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