Abu Dhabi Islands Boat Trip

No, not that boat!

This boat!

On the 9th November Maarten, Brum; Dick & myself set out from Emirates Palace Marina for a morning around some of the closest islands to the mainland. It was a beautiful morning, in almost perfect conditions.

Maarten

Brum & Dick

Yours truly!

Red wattled Lapwing

On the rocks in the harbour.

A mixed flock of Ruddy Turnstone & Sanderling

Feeding on the rocks as it was high tide.

Sanderling

Socotra Cormorant

Some of these islands are man-made.

The result of dredging channels.

Mangroves have been planted in some areas.

Socotra Cormorant & assorted 
Yellow legged Gulls!

The marker buoys are well used by seabirds.

Lesser crested Terns

Eurasian Black headed Gull

Socotra Cormorant

Caspian Tern, with Grey Plover & Curlew.

Eurasian Curlew

This individual has an incredibly long bill, 
probably a female.

Curlew & Whimbrel

Whimbrel & Curlew! 
A good comparison in flight here.

Sanderling 
(with Lesser Sand Plover in the background)

Saunder's Little Tern
Not all birds migrate, some overwinter.

Osprey

A common bird around the coast.

The harbour itself held a few species & then we were out in the open sea. This boat is an old lifeboat that has been restored by Maarten. Lots of lovely wood everywhere, but it is not a speedy vessel!

Abu Dhabi from the water.

The rulers palace.

We were only on the water for a few hours, but all had a great time. We looked for dolphins, but were unlucky on this particular trip. But there is always the next time!