Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary 27.12.10

Not had chance to do an "India Part 2" yet,  but hopefully will get to it soon.  In the meantime I managed to catch the last couple of hours sunlight at this sanctuary yesterday.  Not somewhere I go very often as the hides are not placed well and 95% of the sanctuary is out of sight.  However it does offer great photographic opportunities of Greater Flamingo especially towards the end of the day when many fly into position in front of the hide.   Biggest problem I have with these birds is getting a correct exposure,  most usually end up clipped :-(

Anyways if you are ever in Dubai it is worth an hour of your time especially if you are here in the winter months.

Seen during my visit were Great Cormorant, Western Reef Egret, Grey Heron, Pacific Golden Plover, Shelduck, Eurasian Curlew, Eurasian Spoonbill, Marsh Harrier, Greater Spotted Eagle, Kentish Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Black-Winged Stilt.

 Great Cormorant
(Phalacrocorax carbo)

 Greater Flamingo
(Phoenicopterus ruber)

 Great Egret

(Ardea alba)

  Greater Flamingo
(Phoenicopterus ruber)

  Greater Flamingo
(Phoenicopterus ruber)

  Greater Flamingo
(Phoenicopterus ruber)

 Eurasian Spoonbill
(Platalea leucorodia)

 Eurasian Curlew
(Numenius arquata)

  Greater Flamingo
(Phoenicopterus ruber)

 Greater Flamingo
(Phoenicopterus ruber)