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Monthly Bird Report United Arab Emirates (and adjacent parts of Oman),

MARCH 2002 ROUND-UP:

1st March             
Hen Harrier, one was at Al Wathba camel race track, with another at Hamraniyah fields from 13th - 31st.

5th March             
Crested Honey Buzzard, one was at Ras al Khaimah airport.
Merlin, one, first reported on 26 January, was seen near Ras al Khaimah airport on this date, while one remained at the Al Wathba camel race track until at least the 8th; another was reported in the nearby wood on 22nd, the 22nd - 25th records.
Lanner Falcon, one observer reported one from Wimpey pits, which he had previously seen there 18th Feb.

6th March             
Hume's Warbler, one was in the Mushref Palace Gardens area.

7th March             
Egyptian Nightjar, a peak of 14 were at Al Wathba camel race track. Previous peak was 24 birds on 23rd February.

8th March             
White-fronted Goose, eight birds at Wimpey pits were last seen on this date.
European Golden Plover, one was at Khor Dubai, with another two at Khor al Beidah on 14th.
Blyth's Pipit , one was first reported at Al Wathba camel race track, with up to three later reported, and others at Fujeirah National Dairy Farm on 11th - 28th Mar and at Al Habab fields on 28th.

16th March           
Great Knot, a peak of 60 birds were found at Khor al Beidah on 16th - 20th.
Red Knot, one was at Khor al Beidah until 27th, the 6th record.
Namaqua Dove, two were at Ramtha lagoons and another was at Al Wathba camel race track on 27th.

21st March           
Demoiselle Crane, one was reported near the water sports club at Khor Dubai, but not found the following morning, the 10th record.

22nd March          
Savi's Warbler, one was at Khalidiyah.

23rd March          
Ruddy Shelduck, one was seen briefly at Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club.
Red-headed Bunting, a male was found in Hamraniyah fields, last seen on 30th March, the 4th record.

25th March           
Grey Hypocolius, a maximum of 40 birds were present at Ghantoot from 25th - 29th.

26th March           
Oriental Skylark, one was at Al Wathba camel race track.

29th March           
Cinereous Bunting, one was at the Al Wathba camel race track.
Brown-throated Sand Martin, one was at Al Wathba camel race track, the 8th record.
Pale Martin, at least three were at Al Wathba camel race track, the 7th record.

CHECKLIST - MARCH 2002

A total of 246 species and separable races were reported in March 2002. TG reports are uncorroborated.

LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis  Sharjah tip: up to two 1 - 11 Mar, three 23 Mar (DAD). Wimpey pits: 60+ on 8 Mar (CR/Limosa), 71 on 15 Mar (DAD). Wadi Shih: five, inc. pair + juv. 14 Mar (DAD), three 16 Mar (PB), 30 on 22 Mar (TP).

BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis Emirates Hills: one 7 Mar (CR, TP). Wimpey pits: 37 on 8 Mar (CR), but 110 reported 8 Mar (TP), 34 on 15 Mar (DAD), 70 on 22 Mar (TP, CR/Limosa).

GREAT CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo  Max: Safa Park: 25 flying north 6 Mar (DAD). Khor Dubai: 57 on 6 Mar, nine remaining 25 Mar (CR). Khor Kalba: six on 20 Mar (JP).

SOCOTRA CORMORANT Phalacrocorax nigrogularis  Jumeirah beach: five 12 Mar (DAD). Fujeirah beach: six 12 Mar (CR/Limosa), 23 on 14 Mar (DAD). Umm al Quwain breakwater: 14 on 14 Mar (CR/Limosa). Up to five regular flying off coasts.

NIGHT HERON Nycticorax nycticorax  Safa Park: up to three 6 - 13 Mar (DAD), one 24 Mar, six 30 Mar (TG). Mushref Palace Gardens area: one 14 - 21 Mar (AT, TG). Zabeel fish ponds: five 15 Mar, six 29 Mar (CR/Limosa).

STRIATED HERON Butorides striatus  Emirates golf course: up to two 1 - 21 Mar (CR, TP). Safa Park: two 24 Mar (JP). Singles other sites.

SQUACCO HERON Ardeola ralloides  Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: three 9 Mar (TP) [but see Ardeola sp.], one 11 - 22 Mar (CR/Limosa, DAD, PB, TP).

INDIAN POND HERON Ardeola grayii  Khor Kalba: four 12 Mar (CR/Limosa), two 20 Mar (JP).

Ardeola sp.  Sharjah tip: one 1 - 11 Mar (DAD). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: one immature not identified to species 11 Mar (CR/Limosa).

CATTLE EGRET Bubulcus ibis  Al Wathba camel race track: one 1 & 21 Mar (AT, TG). Eastern Lagoon, Abu Dhabi: c.30 on 1 Mar (PH). Hamraniyah fields: six 1 Mar (DAD), eight 13 Mar (CR/Limosa). Dubai pivot fields: up to 33 from 1 - 29 Mar (DAD, TP, CR), with 39 on 28 Mar (RM) and up to 44 there 7 & 16 Mar (DAD). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: 10 on 9 Mar (TP), nine 11 & 13 Mar (CR), five 14 Mar (DAD), four 22 Mar (TP). Mushref Palace Gardens area: 10 on 11 Mar (AT).

WESTERN REEF HERON Egretta gularis  Al Jazeerah Khor: 15 on 9 Mar (PBr), 25+ on 23 Mar (JP). Khor al Beidah: six 9 Mar (TP), 20 on 22 Mar (AT), 15, including 12 dark-morph, 25 Mar (JV). Khor Kalba: six 29 Mar (TP). Up to five other sites.

LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta  Qurrayah pools: four 24 Feb (GD). Emirates golf course: one 5 & 20 Mar (CR). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: eight 9 Mar (TP), four 16 Mar (PB), three 22 Mar (AT, TP). Wimpey pits: two 21 Mar (CR). Safa Park: one 30 Mar (TG).

GREAT WHITE EGRET Egretta alba  Dubai pivot fields: one 2 - 16 Mar (PB, CR, DAD). Khor Dubai: up to 12 from 6 - 25 Mar (CR, Limosa). Al Jazeerah Khor: three 9 & 23 Mar (PBr, JP), two 15 Mar (CR/Limosa). Khor al Beidah: one 9 & 22 Mar (TP, AT). Safa Park: one 13 Mar (DAD). Dreamland beach: one 14 Mar (CR/Limosa).

GREY HERON Ardea cinerea  Khor Dubai: 53 on 6 Mar, c.60 on 22 Mar (CR). Al Jazeerah Khor: eight 9 Mar (PBr). Qurrayah pools: 92 on 12 Mar (CR/Limosa). Less than five other sites.

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea  Dubai pivot fields: two 2 - 15 Mar, one 16 - 29 Mar (PB, CR, DAD). Wimpey pits: one 8 Mar (PB, TP). Khor Kalba harbour: one 12 Mar (CR/Limosa). Zabeel fish ponds: two 15 Mar (CR/Limosa). Ramtha dump: one 16 Mar (RF).

White Stork Ciconia ciconia  Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: up to 12 from 11 - 14 Mar (CR/Limosa, DAD), 15 on 16 Mar (PB), eight 22 - 28 Mar (AT, RM).

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus  Qurrayah pools: one still present 16 Mar (PB). Wimpey pits, latterly Dubai pivot fields: up to four 1 - 18 Mar (DAD, TP, PB, CR/Limosa).

Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia  Eastern Lagoon, AD: 10+ on 1 Mar (PH). Al Jazeerah Khor: 10 on 1 Mar (DAD). Khor Dubai: seven 6 Mar, two 8 Mar, 18 on 22 Mar, 28 on 26 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber  Interesting reports: Sharjah tip: 106 on 1 Mar, 67 on 23 Mar (DAD). Eastern Lagoon, AD: c.65 on 1 Mar (PH). Wimpey pits: 410 on 8 Mar (TP), 302 on 15 Mar (DAD), 200 on 22 Mar (TP). Al Jazeerah Khor: 65 on 9 Mar (PBr). Khor Dubai: 1300 on 20 Mar (MS, KG), 30 birds displaying 25 Mar (CR). Khor al Beidah: 200 on 27 Mar (CR), 240 on 30 Mar (TP).

White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons  Wimpey pits: eight birds still present 8 Mar (TP, CR/Limosa).

Greylag Goose Anser anser  Dubai pivot fields: 33 on 6 & 7 Mar (CR, DAD), five on 15 Mar (CR). Mina Hamad jetty, Abu Dhabi: one 8 Mar (TG). Wimpey pits: 20 on 8 Mar (TP, CR/Limosa), one remaining 22 - 28 Mar (TP, TG).

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus  Safa Park: one 6 Mar (DAD). Emirates golf course: two flying away on 9 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea  Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club: one 23 Mar (TG).

SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna  Sharjah tip: one 1 Mar, two 4 Mar (DAD). Wimpey pits: up to nine 2 - 8 Mar (PB, TP, CR/Limosa), one 15 Mar (DAD). Khor Dubai: 12 from 6 - 22 Mar, 33 on 25 Mar (CR), five 26 Mar (JV). Al Wathba lake: 41 on 8 Mar (SLJ).

Wigeon Anas penelope  Wimpey pits: up to three from 2 Mar (CR), four 8 Mar (TP), six 15 Mar (DAD), five 21 Mar (PB). Emirates golf course: eight 7 Mar (CR, TP), three 26 Mar (JV). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: one 22 Mar (AT, TP). Sharjah tip: one 23 Mar (DAD).

Gadwall Anas strepera   Sharjah tip: two 1 Mar (DAD). Wimpey pits: four 2 - 6 Mar (PB, CR), nine 8 Mar (CR/Limosa), but 20 reported 8 Mar (TP), 18 on 15 Mar (DAD). Emirates golf course: up to three 7 - 20 Mar (CR, TP).

Teal Anas crecca  Wimpey pits: 120 on 8 Mar (TP), 59 on 15 Mar (DAD), 140 on 29 Mar (CR). Ramtha lagoons: 13 on 16 Mar (RF). Khor Dubai: 35 on 25 Mar (CR). Emirates golf course: max. 18 on 29 Mar (CR). Less than seven other sites.

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos  Khor Dubai: 50 on 6 Mar (CR). Wimpey pits: 10 on 8 Mar (TP), 18 on 15 Mar (DAD). Ramtha lagoons: nine 23 Mar (JP). Less than five other sites.

Pintail Anas acuta Max. numbers: Wimpey pits: 30 on 6 Mar (CR), 40 on 8 Mar (TP), 16 on 15 Mar (DAD), but 50 on 15 Mar (AMc). Western Lagoon, Abu Dhabi: 15 on 11 Mar (AT). Less than five each Khor Dubai, Emirates golf course, Emirates Hills, Wadi Shih, Sharjah tip.

Garganey Anas querquedula  Qurrayah pools: two 24 Feb (GD). Wimpey pits: four males 6 Mar (CR), one 8 Mar (PB), three 15 Mar (AMc), six 22 Mar, two 21 - 29 Mar (PB, CR). Safa Park: one 6 Mar, pair 18 - 30 Mar (DAD, JP, TG). Emirates golf course: one 7 & 24 Mar (TP, JP). Zabeel fish ponds: three 15 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Shoveler Anas clypeata Emirates golf course: max. 12 on 1 Mar (CR), five remaining 23 Mar (JP). Sharjah tip: 35 on 1 Mar, 23 on 11 Mar, five 23 Mar (DAD). Wimpey pits: max. reports: 80 on 8 Mar (TP), 67 on 15 Mar (DAD, AMc), 105 on 29 Mar (CR). Emirates Hills: max. seven 18 Mar (CR).

Pochard Aythya ferina  Khor Dubai: 120 off Khor Dubai 6 - 8 Mar (CR/Limosa). Wimpey pits: seven 8 Mar (CR), nine 15 Mar (DAD), 20+ on 21 & 22 Mar (PB, TP), otherwise up to three 2 - 29 Mar (CR).

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula  Wimpey pits: two 2 - 8 Mar (CR, PB, DAD), five 8 Mar (TP), but 20+ reported 18 Mar (PB), 12 on 22 Mar (CR). Khor Dubai: up to 10 from 6 - 8 Mar (CR, Limosa). Emirates Hills: one 7 Mar (CR,TP). Wadi Shih: four 14 Mar (DAD).

FERRUGINOUS DUCK Aythya nyroca  Wimpey Pits: one adult male 22 Mar (TP).

European Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus  Hamraniyah fields: one male 9 Mar (PBr).

Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus  Ras al Khaimah airport: one 5 Mar (PBr).

Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus  Jebel Hafit: five 10 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus  Qurrayah pools: one 24 Feb (GD). Ras al Khaimah golf course: one 20 Mar (PBr).

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus  Al Wathba camel track: up to five 1 - 9 Mar (AT, SLJ, CR/Limosa), six 21 Mar (TG). Wimpey pits: three 6 & 8 Mar (CR, TP). Up to two together other sites.

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus  Al Wathba camel race track: one 1 Mar (AT). Hamraniyah fields: one female 13 & 31 Mar (CR, Limosa).

Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus  Al Habab fields: one adult male 4 Mar (CR). Al Wathba camel track: one 1 Mar (AT), up to three 7 - 27 Mar (AT, SLJ, CR/Limosa, JV). Dubai pivot fields: one male 7 Mar (DAD), one 16 & 29 Mar (DAD, CR). Hamraniyah fields: one adult male 13 - 31 Mar (CR, Limosa, TP). Ras al Khaimah airport: one 20 Mar (PBr).

Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus  Al Wathba camel track: three 8 Mar (SLJ), one 9 Mar (CR/Limosa), two 27 Mar (JV). Dubai pivot fields: one 28 Mar (RM).

Accipiter sp. Abu Dhabi golf & Equestrian Club: one 22 Mar (TG),

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus  Hamraniyah fields: at least one present most visits 1 - 30 Mar (DAD, PBr, CR/Limosa, PB, TP). Ghantoot plantation: one 8 Mar (CR/Limosa, TP). Ras al Khaimah airport: one 11 - 24 Mar (PBr). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: one 14, 16 & 22 Mar (DAD, PB, AT), North of Khor Fakkan: one 14 Mar (DAD). Ras al Khaimah golf course: one 20 Mar (PBr). Khor Dubai: one 22 Mar (CR).

#SHIKRA Accipiter badius  Emirates golf course: pair present 1 - 7 Mar and one at nearby Emirates Hills 18 Mar (CR). Safa Park: a pair 16 Mar (CR/Limosa), one 24 Mar (TG).

Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus  Al Wathba camel race track: one 8 Mar (SLJ, AT).

GREATER Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga  Sharjah tip: two 1 - 11 Mar, one 23 Mar (DAD). Khor Dubai: one pale fulvescens form 6 Mar, one 8 Mar, three 22 Mar and eight 25 Mar (CR/Limosa). Al Wathba camel race track: one 8 & 9 Mar (AT, CR/Limosa). Hamraniyah fields: one 9 & 13 Mar (CR/Limosa) and 28 Mar (TP). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: one 9 & 22 Mar (TP), up to two 11 - 16 Mar (CR/Limosa, DAD, PB). Nakheel: one 15 Mar (PBr). Khor al Beidah: one 23 Mar (CR), three 25 Mar (JV). Wimpey pits: one 28 Mar (TG).

Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis  Near Hanging Gardens, Oman: one 10 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Bonelli's Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus  Hanging Gardens, Oman: pair at nest 10 Mar (CR/Limosa), three 15 Mar (AT). West of Masafi: pair 28 Mar (RM).

Osprey Pandion haliaetus  Selected reports: Khor Dubai: three 6 - 22 Mar (CR), one 26 Mar (JV). Wimpey pits: one present 7 - 21 Mar (DAD, TP, PB, AMc). Futaisi Island: six, plus two fledged young, 8 Mar (TG). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: two 11 Mar (CR/Limosa). Liwa rock, Musandam: two recently fledged juvs. 30 Mar (TG).

Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni  Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: four 22 Mar (AT), but six there 22 Mar (TG), two 28 Mar (RM). Hamraniyah fields: two 30 Mar (TP).

COMMON Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Maximum numbers: Al Wathba camel race track: up to six 1 - 9 Mar (AT, CR/Limosa). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: six 9 Mar (TP), five 11 Mar (CR/Limosa). Dubai pivot fields: up to three reported all month.

Merlin Falco columbarius  Al Wathba camel race track: one 8 Mar (SLJ), since 11 January, the 22nd record. Ras al Khaimah airport: one 5 Mar (TG), since 26 January, 24th record. Al Wathba wood: one 22 Mar (TG), 25th record.

Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus  Wimpey pits: one 18 Feb and 5 Mar (GD).

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus  Dubai pivot fields: one 4 Mar (CR). Wimpey pits: one 18 Mar (PB). Ghantoot: one 22 Mar (JP).

Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides  Hamraniyah fields: one 23 Mar (PBr).

Chukar Alectoris chukar  Wadi Bih dam: two 14 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi  Jebel Hafit: six 10 Mar (CR/Limosa), one 27 Mar (JV). Hatta/Oman road: one 16 Mar (TP). Huwaylat: one 20 Mar (JP), pair 29 Mar (TP).

Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus  Emirates golf course: five chicks noted 25 Mar (CR), just for the breeding record.

Quail Coturnix coturnix  Al Habab fields: one 4 Mar (CR). Al Wathba camel race track: four 8 Mar (SLJ). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: one heard 9 Mar (TP), four heard 11 Mar (CR/Limosa), two heard 14 Mar (DAD), one 22 Mar (TP). Dibba farm: four, including one flying, 13 Mar (CR/Limosa). Hamraniyah fields: up to two heard 13 Mar and 27 - 31 Mar (CR/Limosa, TP), 4+ on 29 Mar (PBr).

Spotted Crake Porzana porzana  Wimpey pits: two 1 Mar (DAD), one 2 - 8 & 21 Mar (PB, DAD, CR/Limosa). Emirates golf course: one 20 - 29 Mar (CR, TG), two 26 Mar (JV).

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus  Qurrayah pools: 30 on 24 Feb (GD). Sharjah tip: 16 on 1 - 23 Mar (DAD). Wimpey pits: max. up to 15 on 8 - 29 Mar (CR, TP), 19 on 15 Mar (DAD).

Coot Fulica atra  Sharjah tip: one 1 Mar (DAD). Wimpey pits: max. eight 2 Mar (PB), nine 8 Mar (CR/Limosa), 12 on 15 Mar (DAD). Wadi Shih: five 14 Mar (DAD), three 16 Mar (PB).

Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo  near Khor Dubai: one 21 Mar (KG, MS), the 10th record.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Maximum numbers: Khor Dubai: up to 35 from 8 - 25 Mar (CR). Khor al Beidah: 65 on 14 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus   max. numbers: Sharjah tip: 54 on 1 Mar, 82 on 23 Mar (DAD). Al Ghar lake: 310+ on 3 Mar (GD). Fujeirah Port beach: 30 on 14 Mar (DAD). Wimpey pits: 180 on 8 Mar (TP), 252 on 15 Mar (DAD), a very high figure. Qurrayah pools: 400 on 24 Feb (GD), rather high estimate; 90+ on 12 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta  Sharjah tip: up to two 1 - 11 Mar (DAD). Khor Dubai: two 6 Mar, 10 from 8 - 26 Mar (CR/Limosa, JV).

Crab Plover Dromas ardeola  Dreamland beach: 22 on 14 Mar (CR/Limosa). Khor al Beidah: 20 on 9 Mar (TP), 12 on 14 Mar (CR/Limosa), 48 on 18 Mar (JP), two 22 Mar (AT), 10+ on 28 Mar (JV), two 30 Mar (TP). Al Jazeerah Khor: three 1 Mar (DAD), one immature 15 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola  Dubai pivot fields: one 28 Mar (RM).

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius  Qurrayah pools: 10 on 24 Feb (GD). Emirates golf course: six 4 Mar (CR), eight 7 Mar (TP). Dubai pivot fields: five 2 Mar (PB), six 6 Mar (CR), 23 on 7 Mar (DAD). Wimpey pits: max. 15 on 8 Mar (TP). Pairs also reported Umm al Quwain dump, Ramtha lagoons, Sharjah tip, Ras al Khaimah airport, Fujeirah National Dairy Farm, Emirates Hills and Buraimi sewage works.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula  Emirates Hills: up to 80 from 2 - 30 Mar (CR). Khor Dubai: c.100 on 8 Mar, 240 on 25 Mar (CR/Limosa). Smaller groups other locations.

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus  Max.: Sharjah tip: 27 on 1 & 23 Mar (DAD). Emirates Hills: 56 on 2 Mar, up to 150 from 7 - 18 Mar (CR, TP). Al Jazeerah Khor: 100+ on 9 Mar (PBr). Wimpey pits; 50 on 8 Mar (TP), 30 on 15 Mar (DAD), nesting reported. Khor Dubai: pair nesting 25 Mar (CR).

Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus  Al Jazeerah Khor: 100+ on 9 Mar (PBr), 75+ on 23 Mar (JP). Khor al Beidah: 300 on 9 & 28 Mar (TP). Khor Kalba: 60 on 29 Mar (TP). Up to 50 reported several sites including Khor Dubai, Dreamland beach, Khor al Beidah.

Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii  Khor al Beidah: eight 9 Mar (TP). nine 18 Mar (JP), one 27 Mar (CR). Khor Kalba: one 12 Mar (CR/Limosa). Dreamland beach: two 14 Mar (CR/Limosa). Al Jazeerah Khor: one 15 Mar (CR/Limosa). Barracuda Hotel beach: one 27 Mar (CR).

Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus  Al Wathba camel track: one 9 Mar (CR/Limosa). Khor Dubai: one 20 Mar (KG, MS).

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva  Emirates Hills: 20 on 7 Mar (TP), 16 on 18 Mar, 46 on 30 Mar (CR). Al Wathba camel race track: 64 from 7 - 8 Mar (SLJ, AT), 45 on 21 Mar (TG). Khor Dubai: 95 on 8 Mar (CR/Limosa), 150 on 20 Mar (KG, MS). Ghantoot Polo Club: 12 on 8 Mar (TP). Khor al Beidah: one 9 Mar (TP), up to four 26 -30 Mar (JV, PB, TP), but see under apricaria, below. Fujeirah beach: 12 on 14 Mar (DAD).

EUROPEAN Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria  Khor Dubai: one 8 Mar (CR/Limosa). Khor al Beidah: two 14 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola  Selected reports: Khor al Beidah: 200 on 9 Mar, 80 on 28 Mar (TP), Al Jazeerah Khor: 50+ on 9 Mar (PBr). Khor Dubai: 390 on 25 Mar (CR).

Red-wattled PLOVER Hoplopterus indicus  Ras al Khaimah airport: nesting reported 11 - 24 Mar (PBr). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: 50 on 14 Mar (DAD), 40 on 22 Mar (AT). Up to 20 reported other sites including pairs at Al Wathba camel race track, Wimpey pits, Qurrayah pools, Emirates golf course, Emirates Hills, Hamraniyah fields, Ghantoot Polo Club, Sharjah tip, Mushrif Park and Dubai pivot fields.

White-tailed Plover Chettusia leucura  Sharjah tip: up to two 1 - 4 Mar (DAD). Wimpey pits: 25 on 2 Mar (PB), 33 on 8 Mar (TP), 13 displaying 15 Mar (AMc), 26 from 21 - 29 Mar (PB, CR/Limosa). Emirates golf course: one 7 - 9 Mar (TP, CR/Limosa).

Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris  Khor al Beidah: two 9 Mar (TP), at least 40 on 18 Mar (JP), up to 60 on 16 - 20 Mar (MS, KG, RM), 29 on 23 Mar (CR), three 28 Mar (PB, TP), 35 on 31 Mar (CR)

RED Knot Calidris canutus  Khor al Beidah (north): one 16 - 27 Mar (KG, MS, CR), the 6th record.

Sanderling Calidris alba Dreamland beach: 17 on 18 Mar (JP). Khor al Beidah: five 18 Mar (JP). Khor Kalba: four 29 Mar (TP). Up to three together Umm al Quwain beach and Al Jazeerah Khor.

Little Stint Calidris minuta  Max. numbers: Qurrayah pools: 75 on 24 Feb (GD). Wimpey pits: 150 on 8 Mar (TP), 313 on 15 Mar (DAD). Khor al Beidah: 190 on 28 Mar (PB, TP).

Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii  Qurrayah pools: 12+ on 24 Feb (GD). Emirates golf course: 10 on 1 Mar (AMc), four 23 Mar (JP), three 25 Mar (CR). Wimpey pits: four 8 Mar, one 15 Mar (DAD), two 22 Mar (CR/Limosa), one nearby 29 Mar (TP). Dubai pivot fields: max. four 8 Mar (TP), six 15 Mar (CR/Limosa), two 16 Mar (DAD). Buraimi sewage works: one 10 Mar (CR/Limosa). Ramtha pools: two 23 Mar (JP).

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea  Khor Dubai: 30+ on 8 Mar (CR/Limosa). Khor al Beidah: 300 on 9 Mar (TP), 80 on 28 Mar, 40 on 30 Mar (PB. TP). One or two each at Sharjah tip, Dreamland beach and Al Jazeerah Khor.

Dunlin Calidris alpina  Selected reports: Khor al Beidah: 265 on 18 Mar (JP), 1,600 on 28 Mar (PB, TP). Khor Dubai: 940 on 25 Mar (CR).

Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus  Khor Dubai: 20 on 8 Mar (CR), 280 on 20 Mar (KG, MS), 52 on 25 Mar (CR/Limosa), 8+ on 26 Mar (TG). Barracuda Hotel beach: up to three 23 - 27 Mar (CR).

Ruff Philomachus pugnax  Qurrayah pools: 75 on 24 Feb (GD), 15 on 12 Mar (CR/Limosa). Sharjah tip: up to four 1 - 23 Mar (DAD). Dubai pivot fields: 90 on 4 Mar (CR). Wimpey pits: up to 28 on 8 - 15 Mar (CR, AMc), 120 on 21 Mar (PB), 30 on 22 Mar (TP), 50 on 29 Mar (CR/Limosa). Emirates Hills: six 24 - 30 Mar (CR).

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus  Wimpey pits: one 5 & 8 Mar (DAD, DB). Buraimi sewage works: one 10 Mar (CR/Limosa). Emirates golf course: one 14 Mar (AMc).

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago  Emirates golf course: c.13 on 1 Mar (AMc), up to 63 from 5 - 9 Mar, 39 on 20 Mar (CR), eight 26 Mar (JV), 12 on 29 Mar (TG). Wimpey pits: seven 2 Mar (CR), 50 on 7 Mar (TP), 16 on 15 Mar (DAD). Al Habab fields: three 4 Mar (CR). Ras al Khaimah airport: up to four 11 - 31 Mar (PBr). Buraimi sewage works: three 15 Mar (AT). Ones and twos also reported these sites, plus Dubai pivot fields.

Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura   Emirates golf course: nine 7 Mar (TP), otherwise up to four 1 - 9 Mar (CR/Limosa, AMc), three 26 Mar (CR), two 29 Mar (TG).

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa  Wimpey pits: one 1 - 21 Mar (DAD, TP, CR/Limosa, PB). Emirates golf course: one 7 Mar (CR, TP). Khor Dubai: 10 on 8 Mar, 85 on 25 Mar (CR). Sharjah tip: two 11 Mar (DAD). Al Jazeerah Khor: 100+ on 9 Mar (PBr). Qurrayah pools: four 12 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica  Selected reports: Khor al Beidah north: 350 from 27 - 31 Mar (CR). Khor al Beidah south: 150 on 9 Mar (TP). 400+ on 28 Mar (PB, TP). Large numbers also present Khor Dubai, Al Jazeerah Khor and Dreamland beach.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Khor al Beidah: 23 on 27 Mar (CR), 10 on 30 Mar (TP). Up to five reported at other times and at Khor Kalba, Dreamland beach and Al Jazeerah Khor.

Curlew Numenius arquata  Al Jazeerah Khor: 50+ on 9 Mar (PBr). Khor al Beidah: 40 on 30 Mar (TP). Otherwise no large numbers reported

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus  Wimpey pits: one 1 Mar (DAD), eight reported 8 Mar, two 22 Mar (TP). Ramtha lagoons: two 16 Mar (RF).

Redshank Tringa totanus  Qurrayah pools: 75 on 24 Feb (GD). Khor al Beidah: 50 on 9 Mar, 100 on 28 - 30 Mar (TP). Al Jazeerah Khor: 200+ on 9 Mar (PBr). Up to five several other sites.

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis  Emirates golf course: up to three 1 - 7 Mar (CR, TP). Wimpey pits: one 2 - 6 Mar, six 8 Mar (CR), nine 15 Mar (DAD), 10+ on 18 Mar (PB), five 22 Mar (CR/Limosa). Qurrayah pools: two 12 Mar (CR/Limosa). Al Jazeerah Khor: one 15 Mar (CR/Limosa). Dreamland beach: one 18 Mar (JP). Khor al Beidah: two 18 Mar (JP), one 30 Mar (TP).

Greenshank Tringa nebularia   Khor Dubai: 10 on 8 Mar (CR/Limosa). Al Jazeerah Khor: 10+ on 9 Mar (PBr). Khor al Beidah: max. 40 on 9 & 30 Mar (TP), 12 on 23 Mar, 31 on 27 Mar (CR), 15 on 28 Mar (TP). Ras al Khaimah airport: two 11 - 24 Mar (PBr). Buraimi sewage works: one 15 Mar (AT). Dubai pivot fields: one 16 Mar (DAD). Dreamland beach: five 23 Mar (CR). Safa Park: three 30 Mar (TG).

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus  Qurrayah pools: 10 reported 24 Feb (GD). Ras al Khaimah airport: two 11 - 25 Mar (PBr). Dubai pivot fields: two 15 Mar (CR/Limosa). Buraimi sewage works: two 10 Mar (CR/Limosa). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: two 16 & 22 Mar (PB, AT, TP). Singles these sites plus Al Wathba camel race track, Sharjah tip, Wimpey pits, Ramtha lagoons and Buraimi sewage works.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola  Qurrayah pools: 10 reported 24 Feb (GD), three 12 Mar (CR/Limosa). Wimpey pits: one 2 Mar (PB), two 6 Mar, one 8 - 15 Mar (CR/Limosa, DAD), two 18 Mar, three 21 - 29 Mar (PB, CR). Dubai pivot fields: one 6 - 7 Mar (CR, DAD). Ras al Khaimah airport: one 11 & 17 Mar, two 31 Mar (PBr). Safa Park: one 24 Mar (JP).

Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus  Al Jazeerah Khor: 10+ on 9 Mar (PBr), three 15 Mar (CR/Limosa), one 23 Mar (JP). Khor al Beidah: max. 40 on 9 Mar (TP), 30 on 18 Mar (JP), 11 on 23 Mar (CR), 70 on 25 Mar (JV), 14 on 27 Mar (CR). Dreamland beach: two 14/15 Mar (CR/Limosa), 10 on 18 Mar (JP). Barracuda Hotel beach: three 23 Mar (CR).

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos  Safa Park: seven 6 - 30 Mar (DAD, JP, TG). Emirates golf course: 10 on 7 Mar (TP). Bateen park: four 16 Mar (AT). Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club: 12 on 25 Mar (TG). Khor Kalba: three 29 Mar (TP). Up to two innumerable sites.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres  Al Jazeerah Khor: 10+ on 9 Mar (PBr). Dreamland beach: 10 on 14 Mar (CR/Limosa). Umm al Quwain beach: 14 on 14 Mar (CR/Limosa). Khor al Beidah: 30 on 23 Mar (CR), 10 on 30 Mar (TP). Up to six also reported at Khor Dubai, Barracuda Hotel beach and Al Jazeerah Khor.

Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus  Fujeirah beach: one pale-morph 12 Mar (CR/Limosa), one 14 Mar (DAD). Ras Dibba: one 22 Mar (TP).

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus  Fujeirah beach: one pale morph 12 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii   Very few reports. Fujeirah/Kalba: up to 20 birds together Fujeirah and Kalba beaches 12 - 20 Mar (CR/Limosa, JP), 100 on 22 Mar (TP). Khor Kalba & beach: 220 on 22 Mar (TP). Fujeirah beach: 35 on 21 Mar (JP). Jumeirah beach: one 12 Mar (DAD). Dibba: nine 21 Mar (JP).

Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus  Emirates Hills: one dead, 2 Mar (CR). Wimpey pits: one 2 - 8 Mar (DAD, PB). Al Mamzar Park, Dubai: one 10 Mar (DAD). Western Lagoon: one 11 Mar (AT). Umm al Quwain beach: seven 14 Mar (CR/Limosa). Khor Dubai: 15 on 20 Mar (MS, KG), one 22 Mar (CR).

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus  Mostly inland sites, for example: Sharjah tip: up to 5,000 there 1 - 11 Mar, 3,500 on 23 Mar (DAD). Mussafah rubbish dump: 2500+ on 16 Mar (AT). Safa Park: 200 on 18 - 24 Mar (DAD, JP). Khor Dubai: up to 15,000, mostly this species 20 Mar (MS, KG).

Slender-billed Gull Larus geneii  Selected reports: Khor Dubai: c.200 on 8 Mar (CR/Limosa). Al Jazeerah Khor: 129 on 15 Mar (CR/Limosa). Umm al Quwain beach roost: 150 on 18 Mar (JP). Khor Kalba: 500 on 16 Mar, 100 on 22 Mar (TP). Fujeirah Corniche: 100 on 22 Mar (TG).

[Baltic Gull Larus fuscus fuscus  Sandy Beach Motel: one 21 Feb (GD).]

Siberian Gull Larus heuglini  Ghantoot Polo Club: four 8 Mar (CR). Khor Kalba: 30+ on 12 Mar, including one pink-legged type possibly taimyrensis form (CR/Limosa), eight 22 Mar (TP). Fujeirah Corniche: eight 22 Mar (TP). Smaller numbers also reported.

CASPIAN Gull Larus cachinnans  Bidiyah beach: c.100 on 12 Mar (CR/Limosa). Khor Dubai: max. 20 on 22 Mar (CR). Khor Kalba & Kalba beach: 700 on 22 Mar, 200 on 29 Mar (TP). Fujeirah Corniche: 500 on 22 Mar (TP). Sharjah tip: 200 on 23 Mar (DAD). Common, but fewer other sites.

YELLOW-LEGGED sp. Max. Sharjah tip: 700 from 1 - 11 Mar (DAD). Mussafah rubbish dump: 450+ on 16 Mar (AT).

Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica  Khor Dubai: 12 on 8 - 22 Mar, 28 on 25 Mar (CR, Limosa). Al Jazeerah Khor: 10+ on 9 & 15 Mar (PBr, CR/Limosa), 33 on 23 Mar (JP). Dreamland beach: four 23 Mar (CR). Khor al Beidah: max. 30 on 9 Mar (TP), up to 20 on 22 - 30 Mar (AT, CR, TP). Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club: three 24 Mar (TG).

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia  Khor Dubai: 10 on 8 Mar (CR/Limosa), 16 on 22 Mar (CR). Near Al Futaisi Island: one 8 Mar (TG). Khor al Beidah: two 14 Mar (CR/Limosa), four 30 Mar (TP). Al Jazeerah Khor: one 15 Mar (CR/Limosa). Mussafah track: five 16 Mar (AT).

Swift Tern Sterna bergii   Max. Khor Kalba: five 12 Mar (CR/Limosa), four 20 Mar (JP). Dibba: two 21 Mar (JP).

Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis  Jumeirah beach: four 12 Mar (DAD). Fujeirah beach: 20 on 12 Mar (CR/Limosa). 30+ on 14 Mar (DAD). Khor Kalba harbour: 40 on 12 Mar (CR/Limosa), 20 on 22 & 29 Mar (TP). Khor al Beidah: 20 on 9 Mar, 10 on 30 Mar (TP), 31 on 14 Mar, 19 on 23 Mar, six 27 Mar (CR, Limosa). Umm al Quwain beach: 16 on 14 Mar (CR/Limosa). Dibba beach: 55 on 21 Mar (JP).

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis Common on east coast. Max. Khor Kalba: 170 on 12 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Common Tern Sterna hirundo  Fujeirah beach: two 12 Mar (CR/Limosa), three 20 Mar (JP).

White-cheeked Tern Sterna repressa  Fujeirah beach: 150 on 12 Mar (CR/Limosa), five 14 Mar (DAD), 20 on 20 Mar (JP), six 22 Mar (TP). Khor Kalba harbour: 10 on 12 Mar (CR/Limosa), 50 on 29 Mar (TP). Umm al Quwain beach: one 14 Mar (CR/Limosa). Dibba: 20 on 20 Mar (JP).

Little Tern Sterna albifrons  Fujeirah beach: one adult 12 & 14 Mar (CR/Limosa, DAD). Kalba beach: 80 on 29 Mar (TP).

Saunders' Little Tern Sterna saundersi  Al Jazeerah Khor: 19 on 15 Mar (CR/Limosa). Kalba beach: five reported with albifrons 29 Mar (TP).

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida  Wimpey pits: four 8 Mar, one 22 Mar (TP). Hamraniyah fields: one 9 & 13 Mar  (PBr, CR/Limosa). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: three 11 Mar (CR/Limosa), one 14 Mar (DAD). Qurrayah pools: three 11 Mar (CR/Limosa). Sharjah roundabout: one 20 & 27 Mar (JP, CR). Ramtha pools: one 23 Mar (JP). Sharjah tip: five 23 Mar (DAD).

White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus  Hamraniyah fields: one 1 - 13 Mar (DAD, CR/Limosa). Sharjah tip: one 1 Mar, five 23 Mar (DAD). Fujeirah beach: one 12 Mar (CR). Wimpey pits: one 22 Mar (CR, TP).

Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse Pterocles lichtensteinii  Near Hanging Gardens: two 10 Mar (CR/Limosa). Wadi Shih: two 16 Mar (PB). Ras al Khaimah golf course: c.8 on 25 Mar (PBr). Near Hatta: two 29 Mar (TP).

#Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata  Mushref Palace Gardens area: one flew over 22 Mar, seen again 24 Mar (TG).

Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus  Emirates golf course: max. 16 on 1 Mar (AMc), 13 on 9 Mar (CR/Limosa). Al Wathba camel race track: 300+ on 1 Mar (AT). Al Habab: six 4 Mar (CR). Khor Kalba: 16 on 16 Mar, one 29 Mar (TP). Ras al Khaimah airport: seven 17 Mar, one 25 Mar, four 31 Mar (PBr).

Rock Dove Columba livia   Jebel Hafit: c.10 on 10 Mar (CR/Limosa). Huwaylat: two 19 Mar (JP).

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto  Hamraniyah fields: up to 300 regular 28 - 30 Mar (TP), representative.

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur  Hamraniyah fields: one 31 Mar (CR), season's first report.

LAUGHING Dove Streptopelia senegalensis  Also reported.

Namaqua Dove Oena capensis  Ramtha lagoons: pair 16 Mar (RF). Al Wathba camel race track: one male 27 Mar (JV).

ring-NECKed Parakeet Psittacula krameri  Also reported.

Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria   Safa Park: three 16 Mar (CR/Limosa). Al Mamzar Park: two 17 Mar (DAD)

[COMMON Cuckoo Cuculus canorus  Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: two 23 Feb (GD).]

Barn Owl Tyto alba  Ras al Khaimah golf course: one from 26 Mar, nesting suspected (PBr).  Bithna, Wadi Ham: one dead on road 29 Mar (TG).

Striated Scops Owl Otus  Mushrif National Park: one 16 & 24 Mar (CR/Limosa, JP), two 25 Mar (TG). Hamraniyah fields: one 28 Mar (RM).

Desert Eagle Owl Bubo (bubo) ascalaphus  Qarn Nazwa: one on sand dunes 16 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Little Owl Athene noctua  Fossil Valley, Oman: one 15 Mar (AT).

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus  Al Wathba camel race track: one 7 & 8 Mar (AT, SLJ).

Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius  Dubai pivot fields: two 4 & 15 Mar (CR/Limosa). Al Wathba camel race track: 14 on 7 Mar (AT).

Common Swift Apus apus  Dibba farms: up to 40 on 11 & 13 Mar (CR/Limosa). Hamraniyah fields: 20 on 23 Mar (JP), 90 on 27 Mar (CR). Hatta Road (Oman): two 27 Mar (JV).

Pallid Swift Apus pallidus  Greatest numbers reported: Hamraniyah fields: 60 on 1 Mar (DAD). Al Habab: 150 on 4 Mar (CR). Dubai pivot fields: 90 on 4 Mar (CR), 40 on 7 Mar (DAD). Emirates golf course: 100 on 7 Mar (TP). Wimpey pits: 300 on 8 Mar (TG), 50 on 15 Mar (DAD). Sandy Beach Motel: c.300 around 'Snoopy Island' 11 & 12 Mar (CR/Limosa).

White-collared Kingfisher Halcyon chloris  Khor Kalba: three 12 Mar (CR/Limosa). five 20 Mar (JP), four 29 Mar (TP).

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis  Khor Kalba: two 12 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis  Also reported.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus  Jebel Ali Hotel grounds: two 5 Mar (GW). Hatta: two 19 Mar (JP). Ras al Khaimah golf course: seven 22 Mar (PBr). Ras al Khaimah airport: five 26 Mar (PBr). Abu Dhabi Health & Fitness Club: five 27 Mar (TG). Khor Kalba garbage dump: 20 on 29 Mar (TG).

European Bee-eater Merops apiaster  Hamraniyah fields: max. 15 on 23 Mar (PBr), 30 on 27 Mar (CR), 20+ on 28 Mar (PB, TP), 18 on 29 Mar (PBr, CR), 40 on 30 Mar (TP), two prs. copulating 31 Mar (CR).

European Roller Coracias garrulus  Abu Dhabi Health & Fitness Club: one 27 Mar (TG).

Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis  Hamraniyah fields: 15 on 1 Mar (DAD), 10 on 27 Mar (CR). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: 62 on 11 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Hoopoe Upupa epops  Safa Park: max. 20+ on 6 Mar (GD), 15 on 6 Mar (DAD), 21 on 13 Mar (DAD), 16 on 16 Mar (CR/Limosa), 18 on 30 Mar (TG). Hamraniyah fields: up to six 9 & 23 Mar (PBr). Al Mamzar Park: 10 on 10 Mar, 15 on 17 Mar, nine 30 Mar (DAD). Mushrif Park: 12 on 24 Mar (JP). Otherwise up to four other sites.

Wryneck Jynx torquilla  Abu Dhabi Health & Fitness Club: one 22 Mar (TG).

Black-crowned Finch Lark Eremopterix nigriceps, Al Wathba camel track: max. 20 on 9 Mar (CR/Limosa). Dubai pivot fields: up to 13 on 7 - 29 Mar (DAD, RM, TP). Hamraniyah fields & Ras al Khaimah airport: reported almost daily (PBr). Up to five these sites and Khor Kalba.

Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti  Huwaylat: four 4 Mar (CR). Wadi Shih: two 14 Mar (DAD). Hanging Gardens: 23 on 15 Mar (AT). Wadi Khabb-Shamsi: one 21 Mar (JP).

Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes  Al Wathba camel race track: three 1 & 9 Mar (AT, CR/Limosa). Dreamland beach: one 14 Mar (CR/Limosa). Umm al Quwain: one 18 Mar (JP). Khor al Beidah: one 27 Mar (CR).

Bimaculated Lark Melanocorypha bimaculata  Al Wathba camel race track: one 1 Mar (AT).

Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla  Al Wathba camel race track: max. 35 on 1 & 7 Mar (AT), c.100 on 3 Mar (GD), c.70 from 8 - 9 Mar (SLJ, CR/Limosa), 40 on 21 Mar (TG), 10 on 27 Mar (JV). Wimpey pits: two 8 & 15 Mar (TP, DAD). Dubai pivot fields: four 8 Mar (TP), nine 28 Mar (RM). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: two 22 Mar (TP). Hamraniyah fields: seven 31 Mar (CR), 20 on 30 Mar (TP).

Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens Al Wathba camel race track: 40 on 1 Mar, 48 on 7 Mar (AT), c.90 on 8 Mar (SLJ), 30 on 9 Mar (CR/Limosa), 10 on 21 Mar (TG), two 27 Mar (JV). Khor al Beidah: heard 23 Mar (CR).

Crested Lark Galerida cristata  Selected reports: Al Wathba camel race track: 200+ on 3 Mar (GD).

ORIENTAL Skylark Alauda gulgula  Al Wathba camel race track: one 26 Mar (TG).

Skylark Alauda arvensis  Hamraniyah fields: 10 on 1 Mar (DAD). Al Habab fields: at least three 4 Mar (CR). Dubai pivot fields: at least two 4 & 8 Mar (CR, TP), seven 7 Mar (DAD). Al Wathba camel race track: 12 on 1 Mar (AT), 100+ on 3 Mar (GD), 19 on 8 Mar (SLJ), eight 9 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Brown-throated Sand Martin Riparia paludicola  Al Wathba camel race track: one 29 Mar (SJA), the 8th record.

Sand Martin Riparia riparia  Al Wathba camel race track: one 1 Mar (AT), 20+ on 26 Mar (TG), up to 80 on 29 Mar (SJA). Dubai pivot fields: 20 on 4 Mar, 10 on 6 Mar (CR), three 28 Mar (RM). Wimpey pits: six 8 Mar (CR/Limosa), five 15 Mar (AMc). Hamraniyah fields: two 28 & 29 Mar (TP, PBr), 10 on 30 Mar (TP).

Pale Martin Riparia diluta  Al Wathba camel race track: at least three 29 Mar (SJA), the 7th record.

AFRICAN ROCK Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula  Ghantoot plantation: pair 1 & 5 Mar (CR). Otherwise regular in hills.

BARN Swallow Hirundo rustica  Dubai pivot fields: 45 on 4 Mar (CR), 12 on 28 Mar (RM). Wimpey pits: 12 on 8 Mar (TP), 15 on 15 Mar (AMc). Hamraniyah fields: max. 10 on 28 & 29 Mar (TP, PBr), 90 on 30 Mar (TP). Al Wathba camel race track: 55+ on 29 Mar (SJA). Up to six throughout month several sites.

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica  Hamraniyah fields: two 1 Mar (DAD), 25 on 9 Mar (PBr), 14 on 13 Mar, 16 on 27 Mar (CR), 50+ on 28 & 29 Mar (PB, TP, PBr), 60 on 30 Mar (TP), 36 on 31 Mar (CR), record numbers. Al Habab fields: two 4 Mar (CR). Hanging Gardens: two 10 Mar (CR/Limosa). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: six 9 Mar (TG), 16 on 11 Mar (CR/Limosa),  three 23 Feb (GD). Ras al Khaimah airport: three 13 Mar, four 18 Mar (PBr). Nakheel: one 28 Mar (PBr). Hatta Road (Oman): one 27 Mar (JV).

House Martin Delichon urbica  Hamraniyah fields: one 1 Mar (DAD), two 13 Mar (CR/Limosa). Wimpey pits: two 8 Mar (TP). Hanging Gardens two 10 Mar (CR/Limosa). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: 30 on 11 Mar (CR/Limosa), four 22 Mar (TP), 'several' 28 Mar (RM). Al Wathba camel race track: four 26 Mar (TG).

Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi  Al Habab fields: three 4 Mar (CR). Al Wathba camel race track: one 3 & 7 Mar (GD, AT), four 8 Mar (SLJ), two 9 Mar (CR/Limosa), five 26 Mar (TG), c.10 on 27 Mar (JV).

Blyth's Pipit Anthus godlewski  Al Wathba camel race track: one 8 & 26 Mar (SLJ, TG), three 29 Mar (TG). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: one 11 Mar (CR), at least three 28 Mar (JV). Al Habab fields: one 28 Mar (RM).

Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris  Emirates Hills: nine 7 Mar (CR). Dubai pivot fields: 12 on 7 Mar, 17 on 16 Mar (DAD). Al Wathba camel race track: max. c.100 on 3 Mar (GD), 58 on 8 Mar (SLJ), 11 on 21 Mar (TG). Hamraniyah fields: 20 from 1 - 31 Mar (DAD, CR, PBr), 12 on 30 Mar (TP). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: seven 14 Mar (DAD). Less than five other sites.

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis  Al Habab fields: three 4 Mar (CR). Bateen airbase park: three 16 Mar (AT). Mushref Palace Gardens area: two 21 Mar (TG), three 22 Mar (TG). Khalidiyah: three 22 Mar, one 29 Mar (TG). Emirates golf course: two 29 Mar (CR). Al Mamzar Park: one 30 Mar (DAD).

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis  Al Wathba camel race track: one 1 Mar (AT), seven 8 Mar (SLJ). Al Habab fields: one 4 Mar (CR). Dubai pivot fields: seven 7 Mar (DAD).

Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus  Max. Dubai pivot fields: up to 11 on 7 & 8 Mar (DAD, TP), 22 on 15 Mar (CR), 71 on 28 Mar (TG), 20 on 29 Mar (TP, CR/Limosa). Abu Dhabi Health & Fitness Club: three five 22 Mar (TG). Emirates golf course: three 23 Mar (JP). Al Wathba camel race track: 20 on 7 Mar (AT), 18 on 8 Mar (SLJ), up to seven 21 - 27 Mar (TG, JV). Emirates Hills: 10 on 30 Mar (CR).

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta  Al Wathba camel race track: Max. 50 on 1 Mar (AT), c.10 on 3 Mar (GD), 33 on 8 Mar (SLJ), 10 on 21 Mar (TG), five 27 Mar (JV). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: eight 14 Mar (DAD). Dubai pivot fields: 12 on 16 Mar (DAD). Latest: Khor Dubai: one 25 Mar (CR). Dubai pivot fields: one 28 Mar (TG). Up to three each Khor Dubai, Wimpey pits, Abu Dhabi Health & Fitness Club, Safa Park.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava  Bateen Park: six 16 Mar (AT). Also, singles Mushref Palace Gardens area, Wimpey pits, Dubai pivot fields, Emirates Hills.

SYKES'S WAGTAIL Motacilla flava beema  Dubai pivot fields: one 6 Mar, six 15 Mar (CR), two 18 Mar (PB), 10 on 28 Mar (TG), four 29 Mar (TP). Al Wathba camel race track: one 8 & 9 Mar (AT, CR/Limosa), three 21 Mar (TG). Wimpey pits: two 15 Mar (DAD).

BLACK-HEADED WAGTAIL Motacilla flava feldegg  Hamraniyah fields: three females 27 Mar (CR). Dubai pivot fields: one 8 Mar (TG), one of superciliaris race 16 & 28 Mar (DAD, TG), one 18 Mar (PB), one 28 Mar (TG).

YELLOW-HEADED WAGTAIL Motacilla flava lutea  Dubai pivot fields: one 18 Mar (PB).

Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola  Dubai pivot fields: two 6 Mar (CR). Wimpey pits: up to four 6 - 15 Mar (CR, Limosa), one 22 Mar (TP). Buraimi sewage works: two 10 Mar (CR/Limosa). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: one 28 Mar (JV), latest spring record. Singles these sites plus Safa Park, Qurrayah pools, Mushref Palace Gardens area, Dubai pivots to mid month.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea  Safa Park: one 6 - 13 Mar (DAD). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: two 11 Mar (CR/Limosa). Mushref Palace Gardens area: one 11 Mar (AT)

White Wagtail Motacilla alba  Locally common all month.  Safa Park: 27 on 6 Mar (DAD). Al Wathba camel race track: 25 on 7 Mar (AT), typical of numbers.

White-cheeked Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys  Also reported.

Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthopygos  Also reported, mountains, East Coast and Ras al Khaimah only.

P. jocosus/leucogenys  Ghantoot: three hybrid types 1 Mar (CR).

Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer  Noteworthy: Bin Majid hotel gardens, Ras al Khaimah: two 13 Mar (CR/Limosa). Qarn Nazwa: two 8 & 16 Mar (TG, CR/Limosa), out of normal range.

GREY Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus  Ghantoot plantation: one 1 & 5 Mar, at least two 8 Mar (CR, Limosa), 20 on 22 Mar (JP), up to 40 on 25 Mar (JV), 30+ on 26 Mar (RM), 13 on 27 Mar (AMc), 40 on 29 Mar (TG).

Rufous Bush ROBIN Cercotrichas galactotes  Al Wathba camel race track: one 8 Mar (SLJ), season's first record. Khalidiyah: one 22 Mar (TG). Ghantoot: one 29 Mar (TG). Hamraniyah fields: one 30 Mar (TP).

Bluethroat Luscinia svecica  Wimpey pits: two 1 & 21 Mar (DAD, PB). Emirates golf course: two 7 & 9 Mar (TP, CR/Limosa). Al Wathba camel race track: six 8 Mar, plus one white-spotted form (SLJ), two 9 Mar (CR/Limosa). Buraimi sewage works: two 10 Mar (CR/Limosa). Singles also reported to month end.

WHITE-throated Robin Irania gutturalis  Futaisi Island: two 27 Mar (TG). Hamraniyah fields: one male 28 Mar (RM). Abu Dhabi island: two 28 Mar (TG). Al Mamzar Park: two 30 Mar (DAD).

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros  Jebel Hafit Hotel garden: two 10 Mar (CR/Limosa). Masafi wadi: one female 11 Mar (CR). Mushref Palace Gardens area: one 14 - 16 Mar (AT). Abu Dhabi island: two 28 Mar (TG).

COMMON Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus  Al Mamzar Park: one 17 Mar, three 30 Mar (DAD). Abu Dhabi island: five 28 Mar, one 29 Mar (TG).

EHRENBERG'S REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus samamisicus  Emirates golf course: one male 24 Mar (CR).

Siberian Stonechat Saxicola torquata maura   Al Habab fields: one female 4 Mar (CR). Al Wathba camel race track: one 7 Mar (AT), one female 9 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Stonechat Saxicola torquata  Al Wathba camel race track: one 8 Mar (SLJ).

Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina  Al Wathba camel race track: 40 on 1 Mar (AT), 12 on 7 Mar (AT), 14 on 9 Mar (CR/Limosa). Hamraniyah fields: nine 27 Mar, six 29 & 31 Mar (PBr, CR), 10 on 30 Mar (TP). Dubai pivot fields: six 28 Mar (TG). Emirates Hills: five 30 Mar (CR). Up to three at other times and other sites.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe  Al Wathba camel race track: one 9 Mar (CR/Limosa), nine 29 Mar (SJA). Wadi Shih: two 14 Mar (DAD). Emirates Hills: one 18 Mar, two 24 Mar, one 26 Mar (CR). Hamraniyah fields: four 27 Mar (CR), eight 29 Mar (PBr), four 30 Mar (TP), five 31 Mar (CR). Dubai pivot fields: two 29 Mar (CR). Khalidiyah: one 29 Mar (TG).

Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka  Al Wathba camel race track: six 1 Mar (AT), five, inc. one vittata 7 Mar (AT), 10 on 8 Mar (TG), 15 on 9 Mar (CR/Limosa). Dubai pivot fields: five 7 Mar (DAD), two 28 - 29 Mar (TG, CR). Ras al Khaimah airport: two 10 Mar, up to five 25 - 31 Mar (PBr). Wadi Shih: two 14 Mar (DAD). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: two including one vittata form 14 Mar (DAD). Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club: one vittata 25 Mar (TG). Khalidiyah: one male, one fem. 29 Mar (TG). Wimpey pits: two 29 Mar (TP). Singles widespread throughout month.

Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica  Al Wathba camel race track: one 1 Mar (AT). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: one 16 Mar (PB). Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club: one fem. present late March (TG).

Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti  Al Wathba camel race track: eight 1 Mar, three 7 Mar (AT). Otherwise ones and twos widespread to month end.

Red-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe (xanthoprymna) chrysopygia  Qarn Nazwa: three 4 Mar (CR), one 8 & 19 Mar (TP, JP). Huwaylat area: one 4 Mar (CR). Jebel Rawda (Oman): two 4 Mar (CR). Fossil Valley (Oman): three 10 Mar (CR/Limosa). Hanging Gardens (Oman): seven 10 Mar (CR/Limosa), six 15 Mar (AT). Wadi Shih: one 14 Mar (DAD).

Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monacha  Jebel Hafit: one male 10 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Hume's Wheatear Oenanthe alboniger  Huwaylat area: one 4 Mar (CR). Jebel Hafit: nine 10 Mar (CR/Limosa). Wadi Shih: 1 ad. feeding two recently fledged juvs. 14 Mar (DAD). Wadi Bih: three 14 Mar (CR/Limosa). Wadi Khabb-Shamsi: three 21 Mar (JP).

Rock Thrush Monticola saxatillis  Al Wathba camel race track: one 8 & 29 Mar (SLJ, SJA). Qarn Nazwa: one 8 Mar (TP). Jebel Hafit hotel garden: one male 10 Mar (CR/Limosa). Ras al Khaimah airport: one male 11 & 24 Mar (PBr). Wadi Shih: four 14 & 16 Mar (DAD, PB). Futaisi Island: one 27 Mar (TG).

Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius  Bin Majid Hotel: one 26 Feb (GD). Al Ain city: one 28 Feb (GD).  Hatta Fort Hotel: two males 4 Mar (CR). Qarn Nazwa: one 8 Mar (TP). Jebel Hafit area: four 10 Mar (CR/Limosa). Wadi Shih: six 14 Mar (DAD), nine males, two fem. 16 Mar (PB). Wimpey pits: two 22 Mar (CR).

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos  Safa Park: eight 6 Mar (DAD), nine 16 Mar (CR/Limosa), four 18 Mar (DAD). Ghantoot plantation: two 8 Mar (CR/Limosa). Al Mamzar Park: two 10 Mar (DAD). Singles also reported. Latest record: Emirates golf course: one 21 Mar (CR).

Graceful PRINIA Prinia gracilis  Also reported.

Scrub Warbler Scotocerca inquieta  Huwaylat wadi: one 4 Mar (CR, GW). Masafi wadi: two 28 Mar (JV).

Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia  Al Wathba camel race track: one 29 Mar (SJA).

Savi's Warbler Locustella luscinioides  Khalidiyah: one 22 Mar (TG).

EASTERN Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus fuscus  Most birds in song. Wimpey pits: at least one 8 - 29 Mar, two 22 Mar (CR/Limosa, PB, AMc). Ramtha dump: one 16 Mar (RF). Emirates golf course: one in reeds 20 Mar (CR).

Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus  Regular and in song, Wimpey Pits, Khor Kalba mangroves and Qurrayah pools. Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: two 9 Mar (TP), one 14 Mar (DAD).

Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida  Mushref Palace Gardens area: six, including five in song 21 Mar (TG). Khalidiyah: one 29 Mar (TG).

Sykes's Warbler Hippolais rama  Khor Kalba: an active pair nest building, four others nearby 12 Mar (CR/Limosa), one seen, two heard 20 Mar (JP).

Upcher's Warbler Hippolais languida  Al Wathba wood: one 1 Mar (GW). Qarn Nazwa: one 4 Mar (CR). Ghantoot plantation: one 7 Mar (AMc). Jebel Hafit: one 10 Mar (CR). Dibba-Bayah plain (Oman): two 13 Mar (CR/Limosa). Hanging Gardens: two 15 Mar (AT). Masafi: two 20 Mar (JP). Hatta Road (Oman): one 27 Mar (JV). Abu Dhabi island: one 28 Mar (TG).

Ménétries' Warbler Sylvia mystacea  Emirates golf course: one 5 & 20 Mar, two 9 Mar, three fem. 29 Mar (CR/Limosa). Khor Dubai: one 6 Mar (CR). Al Mamzar Park: one 10 & 30 Mar (DAD). Al Oha/Hanging Gardens: two 10 Mar (CR/Limosa), one 15 Mar (AT). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: three 11 - 14 Mar (CR/Limosa, DAD). Wadi Shih: one in song 14 Mar (DAD). Al Jazeerah Khor: one 15 Mar (CR/Limosa). Mushref Palace Gardens area: one 21 Mar (AT). Jebel Ali Hotel: one in gardens and two nearby 29 Mar (TG). Hamraniyah fields: one 30 Mar (TP).

Desert Warbler Sylvia nana  Qarn Nazwa: one 4 Mar (CR). Al Jazeerah Khor dunes: one 15 Mar (CR/Limosa), two 23 Mar (JP). Khor al Beidah: one 23 Mar (CR).

Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis  Al Jazeerah Khor dunes: two in song 1 Mar (DAD), one 15 Mar (CR/Limosa). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: one 14 Mar (DAD). Masafi: one 20 Mar (JP).

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca  Hanging Gardens: one 1 Mar (AT). Wimpey pits: one 2 Mar (PB). Al Jazeerah Khor: one 15 Mar (CR/Limosa). Qarn Nazwa: one 19 Mar (JP). Mushref Palace Gardens area: one 21 Mar (AT). Emirates golf course: two 29 Mar (CR). Jebel Ali Hotel: one 29 Mar (TG).

Desert Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca minula  Al Jazeerah Khor: one 1 Mar (DAD). Hamraniyah fields: two 9 Mar. one 23 Mar (PBr). Dibba plain: two 13 Mar (CR/Limosa). Al Jazeerah Khor: one 15 Mar (CR/Limosa). Masafi wadi: one 28 Mar (JV). Ghantoot: two 29 Mar (TG).

Hume's Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca althaea  Ghantoot: one possible 4 Mar (GD).

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla  Mushref Palace Gardens area: one male 24 Mar (TG). Abu Dhabi island: three 28 Mar, two 29 Mar (TG).

Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei  Mushref Palace Gardens area: one 6 Mar (AT).

Plain Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus neglectus  Qarn Nazwa: one 4 Mar (CR, GW). Jebel Rawda: one 4 Mar (CR, GW). Masafi: two 11 Mar (CR/Limosa). Hanging Gardens: one 15 Mar (AT).

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita  Max. Mushref Palace Gardens area: two 6 Mar (AT), four 21 Mar (TG). Emirates golf course: four 7 Mar, three 24 Mar (CR), one tristis 7 Mar (TP). Wimpey pits: two 8 Mar (TG). Abu Dhabi island: 15 on 28 Mar, four 29 Mar (TG). Jebel Ali Hotel: three 29 Mar (TG). Al Mamzar Park: two 30 Mar (DAD). Singles reported all month.

Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva  Mushref Palace Gardens area: one 14 - 26 Mar (AT, TG). Jebel Ali Hotel wood: one fem. 16 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Semi-collared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata  Emirates golf course: one male 20 Mar (CR, RM). Mushref Palace Gardens area: one male 26 Mar (TG).

Arabian Babbler Turdoides squamiceps  Groups reported at Ras al Khaimah airport, EPPCO roundabout, Al Jazeerah Khor, Hatta Fort Hotel, Jebel Rawda, Kalba, Mushrif Park, Ras Dibba, Masafi, Fujeirah National Dairy Farm, Hamraniyah fields.

Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica  Also reported.

Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus  Al Wathba camel race track: six 1 & 8 Mar (AT, TG), five 9 Mar (CR/Limosa), 12 on 26 Mar (TG). Emirates golf course: three 9 Mar (CR/Limosa). Al Mamzar Park: three 10 Mar (DAD). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: five 11 & 13 Mar (CR/Limosa), six 22 Mar (AT). Dubai pivot fields: three 15 Mar (CR/Limosa). Hamraniyah fields: three 9 Mar, six 23 Mar (PBr), 33 on 27 Mar, 19 on 31 Mar, but only half field covered (CR), 17 on 28 Mar (PB, TP). Less than three other sites.

DAURIAN SHRIKE Lanius isabellinus isabellinus  All reports listed. Wimpey pits: one 5 Mar (DAD). Safa Park: one 6 & 18 Mar (DAD). Dubai pivot fields: up to two 6 - 8 Mar, 16 Mar, 28 Mar (CR, TP, DAD, TG). Emirates golf course: two 7 Mar (CR). Al Wathba camel race track: two 7 Mar (AT), one 21 Mar (TG). Khor al Beidah: one 9 Mar (TP). Al Mamzar Park: four 10 Mar, two 17 Mar (DAD). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: six 9 - 14 Mar (TP, CR/Limosa-, (DAD), one 16 Mar (PB), two 22 Mar (TP). Zabeel fish ponds: one 29 Mar (CR). Hamraniyah fields: 15 on 28 - 30 Mar (TP). Jebel Ali Hotel: one 29 Mar (TG).

TURKESTAN SHRIKE Lanius isabellinus phoenicuroides  All reports listed. Hamraniyah fields: one 1 Mar (DAD), up to two 28 - 30 Mar (TP). Dubai pivot fields: one 7 Mar (DAD), two 28 Mar (TG). Al Wathba camel race track: two 7 & 21 Mar (AT, TG). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: one 14 Mar (DAD), two 16 Mar (PB), one 22 Mar (TP). Wimpey pits: one 8 & 15 Mar (TP, DAD). Jebel Ali Hotel: one 29 Mar (TG). Safa Park: one 30 Mar (TG).

Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis  Also reported, including grown young.

Steppe Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis pallidirostris  Al Wathba camel race track: two 1 & 8 Mar (AT, TG), one 9 Mar (CR/Limosa), two 29 Mar (SJA). Dreamland beach: one 14 & 15 Mar (CR/Limosa). Hamraniyah fields: one 27 Mar (CR). Hatta-Kalba track: one 29 Mar (TP).

Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator  Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: two 11 & 13 Mar (CR/Limosa), two 28 Mar (RM). Singles Al Wathba camel race track, Al Mamzar Park, Fujeirah National Dairy Farm, Bin Majid Hotel garden, Dubai pivot fields.

Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus  Safa Park: one still present, having over-wintered, 16 Mar (CR/Limosa) and 18 Mar (DAD). Mushref Palace Gardens area: two 11 Mar, one 14 - 21 Mar (AT), two 28 Mar (TG). Dubai pivot fields: one 28 Mar (TG).

House Crow Corvus splendens  Noteworthy reports: Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: 100+ on 1 Mar (CR/Limosa). Safa Park: 50 on 18 Mar (DAD). Emirates golf course: 60 on 21 Mar (CR).

Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis  Qarn Nazwa: two 8 Mar (TP). Jebel Hafit: four 10 Mar (CR/Limosa). Hamraniyah fields: two 13 & 27 Mar (CR/Limosa). Hatta: three 20 Mar (JP). Singles other locations.

Starling Sturnus vulgaris  Al Wathba camel race track: four 1 Mar, three 7 Mar (AT), two 8 Mar (SLJ). Dubai pivot fields: 10 on 7 Mar (DAD). Hamraniyah fields: one 28 Mar (TP).

Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus  Al Wathba camel race track: four 8 Mar (SLJ). Al Mamzar Park: one 17 Mar (DAD). Hamraniyah fields: one 29 Mar (TP), two 31 Mar (CR).

Pied Mynah Sturnus contra  Safa Park: six 6 Mar, up to four other visits to 18 Mar (DAD, CR/Limosa). Al Mamzar Park: two 10 Mar, three 17 Mar (DAD). Zabeel fish ponds: up to four 15 & 29 Mar (CR/Limosa). Sharjah tip: two 23 Mar (DAD).

Common Mynah Acridotheres tristis  Eastern Lagoon roost, Abu Dhabi: 800+ on 1 Mar (PH). Otherwise widely reported.

Bank Mynah Acridotheres ginginianus  Umm al Quwain dump: eight 1 Mar (DAD). Wimpey pits: five 15 Mar (DAD). Bateen Park: two 16 Mar (AT). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: 40 on 22 Mar (TP). Hamraniyah fields: up to 30 on 28 & 30 Mar (TP), 41 on 31 Mar (CR). Otherwise less than 10 here, plus reports from regular sites Fujeirah National Dairy Farm and Dubai pivot fields.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus  Dubai pivot fields: 300 on 7 Mar (DAD), representative high numbers.

Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis  Ras al Khaimah airport roundabout: two 13 Mar (CR/Limosa), two 23 Mar (JP). Fujeirah National Dairy Farm: two or three 14 Mar (DAD), two 16 Mar (PB). Hamraniyah fields: 10 on 28 Mar (PB, TP), five 29 Mar (PBr), three 30 Mar (TP), 30 on 31 Mar (CR).

Pale Rock Sparrow Petronia brachydactyla  Hamraniyah fields: six 27 Mar (CR), c.20 on 29 Mar (PBr). Masafi: three 21 Mar (JP). Al Wathba camel race track: one 29 Mar (SJA).

Yellow-throated Sparrow Petronia xanthocollis  Hamraniyah fields: one 25 & 28 Mar (JV, PB, TP, RM). Abu Dhabi island: one 28 Mar (TG).

Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica  Also reported, with flocks of 10+ regular.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis  Mushref Palace Gardens area: one 22 Mar (TG), present since 24 October 2001, 4th or 5th record.

Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus  Wadi Bih: one up hill (Oman?) 28 Mar (RM).

House Bunting Emberiza striolata  Huwaylat: eight 4 Mar (CR). Wadi Shih: four 14 & 16 Mar (DAD, PB). Wadi Bih dam: eight 14 Mar (CR/Limosa).

Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea  Al Wathba camel race track: one 29 Mar (SJA).

Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps  Hamraniyah fields: one male from 23 - 30 Mar (PBr, PB, TP), the 4th record.

Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra  Hamraniyah fields: five in song 1 Mar (DAD), up to six 9 - 23 Mar (PBr), two in song 13 & 27 Mar (CR), up to six 28 - 30 Mar (TP), nine 31 Mar (CR). Al Wathba camel race track: 15 on 7 Mar (AT), four 8 Mar (SLJ), one 21 Mar (TG). Dibba farm: two 13 Mar (CR/Limosa). Dubai pivot fields: two 16 Mar (DAD).

# origin not established (may be introduced).

EXOTICS/ESCAPES

BLACK SWAN  Khor Dubai: still present 26 Mar (JV).

SACRED IBIS Threskiornis aethiopicus  Khor Dubai: three 8 Mar (CR/Limosa) may be from a captive source.

BRAHMINY MYNAH Sturnus pagodarum  Jumeirah garden: pair nesting 8 Mar (DB).

SUPERB STARLING Sturnus spreo  Wimpey pits: one 20 Mar (KG, MS).

GOLDEN-BACKED WEAVER Ploceus jacksoni   (= Jackson's Weaver) Zabeel fish ponds: 50+ on 15 Mar.

STREAKED WEAVER Ploceus manyar  Khor Dubai: two 22 Mar (CR). Wimpey pits: eight 15 Mar (AMc), present 21 Mar (PB), three 22 Mar (TP).

MASKED WEAVER Ploceus intermedius  (= Lesser Masked Weaver) One male with P.jacksoni at Zabeel fish ponds 15 & 29 Mar (CR).

SCALY-BREASTED MUNIA  Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club: seven 24 Mar (TG).

RING-NECKED PHEASANT  Al Wathba camel race track: one 9 Mar (CR/Limosa).

CRESTED MYNAH Sharjah tip: two 4 & 23 Mar (DAD).

SOURCES

SJA        Simon Aspinall
PB         Paul Bourdin
DB         Dave Bradford
PBr        Phil Brett
PC         Peter Cunningham
PD         Penny Daly
DAD       Dave Diskin
GD         Giles Dunmore
RF         Rod Fox
KG         Klaus Gunther, Martin Schlorf
PH         Peter Hellyer
SLJ        Steve James
AMc       Alistair McLee
RM         Rob Morris
JP          Jim Pattinson
TP         Tommy Pedersen
CR         Colin Richardson (and with Limosa Holidays)
DS         Dave Sheldon
CT         Clive Temple
AT         Andrew Twyman
JV          Johannes Vermehren, Friedrich Müller, Falk Wicker
GW         Gordon Wilson group
TG         Twitchers Guide (compiled weekly by Peter Hellyer and Simon Aspinall).

© Monthly Bird Report compiled by Colin Richardson, July 2002 - ColinR@emirates.net.ae  

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