A few terns and waders – Abu Ali Island

A trip to Abu Ali Island last weekend was not very exciting with a few waders and terns seen but not much else. The terns were mainly White-cheeked and Little Terns but we saw about 30+ Lesser Crested Terns resting along the high tide mark at one spot. Waders were few and far between but we did see one Terek Sandpiper, One Whimbrel, two Eurasian Curlews, three Greater Sand Plovers and 50+ Kentish Plovers. Other birds of note included five Greater Flamingos, 20+ Indian Reef Herons and a Great Crested Grebe. This site is becoming the best place to see Great Crested Grebe in the Eastern Province with birds present of virtually every visit in the last two years.

Indian Reef Heron

Greater Sand Plover

Little Terns

One point to mention is the old check point to the island is no longer manned but a new Coast guard check point has been set up between Battina Island and Abu Ali Island with a barrier blocking the road. Here you have to show identification to allow you to enter the island and I am not sure what would happen if you did not have any.