UAE - Fujairah Area

Our second mini break consisted of a trip to the North East of the Emirates. Booking.com scored again providing us with another superb (and VERY reasonable) Hotel. Two nights half-board at the Royal M for £180!! Nice.

I tried a few sites along the "front" around Fujairah without seeing anything significant, then moved South to concentrate on the Khor Kalba area. We also had a drive North to Dibba which included an unsuccessful attempt to access the sensitive Wamm Farms site by the Oman border. At least I know the area now...for next time?

On the way North I spent some time quality time at Masafi Wadi.

A few highlights from Khor Kalba...

On the way down to the bridge I spotted a group of birds resting on the beach. A large Gull took flight as I parked the car. Surely not?

Oh YESSSSSS!!!

My LIFE GREAT BLACK-HEADED GULL. A truly momentous personal moment! Soooo glad I grabbed an image as it flew away.

I also counted 38 Sooty Gulls (another Lifer) in the fading light...

A striking and very laid-back species. Smart!

Quality

Onto Khor Kalba bridge and...

ARABIAN COLLARED KINGFISHER...


I'd seen the bird the day before within 5 minutes of my arrival...very fortunate!

On this second visit towards dusk I got talking to the Musa the security guard by the bridge.

Louise watching for Sea Turtles

Steph Leese had mentioned him and he was indeed a very nice chap. He mentioned that the Kingfisher could sometimes be seen from the weir.

I duly walked down there...and lo and behold the bird was perched on it!!!

The ACK is a rare and very local species, so I was chuffed to connect. We also saw some Sea Turtles...

There were at least 6 present. A lovely end to the day...

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I'm still fishing through a few pics but it's slow going as I've managed to acquire a Virus on my return! Tried to blast through it with a trip to NDC this morning but I feel even worse now! I did see a juvenile female Peregrine, cc Marsh Harrier, 6 Whooper Swans and 5 Ruff before the rain set in after my chip butty.