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