Lahbab Fields--general area - return to Central Region
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Click on the location names below to explore the spot on eBird
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Lahbab Fields is an under-watched site consisting of two private, irrigated fields along the Dubai to Hatta Road.
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Directions and access:
Easy to visit enroute to Qarn Nazwa, if you can gain access.
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Lahbab Fields--general area is the general hotspot for the whole area, used when no info on specific site is available.
This is the most accessible field, and is located at 25.062666 , 55.583513. Quite dry, as it is not being watered regularly.
Several records of Sociable Lapwing.
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A larger, more interesting field is located at 25.030527 , 55.586323, but access can be difficult.
This is a private field belonging to the Royal Family, and although the two gates are often open, entry to the fields will be at the foreman's discretion. Ask at the gate if you can park and walk in, sometimes the guard says yes in Arabic, which is 'NaAm'. It beats no 'La'.
Birding strategy:
To cover the area thouroughly, plan to spend 1-2 hours if access is granted.
Walk in.
If you drive north after visiting, you could also stop at Lahbab desert.
Birds:
82 species have been recorded as of December 2018.
Red-wattled Lapwing, Indian Roller, Little Green Bee-eater and Eurasian Hoopoe are common residents, plus migrant larks, wagtails, pipits and wheatears. The fields also draws in harriers and other birds of prey. Montagu's Harrier, Pallid Harrier and Bonelli's Eagle are regularly seen from September onwards with Richard's Pipit, Water Pipit and Tawny Pipit likely from October.
Sociable Lapwings have been recorded, and might be annual visitors to both fields.
Egyptian Nightjar, Blyth's Pipit, Bimaculated Lark and Oriental Skylark have been found several times in the past and might be regular winter visitors. Other winter visitors include Greater Short-toed Lark, Siberian Stonechat, Isabelline Wheatear, Desert Wheatear and Corn Bunting. It is one of UAE's few proven breeding sites for Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, which are present from March to October.
Rarities have included Greater White-fronted Goose, Eurasian Griffon Vulture, Hen Harrier and Blyth's Pipit.
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