Ra's Dibba - Fujairah - United Arab Emirates
Persian Shearwater (Puffinus persicus)
Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris)
Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis)
Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus)
Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis)
Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus)
Great Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii)
Common Gull (Larus canus)
White-cheeked Tern (Sterna repressa)
Sooty Gull (Larus hemprichii)
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus)
Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis)
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Lesser Noddy (Anous tenuirostris)
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Fujairah Fishing Farms
Red-footed Booby (Sula sula)
Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
Jabal Yibir
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
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.