Dubai, UAE – August 12, 2024 – In a rare and exciting development for local birdwatchers and conservationists, a Mediterranean Gull has been spotted at Dubai’s Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary (RAKWS) for the first time in 28 years.
The sighting, made by UAE birder D. Darrell-Lambert on July 26, has captured the attention of the birding community and was promptly shared on the UAE Bird Alert WhatsApp portal.
The Mediterranean Gull, a species typically found along the coasts of Europe and the Mediterranean Sea, is considered a vagrant species in the UAE.
This recent sighting at RAKWS marks a significant event in the country’s birdwatching history. Over the past 25 years, only 15 sightings of this species have been recorded in the UAE—nine in Abu Dhabi, four in Dubai, and two in Sharjah.
Veteran wildlife expert Reza Khan, who has been closely monitoring the bird’s behavior at RAKWS, expressed his enthusiasm about the sighting.
Khan, a 78-year-old conservation specialist at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve (also known as Al Qudra Lake), noted, “Following the initial report, I began closely monitoring the bird’s behavior at RAKWS.”
“It was fascinating to watch the Mediterranean Gull mingle with other species like the Black-headed and Slender-billed Gulls in the wetland.”
The Mediterranean Gull, which measures between 36–38 cm in length and weighs between 215–350 grams, is characterized by its chubbier appearance, stronger bill, and longer legs.
Unlike the common Black-headed Gull, it lacks black plumage on the wings and has a thicker bill with a dark band near the tip. Its distinctive dark eye-mask and unique shape make it easily recognizable.
The first recorded sighting of the Mediterranean Gull in the UAE was on December 27, 1996, at the Ramtha Rubbish Tip, now known as Wasit Nature Reserve in Sharjah.
Khan highlighted the bird’s distinctive features, saying, “Its unique shape, dark eye-mask, and terminal ring on the bill make it easily recognizable.”
At RAKWS, the Mediterranean Gull has been observed feeding primarily on tilapia fish and spending most of its time in shallow waters alongside other waterbirds.
Despite the species being classified as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List, its status in the UAE remains uncertain due to its rarity.
Khan emphasized that the Mediterranean Gull faces no immediate threats during its stay in the UAE. “RAKWS offers an ideal refuge with abundant food, strong conservation efforts, and a thriving birdwatching community,” he said.
The sanctuary’s conducive environment provides a safe haven for the rare bird, allowing it to thrive amidst a variety of wetland species.
The sighting of the Mediterranean Gull at RAKWS has been met with excitement among local birdwatchers and conservationists.
The bird’s presence not only enriches the diversity of avian species in the UAE but also underscores the importance of ongoing conservation efforts in preserving habitats for migratory and vagrant species.
As the birdwatching community eagerly follows the Mediterranean Gull’s stay at RAKWS, the sighting serves as a reminder of the UAE’s role as a significant stopover point for migratory birds.
The continued monitoring of such rare sightings highlights the region’s commitment to bird conservation and the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems.
For those interested in keeping up with the latest birdwatching news and sightings, following KT on WhatsApp Channels provides timely updates and information.
The discovery of the Mediterranean Gull at RAKWS is a testament to the rich biodiversity of the UAE and the enduring fascination with rare and unique wildlife.
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