Field Trip: Birdwatching with Oscar Campbell at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, Abu Dhabi

We will meet at 2.30 pm at the Visitor Center of the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. During a 6 km walk through the reserve, experienced ornithologist Oscar Campbell will help to find and identify resident and migratory bird species.

Oscar Campbell, originally from Ireland, has been living in the UAE since 2006. He is a keen natural historian with a particular interest in birds. He is currently chairman of the Emirates Bird Record Committee and co-authored Butterflies of the United Arab Emirates including Northern Oman (Motivate, 2021). His current major project is working on the third edition of Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East (Bloomsbury, to be published 2023).

On our way through the reserve, we will also have a look at plants and insects and different geomorphological structures. On our way back we will try to observe, from a non-disturbing distance, Western Marsh Harries (latest count was 50+ ) arriving for communal night-time roosting.

Special Instructions: Keep your mobiles on silent! We recommend wearing brown, beige or clothes with long sleeves and trousers, sports shoes and a hat. Try to avoid bright colours. Bring binoculars, insect repellent, sun protection, snacks and water.  Please be prepared for possibly dusty or windy winter weather; as long as the weather conditions allow driving, the tour will not be cancelled and we will adjust the programme if necessary.

The number of participants that can join the trip is limited. If you got a spot and cannot make it, please cancel early enough, to give someone else the chance to come.