Al Qudra Lake - DUBAI - United Arab Emirates
Arabian Babbler (Turdoides squamiceps)
Patagonian Mara (Dolichotis patagonum)
Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) - Juvenile
European Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia turtur)
Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)
Eurasian Thick-knee (Burhinus oedicnemus)
Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga)
Common Wood-Pigeon (Columba palumbus)
Cream-coloured Courser (Cursorius cursor)
Red-wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus)
Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca)
Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (Pterocles alchata)
Grey-headed Swamphen (Porphyrio poliocephalus)
Crested Lark (Galerida cristata)
Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea)
Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum)
Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)
White-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucotis)
Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)
Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
Arabian Gazelle (Gazella arabica)
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
Grey Francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus)
Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)
Fulvous Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna bicolor)
Temminck's Stint (Calidris temminckii)
Black Swan (Cygnus atratus)
Arabian Sand Gazelle / Rhim Gazelle (Gazella marica)
Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata)
Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata)
Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
Clamorous Reed-warbler (Acrocephalus stentoreus)
Common Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)
Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata)
Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus)
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.