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