Migrating birds are finding new gardens to rest weary wings

Press, 17 January 1979, Page 15

Migrating birds are finding new gardens to rest weary wings

A surprising spin-off for conservationists is being experienced in the Arabian Gulf. As has been the experience in other parts of the world, modern developments taking place might have been at the expense of wildlife. But the urbanisation of the states of the United Arab Emirates is apparently to the liking of many species of migratory birds.

The Emirates’ Natural History Group over the last 18 months has recorded 14 new species among the 180 species of birds which rest there during their intercontinental flights, making the area an ornithologist’s dream. Bird-watchers from other countries are now regarding the Gulf states as a worthy new observation place. Spring and autumn are the most spectacular periods to observe the resting birds. Surprisingly, the birds like to settle in the new public parks, residential gardens, and areas of shrubbery and grass that line the new

motorways. One of the most amazing migratory happenings was the flock of siskins, the first to visit the state, which settled in the newlyverdant area behind the Hilton Hotel in Abu Dhabi. They were joined by a flock of sparrows from Spain. The carefully cultivated Bateen Gardens have attracted flocks of corn buntings, skylarks, menetries warblers and red-throated pips. One of the most impressive places to observe migrating birds in large numbers is the lake behind the sewage works, which, with the tidal creek of Abu Dhabi, is a new ornithological attraction. Several species of wading birds including herons and flamingoes regularly feed there. Three species which spend their summers in Siberia and winters in South Africa and the islands of the Indian Ocean — the little stint, dunlin, and curlew sandpiper — break their journey in the artificial lake " and the creek. In the appropriate season, thousands of them can be seen. The area of wetland formed by the creek and the lake has the potential to be one of the world’s most important resting points for migrant birds. In recent months, species recorded for the first time have included the grey lag goose, bailion’s crake and the black francolin. Wetland habitats such as this are very rare between the Caspian Sea and

southern Arabia. Many birds of prey now to be seen in season include the marsh harrier, pallid harrier, short-eared owl, kestrel, peregrine, and saker.

Ornithologists have made special notes of sightings for the first time in the whole of Arabia of the olive-backed pipit, and for the first time in the Emirates of the brambling and linnet, thanks to the increasing areas of fertility provided by urbanisation. In addition to migratory species, observations have revealed that new types of birds are now breeding there. A spectacular success in this respect is that of the purple sunbird, which has never before been known to breed so far west. Kestrel and roseringed parakeets are other new residents.

Other species now to be seen in large numbers during their migrations include the pied wheatear, ortolan bunting, hoopoe, collared flycatcher, yellow wagtail, willow warbler, and tree pipit. And the chances of observing such rarities as crag martin, rose-coloured starling, and cinerous bunting are now excellent. It seems that urbanisation has enabled many species to have a rest during their long migratory journeys between north and south, rather than driving them away. The off-shore islands of Abu Dhabi also support large colonies of seabirds, many from the frozen Arctic. — World Feature Services.