Grey Hypocolius - December 2024 (1 Viewer)

[darth bangkok]

Hello!

Does anyone know if it would be possible to see the Grey Hypocolius near Dubai in early December this year? I will be passing through for a couple of days and want to add this to my family list.

Anyone know of a guide or someone to assist? I've sent an email to someone called Gary at UAE Birding, but still waiting to hear back.

Many thanks!

 

[Jeff Hopkins]

I tried to organize a trip like that last December. What I learned that the only semi-reliable place for Hypocolius in the UAE was a place called Lulu Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi. It was supposed to be a private development, but that was never started. It's still officially private, but it can be accessed by a private boat as long as you stay on the beach. I tried a couple of companies and a local birder or two, but wasn't able to organize that.

And before I could, I extended my trip to Kuwait. Based on my experience they're a lot easier in Kuwait. I saw several of them there before I continued on to the UAE.

 

[darth bangkok]

I tried to organize a trip like that last December. What I learned that the only semi-reliable place for Hypocolius in the UAE was a place called Lulu Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi. It was supposed to be a private development, but that was never started. It's still officially private, but it can be accessed by a private boat as long as you stay on the beach. I tried a couple of companies and a local birder or two, but wasn't able to organize that.

And before I could, I extended my trip to Kuwait. Based on my experience they're a lot easier in Kuwait. I saw several of them there before I continued on to the UAE.

Oh great, thanks so much for that information.

Kuwait does seem to be better for that. Did you do it on your own there or with a guide? I used the webform on the birds of Kuwait website a few times, but didn't hear back from them either.

Cheers!

 

[Jeff Hopkins]

I did it with a guide: AbdulRahman al-Sirhan Alenezi, who runs the Birds of Kuwait website. He was excellent. If you don't have it, his email is: [email protected].

We saw Hypocolius in two places in Kuwait. I put a report in CloudBirders here.

 

[darth bangkok]

I did it with a guide: AbdulRahman al-Sirhan Alenezi, who runs the Birds of Kuwait website. He was excellent. If you don't have it, his email is: [email protected].

We saw Hypocolius in two places in Kuwait. I put a report in CloudBirders here.

Awesome, thanks so much! Cheers

 

[Jeff Hopkins]

Awesome, thanks so much! Cheers

YW.

 

[darth bangkok]

As an update, just want to say thanks again Jeff. I was in Kuwait this past weekend for 2 days of birding with Abdulrahman. He literally picked me up from the hotel and we drove a few minutes to the spot, and before even leaving the car, a flock of 11 Hypocolius flew into the tree right in front of us. Mission accomplished! In just one minute haha.

We went to various locations around Kuwait and saw lots of goodies. I had 104 species in the two days, not bad. If it were 3 or 4 weeks from now, there would have been a bit more on the list as some of the over-winterers haven't arrived yet. I had originally planned the trip for December, then November, but in the end could only make it now. I got my 200th bird family though, so great success!

 

[Jeff Hopkins]

I'm glad it worked out. Congrats.