From a Middle east perspective, Hypocolius is a very special bird and generally one that is right at the top of the wish-list of birdwatchers visiting the UAE. There are a couple of reasons for this, for instance the species has a rather unusual (and fabulously subtle, smooth) plumage pattern and a restricted world range, breeding mainly in Iran and Iraq and wintering in southern and eastern Arabia, with small numbers reaching east to northwest India. But perhaps even more notably, Hypocolius...

The Red-veined Darter Sympetrum fonscolombii  is the only member of its genus to occur in the UAE. This small dragonfly is a rather scarce and erratic visitor, despite having a very wide-ranging distribution, from North Africa and the Mediterranean basin to Mongolia; it also occurs across much of India south to Sri Lanka. Like all dragonflies it requires wetlands in which to breed; it seems to be increasing its range northwards, presumably in response to climate change – it is now seen...

The warm waters of Abu Dhabi island are great for watching various species of terns all year round. Three species breed in summer and...