PHOTO ESSAY

Capturing the majestic wilderness of the UAE

Birds, hares, and reptiles captured in all their splendor in their natural habitat

Last updated: December 15, 2023 | 11:09

Vijith Pulikkal and Pictures: Venki Ramasubhramoni

3 MIN READ

The desert of the UAE, specifically the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, is home to a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Some are residents, while many use these habitats as their transit homes. Here are some of Mother Nature's spectacular creations.

A fiery-eyed Pharaoh eagle owl makes the sunrise even more spectacular.

A blue-cheeked bee-eater attempts to catch a dragonfly.

The great cormorant, a winter visitor to Al Qudra Lake, displays its graceful wings.

An owl flaunts its wings. Those yellow eyes are captivating.

The mute swan offers a fabulous wing display.

An osprey after a failed dive.

A black-tailed godwit in flight.

A little grebe shimmers in the early morning glow.

A majestically perched and scanning black-eared kite.

An Arabian hare tries to remain motionless in the shallow scrapings under bushes as a means of protection.

The purple swamphen, a long-legged wader with striking red eyes.

The grey-crowned crane, largely found in Africa, is spotted in Al Qudra Lake, Dubai.

The purple heron, a winter transient to the desert lakeside.

The greater spotted eagle, one of the larger migratory birds of prey seen in the deserts of the UAE during winters.

The little egret, an aquatic bird, feeds in shallow water and on land.

The Egyptian nightjar displays its glowing golden wings.

A spectacular display by the hoopoe.

A flock of flamingos making their landing.

A black swan in-flight display.

A white-winged tern in flight.

The Namaqua dove, a resident with a long tail in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.

Desert monitors are cold-blooded ectotherms whose behaviour depends on the temperature.

Venki Ramasubhramoni

Venki Ramasubhramoni is a banker with a passion for wildlife photography. He has been living in Dubai for over 14 years. [Instagram@framesbyvenki]