The center consists of bird-watching towers, bird habitats made in an enclosed area that lives on wetland, and can be seen from glass walls, salty lagoons, mudflats, freshwater pools, wetlands, and the café overlooking the beautiful lagoon. The center houses 60 species and 350 birds. Within the center’s six large aviaries are arranged according to their preferred habitat, which are Wadi birds, Mudflat birds, Marsh Birds, Shrubland birds, Reedbed birds, and Estuary birds.

Bird food preparation area

Black-winged Stilt at Mudflat next to the watchtower

At Wasit wetland center local and migratory birds are conserved by habitat conservation, rehabilitation, captive breeding. There are also bird food preparation, feeding facilities, where one can learn about the food habits of different birds.

We spent a great time at one of the bird watching towers, it felt very peaceful and serene watching a few black-winged stilt birds that close and in their habitat. In the center my son had a fantastic time, learning about different birds. He still talks about the tall bird standing on one foot. The facility is so educational and equipped with state of the art technology, you can find detailed information about every bird species displayed. The interactive education children game kept in the facility are a great way to develop kids’ interest in birds and their conservation.

Pied Avocet taking bath, Mudflat bird

One can spend hours looking at birds kept in an enclosed area or sitting in a café next to lagoons. We even got to see some interesting birds feeding experience and how the Goliath Heron reacted to food, their feathers spiked up the instant they saw food. Ruhaan particularly enjoyed Pied Avocet birds taking bath and splashing water.

Goliath Heron, Reedbed bird

Logo showing black-winged Stilt

The wetland contains a number of rare birds, including the Northern Bald Ibis, Glossy Ibis, grey heron, marbled duck — which is the only threatened bird — purple swamphen, pink-backed pelican, and greater flamingo.

The black-winged stilt was chosen – from the birds that settled in Wasit Nature Reserve – as the logo for the nature reserve. Large numbers of black-winged stilts exist in the Wasit Nature Reserve, amounting to 3000 birds, in external lakes. They are known for their long legs, which are the longest among birds’ legs. They also make their nests near lagoons

Lagoon

We couldn’t take a ride in an electric buggy around the facility this time, as we didn’t realize how much time we spent observing different birds and learning about them. We spent more than 3 hours and still couldn’t experience everything they have offered. I am sure, we’ll go there soon to learn more and do things which we missed this time. No doubt this is a paradise for bird lovers in UAE. I would highly recommend this place not only for kids but for everyone. Especially those who complain there aren’t many natural spots in the UAE to enjoy or get close to nature.

Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Shrubland bird