into the Graceful/Delicate Prinia taxonomy.

Present from 2010 to 2017, when he moved to KSA.

Last additions:

  • 310 - Little Bustard - 02.12.2016 (Wamm Farms)

  • 311 - Sykes's Warbler - 05.12.2016 (Khor Kalba)

  • 312 - Pin-tailed Sandgrouse - 04.08.2017 (Al Marmoom DCR--general area)

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25. Dr. Reza Khan - 305 species

Has birded the UAE longer than anyone!
His earliest record in the Database is from 1991; Eurasian Woodcock.

  • 299 - Wilson's Storm Petrel - 03.09.2023 (Khor Kalba Pelagic)

  • 300 - Pin-tailed Snipe - 16.10.2023 (Al Marmoom DCR)

  • 301 - Water Rail - 25.10.2023 (Al Marmoom DCR)

  • 302 - Little Whimbrel - 21.03.2024 (Ra's al-Khor WS--Mangrove Hide)

  • 303 - Eastern Cattle Egret - 29.03.2024 (Al Marmoom DCR)

  • 304 - Grey-necked Bunting - 30.04.2025 (Wadi Ghalilah)

  • 305 - Short-tailed Shearwater - 03.05.2024 (off Ra's Dibba)

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26. Stewart Kirckaldy - 304 species (all in the UAE database)
Our resident Scot from 2013 until sprin g 2022; a superb bird-guide and photographer.

Last addition:

  • 300 - European Golden Plover - 08.01.2021 (Wamm Farms)

  • 301 - Spotted Crake - 06.10.2021 (Al-Zohra Golf Course)

  • 302 - Amur Falcon - 12.11.2021 (Al Maha Forest--Pivot Fields)

  • 303 - Spur-winged Lapwing - 18.11.2021 (Al Marmoom DCR--Pivot Fields)

  • 304 - Radde's Accentor - 15.12.2021 (Wadi Shees Park)

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27. Bruce Hansen - 301 species (all in the UAE database)
Visiting Norwegian birder who was annually seen in the UAE from October 2001 to 2019.

Twitched Dusky Thrush by plane from Oslo!

Last addition:

  • 300 - Grey Phalarope - 13.03.2011 (Al Wathba Lake)

  • 301 - Black Drongo - 17.06.2015 (Mushrif NP)

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28. Alan Jones - 301 species (all in the UAE database)
Listed as often as his busy work schedule let him. Often seen in the field with his lovely wife Anna.
In UAE in the very, very early days and again from 2007 until 2009. Semi-annual visitor after that.

Last addition:

  • 300 - Pied Kingfisher - 13.03.2019 (Palm Jumeirah)

  • 301 - Pin-tailed Sandgrouse - 19.03.2019 (Bab al-Shams Desert Resort)

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29. Valentin Motteau - 301 species

Resident in UAE 2016-2022, but mostly stuck in the sand dunes of Sweihan babysitting bustards, or chasing them round Kazakhstan.
Often seen staring at various lawns for the (for him) non-existent Black-headed Bunting. Gets a star for having been instrumental in sorting out Chiffchaff subspecies in the UAE.

Last addition:

  • 298 - White-throated Kingfisher - 05.02.2022 (Sila'a--Public Park)

  • 299 - Steppe Eagle - 12.11.2022 (Al Maha Forest--Pivot Fields)

  • 300 - Brambling - 14.11.2022 (Al Saad Farms--Remah)

  • 301 - Olive-backed Pipit - 18.11.2023 (Sila'a WTP)

 

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Reaching for 300 species:

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Salma Al Suwaidi - 288 species

Brilliant photographer, building her list every month.
Started on eBird January 2021.

  • 285 - Eurasian Siskin - 22.12.2023 (Al Sufouh--open beach)

  • 286 - Forest Wagtail - 31.12.2023 (Mushrif Palace Gardens)

  • 287 - Little Curlew - 22.03.2024 (Ra's al-Khor WS--Mangrove Hide)

  • 288 - Medium Egret- 22.03.2024 (Ra's al-Khor WS--Mangrove Hide)

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