Then, in Abu Dhabi, I managed to add a few more species to my UAE list, including some spectacular - and unexpected - lifers, six in all. All other species were, of course, new for my UAE life list
We were staying at the Hilton in al Khubeirah, near the Royal Palace, with its own private beach, which I checked out on the first morning:
9. Common sandpiper
10. Purple sunbird*
11. Sanderling
12. White-cheeked tern* - lifer
A short walk around the local area during last hour of daylight added:
13. Ring-necked parakeet
14. Red-wattled Lapwing*
15. Crag martin?*
16. Grey francolin* - lifer
17. Grey heron
18. Whimbrel*
And a second morning visit to the beach added:
19. Western Reef Heron* - lifer
20. Green sandpiper
Finally, a visit to Umm al Emarat park, near Mashrif Palace added three rather nice lifers:
21. Graceful Prinia*
22. Indian Silverbill*
23. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater*
and also
24. Red-vented Bulbul*
*11 species not on a previous list