Flamingo Friday

Did you know the greater flamingo is native to the UAE? And did you know you can see those beauties right in the middle of Dubai?

As much as I love going to the desert or the mountains, there are days that I don't feel like driving for an hour or more. Luckily, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is only a short drive for me, and it gives me great photo opportunities. Flamingos are one of them, but I've also spotted eagles, herons, ospreys and lots of other birds. However, this blog is dedicated to the pink penguins, the flammies, the flamboyant birds of Dubai. Also, did you know a group of flamingos is called a flamboyance? How appropriate.

Starting off with this gorgeous one striking a perfect pose in the afternoon sun.

Organised chaos.

A lot of patience was needed for this shot. The birds were being fed, so most of them were standing/walking around with their heads down, slurping the water and the food. I had this frame in mind that I wanted to get (this photo), but as soon as one bird lifted its head, at least another two came up as well. Eventually I managed to get a few shots with a single flamingo face, and this one turned out the nicest.

Drooling over its own reflection (or just having a sip of water, and I'm making things up here).

Frontal flamingo.

Flexible flamingo.

Mirror mirror on the lake, why does my neck resemble a snake?

Unorganised chaos.