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