Help required yet again but this time in Abu Dhabi!

[Jacqueline Burrell]

Hi

I have just returned from a hectic business trip to Abu Dhabi. I managed three hours birding on the Abu Dhadi golf course on 19th January and have so far identified photos of 19 species.

What was extraordinary, as any of you who are golf fans will realise, is that last Saturday was in the middle of the European Tour AD Championship with an estimated 25,000 spectators, so I expected all our feathered would have flown off to find some peace and quiet!!!

When I have completed the ID process, I will post the photo album

Jacqueline

[Brian S]

Jacqueline

I assume you want help with the bird behind the Black-winged Stilt? It is a Red-wattled Lapwing (sometimes called a Red-wattled Plover), which is resident in some areas of the Middle East, with some dispersal in winter. Most common along the south of Iran, in Abu Ahabi it is a breeding resident.

Brian S

[Jacqueline Burrell]

Brian

Sorry, it was the black-winged stilt I didn't recognise because of the colour although I should have guessed from the length of it's legs!

Is it a juvenile?

[Josh Jones]

Is it a juvenile?

Yes, in other words a bird in its second calender year. Note especially the distinct brown tones to the upperparts and neck/head.