Bulletin 7 - April 1979: Species of Birds Seen in the British Embassy Compound, Abu Dhabi during the Year 1 January-31 December 1977

Species of Birds Seen in the British Embassy Compound, Abu Dhabi during the Year 1 January-31 December 1977

The following list shows the species of birds that I saw in the British Embassy compound during 1977 but does not include escapees such as Java Sparrow and Budgerigar or hybrid Bulbul (Red Vented/White Eared)

I am indebted to Mark Hollingworth who freely gave me so much of his time and experience, especially when observing the more difficult or unfamiliar birds. Without his help this list would not have been so comprehensive.

The compound contains the following micro areas:

1. Desert–open sand areas;
2. Scrub-sand and bushes;
3. House and Gardens-lawns, trees, and bushes which are waters daily

The trees/bushes are mixed and consist mainly of the following: Acacia, Flamboyant Tree, Tamarisk, Eucalyptus, Date Palm, Ornamental Palm, Bougainvillea and Oleander

The following insects were also seen in the compound at various times throughout the year: Butterflies-Plain Tiger, Swallowtail, Painted Lady and a species of Veined White and small Blues; also various types of caterpillar:  Oleander Hawk Moth and caterpillar; three types of Dragon Fly; Solitary wasp, Robber flies, Grasshoppers, Locusts, Bees, Hornets, Hover flies and Ants.

I would also add that the birds I observed must have flown over Abu Dhabi town and settled in the places, therefore, it would be useful if records could be kept for other compounds (ADNAM ADOCM etc) house gardens or even local parks. I’m sure that the bird recorder would be only too willing to both receive these records and assist in recognition.

Finally I have often seen Kestrels take and eat Locust from the top most branches of the Acacia tress.  Have any of the readers seen Kestrels do this?  If so, I would be pleased to hear from them.