There are thousands of flamingos hidden in the middle of Dubai. The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, not so far from downtown Dubai, is home to these fascinating birds during the winter months.
Even as we pull up to the car park we can see just how many birds are here today. We park and head down the path to the hide.
As we are walking, we can hear the occasional squawks getting louder from behind the palm frond lined path. Once we enter the hide, the wetlands open up in front of us and there are flamingos all around.
Flamingo Hide
It really is an incredible sight and feeling, to be surrounded by so many birds that are seemingly unaware of our presence. The majority are perched, one legged in the water or on the sand, head tucked under a wing seemingly oblivious to the spectacular day. Others filter through the shallows with their beaks. As omnivorous filter-feeders they fill their beaks with water and sift out whatever is edible – plants, insects, shrimp and, if lucky, fish.
Flamingo Facts
Highly adaptable, flamingoes may look like delicate birds, however, they are able to thrive in water that can be toxic (typically too salty or too much algae) for most other animals. They are born grey but as the plants they eat tend to have high levels of beta-carotene (natural red, yellow or orange pigments), the flamingoes process this which tints them pink. The higher the level of carotenes in their diet, the darker pink they will become.
In fact, the word flamingo is derived from the Spanish and Latin word ‘flamenco’. Familiar because of the popular national dance of Spain, ‘flamenco’ means fire, referring to the bright range of pink of a flamingo’s feathers. Overall, there are six different species of flamingo, each ones with different colorings and markings. The ones we are witnessing all around us today are Greater Flamingoes, the largest and most widespread of the flamingo family. In fact, they’re incredible birds. Fully grown males can grow to 180cm tall (or 5’11″) and fly at a speed of around 56kph. In captivity they live to around 60 years.
I’m also surprised to learn that flamingos are monogamous. The females lay only one egg each year, which means that populations can be slow to increase if the colony (also known as regiment or flamboyance!) is subject to any threats (predator or human).
Perhaps this is why they find strength in numbers for breeding success. Colonies of up to a million have been recorded although generally there aren’t quite so many.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
There are other birds here too. Black winged stilts, Black-tailed godwits, common redshank, dunlins, little ringed plovers, Kentish plovers, sociable lapwings and common greenshanks. We also spot some ducks and Jasper swears he sees an eagle circling high above.
We were hoping to see the feeding session but the information is hard to find. One sight set feeding times at 10am and 4pm, Trip Advisor mentions 10:30am and 4:30pm. When I asked the security staff, they said around 11am. This seemed more like a suggestion than anything that is set. After a half hour or so we’re keen to take a walk to one of the other two hides (there are three in total), however, we’re told these are closed. Deciding not to wait around for any potential feeding, we head back out of hide.
On the way, the chilled Sunday morning vibes are broken by an occasional tussle in the ranks. Some squawking leads to ruffled feathers, soon settled with sharp beaks and one final peck. Graceful as they may look they are both vibrant and expressive up close.
Good To Know
The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is open year round. The official website lists winter (October – March) timing as 7:30am – 5:30pm and summer (April – September) as 6am – 6pm. Note that times may differ during Ramadan.
There was an email address that I requested a guided tour on the morning of our visit, however, I didn’t hear back on the day. If a tour is required, it is suggested to contact the sanctuary by phone well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Would I Return?
Yes. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is easily accessible. I have driven past here many times without really pinpointing the turn offs that lead to the hides. Now that it’s on my radar, I’ll be back.