Ra's Dibba - Fujairah - United Arab Emirates
Jabal Yibir
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis)
Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis)
Fujairah Fishing Farms
Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis)
Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus)
Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
White-cheeked Tern (Sterna repressa)
Sooty Gull (Larus hemprichii)
Persian Shearwater (Puffinus persicus)
Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris)
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus)
Common Gull (Larus canus)
Lesser Noddy (Anous tenuirostris)
Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus)
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Great Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii)
Red-footed Booby (Sula sula)
Ra's Dibba, located in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, is a renowned spot for bird photography, particularly around its offshore fish farms. The area is recognized as an eBird hotspot, with 137 bird species documented across 157 checklists.
Notable Bird Sightings:
Red-footed Booby: A rare sighting in the UAE, this species was observed near the offshore fish farms, marking only the seventh recorded instance in 45 years.
Both Lesser Noddy and Brown Noddy have been spotted in the vicinity, with reports of multiple individuals present over extended periods.
Persian Shearwater: This species has been recorded in the area, adding to the site's diverse seabird population.
Occasional Osprey passing at close range only enhances the beauty and diversity of the place.
Birding Activities:
Organized pelagic trips are available for bird enthusiasts, offering opportunities to observe sea migrations and a variety of seabirds around the fish farms.
Photography Tips:
Equipment: A light telephoto lens is recommended. My lens of choice is the Nikon 500mm PF f/5.6—its lightweight and fast focus help compensate for both the distance and the boat's movement on the waves.
Timing: Early mornings and late afternoons provide optimal lighting and increased bird activity.
Respect Wildlife: Maintain a respectful distance to avoid disrupting the birds' natural behaviors.
Ra's Dibba's offshore fish farms create a unique environment that attracts a rich diversity of bird species, making it a prime location for bird photography in the UAE.