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. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
A blue-cheeked bee-eater attempts to catch a dragonfly. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
The great cormorant, a winter visitor to Al Qudra Lake, displays its graceful wings. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
An owl flaunts its wings. Those yellow eyes are captivating. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
The mute swan offers a fabulous wing display. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
An osprey after a failed dive. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
A black-tailed godwit in flight. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
A little grebe shimmers in the early morning glow. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
A majestically perched and scanning black-eared kite. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
An Arabian hare tries to remain motionless in the shallow scrapings under bushes as a means of protection. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
The purple swamphen, a long-legged wader with striking red eyes. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
The grey-crowned crane, largely found in Africa, is spotted in Al Qudra Lake, Dubai. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
The purple heron, a winter transient to the desert lakeside. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
The greater spotted eagle, one of the larger migratory birds of prey seen in the deserts of the UAE during winters. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
The little egret, an aquatic bird, feeds in shallow water and on land. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
The Egyptian nightjar displays its glowing golden wings. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
A spectacular display by the hoopoe. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
A flock of flamingos making their landing. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
A black swan in-flight display. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
A white-winged tern in flight. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
The Namaqua dove, a resident with a long tail in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
Desert monitors are cold-blooded ectotherms whose behaviour depends on the temperature. Image Credit: Venki Ramasubhramoni
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]