I am truly saddened (though not entirely surprised) by the rapidly diminishing desert in my neighborhood of Nad Al Sheba2.
In the past week alone I have observed a growing number of migrating bird and butterfly species passing through this little corner of remaining scrubland. My recent sense of foreboding however has come true and yesterday the Bulldozers truly "moved in" and began the merciless devastation of this rich and productive land. No doubt there is a need for improved infrastructure, housing and communication links throughout the city but this does not ease my sense of loss of an area that has been in many respects a small haven for me over the last 12 years. I will continue to trawl my shrinking patch in an effort to record what I can until the final desert shrub is up-rooted and laid to dust.
As a footnote, at least the few remaining Ghaff Trees have been spared as they are being conserved under a Municipal Preservation Order. Hats off to DM for this.
Very sad, Howard. The loss of birding sites (either through development or restictions) was something I found increasingly frustrating towards the end of my time in the UAE. The same thing was happening to my favourite bit of scrubland near Mamzar Park last year. Was always good for a few wheatears & shrikes in passage. Unsightly desert to the unenlightened, pure gold to birds & birders.
Totally agree. So sad to see this.