Al Qudra Lake - DUBAI - United Arab Emirates
Fulvous Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna bicolor)
Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus)
Common Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
Grey-headed Swamphen (Porphyrio poliocephalus)
Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
Cream-coloured Courser (Cursorius cursor)
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (Pterocles alchata)
Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
Patagonian Mara (Dolichotis patagonum)
Grey Francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus)
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)
Eurasian Thick-knee (Burhinus oedicnemus)
Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii)
Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata)
Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca)
Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata)
White-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucotis)
Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus)
Crested Lark (Galerida cristata)
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea)
Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)
Arabian Babbler (Turdoides squamiceps)
Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca)
European Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia turtur)
Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)
Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum)
Arabian Sand Gazelle / Rhim Gazelle (Gazella marica)
Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) - Juvenile
Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
Common Wood-Pigeon (Columba palumbus)
Arabian Gazelle (Gazella arabica)
Black Swan (Cygnus atratus)
Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga)
Clamorous Reed-warbler (Acrocephalus stentoreus)
Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata)
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus)
Greylag Goose (Anser anser)
Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris)
Southern Grey Shrike (Lanius meridionalis)
Al Qudra Lake, located on the outskirts of Dubai in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, is a man-made oasis that has become a popular spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The lake is part of a series of artificial lakes that were created to enhance the desert landscape and provide a habitat for wildlife. Al Qudra Lake is particularly known for its rich biodiversity, attracting over 170 species of birds, including flamingos, swans, and various migratory species. It is also a favorite destination for picnicking, cycling, and camping, offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The area around Al Qudra Lake is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, making it a perfect spot for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature.
Al Qudra Lake remains a fantastic birding hotspot with great opportunities for quality photography. Every visit often reveals something new and exciting. There is no real need for a 4x4 vehicle to explore the area, making it accessible to most visitors.
However, the presence of bike tracks, camping spots, and barbecue areas means it can get quite busy, especially on weekends and holidays. It's best to avoid these times for a more tranquil experience. Despite the activity, the lake's vast size allows you to find quieter, productive spots, particularly in the surrounding desert areas.
The location is home to a diverse range of bird species, including raptors, wetland birds, and semi-desert birds, offering varied photographic opportunities.