Paradise Of Birds

We have quite a few farming areas in the outskirts of Dubai, like Al Awir, Al Lehbab, Al Khawaneej, Al Ruwaiya and Al Lisaili.

But the one very close to all our hearts is the Rhodes Farm, which birdwatchers call ‘Pivot Field'.

Other than oases these farms are the best places for local flora and fauna, which flourishes mainly because these fields are irrigated all year round.

Rhodes Farm has become a pristine birding area and holds an acclaimed position in the circle of nature lovers, at home and abroad, because at any season more than 100 different species of birds can be spotted.

Rhodes Farm was founded by Dubai Municipality in 1995 and later outsourced to a private company. It sits by the side of the Dubai-Hatta Road near Dragon Mart.

Now the farm has become home and foraging ground for some 225 out of about 450 species of birds likely to be present in the country.

Notable species are resident white-tailed and red-wattled lapwings, cattle egrets, grey francolins, doves, mynahs, glossy ibis, ruffs, small waders, snipes, godwits, marsh harriers, hoopoes, Indian rollers, shrikes, wheatears, pipits, warblers, wagtails, sparrows, finches, baya, munias and buntings.

Visitors are generally allowed to watch birds here if they leave their cars outside the gate, seek permission from the gatekeeper and walk through the tracks.