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