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