Desert plants are by and large dull-looking. Their flowers are also not so attractive.

But, I am amazed to see two species of parasitic plants that have the most attractive flowers among all plants across the coastline of Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah, from the fringes of the desert to the foothills of the Jebel Hafeet, near Al Ain.

One of these is the Red Thumb Cynomorium Coccineum, belonging to the Cynomoraceae plant family. On first sight, one may be surprised to see such a huge reddish thumb-like object rising out of the desert soil.

Spring has set in and fog and mist have started their game of light and shade. This is usual in most desert and arid countries, and the UAE is no exception.

Many wild animals, especially birds, do not feel like working to meet their daily needs.

Taking cover

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is an international NGO basically responsible for the monitoring of wetland birds and waterfowls around the world.

This year, January 15 and 31 were earmarked for the UAE for counting its birds.

I started the day by visiting Safa Park around 7am on January 31.

Last year when cyclone Sidr hit Bangladesh, the areas close to the Sundarban mangrove forest were less affected compared to the devastation in other areas. The forest in some way acted as a shield and that is just one of the benefits of mangrove trees.

In Dubai, prior to 1993, there was not a single mangrove tree in Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, but should you go there today you will see what a fantastic mangrove forest the Dubai Municipality has developed there.

In 1993, the civic body planted several thousand saplings of dwarf or white mangrove plants and some specimens of Asiatic mangrove.